Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic EFI
Modern classic in the test
In India, a motorcycle from the middle of the last century survived. The technology has now been modernized, but the design of the 1950s has been retained.
The unknown scooter driver in Stuttgart rush hour traffic knows his way around. "It’s new," he crows with a slight reproach in his voice as he comes to a stop next to the bullet. "I never said anything else," replies the man on the supposed classic car. “But your motorcycle claims something else,” insists the scooter driver. The Bullet wins the next traffic light start, but it does not escape the correctness of this statement. It makes an oldie and yet it is new in two senses. Newly built and redesigned. Until 2007 R.oyal Enfield in Madras / Chennai, India, exclusively produces classic bullets using the technology of the 1950s. Separate engine and gearbox housing, with 350, since 1993 also with 500 cm3 displacement and few modern components, such as a Keihin carburetor. After the transition period had expired, the Euro 3 standard put an end to this brand new classic car.
Because the attraction of the Enfields for European and American customers was precisely this anachronism, the Bullet EFI 500 Classic tries to preserve as much of its original appearance as possible – the predecessor had already made slips like the handlebar fittings. Anyone who compares the Bullets will find numerous similarities; the more compact new engine with crankshaft and gearbox in one housing only requires different mounting points in the frame. The bore and stroke of the single cylinder (84/90 mm) have remained the same and otherwise it maintains traditional virtues. Large centrifugal masses, for example. They give the Langhuber a steady idle and smooth running. At least in the lower and middle range, where the Enfield single does its work more massaging than vibrating. Fast revving is not his thing; he has a lot of the sympathetic phlegm of a stationary engine. Because it already comes close to its maximum torque at 2200 rpm, it is not worth it to be blown up. Better to move up to the next gear – you can now do this smoothly and precisely with your left foot – and enjoy the full blow.
Driving through tunnels is recommended to increase the enjoyment of the sound. The fifth and last gear is usually engaged below 100 km / h, so you can move forward quickly on the country road. Expressways or motorways, however, become tough. From 110 in the fifth, i.e. around 4500 rpm, it begins to rumble in the depths of the crankcase, vibrations rage in the tank, footrests and handlebars like small earthquakes. MOTORRAD has not tested how long the driver and screw connections can withstand the top speed of 135 km / h, according to the Tacho 140. Long daily stages are still possible thanks to the low consumption – if the rider has the stamina to remain immovable on the sprung saddle. On the fork of the Bullet, the cranked axle mounts are noticeable, which reduce the caster. Perhaps they are used to adapt the chassis geometry after changing from 19 to 18 inch tires. The Bullet’s steering behavior was not really harmonious; from a lean angle of around 15 degrees it would like to tilt further and it takes time to develop the correct corrective movements and confidence in the Avon diagonal tires.
Then the foot brake lever that keys down in right-hand bends already reports the end of the usable lean angle, turning to the left it goes significantly lower. Ultimately, the real art is not to scratch. The front single-disc brake also requires deeper insight into the context of things. You should brake a lot better, but the fork is twisted enough under your one-sided pull. So again: drive smoothly and calmly, extremes make bad karma. At least the price of the bullet caused a slight discomfort. For their buyers to have a lot of humor and tolerance for the nonchalant finish, 5499 euros are pretty humorless. If you’re not just looking for an original and affordable everyday motorcycle, you can get a Kawasaki Ninja 250 for 904 euros less, while Suzuki offers the Gladius with ABS for 791 euros more.
Technical data: Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic EFI
RoyalEnfield Bullet 500 Classic EFI
engine
Air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, an underneath camshaft, two valves, bumpers, rocker arms, wet sump lubrication, injection, 12 V battery, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, chain.
Bore x stroke 84.0 x 90.0 mm
Cubic capacity 499 cm³
Compression ratio 8.5: 1
Rated output 20.3 kW (28 hp) at 5250 rpm
Max. Torque 41 Nm at 4000 rpm
landing gear
Single-loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, two-arm swing arm made of steel,
two spring struts, front disc brake, Ø 280 mm, rear drum brake, Ø 153 mm.
Spoked wheels with steel rims 1.85 x 18; 2.50 x 18
Tires 90/90 18; 110/80 18
Avon Roadrider tires tested
Dimensions + weights
Wheelbase 1370 mm, steering head angle 63.0 degrees, caster 90 mm, suspension travel f / r 150/130 mm, seat height * 790 mm, weight with a full tank * 172 kg, payload * 193 kg, tank capacity 14.5 liters.
