I rode a Classic 350 1000km around the Himalayas in Nepal last month. It performed wonderfully, but I'm glad to be home and back on the Bullet 500. We were two up, without luggage, but still, it had no pickup on slopes that my Bullet would do in third. The Classic 350 is really elegant and smooth though, if a little low for rough roads. I hit a few rocks with the rear brake lever and bent it almost backwards. We went 400km without the rear brake to get to a RE Service Centre, but it was a simple matter of talking off the pipe and hitting the bracket with a hammer, and all was good as new. A really sturdy, simple machine. I put it all up on my channel.
Enfields are becoming more and more popular in recent years. Many people are like me, an seasoned rider that had naughty boy bikes with 4 cylinders and no vibrations back in the day. But 20 hp are enough and now the new classic 350 is perfect for me.. Highly modified and customized of course. I don't have the pedestrian slicer but it is very classy feature.
I've been riding on the street for 46 years, and owned over 50 bikes. I have never had any desire to go fast on a motorcycle. I like to ride just for the enjoyment of riding. I have never owned any kind of sport bike.
@@ellavanr632 And even with the 500 you have to replace the stock exhaust. I also converted mine from EFI to an Amal carburetor. That probably made more of a difference in sound than the exhaust. It runs much richer, and has a fuller sound. It also idles much slower, so you get that THUMP THUMP THUMP.
@@geraldscott4302 if you replace the EFI, every warranty becomes invalid and once the bike reaches it's expiry age(15 years in India) we don't get 5 year extension. The bike also will fail the pollution test and become unusable legally.
@@ellavanr632 In my case none of that matters. I'm in the U.S., my bike has been out of warranty for 9 years, and there are no emissions regulations or inspections for motorcycles. I have also converted a couple of Harley Davidsons from EFI to carburetors.
In my stable I have a 2011 Bullet with Cozy sidecar. I've never ridden a solo Bullet ! . but enjoy my unit immensely.. great fun.... rolls along at a easy 50-55 mph. Hauls all my camping gear... the wife once in a while. I think I turned a little over 10000 miles last year. Being a sidecar rig it needs a rear tire every other year. I also have a 2022 RE Interceptor..... excellent motorcycle. As for my 500... mechanically... no issues. No valves to adjust.. no points to fiddle with.... change the oil.... ck the air filter.... that's about it. 😎
My dad still has his 2011 black bullet 500 standard. He used to have a 1977 model but sold it when i was born. He bought the 2011 version though, to relive his riding days, and still has it. It's the motorcycle I learnt how to ride on! Love the kick-start, love the mammoth weight!
Best Enfield review I've ever seen , you simply love your Enfield as I love mine . 50mph isn't for everyone but is for us . Happy riding, kind regards, Ed.
I also have a Forest Green 2013 Royal Enfield B5 Bullet 500 which I bought new. Using a kit from Hitchcocks in the UK, I converted it from EFI to an Amal Concentric MK1 carburetor. I also replaced the huge, heavy stock exhaust for a smaller, lighter one, about the same as what you have. Those changes really woke the bike up. It now sounds and feels like a proper British single. It also runs several times better than it did with the absolutely awful EFI. Other than those changes, it's pretty much stock. I did install the "pedestrian slicer" on the front fender. I still have the stock seat, but I wish I could find a curved rear fender to replace the square one. That's the one thing I really don't like about the bike. Well, that and the tube type tires. I have just over 21,000 miles on it, I have rarely been more than 100 miles from home, and it's come home on a tow truck 4 times, all because of flat tires. Sadly Royal Enfield no longer makes the Bullet.
I'd love to ride a carbuerrated B5 to compare it to the EFI and see/feel the difference 🤔 That's a shame you've had so many flat tyres! For my recent trip to France I went with a pair of Mitas tires instead of the Avon Roadriders, on the advice of my friend Naim. They're slightly more knobbly, and possible to swap tubes by hand which was the main reason I switched. No flats over the 1200 or so miles through France! 😁 Might be worth trying out different tires to see if it makes a difference where you live?
That's an abnormal number of punctures, I think there might be an issue in your bike which is causing this repeatedly? I rode a C5 for over 100,000 kms and remember getting a puncture fixed maybe once or twice, and all my riding was in the rough roads of India
@@fuelarjun "That's an abnormal number of punctures" Actually it's not, at least not for tube type tires where I live. That's only one puncture about every 5,000 miles. I live in Arizona, U.S., a place that is covered by a type of thorn called "goatheads" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris Tubeless tires are pretty much immune to these things, even if they puncture the tire all the way through, because the entire thickness of the rubber tire seals the air in, a tiny puncture like that will seal itself. Enough of them might cause a tire to start losing air very slowly, over a period of several days. But with tube type tires, only the paper thin tube holds the air, and when it is punctured, the air leaks out very quickly. It's almost like popping a balloon. Several times over the past few decades, I have found nails and screws, etc., sticking in tubeless tires while inspecting them at home. When I removed them the tire went flat. But they had likely been in there for many miles. The object that punctured the tire actually sealed the puncture. That won't happen with tube type tires. An object like that would rip a thin tube to shreds instantly. Add to that the fact that when you do have a flat with tubeless tires, most of the time you can simply plug the puncture, reinflate the tire, and be on your way. You don't have to remove the wheel, then remove the tire, replace the tube, reinstall the tire on the wheel, then reinstall the wheel on the bike. At 64 and being partially disabled, I am not able to do that out on the side of the road. I used to always replace my own tires (at home) but now just take the wheels to a shop. But I can still plug a tubeless tire to get me home.
I seen Janner 😀 Outstanding job, Bullet. One of the bestest reviews I’ve seen on any bike. The Classic 500 was an eye opener for me. My first ride on one was when I realised that it isn’t all about power and performance. There’s so much more to motorcycling than that, and you portrayed that perfectly 👌🏼
Very nice review. I have RE 650GT but get to ride a friends Classic 500 from time to time. Getting on the classic 500 has just a wonderful feeling out in the countryside. Makes u feel like you are back in the fifties which instantly makes me feel like life is simple and relaxed. Its such a nice feeling.
