Royal Enfield classic 500 review. THE BIKE THAT TIME FORGOT!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มิ.ย. 2020
- This was supposed to be the 300 mile review of the Bullet, but I got carried away. My thoughts and experience of the bike so far!
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham
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![Royal Enfield Bullet 500 chasing Harleys on the Golden Gate Bridge | Raw Onboard | [Pure RAW Sound]](/img/n.gif)
That ' dug dug ' never gets old everytime I start it ...put a big smile in my face .. )
"Relax: Objects in mirror are shaking less than they appear"
i have a harley roadster 1200 it shake more than enfield500.. n i have enfield 350 from last 14 years i still love my ride.... love from INDIA
💪💪💪
uce engines r faulty
@@borntorule2872 UCE 500 engine is here which is very famous for vibrations
Gold
I bought a new Classic 500 in Battlefield Green about 8 months and 4000km ago. It's not hard to make little tweaks to this bike that make a big difference in performance and ride.
The simple, cheap weekend jobs I'd recommend are:
1. Dump the standard muffler and fit a short bottle silencer with single baffle.
2. Fit Iridium spark plug and non-resistor cap.
3. Fit a bigger drive sprocket by 1 tooth. The ABS version has a 17 tooth front sprocket so swap it to an 18. (The non-ABS have an 18 tooth which can be replaced with a 19. This difference is due to the rear ABS sprocket size.)
4. While you've got the engine side cover off, put on a Carberry anti-vibration plate.
5. Toss the standard airbox system and fit a pod right to the throttle intake.
6. Block the hose or delete the air injection system altogether and block the port in the exhaust manifold with a 16mm sump plug.
7. Lose the carbon canister and all the plumbing that goes with that. Re-route petrol overflow pipe to drain under the engine...like the old days.
8. Take the front pipe off and pull out the guts of the catalytic converter.
9. Fit a power Booster Plug to the air sensor fuel system.
10. Fit an MMB tacho.
Now she runs like a dream and easily keeps ahead of traffic and keeps her place in group rides. The slowest part of any trip is filling up at the gas station and trying to avoid a 100 questions from onlookers who want to look at the bike, take photos, etc.
the carberry plate was a farce of stupendous measures. Wouldn't reccomend it.
Or buy a Japanese motorcycle
Thanks for posting upgrade/fixes.
Share pics pls
@@chaimasalatvx4007 Why not?
Be careful if you ever visit India.
you are becoming very famous among the RE crowd there, the RE uncle they have been praying for!
Just hit 1k & mine is running sweet. Did a 100 mile round trip to North Cornwall & she's pretty smooth now. Got a couple warranty issues but nothing major. All in all a great bike and she turns heads everywhere 👍
I'm at 24000km on my desert storm, only needed to replace chain and tires at 12000km! love everything about the bike, best part is it attracts anybody who rode 50 - 60 years ago and they go on to tell you stories about their first bike their first love and the war. ;)
@@TS-kb6lv do you get people commenting on your "restoration" job.. I do.. Then I tell them I fitted disc brakes, ABS and fuel injection.. The quizzical looks I get.. 😎😅
I have owned and ridden Royal Enfields, for the past thirty years now and still own a couple. One of them being a C500 UCE but I never knew that there were people around in this world even today, who thought of the Royal Enfield Bullet, as the " Chitty Chitty Bang Bang " of motorcycles. I thought it was only me who was going cuckoo in the head. I am thrilled to know of your thoughts, about this motorcycle, which I consider to be the real iron horse, in these modern times. I hope that RE Bullet does make it past the 100th year in production and if they launch a 100th anniversary model, I would be the first to book one @ a local dealership here in India.
@subhashishbanerjee But the way things are currently going @ RE, I Have now started to have doubts.
@subhashishbanerjee Yes ! I wish for the best for RE but the 250cc will be a total failure, be it in Indian or anywhere in the foreign markets. The biggest blunder was to stop production on the 500 models.
