So the new gig after the success of Machismo 500 and twinspark Thunderbird is here. Well no, it’s not actually here but more on such disappointments later.
The UCE or the death of AVL era is much welcomed by everyone who wants to see Enfield brand live to fullest again. I still wish they would continue work on the original cast iron engine though. Not just tradition – that’s what a Bullet is. Unfortunately people now buy Thunderbird and Machismo and call it a “Bullet” and why not? The company is calling these aluminium uglies a Bullet. Well it’s not technically a Bullet and does not feel like a Bullet when you ride it. But they sure are an improvement and are good motorcycles in their own right.
So now instead of the racket of rattling AVLs we have a better UCE engine. And then, hopefully, a twinspark in 500cc category. People said no one would buy a motorcycle priced above one lakh rupees. And there is supposed to be a car coming out from TATA group cheaper than that. But Machismo 500 has sold out in all its dealerships (never mind the left hand side gear shift). So Indians have the money, the attitude and the fondness for Enfield.
Then we hear of Bullet Classic, http://www.bulletclassic.com/
It is a beauty ain’t she? And every specification and feature makes you drool. Almost enough to make you forget all the tradition you so much value in the honourable title of “Bullet”. It does not declare it is aluminium but it is. It is powerful and beautiful and it makes you remember all the good times of Enfield’s glorious past.
But then the “Contact Us” section of this Enfield website mentions Indian office address and goes on to declare:
“The Bullet Classic has been developed to European requirements and available for Sale in Europe Only”.
Yeah “Made in India” but not for Indians. Well Eicher is not an Indian company and it owns the Enfield brand. But with all the benefits of our booming economy, the love for the cult brand and the stronghold of Enfield India factory that still survives all obstacles – why don’t Indians deserve this bike?
So just as the UCE came in to India a few years too late but still lived a grand life – Enfield India continues its “export quality” funda to sell good products to the good customers abroad and not to us Indians. Well export is profitable and will ensure Enfield India’s survival. But why do they need to show such open bias against Indian consumers? This exclusivity will again breed the same disgust and dislike as was with UCE and other bikes sold abroad at the cost of Indian customer’s satisfaction.
Special Features:
- New 18 inch wheels for better ride and handling
- Headlight casing with “Tiger Eye Lamps” for that Bullet look; traditional headlamp with powerful halogen bulb
- Speedometer and Fuel warning indicator for the EFI system integrated into die-cast headlight casing; with classic English fonts
- 500cc single cylinder 4 stroke, spark ignition, air cooled, OHV engine produces 41.3 Nm torque; features the unmistakable Bullet “thump”
- Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system to comply with Euro III norms
- Finely crafted tank with post-war era graphics and thigh pads for a vintage look
- Toolbox with classic design
- Aesthetically designed short silencer for the 1950’s look; optional accessory for offroad use
- Single saddle seat with springs
- Classic mudguards with stays for that authentic look; deep and wide design for splash free ride
- Air filter with classic styling; vintage tail lamp assembly with classic design
It has a maximum power of 27.2 BHP (20.3 KW @ 5250 rpm), 499cc engine, electric start, 5 speed gears, 12V 14 AH battery, front disc brake, rear drum brake, and a tubular steel frame.
It all looks very good and we can only wish they would have the sense to test the Indian market along with their privileged European customers.
I will also have to update my old article on Buying a Royal Enfield
http://www.bikernet.com/roadtests/PageViewer.asp?PageID=1502
Enjoy dreaming !!!
3 comments:
Well said. But you have to be reasonable. Here in America we also do not know when we will get the new Bullet. But keep in mind that any Bullet of any era is unlike any other product and therefore very special and worth having. The Europeans must have this one first because it meets their new standards. Without it, European dealers would have nothing to sell. Then, too, Europeans for some reason pay more for motorcycles of all brands than is paid in India or the United States. Our prices will be lower. It only takes patience. India kept the Bullet to itself for 40 years! There are more pictures of the new bike on my blog.
www.royalenfield.com
Oh. I meant www.royalenfields.com
The url I gave is for the factory and, of course, they too have more pictures to be seen.
Wow that's really beautiful.
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