Warranty two years
Service intervals 5000 km
Colors black, turquoise green, red
Price 5499 euros
Additional costs 139 euros
Readings
Performance *
Top speed 135 km / h
acceleration
0-50 km / h 3.2 sec
0-100 km / h 11.3 sec
Draft
60–100 km / h 8.1 sec
Speedometer deviation
Effective (display 50/100) 47/94 km / h
consumption
Country road 3.8 l / 100 km / h
Fuel type super
Theor. Range 382 km
Related articles
-
Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trial Impression
Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trial Impression Ora and labora Practice switching to the right and your two left hands, because you too, brothers and sisters,…
-
Yamaha XVZ 1300 AT Royal Star Tour Classic test shorts
Yamaha XVZ 1300 AT Royal Star Tour Classic test shorts Revamped Front window, chrome everywhere and leather case under Sissy’s bar at the back – the…
-
Horex VR6 Classic in the test Sufficiently agile, unshakably stable As soon as production of the Horex Roadster has really started, the Augsburg-based…
-
Cruiser comparison test: Honda VTX 1300 S, Kawasaki VN 1600 Classic
Cruiser comparison test: Honda VTX 1300 S , Kawasaki VN 1600 Classic Damn long hard Handy six-centimeter chunks, wheelbases begging in the parking bay,…
-
Presentation of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird X (2018)
Royal Enfield Thunderbird X (2018) Only in India Royal Enfield has launched a new model in India that will come in two versions: the Royal Enfield…
-
Comparison test of the 500 all-rounder
Comparison test of the 500 all-rounder Class reunion The three 500s from Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki have enjoyed various training programs and also made…
-
Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and Indian Chief Vintage put to the test
Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and Indian Chief Vintage put to the test Monumental machines with plenty of chrome jewelry Harley-Davidson…
-
BMW HP4 and Royal Enfield Continental GT
BMW HP4 and Royal Enfield Continental GT High-tech versus low-tech sports motorcycle Don’t worry, MOTORRAD doesn’t fire at sparrows with cannons, not…
-
Honda NC 700 X and BMW G 650 GS – entry-level motorcycles put to the test
Entry-level bikes from Honda and BMW put to the test Honda NC 700 X against BMW G 650 GS The new 48 hp driver’s license class for beginners is already…
-
Comparison test Aprilia Pegaso 660 Trail against BMW F 650 GS and Yamaha XT 660 R
Comparison test Aprilia Pegaso 660 Trail against BMW F 650 GS and Yamaha XT 660 R The story of the horse Aprilia had announced that the Pegaso Strada…
Related articles
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Assen Practice 2: Marquez is strong … Lorenzo forfeits … –
Motorcycles that fall out of the ordinary, part 2 Outstanding bikes from Kawasaki, Honda, Triumph and Harley-Davidson It is not easy in life when you are…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP: Marquez has not yet extended at Honda –
Top test BMW HP2 Sport Klitschko’s rights It’s time to break free from cliches: The most famous boxer brothers are people with a doctorate who are…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Gde-Bretagne FP2 practice: Marquez hard –
Test: LSL-Triumph Thruxton Clubman (with video) Conversion retro bike with the finest parts Content of It may seem like it was from the time when real…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Valence Warm-up: Marquez takes the cool –
Aprilia RSV4 R, Tuono V4 R, BMW HP4, S 1000 R, KTM RC8 R, 1290 Super Duke R in the test Super nakeds versus superbikes Aprilia Tuono V4 R, BMW S 1000 R,…
-
MotoGP – Silverstone – Warm-up: Marquez injured, Lorenzo constant –
Aprilia test comparison , Ducati , Kawasaki , KTM and Triumph Cool naked bikes Minimalistic, aggressive, greedy and cool ?? Naked bikes focus the…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Americas – Warm-up: Marquez stays cool in Austin –
Comparison test: BMW F 650/700 GS Botox in Bavarian – BMW F 650 GS and F 700 GS They pulled the lines from her face. With a tightened skin and a few…
-
MotoGP – Moto 2 race in Valence: Marquez exceptional! –
Model presentation: BMW Triple pack from BMW BMW will present five new models this autumn, three of which were on display at the Intermot in Cologne at…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Spain – FP2 practice: Lorenzo contains Marquez –
Review Kawasaki ER-6n New update for ER-6n Few inconspicuous changes, but a lot of stylistic updates make the ER-6n a refreshingly new motorcycle. Is it…
-
MotoGP – GP of Aragon – Warm-up: Marquez holds its rank –
Cult bike Yamaha XJ 650 Foundation of a large family Even 35 years ago, people hoped that one motorcycle would be able to do everything. The Yamaha XJ…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP race in Austin: Marquez slams, Lorenzo cracks –
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – old versus new compared Where is the racetrack? The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has been an almost flawless racing machine since 2011….