@subhashishbanerjee Yes ! I know the Crusader but it was hardly a RE. But back in those days RE owners only wanted a 350 and not a sissy 250 . And pulling all the ones who do not know what to expect from an RE will be suicidal for RE and half of the damage has already been done, especially with the Himalayan and a few newer models and I know the score very well, cos I have been involved with a lot of market surveys for RE, through third-party vendors. Young guns coming up from Japanese plastic have no clue what they are getting into by investing in a Royal Enfield. All the boy racers who have put their hands to an RE in the past ten years have either gone back to their plastic toys or have now decided to go in for expensive flash high-end bikes. Royal Enfield should stop this non-sensical approach to start appealing to everyone, cos they never will, instead they should downscale international operations, reduce production, improve on quality, aftersales services, and kick up prices. Let a Royal Enfield again appeal to only those who can afford to buy and maintain one and I have four in my garage @ the age of 52, I love all of them. My Himalayan BS4 now costs three times its the original price, after a total rebuild, and believe me it's as good as anything else, in the 450 cc class, internationally. Wonder why RE could not build it right? the cos Lester Performance gave them a top blueprint.
@@stankropiunik2539 they decided to stop bcoz in India people are always thinking about economy. From Indian people's point of view both 350 cc and 500 cc look exactly the same and exactly the same size. They end up going to the cheaper one bcoz of it, being the 350 as nobody buys classic for performance but only for looks and sound. They just don't sell that many 500s in here. If they had it offering in 500 only right from the start this day wouldn't come. That is why a lot of companies are keeping their models confined to only one engine size.
@@detachedloop1004 Well ! But then the world is not India, there are people around the world who have the money to buy a 500 for its performance and not just looks. I know the Indian mindset very well but then why has the other genuine customers who really understand what a Royal Enfield Classics 500 is to own and ride, have to suffer because of a few who cannot afford a timeless classic. The " desi " Janta should stick to their Splendors and Activas, why try to be the donkey in the tiger skin. Anyways! RE will be doomed in the foreign markets with their new 250cc and the other junk they have started to churn out, lately.
"A nostalgia enabling crutch for old men" My favorite line of this video. Being a 73 year old fart with a 47 year history of not having been without at least 1 ride able motorcycle in my garage, I am in agreement with that. That is why I purchased my 350 Classis Reborn and am now trying to find a 500 as a stablemate. Signed, The Yank from across the pond who had ridden nothing but Harleys since 1982.
Stuart, you have summed up the Bullet very well. Its not perfect, but it will soon become your best friend. After 8000 miles, the rattles become a reassuring hum. If riding on my own, the Interceptor gets left at home in favour of the Bullet. Its a timeless ride & I am often out on it for hours. I love it..
If I buy a bike with factory mistakes.its going back
@@charlestomasino9161 These factory mistakes are minor and included for its low price. The rest of its character compensates for many of those minor mistakes.
If you've ridden the Bullets in India, you'd consider the bike coming 95% complete from the factory as good enough 😂
You have just made my day. When I ride my Velo through the local country side singing to myself chitty chitty velo I thought I was the only one. Keep living the dream.
Good review Stuart. I ride my dads old 1978 model 350cc Bullet. It’s slow, clunky, vibrates, the exhaust is loud, bits need tightening every month but I love it for precisely that. It’s not just a cold piece of machinery. Like, human hands made it. It’s actually got a heart for lack of a better term.
I bought my 350 Electra 'iron barrel' three years ago on eBay and was the only bidder. It was unloved and had a number of problems, including chronic exhaust valve seat recession but it was basically sound. I seem to be addicted to it and my pristine Honda CB750 now hardly gets ridden!
@@wheater5 people who know what then are riding and know how to handle the machine will like this kind of bikes but lazy People like me want motorcycle that gives less trouble ( bcz we don't know how to fix them )
Real bullet 1978 ,but not UCE ENGINES
@@wheater5 hope you got the tyres changed as electra got very thin tires
@@user-lk3cf6yx6c What do you mean by “thin”?
Thnx uncle stu was waiting for these ,, coz for us Indians bullet is just not any other bike
Great content as always mate. I love my classic. It was a stripped back trip to yesteryear and made me reconnect with all the things I loved about motorcycles. I’d say the sweet spot is 45 smiles an hour!
Enjoyed this, thanks! I come from a similar background in terms of 17 year old starting motorcycling, japanese was great and British bikes were history. I ride a Modern Triumph and like the look and spirit of RE. I even rode one 20 years ago, rented in India for a couple of weeks. I loved it, but even back then the talk amongst people who were buying them in Delhi and riding back to their home countries were that you had to check everything before you attempted anything major. Looking forward to the next installment. Cheers again from Thailand.
I love my Classic. It has some flaws (some major ones), but 65 000km later on it and I still think it's a great little bike. I must say though, the vibrations are a bit tiresome on longer trips. Especially at 100kph+. But, the bike is brilliant in traffic and going about the city and semi-urban, or twisty areas.
