At age 63, I just bought my first bike, the Royal Enfield INT 650 (INT 650 in the US, Interceptor everywhere else). I had no idea I was buying a motorcycle with such a rich heritage and tradition. Now I know why the Interceptor has such a wonderful, simple honesty to it.
I just took one up the Himalayas last month. It is purest expression of how a motorcycle was intended to be. Simple, mercurial yet follows its master…. Just what a man wants…. Mountains, roads and a bike….. I hope you enjoy riding it for a long long time
@@telcobilly For me is is excellent. It will do freeway speeds without the speed of a sport bike. And is is one classy bike. I commonly have people roll down their windows at stoplights and ask about it.
@@chandan1583 I love your description. My INT 650 is similar. It is like the slightly flawed protagonist in an adventure story. Strong, sturdy, classy, dependable. Yet just enough flaws to be honest. The simplicity is non-obsolescent authenticity.
i got my first enfield last 2017. c350 and himalayan. i stopped looking at other bikes, never wanted any new bike. i just wanted full tank of gas as a regular upgrade
When I was travelling alone in India as a young woman (aged 22) I saw an old Bullet 350 for sale for $300 in Chennai and although I had never ridden a bike before or really considered it, I somehow immediately fell in love with it. It became my travelling companion for the next year - I rode that rattly bucket of nuts the length and breadth of India, and I have so many stories. It took me to so many far-flung places I would never have known existed. I wasn't a biker before, but travelling with my Enfield Bullet started a passion for two-wheels that has become part of me. Thanks for reminding me of the best times of my life! ❤
Have you ever had a feeling while kickstarting that it can sense your mood, and, wont start till you calm down...and apply the password like exact force and exact race etc to start it at exact milliseconds,,...😅
I love my 1988 Bullet 350. Just finished a complete rebuild after the bike being unused for 3 years. As an accomplishment of the work, did a dawn to dusk ride from Chennai to Kodaikanal on 11 Jan 2023. 500 kms. She didn’t miss a beat. I am proud of the machine, the mechanics and every hand that has touched her to make her what she is.
The journey began 2012 & still going strong on Classic 350... Owning a Royal Enfield is a Legacy & legendary feeling.... I rode across India and always found that Riding a legend.
I almost began restoring an air cooled Yamaha classic racer but after watching this I have decided to get my old Bullet fired up and see the World one more time it's like Bobby says " it's a different sport " and takes me back to the beginning that first Love thing it just never goes away See You out there just do it Sincerely
It's funny how literally everyone, even those who don't own this bike, have atleast one memorable story with the bullet. I remember the first time I went on a ride on this bike, it was my college senior who used to drive this bike to college everyday. I asked him if I can ride it and he handed me the keys and said "If you can start it, you can take her for a ride" and surprisingly she started on the first kick and it turns out I was just lucky that day to get it started on the first try 😂
True, I never had a RE, but My grandfather had a RE and I remember I was just 5YO and my Grandfather took me for a ride and I was sitting in front, Holding the steering bar, He let me turn the throttle and when I did it, The bike roared, It scared me but it was soo fun and I felt so much powerful, It's in my core memory and I still remember it...
@@033kushagrabasra2 hahaha great observation, usually bikes like bullet are quite masculine but for some people bullet is like their first love 😛i guess that emotion is enough to explains the "her" reference 😁
Im 45yrs old and been into motorcycles my whole life. I have watched hundreds of documentaries and films on every subject of bikes. This is one of the best i have ever watched!! More soul and pure understanding of why we Ride. A real Classic on the subject of motorcycles!!
this documentary was made by heart of the people who consider enfield as their soul!!, respect to them and many thanks to all those legends for keeping this legacy alive so that we can relive it and pass the torch to the future generations to relive it again!!, i own the current uce model for more than 5 years and trust me, everytime i ride my bike i feel as though it's the first time i am riding it, i mean the pleasure and that organic feeling never fades away, never goes stale, in fact the very first bike i rode when i was hardly 15 was enfield or bullet of 80's, i know the feeling of those old legends, it's just raw, incomparable!!, but these new ones are more economic and intelligent as bobby sir said for various reasons, still a bullet remains a bullet, old or new, forever, you just can't kill the legend, it's immortal, truly!!..
Having ridden the old beast during my college days, and now finally a new one, all i have to say is that while they may not be the same and some of the magic is gone, it is still a great thing that the new generation will also have their own Bullet and their own memories.
The first time I ever sat on a bike I was 6-7 months old. My dad took me our for a ride on his precious hero honda. And now when I think of it, I'm pretty sure that's when my love for motorcycles began and it has only increased ever since. Royal Enfields have always been my favorite although I never got an opportunity to ride the old ones. Now I'm very close to getting my own RE and I cannot be happier. Thank you for the video. :)
The this UCE gem engine is a combination of old technology with some new parts to it which and thats why engine life is only 25-30 thousand kms and then you ll find smoke with the dhuk dhuk sound and that ll change your perception about this bike and its delicate like petal engine
Hassan I do not want to imagine what knowledge you hold about motorcycles..especially about these REs, by the grace of god you own couple of Norton, Matchless and a HD 883 but not everyone has the same kind of "grace of god" that you posses. So instead of cursing RE for there engine or anything just because you saw a engine die young. People love RE's even if you are among the haters.
It’s a very nice and touching documentary I using RE reborn classic and electra 2016 models both and are in two different cities and due to this I have to go to the mechanics of RE, one thing is common the mechanics of RE are so proudly working and a very satisfied faces, and they explains function of each part so happily Congratulations once again for such a great video
Massive respect to Chris Zahner. This Is truely a masterpiece. Royal Enfields and Particularly bullets have always been a bike we all have been fascinated about. "It's a King that is meant to rule all , no matter what you pit against it." This film described the true sceanrios revolving around the bullet. Be it the Riders , the maestros or the The bike itself.
I have a duke 390. To be honest i thought enfields only had charming looks. But when i got to go on a small trip, i instantly fell in love with its charming feel too. I hope I'll get to ride a conti someday.
I have both new and old bullet.. actually my father has old one.. There is a difference in the way they produce torque, sound and vibration... both are different but after 35k kms on my desert storm i can assure you that there is no difference in the way you will fall in love with them...
I have ridden the old one and new Desert Storm 500 both, I prefer new RE Classic 500 , the thump is different but quite same and performance of RE 500 ECU is much better than old bullets especially with Red Rooster Exhaust
I have three...two older ones are 350 and 500 and then a new 500 std. Take my word, no one in the family rides the new one. It has been lying unused for >1 year and I have force myself for a ride around cornet, just to keep battery going.
@@TheZenith790 there are plenty of mechanics in the Old delhi area who specialize in rebuilding old 350 or 500 motorcycles (iron cast engine). I beleive the company stopped making iron cast engines around 2007. These mechanic shops will buy you an old motor and completely overhaul it...for roughly 200k you get an authentic iron cast engine 500 cc real bullet. Here is a contact, her name is Mrs Singh (Joga Motors), potentially the only woman running such a business.....Joga Motors is the best, in my view - 9873224443
I have seen a great deal of documentaries over the years...few, if any , come close to the quality and artistic merit of this one. Very special indeed. Well done...oh, and the music! Superb. Bravo...
I've been riding since I was 13 years old in 1963 and over the years I've owned many styles, sizes and models of motorcycles from many countries. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for British bikes that vibrate. I rode my first RE Bullet 500 about 20 years ago when they were first imported into the US from India. It still had all drum brakes and a converted shifter to the left side. It was at a vintage motorcycle dealer and they let me watch a new one being uncrated and assembled - even showed me how to adjust the valves - and they sold T-shirts that said, "LOUD VALVES SAVE LIVES". They started one on the showroom floor and it started on the first kick and ran flawlessly - at least the engine did. When I rode it, I found a false neutral between each gear and I had to start slowing down about a city block before coming to a full stop. Still, I absolutely loved the ride, the sitting position and the handling. I still smile, thinking about it. I'm sure all the flaws have been worked out and I plan to get one as soon as my budget allows and the world recovers from the COVID-19. Currently, I ride an old Harley Sportster 883 standard with the same sitting position as the bullet and yes, it vibrates. Love it!!!!