Thanks for this Brendan. I have just ticked over 25K kilometers on a 2020 Classic 500. I sorted vibration out with 19 tooth drive gear, new rear 120 / 80 tyre and mounted replacement free flow muffler using test tube stopper to soak up vibs. I ride in NZ and happily cruise at 110kph. Cheers Thommo
Thanks Steve ! How do you find the 19 tooth sprocket when riding ? Sounds great by the sounds of it, may switch to it at my next sprocket change in another 20k miles 😆
@@BulletWanderer Hi Brendan Our RE motors have a sweet spot around (indicated) 100kph. the 19 tooth sprocket lifts this to 110kph which is the speed most Kiwi drivers travel at. Also my bike came with a 110 width tire. I got 20,000km from that and replaced it with a Metzeler Roadtec 01 120/80-18 m/c 62H. I'm no tyre expert but the tire wall on the Metzeler having a "higher" wall increased overall wheel diameter somewhat. In combination I would say rev's have come down 10% compared to original spec. The RE efi 500 has plenty of low down torque so moving off or crawling up steep grades presents no problems. As you know, find the right gear and she could pull Christ off the cross! Ride safe regards Steve
I also have the same bike same colour 2020 model 7 1/2 thousand miles cannot fault it just love it. Excellent review by the way Who cares about the vibes they come with the bike
Great and honest review. You make some good points about owning a 500 Enfield. I own a Harley as well as a classic 500, and if it’s ‘fun’ that I want, I get the Enfield out every time 👍🏻
Glad to see you are back. This is a fabulous review better than many that are produced by more seasoned players. Looking forward to Daisy’s upcoming adventures
Great review dude. It brings back memory of mine 2017 500cc Bullet which I sold it or practically gifted to a friend (owning to some job issue😭). It wasn't my first bike and I hated using it. It was chunky, heavy, slow and retro, BUT looking back it is only bike I fondly remember. Even now the evening rides, joy rides and morning strolls are my found memories. "Bullet is a emotion" is truly true for this bike and RE all bike in their segments.
I totally agree with everything you say I have a 2020 500 same colour never had any problems with it 10500 miles later totally faultless just love it . Great video by the way any who cares about the vibes anyway.
A brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable review Brendan of a true classic enjoying Ireland. I have a 500, 4 speed and just enjoy the simple pleasure of getting out on it in the north of Ireland. The admiration and comments I receive are numerous and many a memory and smile revisited along the way. With so many miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy it's the best recalibration device I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Again Brendan thankyou for your video, keep up the good work and safe riding.
A couple of years ago I was tempted by a 500, but Toll Free Traveller's Thunderbird shook itself to death, admittedly after some challenging adventures in India. Anyway, I bought the new 350 Classic. Your Bullet looks a peach.
Loved this review, and it made me even happier that I bought one! Keep making the great content my friend, it keeps me going between times when I can’t ride.
Very good review about your Bullet 500 Cc. Very informative as to compare to my Classic 350 CC Chrome Red variation. I bought my CLASSIC 350 Cc. 2 days ago on March 7, 2024 here in Cebu City Philippines Gorordo Branch Royal Enfield. I love my motorcycle as I love to see your motorcycle her older sister Bullet 500Cc.❤
Advice I could've used 3 days ago 😆 Had a big puncture, video to come so I'll spare you the details for now! Certainly sounds like it would've come in handy!
Yep, Bead Buddies to hold the tyre down in the drop centre for you is like having another person to help except better because they aren't taking the piss out of you!. A pair of bead-breaker tyre levers as well, and suddenly the job really isn't so bad. If you care about your rims then bead-buddy plastic rim protectors do that for you. Google it, not that expensive. Of course you could consider converting your rims to tubeless vis the Outex kit, then you can repair the tyres with a tubeless repair kit in situ without taking the wheels off at all. Google that too. Saved my life once when ring the Trans America Trail, had a puncture in a big forest somewhere in the deep south when some bear cubs came out to inspect my work. If I hadn't had tubeless tyres mummy bear would have killed me for certain, as it was I fled with a half inflated tyre, my helmet on my elbow and my electric pump held between my teeth by its inflator tube. Its what you call a narrow escape!
Thank you for sharing your review! I have a 2018 Classic Chrome "Pokey" with 11,300 trouble-free miles. Your videos encourage me to get out and tour, so, I'm heading to CO from Nebraska later this month to take in the sights. Thank you for the inspiration!
Wishing you a happy and trouble free tour with Pokey! Would love to tour the states sometime, not sure how I can get Daisy onto a transcontinental flight though 😂
Thanks Brendan, I'm taking your advice and test riding one next week. I was going to go for a Classic 350 but I think the extra horses in the 500 might suit me better. Have a good trip to France and bye for now, Mick.
@@BulletWanderer I got the 500 on Tuesday despite a couple of issues, a dead rectifier/regulator and a dodgy spark plug. It was registered in 2020 but only had 163 miles on the clock! I managed to test ride both back to back and the 500 is definitely the right choice for me. I'll be doing a trip to the Western Isles (of Scotland) next week to finish running it in. Thanks again Brendan.
c'est avec plaisir que j'ai regardé cette vidéo. je possède une 500 bullet b5 2018 euro 4, j'ai rajouté une dent sur le pignon de sortie de boite de vitesse : Démultiplication d'origine sur les Classic Euro 3: 18 dents Démultiplication d'origine sur les Classic Euro 4 : 17 dents Augmenter d'une dent son pignon de sortie de boite est idéal lorsque l'on veut rallonger l'allonge de son moteur sur voie rapide et ou sur route. cela permet de gagner 10km/h au même régime ou de baisser le régime moteur à la même vitesse. Agréments de conduite garantie . j'habite dans le sud de la france et je roule beaucoup et avec plaisir sur les petites routes de l'arrière pays et dans les cévennes ( je ne sais pas si vous connaissez ?) les vibrations (réduite avec le pignon de 18 dents ) ne me gênent pas , je roule aussi en vieille guzzi california de 1990 . avec la 500 bullet le bonheur est dans la lenteur 😛
Excellent. Thanks for the review. It's refreshing and personal. Great to hear a long term review of what it's actually like to live with a bike. My long term friend was a '79 Bonnie, I'm seriously thinking of a bullet/classic 500 or perhaps an interceptor, but i seriously like the vibe of the 500. Cheers.