Mine is at 41,000km and going great. I’m lucky with mine. Only vibes that are annoying is at 70km/h in 5th gear. At 60 and below is great. At 70 and up to 110km/h is pretty smooth. I go off-roading with it. Camping, long distance touring at speeds where you actually get to see stuff roll by.
Vibrating keeps u Awake . Try 4000 miles on BSA 500 thumper in 70s 😀
@@whatsstefon absolutely agree!
100 plus speed also not comfortable to ride in bikes
60-70 is the best speed to ride these bikes...any higher than that the bike will vibrate like crazy
Living in Germany, and coming from Barton on humber , it was really nice to watch your bullet video you've got to watch out on a windy day when going between the towers you can get sucked & blown around , so im looking forward to part 2 of your review, Thank's
A bike that allows the rider to sit up and enjoy the view without the 1000 yard stare from eyes peeled for speed cameras. A bike that demands more input and thought and gives more satisfaction for a job well done in return. There is something about a "single" and certain V-twins that speak to the soul. PS I don't have one. Not yet.
do it - I wish I had bought mine much earlier in my riding career. You can find one to fit any budget and fix it easily and cheaply - at 80mpg I cant afford not to own one.....
Thanks for the rideout again. I noticed the lorry in the overtaking lane way before than was needed.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Lovely review Uncle Stu. Eagerly waiting for the next one. Evocative is the word that comes to my mind when I try to encapsulate the riding experience of my Chrome 500
This has made me want one now!
Go and get one, Its timeless & stress free riding.
Don't buy
You will regret
@@bkr1546 it's not like indian version,bikes in US have better build quality
I strongly suggest test riding it. The design is elegant and gorgeous, but running and riding one is not for everyone.
@@sharanpujar6268 indian version has good build quality but the problem with royal Enfield is heating
And some time engines have some rare problem which even the company itself can't repair
Such problem is 1 in 1k but heating is there in every bike
Thanks Stuart. I enjoyed your comments especially about the visceral nature of riding and owning an RE single. It just puts a smile on my face every time. Cheers from Peter in OZ.
Thanks Stuart for another great video! You make some very important points about what I think of as the psychology of motorcycle riding and how those of us 'senior' riders approach this activity. I was lucky enough to buy a brand new Norton Commando Mk2 Interstate (from Elite Motors in Tooting) in April 1976. I loved every minute of my subsequent 22 years ownership and was very sorry to see it go. But that experience cannot compare to a modern touring bike as the technology present today is frankly incomparable. I've never owned a Royal Enfield motorcycle but I get the points that you make with regard to what your Bullet gives you as a sensible rider. My Commando almost became part of me and I got to understand all its little quirks and foibles, and this was an important part of why I enjoyed riding it so much. As you so accurately comment, modern motorcycles do everything right all the time and sometimes we need a bit more to bring back the pure fun to our rides.
Many times I have some difficulty to explain what's my Bullet about. I concluded that the poetic language and the use of metaphors say it better than other common words. Perhaps I am a typical client ; retired , 68 y.o. riding for 50 years since 1968 every kind of motorcycles. I've doubts if I'm using my rationality; but I have good and real arguments to support everything you said. Tank you Stuart. By the way; that jazz sounds very good while riding it...i'm going to listen it again.
Thank you! the music is called "Ba Da Bing" and is available free from the You Tube music library!
Love watching your vids! Keep it up :) I’m from Canada and have a Continental GT 535. Pretty rare around here and hard to find parts for but SO WORTH IT! Looking forward to your next video!!
Me too, with a CGT 535. I enjoy it and regard it as a 'keeper'.
Great video, i swapped my 2015 classic 500 for an interceptor last november, and tbh i regret it. Int 650 seems a bit bland to me at the moment. My classic was buttery smooth at 6k miles and probably the best bike ive enjoyed
Many thanks for another great video, i love plain speaking/openess, as it should be, nice one, thank you for taking the time to make them, appreciated, great to listen to someone on the same wavelength
It's so nice to see an intelligent and honest review of a motorcycle, great job as always.
Great video Stuart,this is such a fantastic looking bike,really enjoying these videos so nice to see a proper bike that isn’t all about driving modes and break neck speed,but about the enjoyment of riding. My bikes quiet basic and I get more enjoyment from a relaxing ride through the twistys rather than getting my knee down. Looking forward to seeing lots more of these.