Awesome documentary, I am blessed with the introduction of a new Bullet, down in the middle of the world, Ecuador has adopted the Enfield and is here to stay!! regards
Facinating! I love my classic 350 signals. However, I also love the heritage of Royal Enfield. British and Indian. Forever linked. Stronger together and better for it. 😊
By the time of 6 years that I have owned this bike I learned about changing the brakes front disc brake pads, rear brake pads, changing oil, changing chains, and changing spark, this bike taught me a lot. And made me select my course as a mechanical engineer.
Drove a bullet around southern India 20 years ago and had dreamed of owning an Enfield ever since. Now in Thailand the dream just became a reality. Picked up a Meteor last week. Happy days. ❤ loving it..!!! *Crap Game*
Love this video! I may not own a Bullet nor have I ridden one, but I own an old GS500 which is pretty much a 70's bike with 21st century paperwork. People get so obsessed with bigger bikes, more power, more this, more that...I don't know, but I find it that the purest motorcycling experience is often the most "basic". Sure, it has no fuel injection, no ABS or anything digital, hell - it only has one main fuse, and I rode that bike anywhere and I still enjoy the old air cooled thump of the twin cylinder engine. It's all about the experience. Ride safe, guys!
As I've no idea how many times I've watched this - just to say a great film Chris! Rode with Jonathan and RE to Goodwood Revival on my 1951 Bullet (liked it so much I had to get an even older one too!). A great bike and a wonderful film - memories of riding in India and whenever I'm having "one of those times" the timing has slipped or the starting isn't it inspires me to get it sorted so I can get out again. Thank you!
Congratulations! A breathtaking video on the pain, frustration and fondness of owning a Bullet. She is one tempestuous mistress and you have captured every nuance well!!! The owners/riders and the mechanics/demigods who look after these cantankerous machines ought to be commended because not everyone has the patience to own a Bullet. It requires immense resources of patience, stoic belief in your bike, a vocabulary of the choicest swear words when the Bullet doesn't start and yet a store of superlatives when she gets going smoothly. I own such a bike and such love affairs are long, temperamental and definitely not boring. Thanks so much for bringing this out well and truly..
Great documentary , very well produced !! Some lovely words about the mighty bullet. I had the pleasure of getting together with Jonathan when he made it to London. We had a few beers and talked adventure and enfield's !! Looking forward to getting my full license and a bullet this year !!
I always thought, REs were there to fill in the voids that remain when someone can't/didn't buy a Harley Davidson. But after listening to these people in the video I think I was wrong.
If someone gave me a Harley I would sell it for half price to get another bullet. In fact, I did sell my harley to buy a bullet I dont regret it at all. 16 years on a bullet 10 years on a harley
I bought a RE in January of 2022, the local dealer in my area is also a Harley Dealer... they tried to get me to go with a Harley, I pointed at the Dux Deluxe 2022 Continental GT650 and told them quite bluntly, "I leave with that bike or I just leave, it's up to you." That was not about money, it was about the type of bike I wanted, Harley can never compare to a RE, and the reverse is also true
WOW! it's wonderful to see so many souls living the same passion as you for a motorcycle that is just not a MOTORCYCLE! Been waiting to see this video from the first time I saw the teasers. Brilliant job, Chris Xahner!
Thank you! We've been waiting for this since we first heard about your project. Looking back at the various trailers and "Making of" videos I get the feeling that there's much more to the story, much more you could put together from the material you gathered. I hope you do put together more parts of this amazing story. Again, thank you for sharing this with us all.
My father is an Enfield fan through and through. His first bike was a bullet that he had to sell due to financial issues. He later bought a few hero hondas and hondas and used them for years before his back couldnt take bike riding anymore. I wanted him to try out the latest bullet to see if he likes it. He liked it but he said its just not what it was. My brother got a sports bike and dad took it on a test drive. His first reaction was, this isnt a machine, its a computer. It has no margins for errors. If you miss your inputs by a little, that error will show up in riding experience. The old classic bullets were built like a person. A little too much throttle? no problem, the engine doesn't have a good throttle response anyways. A little too much brake? no worries the brakes are not the bitiest. It was a bike that let you get away with your mistakes. Mistakes, that average humans make regularly. He's completely given up riding bikes, but still turns his head ever so slightly when a bullet passes us by. The love that this country has given to the bike, and the returns from it, have made Bullet a stuff of legends.
Bobbee singh a big thank to you and your team for inspiring me and many youngsters like me to work for my dream and get my dream bike. BULLET is truely a religion!
My 1967 British made RE 350 Bullet never leaked a drip of oil and in the 5 years I used it as my (very economical) daily ride (1972-7) it very rarely went wrong, and if it did was easily fixed by the roadside with a basic tool kit I carried with me. The first year I rode the Bullet the handling was not exactly confidence inspiring but one time to save money I fitted an Avon Safety Mileage tyre to the front in place of the original ribbed tyre, the handling was incredibly improved, I put a 4.00 SM tyre on the back and a 3.50 SM on the front and replaced the rear shock absorbers for some uprated units with harder springs and the Bullet handled like a race bike, hardly any of my friends could keep up with the trusty Bullet on the twisty bits, I could scrape the foot rests on the ground hands off the bars at any speed I liked it was so stable and the tyres used to wear more on the sides than the middle due to the way I rode the bike and the fact that there was little power or brakes but a whole lot of cornering grip, I would strongly recommend to use Avon SM tyres front and rear on these bikes. I came across a 500 cc Bullet engine in a bike breakers, it had an alloy cylinder and under the dirt it looked like it was new and unused so I bought it then stripped and rebuilt it to be sure it was ok and it was indeed a new engine, even had a high compression piston in it andI got it for only 15 quid!.. It went straight into the bike in place of the 350 engine needing only the underside of the tank cutting here and there and welding up for clearance on the taller and bigger cylinder assembly. The 500 was a great improvement on the 350 with much more torque, I ended up selling it to a college pal, a Mr Ian Consterdine back in 1977 and lost touch with the bike after, Wish I still had it or at least knew if it was still going..
Thank you so much for telling that story! So much of what you said draws such a parallel to all of the tales I’ve heard over the years about our beloved Bullets. Have you ever taken a trip to India?
No, but I would have loved to have done a long trip on a motorcycle such as that, I did think about it at times back in the day but family commitments put the kybosh on it. In 1979 aged 14 I purchased a Triumph 650cc 6T bike, the Triumph was completely dismantled and in boxes with plenty of bits missing, I paid £5 for the lot (life savings), I put what I had bought together as best as I could and got it running and used the bike for riding across country where I lived to the famous Canada Heights scrambling track which was a mile away across some fields. The Triumph was a lot of bike for a 14 year old but I was a big strong lad and I loved the power, compared to my previous bike a Greeves fitted with a 250cc Villiers engine the 6T was incredibly powerful. A few years later the guy I purchased the 6T from wanted it back when he saw the bike rebuilt and running and temped me into swapping it for the above mentioned Royal Enfield 350 Bullet, which was at that time also pretty much a basket case, this guy it seemed used to buy non running bikes and strip them down then run out of steam and abandon them, this was in 1971 and I was 16. By this time I was working for a living and I had purchased a new BSA Starfire 250 from the local BSA dealer Schwieso Bros. in Dartford Kent, well the Starfire turned out to be a piece of junk and didn't last very long so I ended up turning to the Bullet to get me out of trouble, I had stored the bike for a while waiting for the right moment to repair it so I a good look at what was in the boxes and found that the reason the bike had been partially dismantled was due to an engine oil pump issue, after making a list of the parts needed, a visit to Deeprose Bros. of Catford in Lewisham South London was made and after parting with some hard earned I bought all the parts necessary to make the repairs. The main engine problem was that the oil pump worm drive gear was stripped, this was caused by a fault in a one way valve that was supposed to prevent oil from draining out of the oil feed pipe to the head, this sprung loaded ball valve had been assembled back to front at the factory and was forcing all the scavenge oil return to be forced through the small bore head feed pipe into the head, which had over stressed the gear and stripped it's worm gear drive, I don't think the bike had been used for more than a few hours it was all in such very good condition, I stripped the engine completely and cleaned and checked everything was ok, I used 'Green Hermatite' to seal all the case joints on reassembly (and it never leaked a drop of oil after). Anyway I had the bike all up and running within a few days and all was well, I remember being amazed at how much better the design and build quality was than the BSA Starfire that I had wasted my money on the previous year, the BSA was now out of action with a broken conrod and after repairs was disposed of and the Bullet became my daily rider, this was 1972 and I was 17, I also has a 500cc BSA Royal Star at that time again purchased from Schweiso Bros. but that bike was almost brand new and my pride and joy so I didn't want to use it for the daily work grind. Well it turned out that the Bullet outlasted the Royal Star too which like the Starfire didn't last long with a complete piston failure wrecking the engine, my fault i expect as I used to rev the thing quite hard. I went on to use the Enfield as my daily work ride for several more years as told in the post above before converting it to 500cc and selling it to a friend, I was fully into Norton Commando's by that time which were and still are the love of my life.
