[FlankerFury]

Originally Posted by gotoguru

Have the tubeless spokes which were introduced in the Goan classic, been made available in Bullet and Classic 350's

No, not yet.
A simple swap isn't possible as the Goan Classic rolls on 19in front and a 16in rear. The Bullet and Classic 350 are on 19in front and 18in rear.

[2wheelsvaga]

Originally Posted by rookieraj

The saddle stays are made of thick gauge mild steel tubes. The powder coating is durable and has aged well. The stainless steel Allen bolts too are very sturdy.

I am yet to fall from my Classic 350 Reborn.

The saddle stays have detachable 'C' shaped sections for bottom support.

You may have just sold me these saddle stays
How easy is it to attach and detach this bottom "C" section?
I seem to have missed noticing this on the website. Strange that they haven't clearly shown this "C" section.
I guess it's a good thing that the saddle stay can be partly dismantled like this. Then one could use it mount a simple cloth bag for day to day use, and only turn to the fuller mounting on proper tours.

Originally Posted by gotoguru

Have the tubeless spokes which were introduced in the Goan classic, been made available in Bullet and Classic 350's

Originally Posted by FlankerFury

No, not yet.
A simple swap isn't possible as the Goan Classic rolls on 19in front and a 16in rear. The Bullet and Classic 350 are on 19in front and 18in rear.

And then there's always the issue of costs. I imagine the front wheel will not be cheap, given that the Goan is seen as more of a lifestyle statement.
Also, are these the same technology as the wheels on the Himalayan?

[rookieraj]

Originally Posted by 2wheelsvaga

You may have just sold me these saddle stays
How easy is it to attach and detach this bottom "C" section?

Each ‘C’ section is attached using two bolts.

If you look closely at the pictures on the website, you will notice the holes meant for these bolts.

These saddle stays are attached at two points to the bike and are connected to each other by another tube (not shown in the pictures) which passes over the rear mudguard. Notice the tabs welded to the rear horizontal tube in both the left and right stays.

You can call the promoter of the business to clarify any doubts.

Obligatory disclaimer: I am not associated with Old School Customs in any manner.

[2wheelsvaga]

Originally Posted by rookieraj

Each ‘C’ section is attached using two bolts.

If you look closely at the pictures on the website, you will notice the holes meant for these bolts.

I see them now. They also talk about this is a line in the description. Strange that they don't provide a picture with the complete attachment along with one of their saddle bags.

These saddle stays are attached at two points to the bike and are connected to each other by another tube (not shown in the pictures) which passes over the rear mudguard. Notice the tabs welded to the rear horizontal tube in both the left and right stays.

You can call the promoter of the business to clarify any doubts.

Obligatory disclaimer: I am not associated with Old School Customs in any manner.

Thanks, I will call them.
I also notice that with the C section fitted the saddle bags will rest much higher than the silencer.
I think other brands have the bags resting just a little above the silencer. It must also help with the COG.
Which brand of saddle bags do you use? How does this saddle stay perform with fully loaded bags on both sides? Can you share a quick picture? Thanks!

[rookieraj]

Originally Posted by 2wheelsvaga

Which brand of saddle bags do you use? How does this saddle stay perform with fully loaded bags on both sides? Can you share a quick picture? Thanks!

I use Viaterra Leh saddle bags. There is more than enough clearance between the saddle bag bottom and the silencer. I say this with confidence having tried it out while riding two-up for a few rides over all kinds of roads.

I'll have to learn how to upload pictures - too much work for my lazy self!

Can you DM me? Maybe I'll be able to explain better.

[PrideRed]

Got standard bullet in Maroon color home earlier this week. Always liked the bullet and wanted to buy one someday. While I liked the battalion black for the vintage seat style and tail lamp, bike gets only single channel ABS. Black gold gets alloy wheels as an option but the color and black treatment to engine looks sad. Liked Maroon , showroom guys had one in stock and took delivery earlier this week.




I don’t intend to go on long rides or ride fast, always loved riding at 60KMPH on country side roads. I did test ride the CB350 long ago, but I could not connect with the bike. I did not have any other bike in mind, though I did try Triumph Speed 400. While the quality is great, did not give me same feel as Bullet.

