Topic Approved.

I guess you won't really save so much with a diesel bullet considering the amount of butt ache it gives and the service & spares problems it has.

Anyways, opinions from more knowledgeable people would flow in soon... watch out

The Royal Enfield Taurus is the 'Diesel Bullet' man. The Taurus looks like a diesel pumpset from Greaves bolted onto a RE chassis.
Very popular up north where people mod it to function like a three-wheeler. Loads of torque at low revs, ensures awesome load lugging capabilities.

However, im sure that owning one for city riding duties is gonna be a real pain in the a**. Id suggest talking to a knowledgeable RE mechanic before even considering the Taurus...

First of all I do not even think that the Diesel BULL is still under manufacture. Secondly, it heats up and vibrates so much that u will need to get a new set of teeth. Thirdly, spares are a BIG issue. In short, not recommended. My uncle had one and so know about the problems first hand. The newer bulls are much easier to maintain and give a mileage of around 35 - 40(if its a 350). So get a Petrol bull or wait for a few years and get it of ur own pocket!

I have ridden an diesel, and I can say, if u r into the rawness of a bike, the Taurus is the way to go. The engine is almost maintenance free and has loads of torque. Mileage is crazy! I believe the one I rode gave about 65kms for a litre of diesel! if well maintained, it'll give even more. It has just 6.5bhp engine, and will need about 3kms of clear flat road to accelerate from 40-60kmph. Spares for the engine are easily availabe from Greaves, spares for the rest share the same from petrol bullet.

It also vibrates ur brains out of ur head, and emits plenty of black soot. It is like how motorcycles were picturised in retro movies from the 40's and 50's. Lots of phatphatphat and "other" sounds, has more torque than you'd imagine, and will go at 45kmph at 2500rpm all day long.

Petrol bullet has its own set of niggles, doesnt give more than 35kmpl, 40kmpl at best in the city and both are too heavy to move around in the city. They r good for long rides. Go in for a good 125cc like a Honda or Gladi. it'd be a good mix of power, mileage and flickability too. Keep the bullets for weekends and relaxing rides.

Cheers!

Prajwal

regarding the bumpy ride.... is it so unbearable..?

Krishna,

Avoid the Taurus if you want decent power. You'll tire out with the vibes very soon.

Regardless of vibrations, I would be more worried about the fact that the Taurus takes 3kms to accelerate from 40kmph to 60kmph!

No 3kms is just a gesture i think you can expect the performance of a 100cc scoot coupled with a lot of noiseand vibrations. But it is a really painful bike to ride two of my friends have it. One major problem is kick starting the bike really a big problem in winter mornings.
My friends get a Fuel efficiency figure of 85 to 95 kmpl. The bike is also very unreliable poor tyres. Only good thing is you feel good while astride the bike when no one else feels so.
One more thing it sounds like a Minidor.

going by post that ur a college student and have to depend on parents for fuel and services...i would suggest u to please avoid buying bullets(petrol or diesel)..
reason:had the same wish bought a petrol bullet for 20k spent another 18k and sold it for 23k...all in a short span of 8months hardly ridden it for a 5k kms,most of the times it would be in the garage..they are the most unreliable bikes and its damn costly to repair these...
Take my word if u buy these u would repent after a few days...unless u dont mind spending money on it...

Pratap,

Don't generalize. Maybe you were unfortunate to land up with a lemon. A well maintained bullet is a great daily rider. Would they be if they were the "most unreliable" motorcycles around? Contrary to what you think or percieve, Bullet 350s have one of the cheapest and readily available parts across India. So, please don't scare people like this.

+1

Very rightly said.

true said JAY.

+1

dont know abt u guys but somehow i have faced all the problems in a bullet and know there potential...even my friend bought after me, even he almost spent a lot...bullet parts arent cheap i have paid from my pocket and still have the bills of complete engine rebuild...

i changed bore twice once i rebored it and after 500kms ripped it till 75kph was in a hurry and after that bore noise resulted in a mild seize and got a new one after that...gear case itself broke once problems are never ending...

its not a fill it forget it bike...u need patience, money and learn to spend time in garages....