Seriously reminded me of my beloved 1969 RE... These older gen bullets are a different level altogether... Not exactly refined or as reliable as the current bikes in the market... But it's the simplicity that overwhelms you.. not to mention the lazy, tourquey nature of these engines. Easy to repair, easy to maintain, a true travel mate who's raring to go over the horizons with you.. almost as if they could read your mind!! Built like a gun... For a hardy old son of a gun!! ❤👌🤘💪💪😎
Beautiful move. No Enfields in the Netherlands but the descriptions in this film reminds me very much of my first 50 cc Zündapp 2-stroke "brommer". I got it from my dad, basically because it was already knackered, and had had a similar love / hate relationship with it. It was constantly breaking down but still somehow got me everywhere. I still own about 80 % of it. In parts! One day .....
@@swordfish9807 Whatever rings your bell, bro. Talking about being smart though: Every fool can spend money like water. Most fools do since one does not need any skills for that. A lucky roll of the dice placing you in the right social class is already enough.
Bought my classic 350 3 days back and watching these videos make me feel like I am not riding a bike but a Legacy, a rich history which I will pass on to the next generations.
2018, still my fav video..! I own a new Re, just bcoz i love the old one.! I know that new ones cant even matched with the new ones. Maybe i can pass my new RE to my next generations, one day theyll be proud of owning second generation RE's
Old ones, like mine 1992 model, (which is younger than real old ones yet), they can sense the mood of rider, and , wont start unless i calm down first... no matter how many kicks i try to start it... it ll keep doing that like saying password is wrong, password is wrong....once i take a deep breath, forget the problem thats irritating my mind, and calm down, my foot and hand on race controller, and pressure equalizer knob,automatically come to right millisecond settings and then it starts with that one kick, just like a biometric password...
I owned two Bullets back in the day., when I was young - actually, I started off with a 350 Bullet... that's also the reason why I bought the 350 Classic one year ago, after many bikes and 3 side-cars . I loved these bikes, and the Classic is still a Royal Enfield, maybe with the new Bullet the last true RE in some way...but I do get what the guys say: no kickstarter, no problems, no heavy vibrations, no stop and repair on the road, not a real Enfield. Still, the new Classic comes as close as possible, I think.
What a docu yaaron!!!! short and sweet... I do not ride bikes.. but something about the old Enfield Bullet draws me to it. esp its ra-ta-tut tut tut sound and when I'm driving my car, I often find myself following a Bullet just to hear the sound!!!
Love that each of these men has accepted, understands, and encourages riders of the new Enfield while still maintaining their ABSOLUTE loyalty to the originals…THIS is the way. Wish “old” Harley dudes were like this but for the most part, they aren’t…
I've been riding since I was eleven years old and I'm now 67. I would love to own a Royal Enfield. These are still motorcycles...a somewhat dependable machine with an engine and two wheels to get you from one destination to another, without it being covered in plastic! . I recently had my eye on a 2008 500 Bullet with only 800 miles and I let it get away. A great looking motorcycle. Thanks for sharing your experiences with one of the last/best motorcycle companies left in the world!
As an Indian Army brat growing up in the mid-late 1970s, there were these iconic vehicles I grew up around. Bullet, Jonga, Shaktiman, Nissan 1 tonner, Tata Mercedes 3 tonner, Jeep. I still remember the distinct rumble of the Bullet, as dispatch riders would come in bearing messages. A neighbor of mine in Bashishta Assam bought a junked Army Bullet, and had it restored (restored in chrome and black, rather than the standard Army issue drab Olive green) . His motorcycle was something to behold. Even though this dude was a rather obnoxious fart, I would willingly ride pillion with him to my high school that was 10-15 miles away, just because the bike was such a beauty - instead of riding the military issue 3 tonner to school. I have been living across a couple of oceans since the mid 1990s - and after agonizing for years on getting back on the saddle - got myself a Yamaha Vstar 1100 cruiser 3 years back. I absolutely love riding the bike across California roads, but with the recent RE Super Meteor - I think I am going to chuck my Yamaha cruiser and get the Super Meteor instead. The Bullet, as great as it is, is too light and too under powered for American highways.
I'm getting the new meteor 350 fireball red.... I know it's new and all and has no charm of the of legacy that Royal Enfield has... But maybe I look upto the legacy and it's one of the main reason that I want to own a Royal Enfield.... In future I will have my own stories to tell to my kids, that how I used to ride it and the adventures it has seen. 😁
i already respected bullet but, now as i heard and saw the legacy it holds . MAN!!! i am glad i am going to buy one and happy that generations after me will also feel the same way :)
100% True ..... people who says " buying a bike for 1lack rupess u could buy a car" .... For them its a piece of metal... But actually a lot of legacy is behind those metals ..... Yes it has no fuel gauge, technical stuff, abs, etc....... MAN ITS PURE METAL FOR TOUGH HEARTED PEOPLE ... In my opinion "U WANT TO BE A KING THEN RIDE THE LION... NOT THE RABBITS"
The Old Iron cast were far more Stable & Sturdy, Owned the Red Machismo 350cc 1996-2001, you could stand on the seat & it would be rock solid & Move over a speed breaker I am sure those are the ones Used In republic Day parades even now, You cant do that on the New EFI....I own the Classic Chrome 500cc Today 2014 , Love it equally miss the rock solid stability of the Iron cast engines...But Love the Electric start....Hated that back Kick of My Old Bike. Royal Enfield forever New or Old.
I really appreciate your respect to old and new. It gives me hope, that when I will buy a new one, I will have a great time with it. Do you think, they can last at least half as long as the old ones? Greetings from Germany
The RE is like the old vw beetles. They weren't built better than anything else on the highway. What mattered was the owners. They took above average care of their machines. We took care of them and took pride in our knowledge of the bikes/cars history. Religious oil changes, constant tuning. Checking settings. Constant polishing. Never reckless driving. SO........YES... they will last as long when the new comers develop some respect for their machines and not just try to see how fast they can go .................
Such a sensible comment after such a long time!!, the very first bike i ever rode was an enfield('71 model), it was not my bike, but i just couldn't stop myself whenever i got a chance to ride that bike, until 7 years ago, luck favoured me enough to have my own RE, the uce one(classic 350), and it's my privilege to admit that i have not faced a single problem uptil now, just because it really depends on how the owner keeps it!!, while it's true that the older ci's were known for their stability and durability, the current uce's are basically performance oriented and are much more efficient than their older counterpart, but in the end, enfield is enfield after all, immortal and legendary as always, old or new!!..
I am from Delhi, India ... as a small child (in 1980s) I developed an inherent fear for Royal Enfeild Classic .... It so happened , that when we were kids, often during power breaks (power cuts) we would play Hide-&-Seek (Chuppan Chupayee) in the locality where a lot of Scooters and Bikes used to be parked.... (wow .. those were fun days)... and we often used to Hide behind such Scooters and Bikes and quickly change places to avoid being caught by the Den(title for Person who was tasked to find us). So there was this Girl who was Hiding behind a Bullet ... and another kid, to avoid being caught (spied) by the Den (title for Person who was tasked to find us), he Jumped oved the Bullet in an clumsy and fast manner ... .. the Classic RE Bullet 500 CC toppled over the Girl hiding behind it and caused a hairline fracture in her leg .....I saw her withering in pain and was perplexed ..... I don't know why but I cannot get over this fear of heavy bikes (especially RE Classics) even till date.... I am nearing 50 now.
