1) The suspension is a bit stiff compared to 500LB and stiff compared to Thunderbird. but that does not mean that we feel every potholes on the road. The ride quality is improved though
2) Sat as pillion for a while, Liked it. (Im a poor pillion rider though )
3)It was the fuel indicator and the Engine Service(screwup) indicator
3) It was new bike so didnt thrash it. Max I did was around 80 on a short stretch that too started from 25 on 5th gear (was testing the torque)
4) Gear box is a bit improved. We get false nuetral only between 1st and 2nd

Prakar, I felt the suspension on the stiffer side, on the contrary I felt that had improved the braking. I hate the thunderbird mainly becoz of the weak/soft suspension, any hard slamming the from skids. I felt the soft suspension was not letting the weight of the bike to fall on the tires.

The only adv tat we had on the soft suspension is jumping the spead breakers!!

@prabhubravo

haha!!! thanks for reply with useful info

Got a call from the RE company showroom in Jayanagar B'lore, they said that both the classic 500 and 350 where there in the showroom and that I could go check em out. For me personally the 350 in maroon was attracted me the most. With the bent pipe it looks simple amazing. Could not get a test ride the RE guys said they could gimme a TD after the 12th Nov. The OTR in Bangalore is Rs 1,42,6xx and Rs 1,12,6xx for the 500 and the 350 respectively.

So how many of you have already booked ? And also whats the expected time for deliver ?

Hi Prabhu,

Thank you for the reply to my query. Well, I must agree that too soft a suspension would actually just be good for jumping speed breakers, but then you make it too stiff & your handling goes for a toss again. But reading your reply, I am convinced that the handling has been taken care of & is better than previous versions.

Also, about the Thunderbird, I feel the problem with its front may also be attributed to the design of the bike, what do you think?

Thanks again for the prompt reply.

Take care.

Happy thumping,
Prakhar

i test rode the classic 500 today

Pros -

- The best looking bullet amongst the bullets ( only, the nickel nuts and washers couldve been chromed to give it a better look, golden colored nuts look outta place on a bike thats either sea green or chrome).

- No vibes or unnecessary rattles

- Great pull in the engine, any gear, i enjoyed revving her in 2nd and 3rd.

- Since i ride a Tbird, the handlebar took about a km or more to get used to, but after that i was zipping thru traffic!

- The Brakes are much much better! though the rear couldve been better.

- The front suspension is really sorted out, no more sudden diving on braking.

- Gear shift was great.

This has to be the most refined, responsive and smooth bullet ever. the power delivery is fantastic, the company claimed top speed of 129 sounds feasible.

Cons -

A major cluttered area around the injection system. A number of sensors and connecting wires just left in a jumble around it. Not expected from a 1.3lakh bike. They couldve made a chrome cover or something to hide the wires between the oval toolbox and the engine intake.

- The gripes i had again with the look, with the nickel nuts.

But a bike i would surely buy if i am a bullet freak, ( which i am ). The 350 for those who want the refinement and looks, the 500 for those who want the go with their bike.

Imagine if the Fuel injection is really sorted out properly by the company, it would make long distance touring ( at any elevation /altitude ) a boon!! No issues of carb settings, lean or rich mixtures, Just start and ride away. Very nice!!!

wanna ask one doubt guyz...!!
i'm 5'5 n weigh 74 kgs..will i be able to handle this bike properly?(as for any RE)..i was thinking about taking Thunderbird or classic...
currently i own a zma and as far as handling the bike is concerned,have got no probs til date..

^^ im 5" 8', was 60 kgs when i started riding the Tbird, now pushing 71-72 kgs. No issues what so ever.

Also be clear about your needs to purchase a bike as almost all bikes have specific target audience..
Jotting down expectations can help..

Nice review there. Thanks for sharing. Btw what is the fuel efficiency of the 500 with the FI?

^^ oops.. dint ask.. but im guessing 28-30??

Classic 500 TD

Hello ppl, today i went for the 500 efi test ride at HSR motors Bangalore,and its was really wonderful........i really loved the feel of the raw power which was very crisp which was due to fi..and also the bike has included a lot of improvements over the past ones........technically also in terms of reliability....its far ahead in term of stability....But no thump...thats a sad one 2 say,,,overall its a different way to go ahead..ill be booking the 500 next month,as i would get it in Feb 2010 for my Bday,,

now the waiting period is from 4-12 weeks,if u book now

and also ter r 45 500 efi already booked at HSR motors

even the 500 has twin spark,i earlier thought that only 350 had it

and also i have one doubt ,see the pics



There its mentioned that it has a single tone colour

is it so

and i had heard that the earlier bullets had a two tone paint done

the R.E paint job was the best among the bike manufacturers in india

and wats this mentioned in the Brochure of the classic.......plz clarify ppl

Below is the pics which i shot...i loved that colour..i would book it in Dec

Can some one who has booked please clarify the booking procedure (preferably in Bangalore)? how much deposit? Does one have to specify the color when booking? Is the deposit refundable if I were to change my mind?

TIA

Congrats on the booking nithxp.. When you say "no thump" was that with or without the "bend" silencer?

the sound wasnt that good with the long company fitted silencer

hope would get a better sound from the bend silencer

it cost again a 2600/- extra for that silencer