I think I have been misunderstood

Ofcourse, my first post regarding this seemed quite an outpour of emotions but if you'll think about it, what I said are the points in which RE requires to improve their bikes!

As I said before, I am riding an Electra 5S for almost 3 years now. And I never meant that it should win traffic light GPs. However, current bullets need lot of improvement in certain areas --

-- They must ditch those 19inch tyres. They do look big, but it is not good for handling. They have already gone for 18inch wheels in the upcoming 500 Classic which is already selling in Europe. And they'll provide equal stability too.

-- It is my personal opinion that a Cast Iron engine is only good for the thump, otherwise, it is not really something which I would like to cruise on a highway with. Come on, I want to happily cruise at atleast 100khp when I am riding a 350cc bike (be it a sport bike or not), and the current crop of bullets cannot do it as consistently as couple of other Indian bikes we have. Cruising at 80kph with vibrations is not really pleasing for me when I know that I am riding on one of the most powerful motorcycle engine produced in India. And this is the least level of performance I expect from it, and it doesn't have anything to do with traffic light GPs or an out an out acceleration! I just want it to be a decent performer, which it is not currently.

-- Brakes, another area where it needs improvements, especially when it is drum brakes. Infact, they should stop providing drum brakes completely.

-- The seat needs to be better, it is comfortable but I will still rate ZMA to be more comfortable than this, 'cause I have owned that too for nearly 5 years. I have ridden these two bikes back to back just too many times to vouch for this!

-- Suspension, especially front. The front suspension bottoms out too quickly under hard braking if done numerous times, again, this is something where most other Indian bikes are better! Rear suspension is quite acceptable.

However, I believe that for the first time, RE is moving in the right direction with the Bullet 500 Classic. The new engine and 18inch tyres (500 Classic) are a sign that they have finally understood what they need to do in order to survive happily!!

The above points have nothing to do with traffic light GPs and out an out acceleration. They'll only make this bike much better to ride, that's it

all valid points, though the 19 inch tyres give it better stability, which was more needed for its time than handling.

But for all the reasons you stated, and more, thats what keeps the bullet apart. the crudeness, the roughness and the basic state of tune.

Now roads and infrastructure have developed to encourage 100 kmph cruising.. otherwise it was 60-80 kmph only... ideal for the rumps of the thumps... lol!! no issues..

to each one his own!!!

The best bike @ 1 lakh IMHO is Yamaha YZF-R15

Its technologically "present day" stuff & works well in all conditions.

RE Bullet with all its classic appeal and stature is just not worth with all those flaws it still carries with it.. I ride Electra 5S daily as a commuter (home > office > home = 50 km), its a good bike no doubt, very cheap to repair, easy to get serviced but the build quality is pathetic, finishing is bad and its short comings shout aloud when ever u ride it, I curse myself for buying a drum brakes version & RE for still continuing to build those brakes which don't function at all!!!

If you feel inclined to buy a RE Bullet, I would suggest you to wait for sometime as the news is around that all Bullets will soon have the new twin spark engine.. I can't confirm on this news tho!

Now thats something coming from a Bullet owner!

Why isnt ZMR being recommended more? Its comfortable, more fuel efficient than ZMA, has beter braking than any RE + ZMA. And above all, its a reliable Honda & Having fuel injection helps in the hills.

RE.. believe me.. is a pain in the @$$. My best buddy (and highway riding mate) has a RE TBTS (Supposedly the best RE yet) and I never feel like switching rides with him even for a few Kms let alone owning it. As you can see in my avtar, I own P220 Dtsi, and that is because i always wanted to own one(for last 3 yrs). Ride them back to back, and you will surely miss the refinement on an RE when comparing it with a P220/ZMA/ZMR/R15 (read "modern" bike).

Thanx for the suggestions,

What I have heard is Bullet 500 Classic will cost around 40,000/- more. Moreover, generally no one complains about the ride quality or suspension problems in these bikes. These days Electra 5S comes with a standard fitment of Disc Brakes and Gas filled Shockers.

What I personally feel is one forgets a particular model after launch of new ones like the case of CBZ to Karizma, then to Pulsar, R15, ZMR and ?? goes on and on. But we can't stop considering RE bikes while planning to buy good bikes even since its been ages they launched these models and are selling them in good numbers with slight modifications that too in an interval of 4-5 years. But yes what I feel is they should have added a fuel guaze in the Electra 5S.

Bullet 500 EFi Classic will be on the wrong side of 1.5Lac.. The title of the thread sez, best bike in 1Lac

I would say, best bike in 1Lac:
for a tall tourer fellow: ZMR
for a 5'8" and below, track person: R15
For a person who wants the best of both worlds (Read ZMR/R15) at a lesser cost: P220

Classic 500 and 350 have been launched on 4th november, that is yesterday.

Yeah, go for the classic 350 at Rs.98,000. Haven't seen the bike yet, but if this is what is sold overseas, it is going to be a HUGE improvement over the 5S.

Classic 500 is exactly the same as sold abroad, and this is great!

Both 350 and 500 are UCE engined, difference is 350 is twinspark carbed and 500 is electronic fuel injected.

I think among all left geared enfields i have rode till day in my life i have never found these all complaints which you said, i agree the old enfields had some maintenance issues and all other problems so dont want to comment on it, but i have drove my friends electra4s, thunderbirds for quiet long tours from pune to goa and all, but i never got any suspension issues and all, lubricating was a must and my friend told me you keep it proerly grease and maintain oil levels it wont give you any problems at all and secondly you should not allow kids to fiddle with the settings of the acceleration in your parking and all or you will sure get yourself in a trouble secondly back pain and all is not on the suspension it depends on wheel alignments and the quality of seat too as if these are bad you will face problems in any bike let it be a small city ride or long tours.

There are many people who dont take initial care of RE and then when they see the maintenance cost increasing they sell it off instead of enjoying the beauty after its maturity

Choice between Classic 350 and Electra 5s

After deciding between the Karizma ZMR and Royal Enfield. Finally, I have decided on purchasing a Royal Enfield 350. But am confused between the Classic 350 and Electra 5S.

Although, even the Karizma ZMR is good what I have seen in photos, except the engine power; but I think the Royal Enfield takes you to a different level or world in comparision to others. There is no match to it. Not everyone have the courage to ride a Royal Enfield.

I like the classic 350 but am not sure about the pillion seats. I heard that we can get a pillion seat for around Rs 2500/= and the curved silencer for Rs 1900/= that shown in the pictures. Moreover there is a mudguard option for Rs 450/=. That all will bring that bike to around Rs 1,08,000/= on road.

Can anyone suggest me as to is there a single seat like that of the electra available ? Or will the double seater with that like machismo look good ?
Plz give your valuable suggestions.....

@deepak :- full seat !

yup, just install a full seat like the electra or machismo, should not cost you more than 1k from outside. keep the single seat for later.

And buy the classic 350 or the TBird with the UCE. Much better refinement, efficiency, and great performance.