I remember when I bought my first Bullet in ‘94 it was an ‘86 350cc I road it from Madras to Goa and back over a six month period. Had trans rebuilt in Madras. Had the top end rebuilt in Bangalore. Had the clutch replaced in Goa. I was shocked that young people didn’t like them. Young people there liked Japanese bikes. I bought a 500cc ‘92 model with plans to bring it back to Australia but was having so much fun I stayed in India another year and eventually sold it. That bike could go Madras to Bangalore on 10 litres in 5 hours non stop. Eventually ran out of money sold the 500 and flew back to Australia. Got back to India 4 months later bought another 350cc bike and ride back to Bangalore and Madras. Bought a Jawa CZ while I was there also just to try something different but sold it as it was too small. Lots of fun back in the day
Hey chris. i would like to congratulate u on the amazing work u have done on this documentary. specially considering the funding process didn't go all very well. but what a amazing piece of film u have made. Mate can you please upload all the full interviews u took for the documentary with all the bullet enthusiast. really really keen to see the full interviews with bobby singh, vijay singh and anton. cheers mate. And consider me in on any support that u need on future documentary projects on motorcycles.
Thanks for your comment Akshay.! I look back on the endeavor to make this film with great fondness. I had thought about releasing all of the interviews, but I decided against it. If you look for the precedent of artists revealing their raw materials and concepts, they are hard to be found. However, I have heard this request and will be releasing bits and pieces in various forms. Please have a listen to the conversation I have posted on my channel. There you will find a small clip from Bobby saying as well has some insight into making chasing the bullet. The next episode of "making of chasing the bullet" will be out in the next couple days and there is a long section with the part of an interview with the old master mechanic from Jaipur, Kailash Ji. Thanks for your support, Chris
m d biggest fan of your work, u can see your work out there man at diff. location wid less crew . just love it perfectly synced audio /video bulleteers for life ✌
I rode my father's 79 bullet during my college days that a friend fleeced from me 😊 and I own a new one that I love for the refinement. Evolution is continuing and is needed. It's not as if the Bullet being called a classic now is the first generation, it evolved from something it was before. It's only that the company never took the initiative to have a continuous gradual improvement. I love to ride and I take care of the bike, but I never want to have a roadside breakdown that the OEM toolbox can't fix.
On bikes for 60 years and constantly thinking of my original model , my Saturday night pleasure was to watch this masterpiece of a video again , a burning anticipation of tomorrow now and my Sunday pleasure is to be dragging out my old iron Bullet , We have places to go,,,,,,,,, Inspired just like the First time all those years ago BY THIS GREAT VIDEO Thanks
Riding an Enfield is like riding a lion. Sure, it’s not the fastest cat out there but no other cat in the jungle can come close to its majesty, its ferocity and sheer, utter, fucking presence. Once you start that engine and you feel that deep, guttural idling sound beneath you, you know you are sitting on something almost mythical.
I loved watching your documentary on Royal Enfield. I am also passionate about bike specially Royal Enfields but since still I am a student I would love to own one when I will start earning and be lost with Royal Enfield in this world. Once again loved your documentary and it was full of emotons.
fabulous finally my wait for this documentary is over just loved this salute bobby singh and each and every mechanic who makes the bullet running loved it alot
Having owned about 10 bikes over the last 40 years, after selling my last large Jap 1200 4 a few years ago, ive decided, having being offered it for sale by a collector, a 92 pre unit 500 Bullet, and i am sooo excited at the prospect of owning and riding a 500 Bullet, with its legendary status going back 60 or more years, speed no longer an issue will allow me to enjoy this old girl , my fist long trip being to Dorset to meet up with an old friend in May ? im am like a child on Christmas eve, bring it on !
@@PrometheanLiver very true, in the 70s when i first became involved with bikes as a youth, speed was the goal, although having said that, even at that age i still has a yearning for older machines, having talked to my Dad about all the machines he had experience of growing up, now the old pre unit Enfield will give me an opportunity to experience old school machinery at my leisure, speed no longer an issue, just pleasure.
Good film,thankyou. 27 years ago I had a 350 bullet,and since then many other bikes.But 6 months ago I bought a new 500 classic.I remembered how much I loved the old 350,and love the new bike :).
Absolutely wonderful documentary. I have already seen it thrice since yesterday. Its just a pure love for Bullets that make such beautiful documentary.
This is a Brilliant movie , a Masterpiece of cinematic emotion and inspiration . Nothing I have ever seen or listened to comes close to this . It is Sunday 7-20am , I am getting out of bed to dig out my " old-fuker " 350 and begin my life again .
At age 63, I just bought my first bike, the Royal Enfield INT 650 (INT 650 in the US, Interceptor everywhere else). I had no idea I was buying a motorcycle with such a rich heritage and tradition. Now I know why the Interceptor has such a wonderful, simple honesty to it.
up until a decade ago, it was the same bike it was in the 50s. How often can you say that about a bike?
Congratulations on your first bike. I've been riding 50 years, same age as you. I have a HD Springer, but that RE 650 is looking better by the day..
I just took one up the Himalayas last month. It is purest expression of how a motorcycle was intended to be. Simple, mercurial yet follows its master…. Just what a man wants…. Mountains, roads and a bike….. I hope you enjoy riding it for a long long time
@@telcobilly For me is is excellent. It will do freeway speeds without the speed of a sport bike. And is is one classy bike. I commonly have people roll down their windows at stoplights and ask about it.
@@chandan1583 I love your description. My INT 650 is similar. It is like the slightly flawed protagonist in an adventure story. Strong, sturdy, classy, dependable. Yet just enough flaws to be honest. The simplicity is non-obsolescent authenticity.
Something that wont change is once you love your Enfield you will never unlove it . It never becomes an ex , it stays with you til the very end .
+Dennis David well said mate
Very True. 1 month ago I got my RE classic, its something else.
Well said friend👌, I bought a 79 model bullet and its mind blowing masterpiece 😘🥰
i got my first enfield last 2017. c350 and himalayan. i stopped looking at other bikes, never wanted any new bike. i just wanted full tank of gas as a regular upgrade
My grandfather had one since '63. They let it go after him. He wiped off the dust with his handkerchief. That was his love
When I was travelling alone in India as a young woman (aged 22) I saw an old Bullet 350 for sale for $300 in Chennai and although I had never ridden a bike before or really considered it, I somehow immediately fell in love with it. It became my travelling companion for the next year - I rode that rattly bucket of nuts the length and breadth of India, and I have so many stories. It took me to so many far-flung places I would never have known existed. I wasn't a biker before, but travelling with my Enfield Bullet started a passion for two-wheels that has become part of me. Thanks for reminding me of the best times of my life! ❤
Cheers 🎉🎉🎉
That's amazing, hope you continue to ride /\
I'm a proud owner of a 1983 Bullet 350. The old engines are legendary and the thump is just mind blowing. Easy to work on and easy to tune parts.
My dad also owns a 83
Have you ever had a feeling while kickstarting that it can sense your mood, and, wont start till you calm down...and apply the password like exact force and exact race etc to start it at exact milliseconds,,...😅
@@mmeettwwooon point! It’s a temperament that you need to attune yourself to
@@malharsatav4429 you got it right... exactamento
I love my 1988 Bullet 350. Just finished a complete rebuild after the bike being unused for 3 years. As an accomplishment of the work, did a dawn to dusk ride from Chennai to Kodaikanal on 11 Jan 2023. 500 kms. She didn’t miss a beat. I am proud of the machine, the mechanics and every hand that has touched her to make her what she is.
Wow that's amazing, just started a group for old bullet riders in Chennai, let me know if you'd like to join, more the merrier ;)
@@fuelarjunam from coimbatore
I enjoyed this documentary very much. I recently bought a Meteor 350. I really appreciate the Royal Enfield heritage.
Congratulations sir ❤️
Meteor is lovely but the CI engine old bullet is a legend..
J series has soul and character with reliability .
Imo cant be beat for a realaxed bike with a heart
Same here. I LOVE my Meteor 350, and it's really neat to be part of such a rich heritage - like being a part of a huge family.
Every time i watch Chasing the Bullet, i want to go for a ride.
I'm flattered that it has such a profound effect of you! And that you watch it multiple times!
@@PrometheanLiver Still watching it.
