Mar 15, 2005 09:23 PM
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(Updated Mar 15, 2005 09:23 PM)
Okay, so you want to upgrade(?!) from being a two-stroke terrorist to being a beer guzzling, paunch flaunting bum on an Enfield, so why do need my advice? Go right ahead! But for the curious, read on!
Royal Enfield set up shop in India way back, it is, in fact the oldest bike manufacturer in India. It was actually meant to supply the GOI, which was suddenly seized with an inexplicable desire for Enfield motorbikes! So for starters, you and your granddad have something in common!
Not many people recommend owning a Bullet because it is a single-owner, high maintenance bike. In addition it’s damn heavy, spews oil every chance it gets, and it will try and spit you off if you handle it like an import 2stroke.
So what does the Bullet have going for it? Sooner or later the blood in your veins is going to cool off - that's a fact of life! You will stop chasing ass, settle down with a single person or more sensibly stay single; stop pissing off cops by wheeling past them on your Yam and start preparing for the UPSC; and stop street racing with every punk you come across! That is when the subtle tug of a mysterious feeling grabs you and won’t let go! It is when you ride the Bullet 500 for the first time that that mysterious yearning is fulfilled!
But why go in for the 500cc and not the 350cc? Simple, it’s a better bike! If you’re going to spend a lot of cash for a bike that’s built with outdated technology and is an extremely moody beast, you might as well top the displacement chart! Second, you sure aren’t buying it for the mileage, so go in for the 500cc that will hold its own and won’t back down from a challenge by a 2stroker!
First off, the 500cc is a bike that is meant for cruising and will max out at 140kph, unlike the 350cc that will max out at 110kph, so head out for the highways! Secondly, in terms of acceleration, the 500cc will be a match for a 2stroke, so don’t throw away that “Up Yours!” t-shirt just yet. Finally, the new version comes with Brembo disc-brakes which actually help in stopping the damn thing!
To conclude, I must confess, owning a Bullet in terms of biking technology and all round usefulness isn’t much. Unless of course, you plan to go on a biking expedition to Leh, loaded with your tent, sleeping bag, rolls of TP, kerosene stove, rice and dal, etc etc. plus a pillion! So if you’re looking for that special feeling, buy the 500! It’s called aging gracefully!