Thanks Stuart for some excellent videos including the watches. Your Classic 500 inspired me to buy one earlier this year and what a great bike it is . Back to the roots of motorcycling and I'm loving it. 27 bhp has never been so much fun.
Love your videos. I just bought my first Bullet and I love it. Great informative material. Keep up the great work
You made me buy an Interceptor !.....don't make me want one of these I've run out of room ! Wafting down country lanes and getting lost is what these bikes are all about to me .
I'm happiest on the Interceptor at 50/55 and I'm sure the Bullet has a similar grin factor something that people have lost the grasp of ! Great video, loved the "nothing to shout home about " .....you need to get that phrase right , it's not rocket surgery ! 😀😀😀
Ah too late " that train has sailed now!"
HaHa! Is the issue with the Bullet vibrating a tough cookie to crack?
The interceptor would have been the better Investment anyway. Don't worry.
Great review, and thank you for clarifying the misconceptions about this machine. I've watched quite a few of the kind of videos you referred to, and I suspected they were missing something, given the large numbers of comments from bullet owners stating how much they loved their bikes. I absolutely love the bullet, and might buy one someday, thanks in part to your review! I hope the 500 continues to be in regular video rotations from time to time, with updates on your ownership experience.
Open and honest review Stuart, love the BMW key fob!
Thank you , once again , a great video , brilliant . I live in the U.S.A. and have owned , and rode many motorcycles over the the last 38 years . Now owning multiple Harley-Davidson's, and a couple of metric cruiser's , I find myself yearning for that little machine , for the nostalgic , and simplicity of it , along with the appeal . I appreciate these bikes for what they are , and would not change them to something they are not . Thanks ride safe , and above all , honesty is what holds me here .
Thanks for the great review & video on the Royal Enfield Classic 500. I really appreciated the in-depth discussion about the vibration issue on the RE, but also your discussion about single cylinder bikes in general. I've test ridden a new RE 500 myself & was really taken aback by the vibration & especially the inability to see clearly in the rearview mirror. Although I'm an older guy (69), I'm also a fairly new rider (6 years) & I really like to hear the experiences & impressions of more experienced riders to somewhat ground my own impressions & experiences. I'm a very casual rider & really enjoy the type of riding you do. Thank you again for the great video!
Very nice video and interesting approach on the Bullet 500. I got an Interceptor thanks to your videos, in part... and I feel that the Classic will be in my garage somewhere in the future. Cheers from Argentina!
Great video Sir. I laughed all the way through it. You should be commended for your bravery and great patience. Thanks so much. Looking forward to the next video.....Sal : )
Stuart, thanks for such a fascinating review, I think many of us have been waiting for this with great anticipation a I for one was not disappointed. We live in a world now where we have come to expect ‘instant gratification’ as the only acceptable outcome of any event or transaction we engage in and patience is fast becoming a rare commodity. I suspect the Bullet appeals to the same type of person who shuns the bland pre-packaged commodities being offered to us from every supermarket and chain store shelf in favour of the home-grown, hand crafted products that require a bit more time and effort to acquire but bring their own unique rewards. People with strong and eccentric personalities are often difficult to get to know, but building a long term relationship with them can bring great rewards. I’ll take ‘visceral’ over ‘bland’ every time!
Morning Stuart! Really appreciated your comments about the joy of the journey when motorcycling. I recently read an article written just before confinement by a French moto journalist who decided to reconnect with the simplicity of motorcycling. He bought his neighbours old Yamaha YZ125, added some much neede TLC to it, and then set off for 4 months around the French b-roads (in Winter!) to reconnect with friends and contacts that he'd not seen in a long time, some since lycée! It was a fascinating and fabulous article, really illustrating, to me, the whole ethos of motorcycling. I really enjoy the point to point. I'm not about thrashing the nuts of my bike every journey. Really don't need to. I love the noise, the sensation, the feeling of being at one with the bike, the scenery, the endless possibilities. I ride in all weathers and all seasons, love my Tracer for it's ability to cope with anything. Love to look at it when we've completed a long ride. Love to subtly modify it. You know what I mean. Am always on the look out for more bikes to add to my garage. I think a thumper would be a lot of fun. For some reason, I'm sorely tempted by the new Mash 650X. Am I mad to consider this Chinese made bastard copy-bike when there are so many other tried and tested single cylinders on the market? I know it's an old Honda engine. Do I need therapy? Help!
