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Need inputs on purchasing a NEW Bullet

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  • Need inputs on purchasing a NEW Bullet

    Hi All,

    Recently I visited a Royal Enfield showroom. I had a test ride of new standard bullet 350. I liked the vehicle very much and am deciding to buy it soon (probably just after the rainy season ).

    I have the following questions regarding the vehicle -

    1. I was told that the Bullet now comes with a 'UCE' engine. Can you please tell what it would mean - in terms of maintenance, performance, mileage, life of the vehicle etc? Can the owners of these new vehicles please share your experiences?

    2. The dealer showed that the 'thump' of the new bullet is not like that of the old CI Bullets, but the Bullet offered for the test ride was fitted with a new muffler (silencer), and the thump was almost like that of old Bullets. My question is - Does such a silencer affect the performance / engine in any way? Is it fine to have such muffler fitted? Is this change allowed - I mean is this in line with Traffic laws? I would certainly not like to get into legal troubles .

    3. I am 5'3" and the test ride that I had was a small one (around 200 meters only). In the ride I could handle the Bullet well (though I was driving one for the first time in my life). Will I be able to drive the bullet without any problems? Currently I use Yamaha crux and drive it full comfort. For better riding control of Bullet, can the seat be lowered by say 1" (by removing some cushioning)? How much would it cost approximately?

    4. Personally I liked the styling of Bullet 350 UCE (i.e. Standard model) more as compared to Bullet Electra Twinspark. Are there any obvious advantages to go for Electra? As far as I know, the additions in Electra are - 1) Electric Start 2) Gas filled shock-absorbers 3) Front Disk Brakes 4) Carburator is different ( I am not sure what the difference is, but the name as per RE website for the carburators is different).

    Thanks in advance for all your inputs!

    My location: Pune, Maharashtra

    Best regards,
    Anand
    Last edited by anandbj76; 05-18-2010, 12:22 PM. Reason: Adding location

  • #2
    Could you please give your location?

    Approved

    and

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    • #3
      Inputs on Bullet UCE

      Hi Friends,

      Any inputs on query?

      Best regards,
      Anand

      Comment


      • #4
        Hi Anand.. i dont know how much it would be helpful to you but go through the article below & then decide... (just thought fruitful when shared here, may be some experienced Thumper will answer your querry shortly)

        “Re-Engineered, Re-Designed, Re-Vitalized” as Royal Enfield calls its new offering, the Bullet Electra which now comes with Twin Spark Unit Construction Engine (UCE). This step comes after a long wait from Royal Enfield and its fans and definitely had them have the final laugh. This move from the Chennai based company ensures that all the models in the current lineup use the much acclaimed UCE. Before this move Electra was the only model which used the traditional cast iron engine.


        Basic designing of the new variant has been kept the same with contemporary lines flowing everywhere. The retro sexual looks which is a trademark Enfield has been carried over and one has to look through the lenses to find changes apart from the distinct looking engine. The new Electra will use the same engine which does duty on the current Thunderbird Twinspark and the very recently launched Classic 350. On similar lines, the single cylinder air cooled 346cc twinspark motor develops 28Nm (@4k rpm) of mammoth torque and a handsome power output of 20PS which peaks at just 5250 rpm with the carburetion duties done by a bigger 29mm UCAL BS 29 carb. A careful observation would reveal that though power has gone up by slightly less than 2PS (from the earlier 18.3PS), torque has gone down considerably by an all important 4Nm (from 32Nm) and also peaks at 1000rpm later (earlier was 32@3k rpm).

        The new motor ensures a better and well sorted power output with much more smoothness in the drive especially at mid to higher rpms. The ride quality has been bettered along with better efficiency of every drop of fuel in turn making it a ‘Greener’ bike. Power spread all through the band has been made more linear and usable. Unfortunately, the real thump of the machine has been robbed to an extent and in place a subtle and quieter note takes place from the exhaust. The wheelbase has remained same at 1370mm but the overall dimensions have been altered – 20mm increase in length, 60mm gain in breadth and 40mm increment in height. Ground clearance has also been left unchanged at 140mm which is a slight worry. Saddle height stands at 800mm from the ground. Both the tires are 3.25 * 19” with the front bearing a large 280mm Hydraulic Disc and rear doing duty by 153mm drum brakes.
        Laden with these latest changes,

        Royal Enfield has also increased the price of the bike by almost 8k and the bike now retails at 1.09 lakh INR (On road Pune). The bike would be available in three colors: Red. Black and Grey with the red standing out from the rest. How are the changes accepted by the larger base has to be seen in due time but recent developments from the company does give us a glimpse of the seriousness they are taking our market with.

        Source:http://**********.in/royal-enfield-launches-electra-twinspark/
        Last edited by himanshumm; 05-21-2010, 03:24 PM. Reason: Added Source of Information
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        • #5
          Any more inputs?

          Thanks Himanshumm !

          Any inputs from senior bulletiers on the other points ?