Hell yes man! You captured exactly how I feel too! For some reason I keep coming back to watch it again!
Captured..!
Same here
I had 2 RE in the past 5 years
I am very happy to say that my mechanic degree is coming in the mail this week. 👍
The journey began 2012 & still going strong on Classic 350...
Owning a Royal Enfield is a Legacy & legendary feeling.... I rode across India and always found that Riding a legend.
I almost began restoring an air cooled Yamaha classic racer but after watching this I have decided to get my old Bullet fired up and see the World one more time it's like Bobby says " it's a different sport " and takes me back to the beginning that first Love thing it just never goes away See You out there just do it Sincerely
It's funny how literally everyone, even those who don't own this bike, have atleast one memorable story with the bullet. I remember the first time I went on a ride on this bike, it was my college senior who used to drive this bike to college everyday. I asked him if I can ride it and he handed me the keys and said "If you can start it, you can take her for a ride" and surprisingly she started on the first kick and it turns out I was just lucky that day to get it started on the first try 😂
True, I never had a RE, but My grandfather had a RE and I remember I was just 5YO and
my Grandfather took me for a ride and I was sitting in front, Holding the steering bar,
He let me turn the throttle and when I did it, The bike roared,
It scared me but it was soo fun and I felt so much powerful,
It's in my core memory and I still remember it...
I like it how u refer to a bullet as she.
@@Snowaxe3D ohh the vintage bullet was a master piece
@@033kushagrabasra2 hahaha great observation, usually bikes like bullet are quite masculine but for some people bullet is like their first love 😛i guess that emotion is enough to explains the "her" reference 😁
Old ones dont call it she, we call it a he , like a horse...we had its male names too, like my friend called his sultan...
"a new one will never do for me. Period. Its not the same sport"
Killer work Chris Zahner! Captures the magic and emotion of motorcycles through the lens of Royal Enfield riders.
Im 45yrs old and been into motorcycles my whole life. I have watched hundreds of documentaries and films on every subject of bikes. This is one of the best i have ever watched!! More soul and pure understanding of why we Ride. A real Classic on the subject of motorcycles!!
this documentary was made by heart of the people who consider enfield as their soul!!, respect to them and many thanks to all those legends for keeping this legacy alive so that we can relive it and pass the torch to the future generations to relive it again!!, i own the current uce model for more than 5 years and trust me, everytime i ride my bike i feel as though it's the first time i am riding it, i mean the pleasure and that organic feeling never fades away, never goes stale, in fact the very first bike i rode when i was hardly 15 was enfield or bullet of 80's, i know the feeling of those old legends, it's just raw, incomparable!!, but these new ones are more economic and intelligent as bobby sir said for various reasons, still a bullet remains a bullet, old or new, forever, you just can't kill the legend, it's immortal, truly!!..
Having ridden the old beast during my college days, and now finally a new one, all i have to say is that while they may not be the same and some of the magic is gone, it is still a great thing that the new generation will also have their own Bullet and their own memories.
The first time I ever sat on a bike I was 6-7 months old. My dad took me our for a ride on his precious hero honda. And now when I think of it, I'm pretty sure that's when my love for motorcycles began and it has only increased ever since. Royal Enfields have always been my favorite although I never got an opportunity to ride the old ones. Now I'm very close to getting my own RE and I cannot be happier. Thank you for the video. :)
CI engines are legendary. But the new UCE engine is a gem. it will be remembered in the future
The this UCE gem engine is a combination of old technology with some new parts to it which and thats why engine life is only 25-30 thousand kms and then you ll find smoke with the dhuk dhuk sound and that ll change your perception about this bike and its delicate like petal engine
I have seen my neighbour's 61000 in odo uce with no problems. it's how you maintain it.
hassan khan bro , don't feed trolls and get to their level.
Matchless is one of my favorites
Hassan I do not want to imagine what knowledge you hold about motorcycles..especially about these REs, by the grace of god you own couple of Norton, Matchless and a HD 883 but not everyone has the same kind of "grace of god" that you posses. So instead of cursing RE for there engine or anything just because you saw a engine die young. People love RE's even if you are among the haters.
H Khan I am confident you don’t have one
I own classic 350 but after watching this documentary I am looking forward to buy an old Bullet ....
Love her
It’s a very nice and touching documentary
I using RE reborn classic and electra 2016 models both and are in two different cities and due to this I have to go to the mechanics of RE, one thing is common the mechanics of RE are so proudly working and a very satisfied faces, and they explains function of each part so happily
Congratulations once again for such a great video
Massive respect to Chris Zahner. This Is truely a masterpiece. Royal Enfields and Particularly bullets have always been a bike we all have been fascinated about. "It's a King that is meant to rule all , no matter what you pit against it." This film described the true sceanrios revolving around the bullet. Be it the Riders , the maestros or the The bike itself.
I have a duke 390.
To be honest i thought enfields only had charming looks. But when i got to go on a small trip, i instantly fell in love with its charming feel too. I hope I'll get to ride a conti someday.
I have both new and old bullet.. actually my father has old one..
There is a difference in the way they produce torque, sound and vibration... both are different but after 35k kms on my desert storm i can assure you that there is no difference in the way you will fall in love with them...
I have ridden the old one and new Desert Storm 500 both, I prefer new RE Classic 500 , the thump is different but quite same and performance of RE 500 ECU is much better than old bullets especially with Red Rooster Exhaust
I have three...two older ones are 350 and 500 and then a new 500 std. Take my word, no one in the family rides the new one. It has been lying unused for >1 year and I have force myself for a ride around cornet, just to keep battery going.
@@HarjeetSingh-ev8vk bhai 500 cc CI engine kab aati thi ki aapne khud banai thi
@@TheZenith790 there are plenty of mechanics in the Old delhi area who specialize in rebuilding old 350 or 500 motorcycles (iron cast engine). I beleive the company stopped making iron cast engines around 2007. These mechanic shops will buy you an old motor and completely overhaul it...for roughly 200k you get an authentic iron cast engine 500 cc real bullet. Here is a contact, her name is Mrs Singh (Joga Motors), potentially the only woman running such a business.....Joga Motors is the best, in my view - 9873224443
@@TheZenith790 500 cc ci bullet existed yaar
I have seen a great deal of documentaries over the years...few, if any , come close to the quality and artistic merit of this one. Very special indeed. Well done...oh, and the music! Superb. Bravo...
I've been riding since I was 13 years old in 1963 and over the years I've owned many styles, sizes and models of motorcycles from many countries. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for British bikes that vibrate. I rode my first RE Bullet 500 about 20 years ago when they were first imported into the US from India. It still had all drum brakes and a converted shifter to the left side. It was at a vintage motorcycle dealer and they let me watch a new one being uncrated and assembled - even showed me how to adjust the valves - and they sold T-shirts that said, "LOUD VALVES SAVE LIVES". They started one on the showroom floor and it started on the first kick and ran flawlessly - at least the engine did. When I rode it, I found a false neutral between each gear and I had to start slowing down about a city block before coming to a full stop. Still, I absolutely loved the ride, the sitting position and the handling. I still smile, thinking about it. I'm sure all the flaws have been worked out and I plan to get one as soon as my budget allows and the world recovers from the COVID-19. Currently, I ride an old Harley Sportster 883 standard with the same sitting position as the bullet and yes, it vibrates. Love it!!!!
As per one legend that man at @7:45 is still kicking...after all these years he is still trying to Kickstart her.
He also looks like a guy who bought that fake leather jacket just for this shoot. 😊
Awesome documentary, I am blessed with the introduction of a new Bullet, down in the middle of the world, Ecuador has adopted the Enfield and is here to stay!!
regards
Glad to know RE is spreading its love and being accepted in its new homes.
Love from India
Facinating! I love my classic 350 signals. However, I also love the heritage of Royal Enfield. British and Indian. Forever linked. Stronger together and better for it. 😊
By the time of 6 years that I have owned this bike I learned about changing the brakes front disc brake pads, rear brake pads, changing oil, changing chains, and changing spark, this bike taught me a lot. And made me select my course as a mechanical engineer.
Loved it....Its sad that Rajdoot faded away... I remember my grandy riding one....