Cheers, glad you enjoyed the review! I may be biased, but I'd go with a Bullet/Classic over the Interceptor 😁 But I'd keep the '79 Bonnie too if I had the space and money!
Re the vibrations, I bumped into a guy at a classic bike meet who was admiring my Classic350 Steath Dark. He said that if you fit a Carberry plate for vibration reduction to the 500s, it only sends the vibrations further into the engine to potentially cause worse problems. Food for thought there.
Only recently found your videos and I'm enjoying them a lot,I have a 2002 B5 Iron barrel 500 and love it,at the same time I also once had a new 350 classic that was second hand,in the end I prefered my 500 as to me was more characterful and a little quicker,hoping to tour on my 500 in the near future.
You could always use a water repellent spray on the canvas bags, to keep the inside drier than without it. I do not know what brands are available, but I am sure you could research some for your bags.
Great review, thank you. I bought my Bullet 500 about 1 year ago. It's a 2014 model with the 535 rebore. I just love it. I am hoping to find a trailer so I can travel with my Fliteboard electric hydrofoil (my other passion) the board is about 6ft long. I have 3 vehicles, a Hiace van, an old Nissan mobile home and the Bullet. Due to financial reasons I can't keep all three. I would love to keep my Bullet and sell the Hiace, but to do this I really need to see if it's viable to tow a trailer behind my Bullet. I would be very grateful to hear your opinion on the practicality of attaching a trailer to my Bullet. Ride on my friend and greetings from Australia.
I’m afraid I wouldn’t really know much about putting a trailer on the Bullet , but I know it has been done before. I can’t remember where I saw it, but there was a video featuring a couple that were going around Africa (I think) on an older Bullet 500 with a trailer behind it; if an older Bullet can do it , a 2014 model certainly can; if it’s not too expensive a job to do I’d say it’d be well worth giving it a try ! Hope that helps 😅
Vibrations: When I changed the pipe and muffler the vibes reduced quite a bit.. I have the sane muffler as yours.. Fuel economy: I get 35km/ltr. I cruise around everywhere up to 80kph.. Emily (the bike) doesn't like higher speeds.. I love this bike.. I wish I knew about RE years ago...
The bulletvmakes it's power low and midrange. Lots of people expect it to go faster at high revs. They will be disappointed! Vibes not an issue if you know that. I.m on my 3rd. Just approaching 10k on mine. Love it.
I really enjoyed your video, thanks. I have only just found your channel and have subscribed and I'm looking forward to watching other videos. Cheers. Stefan.
Dont own an Enfield but its great to see these Long Term Reviews People seem to think Bike Engines are practically worn out by 20,000 Miles..They are not ( given Decent care & Maintainment )
Looking for a sidecar outfit in july, bullet 500 is on the shortlist, along with m21, ural, goldwing and big 4. Just depends whats available. The bullet looks great but i dont think i want an efi one. Thanks for the great review.
Hope the review helped! If I was going for a sidecar outfit, my money would be on the Ural... if I could afford it! 😅 Bullet looks great with a sidecar too, but I'd say you'd have a bit more top end speed on a Ural. Of course if you're not going for the classic look, I'd say the Goldwing is the most solid option! But, I wouldn't really know as I've only ridden the Bullet and the Ural 😅
Nice note from the engine with that pea shooter exhaust, nice relaxing looking bike , the front guard number plate I wouldn't have , I remember when I was 15 my mate give me a go on his bike ( private land ) I skidded on mud the front plate stuck in my leg , I got 6 stitches to remind me , still riding though I've turned 73 , ride a B M W K75c, but would like to down size for something like an Enfield. Great video. Thanks 👌 stay safe 👍
I loved to your video on the Bullet 500, only thing I saw the hitchcock rack on their site is now 130€ more or less, not 30€, did it increase that much or was yours a second hand?
Nice review Brendan. I own the 2013 Model Bullet 500 and I have named Amun-Ra; just last year did the Leh-Ladakh circuit. A thing I noticed is about the sticker on the petrol tank. Which year release is yours? The production has stopped long back and as you said, the later ones had disk brakes at the rear too.
Thanks so much! Great name, and well done on doing that circuit on it! What did you notice about the sticker on the petrol tank? 🤔 Mine's a 2016 model. 😁
Thanks Robert! I’m wearing the ByCity Roadster II in this video . I’m quite happy with it! It gives great visibility,!gives good airflow, and it’s very comfy! Only drawback is it’s more of a summer helmet, it’s quite chilly in it in the winter 😅 no sun visor either , but I’d usually just carry a pair of aviators 😎
Cheers! The jacket is the Halvarssons Trenton Leather Jacket Brown , little expensive around 400 euros, but I think its worth it, was the only motorcycle jacket I could find in that proper A2 bomber style at a somewhat affordable price, and with no big patches or symbols sewn onto it.
Quite simply. An excellent review in so many ways. Most of all though your passion shines through. I don’t know how but these bikes genuinely get under our skins. Mrs S was amazed when I said mine will never be sold by me. I might have dalliances on other bikes but the RE gives a pre experience. 😊 I’m gutted if I missed you round here in Eryri/Snowdonia . Hope you had a great time
Thanks Craig! I just got back from Wales last night and am catching up with comments, but I'll definitely be back up in your part of the world, Snowdonia is really beautiful! 😄
Can I ask, what helmet are you wearing in this video? It looks like a By City Roadster and I've had my eye on that for a while. How are you finding it? Is it noisy at speed? I hear those press-studs rattle around a bit. Is it one you'd recommend?
You’re spot on in your guess ! It is a little noisy at speeds over 80km/hr , but for my recent tour I never really had any issue/noticed that . It’s definitely a summer helmet , good for keeping cool but won’t be great for winter months I’d say 😅
@@BulletWanderer Fantastic! Thank you very much. I guess I want these beautiful retro helmets (Bell Bullitt etc) to be great all-rounders, but they're just not for that. So be it. Thank you for replying, and for your beautiful videos.
@@summo1942 Having said all that, I have worn it during the winter, paired with a neck warmer/snood it's not so bad, but in general I'd save it for sunnier days, or stop for plenty of hot drinks on winter rides 😅 I'd love a Bell Bullitt or a Shoei Glamster, but the prices are just ridiculous!
