Mar 17, 2010 03:19 PM
27216 Views
Hello people ! I've owned the bullet 500 since 1998. Also have an rx 100 (1990) and rd 350 (1984 model, bought second hand in 1993). Of all the 3 bikes, i have a special relationship with the 500 (yes folks, it is possible to develop a relationship with an inanimate object !) But this bike has been with me through a lot and has never let me down -- come rain or shine, in sickness and in health, through thick and thin. So on with this short review.
Looks: are stunning. Uncluttered and beefy looks, there is nothing better than the sight of a 22 bhp engine in the raw without any fairings. The simple yet functional design is hard to beat, many bullet fans will agree.
Ride and handling: is superlative, especially after i installed gas shocks. Riding a bullet is an art, you need to use your knees, downshift to get the engine to brake you etc. There are a dozen tips which most bullet owners will know already so won't go into those.
Mileage: frankly, i've never bothered to check it. And if you really want to know, then this bike is not for you.
Engine: beats the old 18 bhp 350 hollow. Its a gem of a mill, never given me any problems in 12 years of riding including long drives (600 kms plus trips); the engine just keeps on thumping away and the miles melt behind you. The torque on offer is amazing, i've taken friends 3 up and never any murmur of protest from the beast (yes, i know it is against the law to ride 3 up !)
Comfort: on long drives, one needs to take breaks (say after 3-4 hours). The seat is comfortable enough and nicely contoured to cosset the largest behind.
Things requiring improvement: the brakes are inadequate fitting of disc brakes would help, somehow never got around to it. The problem of oil leakage is inherent to all bullets, but it is not a serious issue. Keeping the bike on the center stand is desirable. Quality of plastic controls could be better, horn needs to be louder. The high beam not good for night highway riding, fitted halogens to solve the problem.
Value for money: i bought the bike new for 63, 000 in 1998. The classic 350 is 1.08 and classic 500 is 1.41 lakhs. Most 100- 220 cc bikes are in the 45, 000 to 90, 000 range anyway. So you do the math.
Accessories: none really required. I just have rear gas shocks installed. Front windshield is useless to buy. Saddlebag is a must, as it's not a bike on which you'd like to fit a tank bag. Dont fit those expensive leather saddlebags, i've had them cutt away and stolen. Now i have an old tough canvas potli which i use (army issue, used for carrying ammunition) and is perfect, enhances the looks of the bike further. Have also put two leg guards (butterfly types, one front and one small one between rider and pillion). Believe me, these guards are a must to have and will save you and the bike from damage. I've dropped the bike only twice, and both times the guards have taken the brunt of the impact and probably saved my legs from getting trapped under. I once skidded in the rain avoiding a running kid --- it was a friend's 350 bullet without guards. I managed to keep my leg from getting mangled, but the footrest dug itself in the tar of the road, spun the bike around and me off into a field (which was nice and soft, thanks to the rain !) Extensive damage to the bike unfortunately, could have been minimized had the bike been fitted with guards.
Conclusion: i realize that this bike is out of production. But if you do get a second hand 500, don't hesitate to buy it, you won't be disappointed. This bike is not for those with the "fill it, shut it, forget it" attitude. The bike needs constant care, and part of the fun of owning a bullet is tinkering with it. I've spent many a happy moment at my local garage while the ustad does tuning or an oil change, and learned a lot as well. Now i can take the bike apart and put it back together by myself. Tip: you need to source the workshop manual for this, it was difficult but i managed it. And you can't go wrong --- if you do, ustad is always ready to help.
I also realized during my college days that this is a bike friends will think twice about borrowing ---- some non bulleters have found out the hard way how embarrassing it is to try and kick this monster to life, especially with the college beauties watching their struggles and giggling ! Then you step in and sort out the overflow with a few dry kicks and earn some points at the poor chappies expense ! (and yes, the chicks will always prefer a ride on a bullet to any of the other piddly 100 ccs)
I've booked myself the classic 500 recently, unfortunately it has a long waiting period. Will write a review once it is delivered. If you own a bullet, you can gain entry into the bullet clubs around the country. To date, i've yet to hear about a unicorn club or a splendor club. Let the boys have their toys, in a man's world you need a man's bike.
You and your bullet, nothing even comes close !!