Drove a bullet around southern India 20 years ago and had dreamed of owning an Enfield ever since. Now in Thailand the dream just became a reality. Picked up a Meteor last week. Happy days. ❤ loving it..!!!
*Crap Game*
Am I am still watching it.. time an time again. Chasing the Bullet rejuvinates that thrill everytime.
Love this video! I may not own a Bullet nor have I ridden one, but I own an old GS500 which is pretty much a 70's bike with 21st century paperwork. People get so obsessed with bigger bikes, more power, more this, more that...I don't know, but I find it that the purest motorcycling experience is often the most "basic". Sure, it has no fuel injection, no ABS or anything digital, hell - it only has one main fuse, and I rode that bike anywhere and I still enjoy the old air cooled thump of the twin cylinder engine.
It's all about the experience. Ride safe, guys!
As I've no idea how many times I've watched this - just to say a great film Chris! Rode with Jonathan and RE to Goodwood Revival on my 1951 Bullet (liked it so much I had to get an even older one too!). A great bike and a wonderful film - memories of riding in India and whenever I'm having "one of those times" the timing has slipped or the starting isn't it inspires me to get it sorted so I can get out again. Thank you!
Rik79Duc thank you so much for the kind words! The venerable bullet and Jono are legends alike!
Congratulations! A breathtaking video on the pain, frustration and fondness of owning a Bullet. She is one tempestuous mistress and you have captured every nuance well!!!
The owners/riders and the mechanics/demigods who look after these cantankerous machines ought to be commended because not everyone has the patience to own a Bullet. It requires immense resources of patience, stoic belief in your bike, a vocabulary of the choicest swear words when the Bullet doesn't start and yet a store of superlatives when she gets going smoothly.
I own such a bike and such love affairs are long, temperamental and definitely not boring. Thanks so much for bringing this out well and truly..
Great documentary , very well produced !! Some lovely words about the mighty bullet. I had the pleasure of getting together with Jonathan when he made it to London. We had a few beers and talked adventure and enfield's !! Looking forward to getting my full license and a bullet this year !!
Me being an old school bullet fan salute PrometheanLiver .
I always thought, REs were there to fill in the voids that remain when someone can't/didn't buy a Harley Davidson. But after listening to these people in the video I think I was wrong.
If someone gave me a Harley I would sell it for half price to get another bullet. In fact, I did sell my harley to buy a bullet I dont regret it at all. 16 years on a bullet 10 years on a harley
I bought a RE in January of 2022, the local dealer in my area is also a Harley Dealer... they tried to get me to go with a Harley, I pointed at the Dux Deluxe 2022 Continental GT650 and told them quite bluntly, "I leave with that bike or I just leave, it's up to you." That was not about money, it was about the type of bike I wanted, Harley can never compare to a RE, and the reverse is also true
Now we have the J platform…. Got the new classic.. absolutely in love with this bike
WOW! it's wonderful to see so many souls living the same passion as you for a motorcycle that is just not a MOTORCYCLE! Been waiting to see this video from the first time I saw the teasers. Brilliant job, Chris Xahner!
Thank you! We've been waiting for this since we first heard about your project. Looking back at the various trailers and "Making of" videos I get the feeling that there's much more to the story, much more you could put together from the material you gathered. I hope you do put together more parts of this amazing story. Again, thank you for sharing this with us all.
My father is an Enfield fan through and through. His first bike was a bullet that he had to sell due to financial issues. He later bought a few hero hondas and hondas and used them for years before his back couldnt take bike riding anymore. I wanted him to try out the latest bullet to see if he likes it. He liked it but he said its just not what it was. My brother got a sports bike and dad took it on a test drive. His first reaction was, this isnt a machine, its a computer. It has no margins for errors. If you miss your inputs by a little, that error will show up in riding experience. The old classic bullets were built like a person. A little too much throttle? no problem, the engine doesn't have a good throttle response anyways. A little too much brake? no worries the brakes are not the bitiest. It was a bike that let you get away with your mistakes. Mistakes, that average humans make regularly. He's completely given up riding bikes, but still turns his head ever so slightly when a bullet passes us by. The love that this country has given to the bike, and the returns from it, have made Bullet a stuff of legends.
Bobbee singh a big thank to you and your team for inspiring me and many youngsters like me to work for my dream and get my dream bike. BULLET is truely a religion!
My 1967 British made RE 350 Bullet never leaked a drip of oil and in the 5 years I used it as my (very economical) daily ride (1972-7) it very rarely went wrong, and if it did was easily fixed by the roadside with a basic tool kit I carried with me.
The first year I rode the Bullet the handling was not exactly confidence inspiring but one time to save money I fitted an Avon Safety Mileage tyre to the front in place of the original ribbed tyre, the handling was incredibly improved, I put a 4.00 SM tyre on the back and a 3.50 SM on the front and replaced the rear shock absorbers for some uprated units with harder springs and the Bullet handled like a race bike, hardly any of my friends could keep up with the trusty Bullet on the twisty bits, I could scrape the foot rests on the ground hands off the bars at any speed I liked it was so stable and the tyres used to wear more on the sides than the middle due to the way I rode the bike and the fact that there was little power or brakes but a whole lot of cornering grip, I would strongly recommend to use Avon SM tyres front and rear on these bikes.
I came across a 500 cc Bullet engine in a bike breakers, it had an alloy cylinder and under the dirt it looked like it was new and unused so I bought it then stripped and rebuilt it to be sure it was ok and it was indeed a new engine, even had a high compression piston in it andI got it for only 15 quid!.. It went straight into the bike in place of the 350 engine needing only the underside of the tank cutting here and there and welding up for clearance on the taller and bigger cylinder assembly.
The 500 was a great improvement on the 350 with much more torque,
I ended up selling it to a college pal, a Mr Ian Consterdine back in 1977 and lost touch with the bike after,
Wish I still had it or at least knew if it was still going..
Thank you so much for telling that story! So much of what you said draws such a parallel to all of the tales I’ve heard over the years about our beloved Bullets. Have you ever taken a trip to India?
No, but I would have loved to have done a long trip on a motorcycle such as that, I did think about it at times back in the day but family commitments put the kybosh on it.
In 1979 aged 14 I purchased a Triumph 650cc 6T bike, the Triumph was completely dismantled and in boxes with plenty of bits missing, I paid £5 for the lot (life savings), I put what I had bought together as best as I could and got it running and used the bike for riding across country where I lived to the famous Canada Heights scrambling track which was a mile away across some fields.
The Triumph was a lot of bike for a 14 year old but I was a big strong lad and I loved the power, compared to my previous bike a Greeves fitted with a 250cc Villiers engine the 6T was incredibly powerful.
A few years later the guy I purchased the 6T from wanted it back when he saw the bike rebuilt and running and temped me into swapping it for the above mentioned Royal Enfield 350 Bullet, which was at that time also pretty much a basket case, this guy it seemed used to buy non running bikes and strip them down then run out of steam and abandon them, this was in 1971 and I was 16.
By this time I was working for a living and I had purchased a new BSA Starfire 250 from the local BSA dealer Schwieso Bros. in Dartford Kent,
well the Starfire turned out to be a piece of junk and didn't last very long so I ended up turning to the Bullet to get me out of trouble,
I had stored the bike for a while waiting for the right moment to repair it so I a good look at what was in the boxes and found that the reason the bike had been partially dismantled was due to an engine oil pump issue,
after making a list of the parts needed, a visit to Deeprose Bros. of Catford in Lewisham South London was made and after parting with some hard earned I bought all the parts necessary to make the repairs.
The main engine problem was that the oil pump worm drive gear was stripped, this was caused by a fault in a one way valve that was supposed to prevent oil from draining out of the oil feed pipe to the head, this sprung loaded ball valve had been assembled back to front at the factory and was forcing all the scavenge oil return to be forced through the small bore head feed pipe into the head, which had over stressed the gear and stripped it's worm gear drive, I don't think the bike had been used for more than a few hours it was all in such very good condition,
I stripped the engine completely and cleaned and checked everything was ok, I used 'Green Hermatite' to seal all the case joints on reassembly (and it never leaked a drop of oil after).