@@BulletWanderer I've just ordered a By City! ;) Same colour as yours to match my Classic 500 Chrome Green. I heard that the Bell Bullitt whistles through the top vents and I found it pretty uncomfortable when I tried one on. Bullitt's are for round-heads and I'm oval, so the Roadster is likely the one for me. Just been catching up on more of your videos. Beautifully made and very engaging. Keep on keeping on!
My Classic 500 is butter smooth at 50mph. At 65mph it is painful. At 70 MPH you will lose fillings, get neuropathic hands and feet, become impotent and pass blood in your urine. I have had it up to 80MPH and that was...stimulating. For my 62 mile freeway commute, I bought a RE 650 Interceptor. I sold it. Fast, smooth, glorious clutch and transmission.... and Dull Dull Dull... dull drab and boring. I still have the 500.
You're in luck as I just uploaded a review of the same helmet, if you want a more in depth review about it! It's the ByCity Roadster II in Black and Gold, and I would recommend it if you can get the EC22-06 version. 😁
Now in India new variants of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Standard have arrived, ….. at least we now have better rather advanced and refined engine without vibrations and those unexpected breakdowns …. Wish the enthusiasts will get to ride and enjoy early …
Well done Brendan great video I actually own a bullet 350 Redditch G2 which is for sale atm Love the bikes had a classic 500 myself but not a bullet like yours Tho very similar really 2019 model Never changed a tube you did well Well done lad Excellent 😊😊😊
I actually recorded a bit about the mirrors but forgot to include it! They're these mirrors from Hitchcocks: accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/11589
I didn't, there's a possibility it was remapped before I bought the bike, as the previous owner put the different exhaust on it. Should I have remapped it? 🤔 It's the same exhaust head assembly coming out of the engine, just the very end of the silencer is different 😅
Coming from a Classic 500 owner, the Bullet has got to be one of the best looking bikes ever made! Congratulations on 26K!!
I rode a Classic 350 1000km around the Himalayas in Nepal last month. It performed wonderfully, but I'm glad to be home and back on the Bullet 500. We were two up, without luggage, but still, it had no pickup on slopes that my Bullet would do in third. The Classic 350 is really elegant and smooth though, if a little low for rough roads. I hit a few rocks with the rear brake lever and bent it almost backwards. We went 400km without the rear brake to get to a RE Service Centre, but it was a simple matter of talking off the pipe and hitting the bracket with a hammer, and all was good as new. A really sturdy, simple machine. I put it all up on my channel.
Nice one Leo, I look forward to watching it later, sounds like quite the adventure ! 😁
hello. Was it an old 350 or the new and modern ones ? Thank You
@@laurentvenet2758sounds like old 350cc
Enfields are becoming more and more popular in recent years. Many people are like me, an seasoned rider that had naughty boy bikes with 4 cylinders and no vibrations back in the day. But 20 hp are enough and now the new classic 350 is perfect for me.. Highly modified and customized of course. I don't have the pedestrian slicer but it is very classy feature.
But you get the real machine gun sound only in 500
I've been riding on the street for 46 years, and owned over 50 bikes. I have never had any desire to go fast on a motorcycle. I like to ride just for the enjoyment of riding. I have never owned any kind of sport bike.
@@ellavanr632 And even with the 500 you have to replace the stock exhaust. I also converted mine from EFI to an Amal carburetor. That probably made more of a difference in sound than the exhaust. It runs much richer, and has a fuller sound. It also idles much slower, so you get that THUMP THUMP THUMP.
@@geraldscott4302 if you replace the EFI, every warranty becomes invalid and once the bike reaches it's expiry age(15 years in India) we don't get 5 year extension. The bike also will fail the pollution test and become unusable legally.
@@ellavanr632 In my case none of that matters. I'm in the U.S., my bike has been out of warranty for 9 years, and there are no emissions regulations or inspections for motorcycles. I have also converted a couple of Harley Davidsons from EFI to carburetors.
In my stable I have a 2011 Bullet with Cozy sidecar. I've never ridden a solo Bullet ! . but enjoy my unit immensely.. great fun.... rolls along at a easy 50-55 mph. Hauls all my camping gear... the wife once in a while. I think I turned a little over 10000 miles last year. Being a sidecar rig it needs a rear tire every other year. I also have a 2022 RE Interceptor..... excellent motorcycle. As for my 500... mechanically... no issues. No valves to adjust.. no points to fiddle with.... change the oil.... ck the air filter.... that's about it. 😎
A nice pair of motorcycles to have 😁 If I could, I'd love a second Bullet with a sidecar like yours 😄
Do you run standard gearing? I’m considering a “chair” so researching 👍
Why did they jettison the hydraulic tappets on the new Enfield models? Seems a step backwards unless they are chasing power which l doubt 😂
My dad still has his 2011 black bullet 500 standard. He used to have a 1977 model but sold it when i was born. He bought the 2011 version though, to relive his riding days, and still has it. It's the motorcycle I learnt how to ride on! Love the kick-start, love the mammoth weight!
I cant get enough of my 2012 classic chrome 500. I switched back to carb and the engine was happier for it. Great little ride
Best Enfield review I've ever seen , you simply love your Enfield as I love mine . 50mph isn't for everyone but is for us . Happy riding, kind regards, Ed.
I also have a Forest Green 2013 Royal Enfield B5 Bullet 500 which I bought new. Using a kit from Hitchcocks in the UK, I converted it from EFI to an Amal Concentric MK1 carburetor. I also replaced the huge, heavy stock exhaust for a smaller, lighter one, about the same as what you have. Those changes really woke the bike up. It now sounds and feels like a proper British single. It also runs several times better than it did with the absolutely awful EFI. Other than those changes, it's pretty much stock. I did install the "pedestrian slicer" on the front fender. I still have the stock seat, but I wish I could find a curved rear fender to replace the square one. That's the one thing I really don't like about the bike. Well, that and the tube type tires. I have just over 21,000 miles on it, I have rarely been more than 100 miles from home, and it's come home on a tow truck 4 times, all because of flat tires. Sadly Royal Enfield no longer makes the Bullet.
