Forum

[dave p]

A friend of mine is interested in buying a 500 Bullet from 2001. He has asked me for advice regarding build quality, reliability etc.I'm not qualified to advise as my Bullet is from 2009, by which time I believe the export bikes were fitted with European bearings and pistons.
Any pointers regarding a low mileage 2001 model gratefully received, thank you.

[Mark M]

If it's low mileage and un-molested it will definitely need something doing before too long, be it main bearings or piston (both likely) or cylinder head work (loose seats, pitted seats, possible porosity) all of which are less likely but known problems.The question to ask is, what has been done to the bike and if the answer is nothing then it's down to negotiating a price I'm afraid. Low mileage in this context probably means work needed sooner rather than later so can't be seen as a positive selling point. How much anyway?

REgards, Mark

[dave p]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROYAL-ENFIEL ... Sw4EpbEqdy

This is the one.

[dave p]

Sorry that didn't work.I'll try again.

[dave p]

It's the red and chrome one at Eddysmoto in Shipley. Seen on eBay.

[Chris [Stockport]]

I have 2 Bullets (500cc) from 2000 and 2007. Neither has required any internal engine work so far. I expect writing this will change all that....

They've just received regular servicing and checking nuts and bolts with a spanner - or paint telltale marks to see if anything has moved. The later one, that pulls a sidecar, has experienced 3 broken brackets bike-sidecar but obviously that won't be a problem for you with this one. It also snapped a front wheel spindle but I think that was a result of me getting the chair in the air too much. One source of fun I've tried to reduce since than. The 2000 one broke its internal gear selector, fairly easy to mend. A few electrical connections needed sorting out. Other bits and pieces but I enjoy them both a lot.

Good luck, Chris

[Beezabryan]

389 miles? On replacement speedo/odometer.
Nicely and shiny but is it worth the price asked?

[Jamesy]

At that price I would be looking for a full service history,some warranty and a test ride.

[stinkwheel]

No way that's only done 389 miles. Look at the wear in the footpeg rubbers and how compressed the seat foam is. It's done well into 5 figures if I'm any judge.



Find out the registration and do an HPI check and look up the MOT history which should have the mileage listed on it.

[beamish]

I do not wish to be critical but Eddy's is local to me and I have previously tried to buy a Classic ECU from him. The condition was very average, the price certainly was not! No deal done. What I am interested in is his statement to the effect that he gives no guarantee or warranty because these are old machines. As a trader he is still subject to, and cannot negate the old "Sale of Goods Act" provisions of goods being fit for purpose, and of merchantable quality provisions, although age, price etc. would be taken into account in any dispute. BUT, and I am not a lawyer, I believe that he is acting illegally in merely actually stating that statutory rights of protection do not apply. Some learned correspondent might know better, but in the meantime, draw your own conclusions!
P.S. Found a much nicer, cheaper, '09 Classic locally, and in spite of a sprag clutch hiatus (my fault really - weak, cheap, battery), 2 years on, I still love it!
Regards, Beamish