          2. The dealer showed that the 'thump' of the new bullet is not like that of the old CI Bullets, but the Bullet offered for the test ride was fitted with a new muffler (silencer), and the thump was almost like that of old Bullets. My question is - Does such a silencer affect the performance / engine in any way? Is it fine to have such muffler fitted? Is this change allowed - I mean is this in line with Traffic laws? I would certainly not like to get into legal troubles .

          3. I am 5'3" and the test ride that I had was a small one (around 200 meters only). In the ride I could handle the Bullet well (though I was driving one for the first time in my life). Will I be able to drive the bullet without any problems? Currently I use Yamaha crux and drive it full comfort. For better riding control of Bullet, can the seat be lowered by say 1" (by removing some cushioning)? How much would it cost approximately?

          4. Personally I liked the styling of Bullet 350 UCE (i.e. Standard model) more as compared to Bullet Electra Twinspark. Are there any obvious advantages to go for Electra? As far as I know, the additions in Electra are - 1) Electric Start 2) Gas filled shock-absorbers 3) Front Disk Brakes 4) Carburator is different ( I am not sure what the difference is, but the name as per RE website for the carburators is different).

          Thanks in advance for all your inputs!

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by anandbj76 View Post
            I have the following questions regarding the vehicle -

            1. I was told that the Bullet now comes with a 'UCE' engine. Can you please tell what it would mean - in terms of maintenance, performance, mileage, life of the vehicle etc? Can the owners of these new vehicles please share your experiences?

            2. The dealer showed that the 'thump' of the new bullet is not like that of the old CI Bullets, but the Bullet offered for the test ride was fitted with a new muffler (silencer), and the thump was almost like that of old Bullets. My question is - Does such a silencer affect the performance / engine in any way? Is it fine to have such muffler fitted? Is this change allowed - I mean is this in line with Traffic laws? I would certainly not like to get into legal troubles .

            3. I am 5'3" and the test ride that I had was a small one (around 200 meters only). In the ride I could handle the Bullet well (though I was driving one for the first time in my life). Will I be able to drive the bullet without any problems? Currently I use Yamaha crux and drive it full comfort. For better riding control of Bullet, can the seat be lowered by say 1" (by removing some cushioning)? How much would it cost approximately?

            4. Personally I liked the styling of Bullet 350 UCE (i.e. Standard model) more as compared to Bullet Electra Twinspark. Are there any obvious advantages to go for Electra? As far as I know, the additions in Electra are - 1) Electric Start 2) Gas filled shock-absorbers 3) Front Disk Brakes 4) Carburator is different ( I am not sure what the difference is, but the name as per RE website for the carburators is different).

            Thanks in advance for all your inputs!

            My location: Pune, Maharashtra

            Best regards,
            Anand

            [/QUOTE]

            1) All the bullets have been renovated with this Unit Construction Engine. Broadly speaking it provides better power delivery, more mileage and lesser emissions as per RE claims. The 346cc engine which we are talking about produced 18.3PS and 32Nm of torque when it was Cast Iron one. With this UCE power output has gone up by ~2PS to 20Ps but I am more concerned at the huge drop of 4Nm to 28Nm. One more noteworthy point is the fact that peak torque now comes 1000 RPM later at 4k rpm compared to 3k for the earlier engine.

            2) Forget the legalities. All illegals turn to legal at the show of a 100Rs note in India. The more important point is which silencer was fitted when you rode the bike. Its very much true that the new UCE bullets have become less thumpier and less torqy.

            3) Saddle height of the new Bullet 350 UCE has increased to 800mm. I feel you can lower the seat somehow but how would it impact the overall comfort I am not sure. Rest Assured if chopping off of cushion is what you are considering it wont cost you much. Overall comfort and ease can only be decided by you. I have seen smaller guys zipping Enfields and Enfields ripping taller guys...

            4) Well you have said it all in this point. Electra makes much more sense than STD 350. Paying an extra premium you would get Disc Brakes which are ever so important, self start (I am still terrfied kicking an enfield), Gas Shcok absorbers (which helps a lot) and the most important a 29 UCAL carburetor....

            2002 - Pulsar 150 Classic (Still owned)
            2005 - Pulsar 150 Dtsi (Still owned)
            2006 - Eterno (sold)
            2008 - Dio (Owned)
            2009 - Pulsar 220 DTSi

            Comment


            • #7
              Went ahead with booking

              Hi All,

              Thanks for all your inputs!

              I have gone ahead and booked Bullet 350 UCE i.e. Standard model this Saturday.

              Will get the delivery in Sep / Oct.

              Cheers!
              Anand

              Comment


              • #8
                Hi Anand,

                Did you get your bike.

                Comment


                • #9
                  NO sir - not yet

                  Originally posted by harsh.amble View Post
                  Hi Anand,

                  Did you get your bike.

                  Hi Harsh,

                  I have not got it till now. The dealer had promised to deliver it this month (around 18-Sep). I will follow up now!

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    youre indeed very lucky congratulations on your bullet even i hope of owning a bullet some day

                    Comment

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