I'd love to ride a carbuerrated B5 to compare it to the EFI and see/feel the difference 🤔 That's a shame you've had so many flat tyres! For my recent trip to France I went with a pair of Mitas tires instead of the Avon Roadriders, on the advice of my friend Naim. They're slightly more knobbly, and possible to swap tubes by hand which was the main reason I switched. No flats over the 1200 or so miles through France! 😁 Might be worth trying out different tires to see if it makes a difference where you live?
That's an abnormal number of punctures, I think there might be an issue in your bike which is causing this repeatedly? I rode a C5 for over 100,000 kms and remember getting a puncture fixed maybe once or twice, and all my riding was in the rough roads of India
@@fuelarjun "That's an abnormal number of punctures" Actually it's not, at least not for tube type tires where I live. That's only one puncture about every 5,000 miles. I live in Arizona, U.S., a place that is covered by a type of thorn called "goatheads" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris Tubeless tires are pretty much immune to these things, even if they puncture the tire all the way through, because the entire thickness of the rubber tire seals the air in, a tiny puncture like that will seal itself. Enough of them might cause a tire to start losing air very slowly, over a period of several days. But with tube type tires, only the paper thin tube holds the air, and when it is punctured, the air leaks out very quickly. It's almost like popping a balloon. Several times over the past few decades, I have found nails and screws, etc., sticking in tubeless tires while inspecting them at home. When I removed them the tire went flat. But they had likely been in there for many miles. The object that punctured the tire actually sealed the puncture. That won't happen with tube type tires. An object like that would rip a thin tube to shreds instantly. Add to that the fact that when you do have a flat with tubeless tires, most of the time you can simply plug the puncture, reinflate the tire, and be on your way. You don't have to remove the wheel, then remove the tire, replace the tube, reinstall the tire on the wheel, then reinstall the wheel on the bike. At 64 and being partially disabled, I am not able to do that out on the side of the road. I used to always replace my own tires (at home) but now just take the wheels to a shop. But I can still plug a tubeless tire to get me home.
I seen Janner 😀
Outstanding job, Bullet. One of the bestest reviews I’ve seen on any bike.
The Classic 500 was an eye opener for me. My first ride on one was when I realised that it isn’t all about power and performance. There’s so much more to motorcycling than that, and you portrayed that perfectly 👌🏼
Cheers Saddlebags, glad to hear you think so! 😄
Didn’t he just👍👍👍👍
Good time machine..... That's gold.... Exactly how I remember my ride on one.
Amazing review, thanks for the heads up on this one @Saddlebags73
So pleased I found your channel 😁🍻
Very nice review. I have RE 650GT but get to ride a friends Classic 500 from time to time. Getting on the classic 500 has just a wonderful feeling out in the countryside. Makes u feel like you are back in the fifties which instantly makes me feel like life is simple and relaxed. Its such a nice feeling.
Spot on! 😁
Thanks for this Brendan. I have just ticked over 25K kilometers on a 2020 Classic 500. I sorted vibration out with 19 tooth drive gear, new rear 120 / 80 tyre and mounted replacement free flow muffler using test tube stopper to soak up vibs. I ride in NZ and happily cruise at 110kph. Cheers
Thommo
Thanks Steve ! How do you find the 19 tooth sprocket when riding ? Sounds great by the sounds of it, may switch to it at my next sprocket change in another 20k miles 😆
@@BulletWanderer Hi Brendan
Our RE motors have a sweet spot around (indicated) 100kph. the 19 tooth sprocket lifts this to 110kph which is the speed most Kiwi drivers travel at. Also my bike came with a 110 width tire. I got 20,000km from that and replaced it with a Metzeler Roadtec 01 120/80-18 m/c 62H. I'm no tyre expert but the tire wall on the Metzeler having a "higher" wall increased overall wheel diameter somewhat. In combination I would say rev's have come down 10% compared to original spec.
The RE efi 500 has plenty of low down torque so moving off or crawling up steep grades presents no problems. As you know, find the right gear and she could pull Christ off the cross!
Ride safe
regards
Steve
I also have the same bike same colour 2020 model 7 1/2 thousand miles cannot fault it just love it.
Excellent review by the way
Who cares about the vibes they come with the bike
Thanks James , and I agree ! 😄
Great and honest review. You make some good points about owning a 500 Enfield. I own a Harley as well as a classic 500, and if it’s ‘fun’ that I want, I get the Enfield out every time 👍🏻
I loved your review. All about the bike and no BS. Cheers mate. Pete. Australia.
Cheers Pete, glad you enjoyed it!
Glad to see you are back. This is a fabulous review better than many that are produced by more seasoned players. Looking forward to Daisy’s upcoming adventures
Very kind of you to say so, thanks! 😁
Great review dude. It brings back memory of mine 2017 500cc Bullet which I sold it or practically gifted to a friend (owning to some job issue😭). It wasn't my first bike and I hated using it. It was chunky, heavy, slow and retro, BUT looking back it is only bike I fondly remember. Even now the evening rides, joy rides and morning strolls are my found memories. "Bullet is a emotion" is truly true for this bike and RE all bike in their segments.
I totally agree with everything you say I have a 2020 500 same colour never had any problems with it 10500 miles later totally faultless just love it .
Great video by the way any who cares about the vibes anyway.
Thank you Brendan, well done lovely review and looking forward to meeting up.
What a lovely review from a lovely Irish man, nice one Brendan..Andre..
Thanks Andre 😄
So much fun, so well done. Great job Brendan, don’t think anyone has done it better!
Thanks Doug ! You’re very kind 😄
Aaahh there it is! I've been looking forward to watch this video, and what a very interesting video it is!
A brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable review Brendan of a true classic enjoying Ireland. I have a 500, 4 speed and just enjoy the simple pleasure of getting out on it in the north of Ireland. The admiration and comments I receive are numerous and many a memory and smile revisited along the way. With so many miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy it's the best recalibration device I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Again Brendan thankyou for your video, keep up the good work and safe riding.
Cheers Trevor! Always a smile on my face too when out on the Bullet 😁
Q really brilliant review nice to see someone use the Enfield for what it's made for .. chilling out on long country roads.