Coming to Bullet, it is much better than previous gen. The thump is a bit lesser but found it loud enough for my liking. Quality has improved quite a bit and fit/finish is almost up there with CB. Engine refinement while good, Honda is much better.

[brownkaiser]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Got standard bullet in Maroon color

The color looks regal. Do upload some pics with better lighting. Congratulations and wishing you many safe journeys ahead!

[Viju]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Got standard bullet in Maroon color home earlier this week.

Wow, that’s a gorgeous motorcycle, especially in this colour! Hearty congratulations and wish you a safe ride on this sweet bike!

Great decision to go with the dual channel ABS variant. The seat and tail section from the Battalion Black variant can always be retrofitted if need be. Safety first!

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by brownkaiser

The color looks regal. Do upload some pics with better lighting. Congratulations and wishing you many safe journeys ahead!

Thank you for the wishes.

Originally Posted by Viju

Wow, that’s a gorgeous motorcycle, especially in this colour! Hearty congratulations and wish you a safe ride on this sweet bike!

Great decision to go with the dual channel ABS variant. The seat and tail section from the Battalion Black variant can always be retrofitted if need be. Safety first!

Thank you, yes not having dual channel ABS is a bummer. While the vintage style seat looks good, found it bit too soft. While I felt this good initially, sitting for a bit more time, felt uncomfortable.

[PrideRed]

Why/How Bullet

The last bike I had was 15 years ago-Pulsar 200. Was a nice bike for its time and let it go as my riding was limited. For a brief period did not have a 2-wheeler until I got home a Aprillia SR 150. It was a nice fun to ride scooter. I had bought it pre-COVID at Rs 55000, used it for 5 years, added additional 5-6K KM on ODO(~17000KM) and sold for 57K! Was quite reliable and had a nice exhaust note.

With Aprilia sold in 2023, I had no plans to go back riding. One fine day Hero motors had put up a display at tech park where I work. They were encouraging everyone to take a test ride. I liked the Xpulse and took it for a short ride. I loved riding a bike after long. The Xpulse did not connect, though the love for riding had revived.

I was casually looking for bikes and 2 bikes that I liked were Honda CB350 and RE Bullet(A long-time dream to own one). Came across a nice low run Honda CB350, was nice to ride, however could not connect with bike. Super smooth engine, generous amount of kit, loud exhaust note, comfortable but found the bike lacking in character. Days passed by and had almost dropped plans of buying a bike, happened to be at shopping area, which had a RE showroom. Was checking out bikes and ended up test riding a classic 350. While the bike wasn't in great condition, it was a nice bike to ride. While RE niggles was at back of my mind, limited usage meant reliability wasn't bothering as much. Never liked spilt seat of Classic and always liked the pin striping and single seat comfort of Bullet. Paid 5K booking amount and said the dealer that I will decide if Bullet or Classic the next day.

Visited dealer stockyard next day morning, Classic was ruled out, loved Battalion black and Maroon (the latter paint scheme looked lovely) bullet. Went in favor of color and dual channel disc brake, settled bill for Maroon bullet in the morning and took delivery in the evening. Got the backrest, engine guard and sump guard during delivery. While I liked chrome engine guard, felt it’s too loud and grabbing away attention of engine/silencer and nice paint scheme. Hence went ahead with black guard.



Initial impression with Bullet

My riding is limited and don't intend to go on long rides, bike hasn't clocked many miles. Most of the ride has been home-office which is about 6-7KM's. The bike has clocked a measly 150KM in 2 weeks. Given my intended usage I don't see riding increasing drastically.

This is a heavy bike and you can feel the weight. Has good low-end torque and makes for a for nice slow ride. Gear shifts are reasonably smooth, while finding Neutral is not easy it’s not bothersome like earlier RE. Engine is much quieter than earlier RE though not Honda smooth. Exhaust note is perfect for me, not too loud and has deep bass unlike the CB350 which is loud but is less bassy. Brakes are decent for slow ride, the rear one's lack bite though.

