[apachelongbow]

Originally Posted by vibhavraghav

Apachelongbow since you've been getting a pretty healthy fuel economy of 35kmpl I was wondering if the new TB500 is giving a better fuel economy than the classic series? Im a student and fuel efficiency can be a deal breaker for me. confused between TB 500 and TB 350. My only purpose of buying RE is extensive touring.

On a lighter note, if on a budget (fuel economy) a bullet is not the bike to buy
But seriously, the new RE engines on the TB seem pretty fuel efficient, with good performance too. I believe I know couple of TB350 owners claiming to have between 38-40kmpl, so its certainly an improvement over the 500. But trust me the amount of fun I have during rides more than compensates for the 35kmpl economy I seem to be getting.
Regarding if the TB is more efficient than the classic, there are minor tweaks on the engine regarding fuel swirling, pistons with low friction etc, but I am not sure on that. I believe these contribute to the better efficiency.

[moralfibre]

Mod note: Please stick to the pros and cons of the Bullet TB 500. Off topic posts deleted.

[Endofdayz]

Hi All,

Its indeed new bullet launched. its 500 cc forest green.. Interesting to notice here is carb version of 500. check out the specs,

http://royalenfield.com/bullet500/


Now they move back to decade old proven tech rather EFI.

[Freewheelin_KD]

Royal Enfield has launched the new Bullet 500 in Green. According to Bike India, the fuel injection has been replaced with a carburettor as a result of which there has been a slight dip in power over the Classic 500. As per RE's website, the carburetted 499cc engine puts out 26.1 BHP at 5,100 rpm. The peak torque is 40.9 Nm at 3,800 rpm.

Links -RE: http://royalenfield.com/bullet500/

Bike India: http://bikeindia.in/royal-enfield-la...ew-bullet-500/

[am1m]

Originally Posted by Endofdayz

Now they move back to decade old proven tech rather EFI.

Anyone have any idea why? Is this really to make the bike more 'retro' or was RE having too many issues with the EFI units on their C5s?

[enfield_500]

Moving back to a carbureted version just seems like a step back to me. I'm not sure if this has been done to reduce the cost of the bike, but I really found the EFI system excellent (I know many will disagree). The only thing against EFI is the inexperience of mechanics when it comes to an EFI system. As an owner of a Classic 500 EFI, I think RE has dont a great job in fine-tuning the system to get it right (with the remaps and what not). I also dont think the EFI bike required any extra maintenance. My bike runs smoothly even after 13k kms in less than 9 months.
It really beats me why they would switch to a carbureted version. Any views on this?

[Redline6800]

There’s a new Bullet in town! Royal Enfield today launched a new Bullet 500 variant in a shade of green (Forest Green, as the company calls it). The new 500 features a carburettor for its Unit Construction Engine (UCE). The bike puts out 26.1 BHP with a maximum torque of 40.9 Nm @ 3800 rpm. The new shade certainly does look retro, but overall the variant is similar to the Bullet 500 EFI.





The new seats get a cushioned grab rail for the pillion. On the 13.5L fuel tank is the Royal Enfield winged badge, now in silver and gold dual tone. The 500 weighs in at a hefty 193 Kg which is 6 Kg heavier than the Bullet 500 EFI. All the good bits from the 500 EFI have been retained such as electric start and the Zapper tyres.

Prices are yet to be announced. The company plans to sell 150,000 units across all its models in India this year, and supply constraints will be eased considerably with Royal Enfield’s new factory (near Chennai). Royal Enfield has a 3 model range with the Bullet, Classic and Thunderbird.

[Endofdayz]

Originally Posted by am1m

Anyone have any idea why? Is this really to make the bike more 'retro' or was RE having too many issues with the EFI units on their C5s?

EFi never gave me confidence even though its higher in technology. i had faced lot of issues due to this EFI. finally they narrowed it down to bad fuel. I fill only from shell. even after changing the filling station numerous number of times, my problem is not resolved. i started living with the problem from day1. be it escalating to RE or be it taking bike to service stations repeatedly did not solve the problem.

Its better to have carb. atleast you will have option to visit some trust worthy mechanic outside A.S.S who might atleast find the solution to your problem.

[tharian]

Originally Posted by am1m

Anyone have any idea why? Is this really to make the bike more 'retro' or was RE having too many issues with the EFI units on their C5s?

The only reason I could think of is to go with the retro theme. I was expecting oil shocks and all drum brakes as well like the STD350.

One thing I cannot understand is why does all the new bikes have mis-aligned mufflers. I have seen plenty on the road as well as the Bullet Std 500 on the website itself looks odd because of this.

[Mpower]

Is this a new variant or just a new colour choice?

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Is this a new variant or just a new colour choice?

Brand new version with the old engine technology UCE which was terribly popular in the past

Lets see how it sells or performs compared to the new technology EFI engine 500CC's

[Mpower]

OK thanks guys. It wasn't very clear to a non Bulleter

Looks like they ended up down the same path that Bajaj took with the Gen1 Pulsar 220. Launch with EFI and soon realize that carb represents faaar better VFM.

Personally I prefer carbs as well. My SV650 is EFI and I find the throttle response very snatchy

[RSimonS]

Just curious, which would be a better buy, Classic 500 or this one?

[bulletboy76]

This does look retro, and I am pretty sure - people will buy this due to tried-&-tested carburator.

Does anyone have any information on whether or not this has a heavy-crank? The RE website claims this to generate torque of 41NM at 3800 rpm, which may imply a heavier. A 500CC, retro (green in color, with those typical RE badges), with a heavy crank chugging along happily at low RMPs will be nice to ride! I am gonna check out at the showroom.

[anjan_c2007]

Pictures of the new Thunderbird 500 :











The parking lights are of the LED kind