A couple of years ago I was tempted by a 500, but Toll Free Traveller's Thunderbird shook itself to death, admittedly after some challenging adventures in India. Anyway, I bought the new 350 Classic. Your Bullet looks a peach.
Haven't seen that video on the Thunderbird 😅 Enjoy your 350 Classic, from what I've seen/heard, they're very solid! 😁
Loved this review, and it made me even happier that I bought one! Keep making the great content my friend, it keeps me going between times when I can’t ride.
Perfect bike for modern riding where it can't be about the speed, but rather about the experience. I'm going to get one. Interesting vlog; thanks.
Very good review about your Bullet 500 Cc. Very informative as to compare to my Classic 350 CC Chrome Red variation.
I bought my CLASSIC 350 Cc. 2 days ago on March 7, 2024 here in Cebu City Philippines Gorordo Branch Royal Enfield.
I love my motorcycle as I love to see your motorcycle her older sister Bullet 500Cc.❤
Excellent reporting and review. Thanks
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Mr Wanderer; you've made me want another one now, oh dear. Great vid, great bike. Ride safe and take care.
Cheers Mr Gadsby, glad you enjoyed it 😁
Nice review. I ride a 2018 Classic 500. Bought it new and the bike has now passed 19 000 km without any issues at all. What a great bike!
Have you ever thought of using a Bead Buddy for changing tyres? Makes the job so much easier on your own. I use two of them.
Advice I could've used 3 days ago 😆 Had a big puncture, video to come so I'll spare you the details for now! Certainly sounds like it would've come in handy!
Yep, Bead Buddies to hold the tyre down in the drop centre for you is like having another person to help except better because they aren't taking the piss out of you!. A pair of bead-breaker tyre levers as well, and suddenly the job really isn't so bad. If you care about your rims then bead-buddy plastic rim protectors do that for you. Google it, not that expensive. Of course you could consider converting your rims to tubeless vis the Outex kit, then you can repair the tyres with a tubeless repair kit in situ without taking the wheels off at all. Google that too. Saved my life once when ring the Trans America Trail, had a puncture in a big forest somewhere in the deep south when some bear cubs came out to inspect my work. If I hadn't had tubeless tyres mummy bear would have killed me for certain, as it was I fled with a half inflated tyre, my helmet on my elbow and my electric pump held between my teeth by its inflator tube. Its what you call a narrow escape!
Great insight. I am doing my license this summer and i've been looking at these for months. Looking forward to your upcoming content.
Thanks Connor, hope it helps you decide what bike to get 😄
Thank you for sharing your review! I have a 2018 Classic Chrome "Pokey" with 11,300 trouble-free miles. Your videos encourage me to get out and tour, so, I'm heading to CO from Nebraska later this month to take in the sights. Thank you for the inspiration!
Wishing you a happy and trouble free tour with Pokey! Would love to tour the states sometime, not sure how I can get Daisy onto a transcontinental flight though 😂
Enjoying all your videos, especially France. I've got a 2017 classic 500 best bike I've ridden. Nick from saskatoon canada
Thanks Nick, glad you're enjoying them 😄 There's something magic about them, isn't there?
Thanks Brendan, I'm taking your advice and test riding one next week. I was going to go for a Classic 350 but I think the extra horses in the 500 might suit me better. Have a good trip to France and bye for now, Mick.
Thanks Mick! Hope you got your Enfield, Classic 350 or 500! 😁
@@BulletWanderer I got the 500 on Tuesday despite a couple of issues, a dead rectifier/regulator and a dodgy spark plug. It was registered in 2020 but only had 163 miles on the clock! I managed to test ride both back to back and the 500 is definitely the right choice for me. I'll be doing a trip to the Western Isles (of Scotland) next week to finish running it in. Thanks again Brendan.
Bought a 2016 Classic 500 this week 😊
Congratulations! I hope you have many happy miles together 😁 🎉
c'est avec plaisir que j'ai regardé cette vidéo. je possède une 500 bullet b5 2018 euro 4, j'ai rajouté une dent sur le pignon de sortie de boite de vitesse : Démultiplication d'origine sur les Classic Euro 3: 18 dents Démultiplication d'origine sur les Classic Euro 4 : 17 dents
Augmenter d'une dent son pignon de sortie de boite est idéal lorsque l'on veut rallonger l'allonge de son moteur sur voie rapide et ou sur route. cela permet de gagner 10km/h au même régime ou de baisser le régime moteur à la même vitesse. Agréments de conduite garantie . j'habite dans le sud de la france et je roule beaucoup et avec plaisir sur les petites routes de l'arrière pays et dans les cévennes ( je ne sais pas si vous connaissez ?)
les vibrations (réduite avec le pignon de 18 dents ) ne me gênent pas , je roule aussi en vieille guzzi california de 1990 .
avec la 500 bullet le bonheur est dans la lenteur 😛
I like the esprit of your vidéo, hello from France with a Classic Desert Storm. Contemplation is better than speed.
I couldn’t agree more 😁
I hv DS 500cc
Great video buddy!
Excellent. Thanks for the review. It's refreshing and personal. Great to hear a long term review of what it's actually like to live with a bike. My long term friend was a '79 Bonnie, I'm seriously thinking of a bullet/classic 500 or perhaps an interceptor, but i seriously like the vibe of the 500. Cheers.
Cheers, glad you enjoyed the review! I may be biased, but I'd go with a Bullet/Classic over the Interceptor 😁 But I'd keep the '79 Bonnie too if I had the space and money!
Excellent video! Cheers mate !
Re the vibrations, I bumped into a guy at a classic bike meet who was admiring my Classic350 Steath Dark. He said that if you fit a Carberry plate for vibration reduction to the 500s, it only sends the vibrations further into the engine to potentially cause worse problems. Food for thought there.
Only recently found your videos and I'm enjoying them a lot,I have a 2002 B5 Iron barrel 500 and love it,at the same time I also once had a new 350 classic that was second hand,in the end I prefered my 500 as to me was more characterful and a little quicker,hoping to tour on my 500 in the near future.
Cheers, I'm glad you're enjoying them! There's nothing quite like touring on the 500, I hope you get to do that soon 🤞
Ride a 2016 EFI 500 Chrome Classic for nearly 6 years and round about 31.000km now. Still an enjoyable and great motorbike which runs fine.
