Nov 13, 2008 01:11 PM
11127 Views
I own a Bullet electra 4S, 2007 model. The fact that bullets are reliable goes without saying. So, I would like to point out a few things to aspiring bullet owners. It’s advisable not to buy a bullet if you are thinking of comparing it to the other bikes in the market. If you plan to buy a good bike that will be hassle free, fuel efficient, zero maintenace, and really fast, then also, the bullet is not for you. Bullets are for people who just want to own a bullet, period. There can’t be any other option. You approach the bullet as just another bike and you surely won’t do justice to this legend. If a great deal of passion and pride is not associated with possessing a bullet it’s not worth it.
Bullets need a lot of maintenance, make no mistake. In order to get the best performane out of it, you have to keep it clean and that’s no small task. For the last one and a half years I have devoted half an hour on every working day and 2 hours during the weekend in cleaning, waxing, oiling, and brushing my bullet. People still mistake it to be brand new and with 16, 000 plus Kms on the speedo, that’s a great achievement. It averages a consistent 40 kmpl in the city and beyond 45 on the highway while touring. I maintain the recomended tire pressure of 35 for the rear and 25 for the front. I always buy petrol from the same fuel station except when on tour. This is important because the quality of fuel is not consistent across stations. You have to find a good fuel station and stick with it. Filling the tank full every time helps in this regard as you will have a clear idea when to refuel. It also gives you a consistent reading of the milage.
Another important thing. I don’t give my bullet to any tom, dick, or harry to ride. Any riding machine, especially a bullet, gets set with a consistent riding style and multiple riders can destroy that balance. This has a direct impact on milage and engine life too.
Never ride a bullet too fast. 60 kmph is good speed in the city and you shdn’t go beyond that. Even on the highway, 60 shd be the average speed if you wish your bullet to stay healthy for a long long time.
Don’t do too many gear shifts while riding and try to ride on the highest possible gear. Higher the gear better is the fuel efficiency and engine life.
All these things plus timely servicings shd ensure a great experience on a bullet and a lifelong relationship. My bullet electra is like a soulmate (my wife is reconciled to that) to me. With the amount of attention I give it, it’s always happy and that shows in its performance and reliability. In the first one and half year, the only thing I have changed are the rear brake shoes. That too after 15, 000 kms, when the average brake shoe life is 7-8 thousand kms.
So, learn to love your bullet and it will love you in return. Ride safe and stay happy.