Great stuff this! A great summary of a great classic. Keep it up and stay frosty!
Great, honest review. I aim to own a Bullet next year. Always fancied one and I'm only 50!
What a brilliant long term first instalment.
She’s a beauty and will continue to reward you.
Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻
Nice "state of the union", Stuart, thanks. So far riding experiences on my new Classic compare with yours. She's more like an old friend than a new bike.
A superb video, I enjoy seeing you ride all the bikes, especially the Bobber with those fantastic exhausts from Motone Customs, and the music is spot on great stuff, regards.
Can't get enough of these Bullet videos mate,takes me back to my first bike a Triumph 200 Tigercub.I was 14 and rode it on private land to get the feel of motorcycling. Closely followed by a Bantam 125,then a CZ 175. I'd love a new Bullet but health holds me back,but great to see your reviews..👍
Yet another fantastic and balanced review Stuart, loving your work :)
Why we love Bullets.... last 3-4 min you totally nailed it. You just summarised the way I could never do. People often ask me why I sold my fast sporty bike and bought a Classic 500 chrome. In fact I have the same colour you got. So it was difficult to explain in words and they would think I made a mistake. But they don’t understand. And I don’t blame them.
What a wonderful review by Stuart So much clarity
A friend of mine here in Cambodia recently (2022) bought a new 500 bullet and absolutely loves it. He says it's perfect for our roads here with all the stay dogs, chickens and kids running out in front of you.
Stuart, thanks for the video and for the honest way you describe motorbikes. Great the way travelling in motobikes is all about. I look forward to buying my fisrt bike, maybe one of this. Cheers.
Road down to Brighton the other day from Wimbledon with a mate on his Bullet 500 EFI and me on my older carbed model . What an awesome day and a total pleasure. As you say a Royal Enfield is a friend not a mode of transport. So glad you got one ( I also have an interceptor)
Another great Vid. And wonderful music, right up my street! Wonderful summing up at the end, which probably takes in a whole batch of bikes on the market now. I’ve just bought a Zontes T310, and like the Enfields, it ain’t the best bike on the market, but boy, is it fun to ride! Only Time will tell if it stands the test of time, just like the Enfields. Thanks again Stewart, a very pleasant few minutes in your company again.
Riding my bullet electra since 2 years.. great experience..just amazing.. nywys keep up your good work..nice video👍
Another enchanted Classic 500 owner in our midst. Once you let go of the myth of larger and faster bikes, you realize the humble Enfield truly represents the essence of motorcycling. Just ride it as intended and you'll smile with every mile. I'd expect your 'singing whilst riding' ratio to increase rather drastically as well Stuart. Great review. Your every word is spot on.
I own a RE 350 which my dad bought in 1968. I love the riding feels something special.
Mine has a Cozi and I keep watching for a deal on a used one with only 2 wheels. You’ve just made that more difficult. Thank you. 😉
A very comprehensive, truthful and really interesting review.
Great Video Stuart. I own a Standard Bullet 350X which I bought in October 2019. Yes, it's not a perfect bike but it is surely pure motorcycling experience. There is a pride and a feeling which can't be express in mere words when you ride a bullet. It's just full of emotions, even though it has many problems small or big, but it does come with a learning experience. You get to know new things which I believe cannot be done with the modern age motorcycles. It's quite commendable how Royal Enfield has managed to keep the motorcycling experience a raw one when there are many sophistication systems available for manufacturing bikes these days. Keep riding, and ride safe.
I sold mine around 10 years back. I so wish I hadn't. I had a machismo in nickel black finish. It's one of a kind experience.
I love your final thoughts on the enfields honesty.. them words could sell more bikes for the company than any advertisement they Could make
Thanks again for a good honest review!
I have just watched a 2022 review of the new 350cc Classic.
I'm like you who has been riding bikes for fifty odd years and still riding.
Please keep up the good work.
I'd love to watch a review you have done on a new 650 BSA Gold Star sometime.
Great Review Stuart, thank you !!
I enjoyed your video. Very honest about the Bullet it's good bits and not so good bits. I have a Bullet top and have grown to love it more and more as I ride it. I have had my Bullet for 4 years now and it did take sometime to properly run it in, like you say around 1500 miles. I look forward to more videos about your Bullet. Happy motorcycling 🤗.