Slot into 3rd/4th and the bike likes to happily cruise at 30-50KMPH with a deep bassy exhaust note. While I found the clutch initially too heavy, it’s quite okay now and chunky levers are very nice to hold. This is not a corner craver, handles reasonably well for the type of bike. Suspension soaks bad patches very well and seats offer good level of comforts. It’s not too soft like the one's in battalion black and not too firm either. Two people can sit comfortably. While the backrest looks nice, does not offer as much support as I thought. For speeds upto 70KMPH, there isn't much vibration like typical RE's and heat from engine is minimal too.

Bike does not get much features, a small digital display has fuel meter, ODO/trip meter and a clock. Wish RE provided tubeless spoked rims. Not a fan of alloy wheels on a classic looking bike.

Delivery experience

Jagadamba motors is where I took delivery of the bike. Delivery process was quick, smooth and simple. While I am still waiting for permanent registration, dealer has been following up with me on regular basis. They were happy to let me visit stock yard, pick the bike I want and delivered with all promised accessories in short duration. Keeping my fingers crossed for service at Jagadamba motors.

[IntoTheStorm]

Originally Posted by Viju

Wanted to change the new clear lens type slim headlamp to the older one. Bought a complete assembly which came as OE fitment for the Bullet 500 UCE 2021 model. But I am assuming it was common for all the UCE Bulleti and Classic models.

Happy to report that it was a bolt on swap. The connector (H4) as well as the fixing screw position and threads were also exactly the same. This was a big relief as I was prepared to do some drilling and cutting if needed.
.

This one looks lovely!. Getting my Standard Black 350 this week, and planning this lens swap sometime after first service. Wanted to know if this swap has any negative effect on illumination? I am ok with minor compromise but big impact is a NONO for me

[Ford_d_Kool]

Originally Posted by IntoTheStorm

This one looks lovely!. Getting my Standard Black 350 this week, and planning this lens swap sometime after first service. Wanted to know if this swap has any negative effect on illumination? I am ok with minor compromise but big impact is a NONO for me

Congratulations on the Bullet! I have booked mine (standard black) day before yesterday and on the RE app the tentative date is showing to be 22nd Jan. May be this is because I have customised it thru MIY. Added tripper navigation and vintage kit (seat and tail lamp).

[IntoTheStorm]

Originally Posted by Ford_d_Kool

Congratulations on the Bullet! I have booked mine (standard black) day before yesterday and on the RE app the tentative date is showing to be 22nd Jan. May be this is because I have customised it thru MIY. Added tripper navigation and vintage kit (seat and tail lamp).

I have booked it via dealer last week, fortunately new stock arrived last Sunday and i am expecting delivery this Friday. Added accessories are Crash guard (black) and Sump guard. I have had meteor 350 with tripper navigation, but rarely used it (tripper), hence skipped that option. I will update tail lamp/head lamp lense + a thumpier exhaust tip ( not loud) at a later date.

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by Ford_d_Kool

Congratulations on the Bullet! I have booked mine (standard black) day before yesterday and on the RE app the tentative date is showing to be 22nd Jan. May be this is because I have customised it thru MIY. Added tripper navigation and vintage kit (seat and tail lamp).

Do check on comfort of Vintage seats. While it looks gorgeous and has a bit of lower back support I found cushioning too soft. May be ok for city rides, personally found too soft/uncomfortable.

[Ford_d_Kool]

Originally Posted by PrideRed

Do check on comfort of Vintage seats. While it looks gorgeous and has a bit of lower back support I found cushioning too soft. May be ok for city rides, personally found too soft/uncomfortable.

Thanks for the suggestion PrideRed. I intend to keep those only for city rides and for the long rides planning to get the touring seats just before my first ride. Along with that will also get wind visor and foot pegs. Hoping the seat swapping can be done quickly and not too time consuming.
PS - Just checked the RE app after writting this post. Voila! They have shipped my bullet from factory and the delivery date changed from 22nd to 14th! This is good because I waited for almost six months when I bought an electra 12 years ago!