Treat them right and i'm sure they'll last a lifetime 😁
@@BulletWanderer Hope so and will do my best.
~ Very nice video Brendan,
It was worth waiting for. Enjoyed the history lesson, as well as your opinions . . . Cheers!
Awesome video, proud to own part of the history :)
You could always use a water repellent spray on the canvas bags, to keep the inside drier than without it. I do not know what brands are available, but I am sure you could research some for your bags.
Not a bad idea, it'd give them a bit of a longer life too 🤔
Great review, thank you. I bought my Bullet 500 about 1 year ago. It's a 2014 model with the 535 rebore. I just love it. I am hoping to find a trailer so I can travel with my Fliteboard electric hydrofoil (my other passion) the board is about 6ft long. I have 3 vehicles, a Hiace van, an old Nissan mobile home and the Bullet. Due to financial reasons I can't keep all three. I would love to keep my Bullet and sell the Hiace, but to do this I really need to see if it's viable to tow a trailer behind my Bullet. I would be very grateful to hear your opinion on the practicality of attaching a trailer to my Bullet. Ride on my friend and greetings from Australia.
I’m afraid I wouldn’t really know much about putting a trailer on the Bullet , but I know it has been done before. I can’t remember where I saw it, but there was a video featuring a couple that were going around Africa (I think) on an older Bullet 500 with a trailer behind it; if an older Bullet can do it , a 2014 model certainly can; if it’s not too expensive a job to do I’d say it’d be well worth giving it a try ! Hope that helps 😅
Enjoyed that Brendan, great review. Look forward to more of your wandering, cheers Dave.
Vibrations: When I changed the pipe and muffler the vibes reduced quite a bit.. I have the sane muffler as yours..
Fuel economy: I get 35km/ltr.
I cruise around everywhere up to 80kph.. Emily (the bike) doesn't like higher speeds..
I love this bike.. I wish I knew about RE years ago...
Have you heard about the cable-tie trick for getting the tyre and tube on?
Great video Brendon Vera had a spot 😊 I see keep um coming
Thanks Jason, tried to get all of Daisy's friends an appearance 😆
Great review, regards vibrations, I fitted the Carberry reduction plate and a 19T sprocket. Big improvement on cruising speed and vibes.
Thanks Paul! Good food for thought, hadn't heard of the Carberry reduction plate before 🤔
@@BulletWanderer you can get one from Hitchcock's, there's a number of videos out there about them.
At last the review we've been waiting on...nice one Bren..have fun when you come to Wales.
Thanks Jeff, hope it was worth the wait!
The bulletvmakes it's power low and midrange. Lots of people expect it to go faster at high revs. They will be disappointed! Vibes not an issue if you know that. I.m on my 3rd. Just approaching 10k on mine. Love it.
I really enjoyed your video, thanks. I have only just found your channel and have subscribed and I'm looking forward to watching other videos. Cheers. Stefan.
Absolutely brilliant video, many thanks
Lovely video, where did you found the Front Mudgard plate ?
From Hitchcocks! The "Daisy Bell" on it, I created the decals myself and had isaydingdong print them for me.
Excellent video Brendan…… right up there with the best I’ve seen. Love the cool leather jacket. Hopefully see you in Adare
Thanks Mike ! Hope you’re keeping well 😁 hoping to make an appearance 🤞
Great honest review and commentary 👏🏻 🛺🛺
Dont own an Enfield but its great to see these Long Term Reviews
People seem to think Bike Engines
are practically worn out by 20,000
Miles..They are not ( given Decent care
& Maintainment )
Looking for a sidecar outfit in july, bullet 500 is on the shortlist, along with m21, ural, goldwing and big 4.
Just depends whats available.
The bullet looks great but i dont think i want an efi one.
Thanks for the great review.
Hope the review helped! If I was going for a sidecar outfit, my money would be on the Ural... if I could afford it! 😅 Bullet looks great with a sidecar too, but I'd say you'd have a bit more top end speed on a Ural. Of course if you're not going for the classic look, I'd say the Goldwing is the most solid option! But, I wouldn't really know as I've only ridden the Bullet and the Ural 😅
great video Brendan!
Nice note from the engine with that pea shooter exhaust, nice relaxing looking bike , the front guard number plate I wouldn't have , I remember when I was 15 my mate give me a go on his bike ( private land ) I skidded on mud the front plate stuck in my leg , I got 6 stitches to remind me , still riding though I've turned 73 , ride a B M W K75c, but would like to down size for something like an Enfield. Great video. Thanks 👌 stay safe 👍
I loved to your video on the Bullet 500, only thing I saw the hitchcock rack on their site is now 130€ more or less, not 30€, did it increase that much or was yours a second hand?
Seems I made a mistake! Apparently it was £100 when I bought it which does translate to about €130. Sorry about the oversight 😅
@@BulletWanderer no worries, I am still a big fan of both you and them 😂
9:50 man o man that is what I do on long drives on my Bullet 500.
It needs to be done 😆
The Sixty 5 was the best of the breed. Cast iron barrel, carb, points, 5 speed left side gears, drum brakes, fork gaiters etc.
Thanks for the tip about the superman pose. I could have used that tip on my first day when I drove 300mi.
Nice review Brendan. I own the 2013 Model Bullet 500 and I have named Amun-Ra; just last year did the Leh-Ladakh circuit. A thing I noticed is about the sticker on the petrol tank. Which year release is yours? The production has stopped long back and as you said, the later ones had disk brakes at the rear too.
Thanks so much! Great name, and well done on doing that circuit on it! What did you notice about the sticker on the petrol tank? 🤔 Mine's a 2016 model. 😁
Wow, what a well thought out review, keep riding - cheers from Chennai 🔱
Cheers Arjun, kind of you to say 😁
Great report. Tell me, what make and model is your helmet? Are you happy with it?
Thanks Robert! I’m wearing the ByCity Roadster II in this video . I’m quite happy with it! It gives great visibility,!gives good airflow, and it’s very comfy! Only drawback is it’s more of a summer helmet, it’s quite chilly in it in the winter 😅 no sun visor either , but I’d usually just carry a pair of aviators 😎
Very nice video. I've got a 2020 and it is wonderful. Nice jacket, who makes that?