Bye Stuart
Hi Stuart. From my experience with most any new bikes and 'normal' riding the rear brake takes about 1500 - 2000 miles to reach its full feel and potential. The fronts tend to bed in quicker at about 800 miles because of more use and load. The disc surface settles down and the pads wear in to match. Many riders quickly dismiss new motorcycle brakes and go and swap the pads early on for more agressive ones. Save your money, ride and feel the bike getting better as you have with the bike's mechanicals.
Very well said. I often feel that the Bullet is like just-tamed Mustang horse which is still a little bit wild. Especially the older kick start version because it can give you a back kick if you don't watch the ammeter carefully.
Great review Stu I absolutely love this bike and it would look great in my garage next to my Street Scrambler. 👍
I got my Classic 500 about 3 months ago, and agree with your review pretty much in every way. I particularly enjoyed the last two minutes where we forget all the technical details and get into what the RE is really about... it's personality and soul.
I love my Classic 500! It gets lots of attention, and I find the ride just makes me smile. This brings back the old feeling of motorcycling, as you pointed out. It takes me back to the 50's and 60's when men were men and motorcycles were motorcycles.
Cracking professional ,honest ,sensible review .i get frustrated with testers who ride new bikes like they stole them , 👍
As a result of your videos I have my first Royal Enfield arriving this week, a black and cream 500 classic, told by the dealer it might be the last one in the UK for sale after production finished.
Hi Terence. I agree, Mr Fillingham has probably emptied the shelves quicker than any Royal Enfield campaign.. I have also just bought a new black & cream classic. I certainly believe that there can't be many more out there - its a 21 registered bike. Being delivered early April. I'm certainly looking forward to it!
Now that’s made me think! Would really suit the roads down here in Devon. For too long have chased too much horsepower, that I can’t use to try to impress people I don’t know! (Great roads - changed a bit since I grew up in North Ferriby! Looks like you have a new bridge there!). Thanks for review.
Wonderful report. Very enjoyable and interesting. Keep them coming.
Seeing the review of this bike on this channel, I bought back my first bullet i ever owned. It’s a 2000 bullet chrome 350 with a cast iron engine. It was used as a daily commuter and while the owner took good care it still has some issues that need to be addressed. Nonetheless thanks for the great content and thanks for indirectly helping me in getting back my first bike! 😊
Mine was also 2003 model machismo. I had Sold it coz I stopped riding it regularly as I also had a pulsar. Now I also wish If i wouldn't have sold it for a paltry some.
That was nice ride Stuart thanks for the video - really enjoyed it
Well i'm a nostalgia loving foolish old man and i'd get one.
Certainly as a second bike.
Novelty has it's place.
Another great video! I own a 2020 red frame Royal Enfield Trials 500 & love it. I live in the USA (Pennsylvania) and ride it on back roads mostly & under 50 MPH. Vibration is not an issue and the bike is quite happy at 40 - 50 MPH. I have a little over 2000 miles on the bike. I did have to replace one of the cat's eye bulbs as well as the sealed beam headlamp. No other issues to speak of. The engine smoothed out after 1000 miles and the tone even deepened a bit as well. As far as shifting, the only issue for me was when downshifting from 3rd gear into 2nd often provided a false neutral. I cured this by shifting down into 2nd slowly and firmly. I never miss the gear when doing it that way. I also rotated the shift lever upward one notch on the spline mostly for comfort when changing gears. It is my first Enfield and it draws a ton of attention everywhere I take it here in the States. I have owned 5 Harley's (all older models from the 1950's to 1970's), a BSA Firebird Scrambler, Triumph Bonneville, Honda 750 4cyl, & many others. Even a 1965 125 Ducati Bronco as my first motorcycle when I was just 16 yrs old. The Royal Enfield 500 is my favorite of all of them! I have put mine to bed for the Winter months here along Lake Erie and here is a little video of that. Thanks so much for all your great work. You are the best! facebook.com/martin.rice.18488/videos/353573557359060
Been out on my single seated 350 Bullet today......put a grin on my face.....even when it stalled at the front of a queue of traffic at a busy roundabout. And it got lots of positive attention from the long patient queues of shoppers outside some village shops especially when it misfired a few times kicking it over and my knee just missing the handlebars with the compression!! Some commented how you don’t see or hear that very often these days and “sounds like a bike should” and “they don’t make ‘em like that any more” (it’s only 12 years old going on 65 in design!!) Love it!!