Anyway I had the bike all up and running within a few days and all was well, I remember being amazed at how much better the design and build quality was than the BSA Starfire that I had wasted my money on the previous year, the BSA was now out of action with a broken conrod and after repairs was disposed of and the Bullet became my daily rider, this was 1972 and I was 17, I also has a 500cc BSA Royal Star at that time again purchased from Schweiso Bros. but that bike was almost brand new and my pride and joy so I didn't want to use it for the daily work grind.
Well it turned out that the Bullet outlasted the Royal Star too which like the Starfire didn't last long with a complete piston failure wrecking the engine, my fault i expect as I used to rev the thing quite hard.
I went on to use the Enfield as my daily work ride for several more years as told in the post above before converting it to 500cc and selling it to a friend, I was fully into Norton Commando's by that time which were and still are the love of my life.
I made a typo in the above post , I purchased the Triumph 6T in 1969 not 1979
Seriously reminded me of my beloved 1969 RE... These older gen bullets are a different level altogether... Not exactly refined or as reliable as the current bikes in the market... But it's the simplicity that overwhelms you.. not to mention the lazy, tourquey nature of these engines. Easy to repair, easy to maintain, a true travel mate who's raring to go over the horizons with you.. almost as if they could read your mind!! Built like a gun... For a hardy old son of a gun!! ❤👌🤘💪💪😎
Beautiful move. No Enfields in the Netherlands but the descriptions in this film reminds me very much of my first 50 cc Zündapp 2-stroke "brommer". I got it from my dad, basically because it was already knackered, and had had a similar love / hate relationship with it. It was constantly breaking down but still somehow got me everywhere. I still own about 80 % of it. In parts! One day .....
The love for these things is universal! Thanks for watching!
Yeah, except for people who have all the money in the world. They will not even bother and thus never know what they are missing,
@@swordfish9807 Whatever rings your bell, bro. Talking about being smart though: Every fool can spend money like water. Most fools do since one does not need any skills for that. A lucky roll of the dice placing you in the right social class is already enough.
Still watching it in 2024. Did 1,00,600kms on my C500 chrome bs3. Still loving it like I first loved it in 2015.
I am Still watching this in 2018.
Cant let the hype of your video man.
Awesome
going to become an RE owner soon.
Waiting for my tbx 350
Muhammed Ibinu thanks for your support!
Bought my classic 350 3 days back and watching these videos make me feel like I am not riding a bike but a Legacy, a rich history which I will pass on to the next generations.
Bobby Singh's words. awesome nostalgia! bikes are not meant to be sensible ;-)
2018, still my fav video..!
I own a new Re, just bcoz i love the old one.! I know that new ones cant even matched with the new ones. Maybe i can pass my new RE to my next generations, one day theyll be proud of owning second generation RE's
I made the mistake of buying a Harley Davidson which is purely an ego trip I feel the Royal enfields are more of a spiritual trip. And are affordable.
I feel the same! 👍🏼🤟
I haven't ridden a single RE until now and i don't know why tf am i watching this.
Might be very soon that I'll have my own RE😎
Yes I made it!
It's been a wonderful year having a bullet 350 standard black.
Dreams do come true ❤
Old ones, like mine 1992 model, (which is younger than real old ones yet), they can sense the mood of rider, and , wont start unless i calm down first... no matter how many kicks i try to start it... it ll keep doing that like saying password is wrong, password is wrong....once i take a deep breath, forget the problem thats irritating my mind, and calm down, my foot and hand on race controller, and pressure equalizer knob,automatically come to right millisecond settings and then it starts with that one kick, just like a biometric password...
Lol well said, that's how it is with my 2004 Electra 4s and was with the '65 G2 I used to ride earlier
The whole documentary is soo relating, and the Bobbee part is what I liked the most.
Loved the work 👌
I owned two Bullets back in the day., when I was young - actually, I started off with a 350 Bullet... that's also the reason why I bought the 350 Classic one year ago, after many bikes and 3 side-cars . I loved these bikes, and the Classic is still a Royal Enfield, maybe with the new Bullet the last true RE in some way...but I do get what the guys say: no kickstarter, no problems, no heavy vibrations, no stop and repair on the road, not a real Enfield. Still, the new Classic comes as close as possible, I think.
What a docu yaaron!!!! short and sweet... I do not ride bikes.. but something about the old Enfield Bullet draws me to it. esp its ra-ta-tut tut tut sound and when I'm driving my car, I often find myself following a Bullet just to hear the sound!!!
Love that each of these men has accepted, understands, and encourages riders of the new Enfield while still maintaining their ABSOLUTE loyalty to the originals…THIS is the way. Wish “old” Harley dudes were like this but for the most part, they aren’t…
Thank you for this Documentary. Bulleteer for Life.
I have a 1973 bullet. It still works with the feel of feather❤
I've been riding since I was eleven years old and I'm now 67. I would love to own a Royal Enfield. These are still motorcycles...a somewhat dependable machine with an engine and two wheels to get you from one destination to another, without it being covered in plastic! . I recently had my eye on a 2008 500 Bullet with only 800 miles and I let it get away. A great looking motorcycle. Thanks for sharing your experiences with one of the last/best motorcycle companies left in the world!
bobbee speaks the truth about these RE.. can't agree with him anymore..
As an Indian Army brat growing up in the mid-late 1970s, there were these iconic vehicles I grew up around. Bullet, Jonga, Shaktiman, Nissan 1 tonner, Tata Mercedes 3 tonner, Jeep.
I still remember the distinct rumble of the Bullet, as dispatch riders would come in bearing messages. A neighbor of mine in Bashishta Assam bought a junked Army Bullet, and had it restored (restored in chrome and black, rather than the standard Army issue drab Olive green) . His motorcycle was something to behold. Even though this dude was a rather obnoxious fart, I would willingly ride pillion with him to my high school that was 10-15 miles away, just because the bike was such a beauty - instead of riding the military issue 3 tonner to school.
I have been living across a couple of oceans since the mid 1990s - and after agonizing for years on getting back on the saddle - got myself a Yamaha Vstar 1100 cruiser 3 years back. I absolutely love riding the bike across California roads, but with the recent RE Super Meteor - I think I am going to chuck my Yamaha cruiser and get the Super Meteor instead.
The Bullet, as great as it is, is too light and too under powered for American highways.
I'm getting the new meteor 350 fireball red.... I know it's new and all and has no charm of the of legacy that Royal Enfield has... But maybe I look upto the legacy and it's one of the main reason that I want to own a Royal Enfield....
In future I will have my own stories to tell to my kids, that how I used to ride it and the adventures it has seen. 😁
i already respected bullet but, now as i heard and saw the legacy it holds . MAN!!! i am glad i am going to buy one and happy that generations after me will also feel the same way :)
100% True ..... people who says " buying a bike for 1lack rupess u could buy a car" .... For them its a piece of metal... But actually a lot of legacy is behind those metals ..... Yes it has no fuel gauge, technical stuff, abs, etc....... MAN ITS PURE METAL FOR TOUGH HEARTED PEOPLE ... In my opinion "U WANT TO BE A KING THEN RIDE THE LION... NOT THE RABBITS"
the most honest and the best review ever given on the new and the older beasts..
😂😂😂 "I told my mum l need a royal enfield because it's in the job description "
Absolute stuff of the legends! The nostalgia is strong tonight. And will be for every rider who has ridden a proper old bullet. Great video.
The Old Iron cast were far more Stable & Sturdy, Owned the Red Machismo 350cc 1996-2001, you could stand on the seat & it would be rock solid & Move over a speed breaker I am sure those are the ones Used In republic Day parades even now, You cant do that on the New EFI....I own the Classic Chrome 500cc Today 2014 , Love it equally miss the rock solid stability of the Iron cast engines...But Love the Electric start....Hated that back Kick of My Old Bike. Royal Enfield forever New or Old.
💪✌✌
I really appreciate your respect to old and new. It gives me hope, that when I will buy a new one, I will have a great time with it. Do you think, they can last at least half as long as the old ones?
Greetings from Germany
The simple answer is NO. In around 5 years the bike will start falling apart. Mine did. The old ones survived decades.
The RE is like the old vw beetles. They weren't built better than anything else on the highway. What mattered was the owners. They took above average care of their machines. We took care of them and took pride in our knowledge of the bikes/cars history. Religious oil changes, constant tuning. Checking settings. Constant polishing. Never reckless driving. SO........YES... they will last as long when the new comers develop some respect for their machines and not just try to see how fast they can go .................