Cheers! The jacket is the Halvarssons Trenton Leather Jacket Brown , little expensive around 400 euros, but I think its worth it, was the only motorcycle jacket I could find in that proper A2 bomber style at a somewhat affordable price, and with no big patches or symbols sewn onto it.
Looking forward to future content 😊
i just bought non running Bullet 500 es for a steal and now im gonna revive it
Best of luck! I hope it goes well 😁
Quite simply. An excellent review in so many ways. Most of all though your passion shines through. I don’t know how but these bikes genuinely get under our skins. Mrs S was amazed when I said mine will never be sold by me. I might have dalliances on other bikes but the RE gives a pre experience. 😊
I’m gutted if I missed you round here in Eryri/Snowdonia . Hope you had a great time
Thanks Craig! I just got back from Wales last night and am catching up with comments, but I'll definitely be back up in your part of the world, Snowdonia is really beautiful! 😄
@@BulletWanderer I went down to Saddlebags social ride! It’s lovely there too👍👍👍
Can I ask, what helmet are you wearing in this video? It looks like a By City Roadster and I've had my eye on that for a while. How are you finding it? Is it noisy at speed? I hear those press-studs rattle around a bit. Is it one you'd recommend?
You’re spot on in your guess ! It is a little noisy at speeds over 80km/hr , but for my recent tour I never really had any issue/noticed that . It’s definitely a summer helmet , good for keeping cool but won’t be great for winter months I’d say 😅
@@BulletWanderer Fantastic! Thank you very much. I guess I want these beautiful retro helmets (Bell Bullitt etc) to be great all-rounders, but they're just not for that. So be it. Thank you for replying, and for your beautiful videos.
@@summo1942 Having said all that, I have worn it during the winter, paired with a neck warmer/snood it's not so bad, but in general I'd save it for sunnier days, or stop for plenty of hot drinks on winter rides 😅 I'd love a Bell Bullitt or a Shoei Glamster, but the prices are just ridiculous!
@@BulletWanderer I've just ordered a By City! ;) Same colour as yours to match my Classic 500 Chrome Green. I heard that the Bell Bullitt whistles through the top vents and I found it pretty uncomfortable when I tried one on. Bullitt's are for round-heads and I'm oval, so the Roadster is likely the one for me. Just been catching up on more of your videos. Beautifully made and very engaging. Keep on keeping on!
@@summo1942 Very nice! With the Classic 500 Chrome Green i'm sure it'll match up really nicely 😁 Thanks so much!
My Classic 500 is butter smooth at 50mph. At 65mph it is painful. At 70 MPH you will lose fillings, get neuropathic hands and feet, become impotent and pass blood in your urine. I have had it up to 80MPH and that was...stimulating. For my 62 mile freeway commute, I bought a RE 650 Interceptor. I sold it. Fast, smooth, glorious clutch and transmission.... and Dull Dull Dull... dull drab and boring. I still have the 500.
crazy man, blood in urine is fun!
Purchased second hand bullet 500, 2018 model for raw power and real feel from the vibration of old bullet. Should i go for fuel injection lateron?
Absolutely fabulous. Stay safe 🙏👍
makes me want to go touring on my 2016 500 classic
Hi bren how do I get in touch with you I am in piltown and I have a 500 Enfield thanks
I love your helmet! What brand is it? Do you recommand it?
You're in luck as I just uploaded a review of the same helmet, if you want a more in depth review about it! It's the ByCity Roadster II in Black and Gold, and I would recommend it if you can get the EC22-06 version. 😁
The shades are really cool as well!! Love your videos. thanks.
What year is your enfield ?
@@ariouredy6064 You're very kind, thank you! My Bullet is a 2016 model. 😁
Bom dia, onde consigo comprar esse silios que vai no pisca ? Achei bem legal
I think these are what you're talking about? accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/accessory-shop/Indicators-Lighting/33175
thanks
Nicely done!
Very enjoyable film Brendan i feel the same love my 500 a good multi roll motorcycle,if your ever in Sussex give me a shout.
Thanks Graham ! Someday Sussex 🤞
He does go on !
Indeed I could go on about this bike for hours!
I love em got a guzzi v85tt now but I couldn't part with the enfield got a chrome with the German nobly tyres and a hitchcock exhaust 👍
Nice! What brand are those tyres may I ask? 🤔
Now in India new variants of the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Standard have arrived, ….. at least we now have better rather advanced and refined engine without vibrations and those unexpected breakdowns …. Wish the enthusiasts will get to ride and enjoy early …
It looks pretty nice! Especially that maroon red version 😁 Although I would miss the vibrations somewhat!
Congratulations
What a great film :) Thank you :)
Thank you! Very kind 😁
Well done Brendan great video
I actually own a bullet 350 Redditch G2 which is for sale atm
Love the bikes had a classic 500 myself but not a bullet like yours
Tho very similar really 2019 model
Never changed a tube you did well
Well done lad
Excellent 😊😊😊
Thanks Phil! 😁
Nailed it 👍. Darned good review sir! Happy trails 🤠 👢 👢
Cheers John, glad to hear you think so ! 😁
What rear view mirrors are those?
I actually recorded a bit about the mirrors but forgot to include it! They're these mirrors from Hitchcocks: accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/11589
so far mine is not eating oil at all but it is very young😂 Did you remap fueling for the exhaust change?
I didn't, there's a possibility it was remapped before I bought the bike, as the previous owner put the different exhaust on it. Should I have remapped it? 🤔 It's the same exhaust head assembly coming out of the engine, just the very end of the silencer is different 😅
47,000 in and I've had to change my coil, starter relay and my ecu which was a tad pricey from hitchcocks. But hey, it's an enfield😂
All part of the fun isn’t it ? 😆
@@BulletWanderer , luckily I have a very patient wife😉
Brilliant video Brendan, I love Daisy Bell 🌼👍👌
Its an good long ride motorcycle 500 i love shifting gears
Curious what helmet you wear?
It's the ByCity Roadster! 😄
I don't have a Bullet 500, but I would like to convert one into a classic ADV bike.
As motorbikes in this class of motorbikes go, they're fairly inexpensive, and plentiful, give it a go if you find one!