I have a 2017 classic bought new and was 29 at time of purchase. I bought it purely for looks. I wanted something smaller than anything i had before. It chugs alongs no bother always makes me happy. The style and engine make you less of a hooligan. More miles better it gets. Great review.
I agree totally! When you say "10% of the finishing is left to the customer", you are so right. You will be able to see on the bike the amount of love and respect that the owner have for it, even in India (lots of indian channels about Royal Enfield very interesting), where it is mostly utilitarian. Love and polishing time can be synonymous 😁
I have had a bullet 500 since 05 , have traveled 32K . Through Europe. have had problems and still love it. I'm 66 and biking since 15. I like your chanell
Great video with interesting personal viewpoints and observations, thanks.
I have a 2017 RE classic 500 battle green and it’s the first bike in my life that I know I never want to part with. It’s so much fun to ride and reminds me of my riding days as a kid in the late 70’s and early 80’s. It feels like a real motorcycle like the bikes I rode as a kid. Your characterization of modern bikes being to sterile is spot on. I’ve had Harley’s and an R6, a Husqvarna and many Japanese bikes of all sorts and the Royal Enfield is the only one that feels like a motorcycle I grew up riding. I have about 4500 Kilometres on mine and it still vibrates a bit and I love that gentle vibration. It’s comforting and reminds me that it’s still there, and when I accelerate I can actually feel the bike accelerating in the motor. My Classic 500 is a bit raw and primitive but also surprisingly refined and sophisticated. I can ride it with my Barbour jacket and Bed stu boots or a blazer and dress shoes and feel just as comfortable and classy either way. I love riding it on the highway and through the city equally and although a light bulb might burn out here and there or a seal may sweat a bit of oil, these issues are easily rectified and make me feel like my Royal Enfield and I are a team. In the 70’s, 80’s and even early 90’s people that rode motorcycles tended to know something about their bikes and it was part of the relationship of wrenching and maintaining my motorcycle that gave me the confidence that it was safe to ride. Once bikes were manufactured with warranties and service departments for changing your oil and spark plugs I feel the owners lost that connection that I love so much about riding. I’m no bike expert but if my bike needs something I read and research and figure out how to service it correctly. I surround myself with a community of people who do the same and someone in the group always has a solution. My RE Classic 500 battle green is the best motocycle I’ve ever owned and was also the one of the cheapest. Like the guy in the video said you either get it or you don’t and I sure get it. Thanks for the great review.
I’ve been waiting for your opinion on this bike. Good video, I agree on all of your points. I’ve just turned 640 miles on my new Interceptor, and it is interesting how much the bike changes/improves with mileage; something not so noticeable on previous bikes. I’ve had a couple quality control issues but nothing I can’t live with, all things considered. I must say, here in the U.S. we don’t have the dealer support issues that you report on. I’m told that the bikes enter the country in Texas, where the crates are opened and the bikes are inspected for any obvious issues originating at the factory. Royal Enfield USA is trying really hard to improve the image of Royal Enfield as well as owner-experience. The owner of my local shop personally handles all warranty claims for the Royal Enfield’s. Only downside, at this time replacement parts are slow to arrive because of virus issues in India. I’ve met several people at this dealership (some are employees) who have clocked well over 10,000 miles on their Interceptors and Continental GT’s (both 535 & 650 models) with no problems. I’m hoping to have the same experience and to prove the naysayers wrong! Keep up the good work.
Excellent review sir. These bikes get in your blood don’t they. I have a smooth, fast Japanese bike too. But the Classic 500 is increasingly becoming my ‘go to’ bike when riding for pleasure. Ride safe 👍🏼
People's relationship with vehicles has changed. The idea of holding onto the same bike or car for many years, perhaps indefinitely, is practically unknown. Now it's a case of been there, rode that, and on to the next thing. The Bullet is anathema to the modern consumer.
That said, how did the scratch on the tank get past pdi?
No idea although to be fair its not easy to see in strong daylight!
Have a car from the 30's. Not letting go of it. No way in hell :)
Oh dear, I must be one of the few 'dinosaurs' left who like to hang on to my machines ( seemingly forever ! ) :
1975 Norton 850 Commando - 35 years
1979 Suzuki GS1000S - 38 years
1995 Triumph Trophy 900 - 25 years
I also used to have a Scott flying squirrel for quite a few years, I was only the 4th owner in 90 years (the bike is now in a private museum somewhere). I've still got a pot of 'Scott purple' touch up paint somewhere, which came from the original Shipley factory and is 70 odd years old - it's still sealed in its original packet...!!
