Jun 06, 2005 01:33 AM
3162 Views
(Updated May 12, 2007 02:01 PM)
Since my childhood I used to see bullets around the city and used to think that some day I will be owning one.
On May 1 2005, I was able to fulfill my dream.
For almost a month I gathered information regarding the thunderbird, machismo and electra. It was really very tough to decide which one to go for. I was interested in thunderbird because of the style factor. Machismo gives the masculine look which is unbeatable. It demands respect. Electra is good in its own way. I have heard that girls prefer the looks of the electra.
I wanted a huge bike, something which people would stare at. Which is why I went for the thunderbird. Both thunderbird and machismo have similar engine.
On may 1 2005, it was a sunday and I just barged into the royal enfield store and told the personnel there that I wanted the bike ''NOW''. After a long procedure of filling up forms and stuff, I got the bike.
As far as my experience has been, I have not faced any problems with the bike. The average that I am getting is more than 40 kpl. I havnt calculated. I have heard from people that most royal enfields have oil leakage problem. I am ready for it but have not faced any leakage problems yet.
For the first 2000 kms, it is adviced to drive below 60. Conditioning the bike is really very important. Which is why I am going to be below 60 for the first 2000 kms and then stay below 80 upto 3000 kms. Then only will I put pressure on the bike. The bullet is supposed to go upto 120 kmph and still be very steady. One thing should be noted though, once you drive a bullet, you cannot enjoy driving any other bike.
I am waiting for the day when I complete 3000 kms and zoom to 120 kmph. Will keep updating about my experiences.
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It has been 2 years since I have been riding my bullet and have covered more than 12000 kms. Just got my bike serviced ande following observations
a) The mileage has gone down to around 35 kmpl. Maybe thats because I had my bike tuned for pickup and performance.
b) Performance has improved greatly. And pickup has also increased greatly. Performance increases with use of
c) Have touched 110 on my bike and it is rock steady at that speed. Had a pulsar earlier and had done somewhat similar speed on it, but it was shaky at that speed. But on bullet I touched 110 and can ride at that speed with full confidence.
d) Still have people who stare at my tbird on red-lights.
e) Maintenance is ok. Each service costs around 500 and is done in 3 month period. So annual expenditure is around 2000 per year.
f) Rusting of nuts and bolts are on way. But a bit of rust gives it the rugged look that makes a bullet look like a bullet.
g) Seat cover is getting torn, will have to get it replaced.
Maybe it is time for me to start looking for modifications.