Such a sensible comment after such a long time!!, the very first bike i ever rode was an enfield('71 model), it was not my bike, but i just couldn't stop myself whenever i got a chance to ride that bike, until 7 years ago, luck favoured me enough to have my own RE, the uce one(classic 350), and it's my privilege to admit that i have not faced a single problem uptil now, just because it really depends on how the owner keeps it!!, while it's true that the older ci's were known for their stability and durability, the current uce's are basically performance oriented and are much more efficient than their older counterpart, but in the end, enfield is enfield after all, immortal and legendary as always, old or new!!..
I donno how many times I have watched it! Never gets old!
ritin sharma thank you Ritin!
strong words by Bobbee Singh, Rajputana Customs, Rag & Bone Customs and everyone else. Bullet is the Pride of India. JAI HIND
I wish royal enfeild start producing twin cylinder engine bullets with a displacement of 750 cc.
You're wish may be granted soon ;)
PrometheanLiver
lets hope so
Agreed, I think their sales would triple ... that seems to be the only complaint when you talk about these cool bikes, new or old.
Now they make twin cyclinder and 650 cc thou
@@trxesports3036 no thats a single cylinder too
I am from Delhi, India ... as a small child (in 1980s) I developed an inherent fear for Royal Enfeild Classic .... It so happened , that when we were kids, often during power breaks (power cuts) we would play Hide-&-Seek (Chuppan Chupayee) in the locality where a lot of Scooters and Bikes used to be parked.... (wow .. those were fun days)... and we often used to Hide behind such Scooters and Bikes and quickly change places to avoid being caught by the Den(title for Person who was tasked to find us).
So there was this Girl who was Hiding behind a Bullet ... and another kid, to avoid being caught (spied) by the Den (title for Person who was tasked to find us), he Jumped oved the Bullet in an clumsy and fast manner ... .. the Classic RE Bullet 500 CC toppled over the Girl hiding behind it and caused a hairline fracture in her leg .....I saw her withering in pain and was perplexed ..... I don't know why but I cannot get over this fear of heavy bikes (especially RE Classics) even till date.... I am nearing 50 now.
Great video!
The Chuck Norris part's the best.
I simply could not leave that bit out of the film!
hehe
All hail prometheanliver...thankyou for this documentry
I remember when I bought my first Bullet in ‘94 it was an ‘86 350cc I road it from Madras to Goa and back over a six month period. Had trans rebuilt in Madras. Had the top end rebuilt in Bangalore. Had the clutch replaced in Goa. I was shocked that young people didn’t like them. Young people there liked Japanese bikes.
I bought a 500cc ‘92 model with plans to bring it back to Australia but was having so much fun I stayed in India another year and eventually sold it. That bike could go Madras to Bangalore on 10 litres in 5 hours non stop. Eventually ran out of money sold the 500 and flew back to Australia. Got back to India 4 months later bought another 350cc bike and ride back to Bangalore and Madras. Bought a Jawa CZ while I was there also just to try something different but sold it as it was too small. Lots of fun back in the day
Hey chris. i would like to congratulate u on the amazing work u have done on this documentary. specially considering the funding process didn't go all very well. but what a amazing piece of film u have made. Mate can you please upload all the full interviews u took for the documentary with all the bullet enthusiast. really really keen to see the full interviews with bobby singh, vijay singh and anton. cheers mate. And consider me in on any support that u need on future documentary projects on motorcycles.
Thanks for your comment Akshay.!
I look back on the endeavor to make this film with great fondness. I had thought about releasing all of the interviews, but I decided against it. If you look for the precedent of artists revealing their raw materials and concepts, they are hard to be found. However, I have heard this request and will be releasing bits and pieces in various forms.
Please have a listen to the conversation I have posted on my channel. There you will find a small clip from Bobby saying as well has some insight into making chasing the bullet.
The next episode of "making of chasing the bullet" will be out in the next couple days and there is a long section with the part of an interview with the old master mechanic from Jaipur, Kailash Ji.
Thanks for your support,
Chris
I watched it again in three months !@ that's way too beautiful !!@😚😚😚😚
same as i did
You need an RE
m d biggest fan of your work,
u can see your work out there man at diff. location wid less crew .
just love it
perfectly synced audio /video
bulleteers for life ✌
Revehead fan bruh!😎subsciber of yours here
Love motorcycles, absolutely love the OG Enfields. Brilliant video.
This is the type of content I pay my internet bills for!
I bought 79 model bullet and its mind blowing experience to ride and its majestic look and comfort..just awesome...old bullet fans hit like here
This documentary made me cry for some reason.
I rode my father's 79 bullet during my college days that a friend fleeced from me 😊 and I own a new one that I love for the refinement. Evolution is continuing and is needed. It's not as if the Bullet being called a classic now is the first generation, it evolved from something it was before. It's only that the company never took the initiative to have a continuous gradual improvement.
I love to ride and I take care of the bike, but I never want to have a roadside breakdown that the OEM toolbox can't fix.
On bikes for 60 years and constantly thinking of my original model , my Saturday night pleasure was to watch this masterpiece of a video again , a burning anticipation of tomorrow now and my Sunday pleasure is to be dragging out my old iron Bullet , We have places to go,,,,,,,,, Inspired just like the First time all those years ago BY THIS GREAT VIDEO Thanks
My heart is made up of Cast Iron. Thats all
This is just awesome!
I've just got a new electra, rode some 3,000 kms and it hasn't disappointed yet. Goes on and on...
Cheers to the riding spirit!
The Love and passion for these beautiful machines. Forever two wheels. GREAT DOCO !!! 👍😎👍
Well the legend will continue to grow and for ever!! awesome video...love for my old bullet just increases with time!!
Riding an Enfield is like riding a lion. Sure, it’s not the fastest cat out there but no other cat in the jungle can come close to its majesty, its ferocity and sheer, utter, fucking presence. Once you start that engine and you feel that deep, guttural idling sound beneath you, you know you are sitting on something almost mythical.
The slow harmonium score in the background is so amazingly apt!
Very haunting! Enhanced the narrative!
I loved watching your documentary on Royal Enfield. I am also passionate about bike specially Royal Enfields but since still I am a student I would love to own one when I will start earning and be lost with Royal Enfield in this world. Once again loved your documentary and it was full of emotons.
fabulous
finally my wait for this documentary is over
just loved this
salute bobby singh and each and every mechanic who makes the bullet running
loved it alot
Indian people are very humble,pragmatic and romantic.their bikes are fucking cool
Stephen Reynolds agreed!
Jason LeGris well this bike has 2 mothers it was born to one but adopted by other, but the one who adopted it loves it the most
Having owned about 10 bikes over the last 40 years, after selling my last large Jap 1200 4 a few years ago, ive decided, having being offered it for sale by a collector, a 92 pre unit 500 Bullet, and i am sooo excited at the prospect of owning and riding a 500 Bullet, with its legendary status going back 60 or more years, speed no longer an issue will allow me to enjoy this old girl , my fist long trip being to Dorset to meet up with an old friend in May ? im am like a child on Christmas eve, bring it on !
mark pavier //it’s a different kind of sport, my friend 😉
@@PrometheanLiver very true, in the 70s when i first became involved with bikes as a youth, speed was the goal, although having said that, even at that age i still has a yearning for older machines, having talked to my Dad about all the machines he had experience of growing up, now the old pre unit Enfield will give me an opportunity to experience old school machinery at my leisure, speed no longer an issue, just pleasure.
Sport bike riders: "Harleys are too slow, unreliable and outdated"
Royal Enfield: "Hold my beer"
Good film,thankyou. 27 years ago I had a 350 bullet,and since then many other bikes.But 6 months ago I bought a new 500 classic.I remembered how much I loved the old 350,and love the new bike :).
Absolutely wonderful documentary. I have already seen it thrice since yesterday. Its just a pure love for Bullets that make such beautiful documentary.
Watched this 100th time way back in 2030!! Future is always dealt with past simple royal enfield engineering!
This is a Brilliant movie , a Masterpiece of cinematic emotion and inspiration . Nothing I have ever seen or listened to comes close to this . It is Sunday 7-20am , I am getting out of bed to dig out my " old-fuker " 350 and begin my life again .