Actually let me be specific. I have a car all the way from the 30's, 40's and 2 from the 60's and those are my newest cars. I have a scooter from the 50's and 60's. A bike from the 2000 though. All of them are purely mechanical and they all work great. Unlike many of the new garbage nowadays that's expensive and hard to fix. Yes. Manual windows and manual locks. Back to basics. Snowflakes not allowed.
I still hang on to one of my bikes from college days that's approx 30+ years. It's a Yamaha and a simple 100 cc but perfect in every way, for the short rides. Can't imagine giving it away, for it holds with it all the great memories that awaken in me each time I take it for a spin around town. I'd say it's more to do with one's perspective and the other excuse would be me being an absolute bike enthusiast
Thank you, for another lovely video! 👍🏻
Thanks bro, great vid 👍🏻 looking forward to more on the RE C500 😎 tc n stay safe man.
Thanks for this video. I'm thinking of buying one soon and this is really usefull.
Hi Stuart hope the warranty claim gets sorted soon , think the updrade to led indicators would look good , overall the chrome look is stunning , great video again cheers 👍🏻
What a belting review dude! As an Enfield owner I couldn't have put it better myself.....folks who don't like Bullets are missing the point, but each to their own, as I don't like modern bikes that I find too clinical, even though they are wonderful at what they do, they lack soul, character, kudos, heritage. You don't just own an Enfield, you have a love affair with it.....
I´ve have just bought the last Classic 500 in Monterrey Mexico. I will go and pick it up next week , I have so emotions around me !! ... I will let you know how it goes. One thing I totally agree now is that this bike has a soul and matches mine at this time of my life.
Spot on Mr Stuart. The vibrations help to remind us that 'We're Alive'. It's also a free all over massage : ). I ride a cheapo Chinese 400 that looks a bit similar; it gives me the same feeling-basic, beautiful motorcycling, though, I'll probably get the Classic 500 Bullitt soon before they stop making them
I’m glad that you are back on the bikes now. It look like you are having some good weather for it as well. Everyone seems to be at the beach ; -) The Bullet is just the bike for the job. Cheers.
Loved the analysis of why the bullet is a great machine and riding a motorcycle is meant to be more than just speed and zooming. I had a 850 Norton built in 75 I loved that bike. As you said it was the closeness of being part of the journey.
I love the way you have explained it all and hit the nail on its head, in all areas. I've ridden the old bullets as well and have the new one from 2014. The bike is very good, has great comfort, ride feel and the ability to log miles at a decent pace, unlike what most new age riders have to say. There is a certain charm about it which cannot be explained in mere words, that shows why it is still going great all over India and especially in the UK
I really like how you make a thorough review
I feel you hit the nail on the head with your description of a 'visceral' experience; I've owned BMW's and Japanese bikes for almost 40 years, and the Bullet brings me to a place I haven't been before. I actually get a big smile when cruising the minor roads aboard the Royal Enfield. A different riding experience. One thing I would very much appreciate is finding a decent set of saddle bags for the bike; I want to put the Blackbird away for a bit, and try some touring on this machine (as my father had done in Britain, during the late 1940's and 1950's).
Yet another superb vid i love my triumphs but am keen on getting the bullet....deliverd to carpet right today ....nice place for a break .....lovin the vids......
1000mi on my wife’s Classic, it’s getting smoother by the mile. No problems to report so far. 🇺🇸🇬🇧
You have done the best review of this bike that I’ve seen so far. It’s good to get a review from a mature rider with tons of experience!
Thanks Stuart, greetings from Oz, i love my conti 650 and RE in general, warts,n,all.
Thanks for a great ride and review. I recently was able to test ride the Bonneville T120 & Int 650 back to back and it was hands down the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and for some of the reasons you discuss. It was more maneuverable, nimble, just plain more fun, more me. It was what I wanted a bike to be, not what somebody was trying to convince me a bike needs to be. After I gave them my deposit I felt something pulling back into the showroom. It was a green Bullet 500. The more I sat on it, heard it run, the more my man brain started to work away at me. It only makes sense if I was willing to buy a T120 then certainly I could afford to purchase both the Int650 and this sexy little 500. I didn't buy it but, I Get It!
Ha well done! good move!
Didn't buy it -Yet!
proud owner here ! love the classics 👌🏻 all that Jazz 👋🏻 my first bike ❤️