[2wheelsvaga]

Originally Posted by czar6502

I think RSA works almost anywhere but it is the waiting time that is the problem. Would you be okay waiting at the highway for hours together?

Since Hunter comes with alloys, I did not have too difficult of a time when it did get punctured. Although each puncture costs a bomb to fix.
Punctures are unavoidable, but there are kits for tubeless tyres that help fix punctures easily.

Sorry for the tardy reply, but I completely missed your response. This is what weighs on my mind every now and then. As we know punctures have little do with the quality of the tyre, so I often feel a bit uneasy about getting stranded at a random location. I really don't understand why RE are not providing alloys for the Bullet 350.

My plan is to go with the spoke wheels for now, and shift to alloys when the time comes to replace them.

This is a useful video, thanks! The thing is what happens if there are no mechanics nearby? Riding the motorbike for long distances will ruin the tube for sure.
There is also the additional issue of the competency of the mechanic in fitting the tyre back and properly adjusting the chain tension and ABS systems.
I feel like it might be a good idea for me to go sit with a mechanic and see how the ABS system is fit. Then I can coordinate even if it's a mechanic who doesn't know how to do this well.

[czar6502]

Knowing your motorcycle inside out will prove to be an extremely important skill when you face a problem with it in the middle of nowhere. Especially when you don't have any idea about the competency level of your mechanic.

When planning long rides on tube-tyred motorcycles, people generally carry a spare tube or two along. It works like a lifesaver when you meet a mechanic that cannot procure a spare tube soon enough for you to be back on the road. Even otherwise try to acquaint yourself with the whole process of fixing a puncture and try to gauge whether it is something DIY enough for you.

Are you sure none of the variants of the Bullet 350 come with alloy wheels? If it isn't too much of a dealbreaker, why don't you look at the Classic 350, which is essentially the Bullet with different styling and as an added bonus it comes in alloy variants too.

Another option would be to check the feasibility of retro fitting the alloys of Classic onto your Bullet.

[2wheelsvaga]

Originally Posted by czar6502

Knowing your motorcycle inside out will prove to be an extremely important skill when you face a problem with it in the middle of nowhere. Especially when you don't have any idea about the competency level of your mechanic.

Actually, do you have suggestions on where and how to do this? The regular service centres neither have time, nor will they allow customers to be trained in any way. Do you suggest just landing up at the neighbourhood mechanics' place and requesting him for demos?

When planning long rides on tube-tyred motorcycles, people generally carry a spare tube or two along. It works like a lifesaver when you meet a mechanic that cannot procure a spare tube soon enough for you to be back on the road.

Clearly, this is a must-have part when out on the open roads. Do you recommend one keep just one, or maybe two tubes?

Even otherwise try to acquaint yourself with the whole process of fixing a puncture and try to gauge whether it is something DIY enough for you.

This would seem to be the sensible thing to do. I do have this on the cards, but not sure how to make it work.

Are you sure none of the variants of the Bullet 350 come with alloy wheels? If it isn't too much of a dealbreaker, why don't you look at the Classic 350, which is essentially the Bullet with different styling and as an added bonus it comes in alloy variants too.

Another option would be to check the feasibility of retro fitting the alloys of Classic onto your Bullet.

Nope, they never launched factory designed RE wheels. This is weird, and the assumptions seems to be that Bullet 350 owners are oldies who will not take it out on a tour. Kind of like just using the bike within city limits, and going at an easy pace.

I do have in mind to check out the spokes tyres from the CL 350, and see if they will work on the Bullet. I plan to stick it out like this for the next several months, as I don't plan on taking a highway touring trip before then. And then, I will see to shifting over to tubless tyres, even if they are supplied from a third party manufacturer.

Thanks anyway.

[czar6502]

I suggest taking time and researching about the motorcycle on forums like TBhp and alike. There is also youtube. For a popular model like Bullet, there are countless DIY videos and reviews on youtube. That is how I understood my motorcycle more.
Start by doing minor repairs on your own, like changing air filters, oil, bulbs, etc.

Carrying two tubes is better as it wouldn’t really occupy more space compared to one. And incase your first tube has a defect you have a backup.

The fact that RE hasn’t launched a variant of Bullet with alloys just shows poor market research on their end.

All the best with your rides.

[TheTourer23]

My experience with Royal Enfield Service Centers are mostly a miss. I own a 2015 Classic 350 (UCE) & 2024 Himalayan 450. Have completely lost trust in them!

1. Classic 350 @ Mangalore Service Centre : In 2023, bike was frequently switching off while riding. The service advisor informed that the rectifier unit has to be replaced. I got the bike checked at a Exide showroom & clearly the battery was the issue. Got it replaced and no issues since then! Coming to Feb 2025, I have some right pulling issue and again visited these guys, they told me that "cone set bearing /collar" had to be replaced and costs 2.3k INR. They overtightened the stem nut and the problem had increased. I got the stem nut loosened at a local garage a little bit and seems completely fine now!

2. Himalayan 450 @ Bangalore (the one in Padmanabha Nagar): During the 3rd Free service a week back, oil filter cap was replaced. Service advisor told this has to be mandatorily replaced during oil change! Upon raising the complaint to RE, got to know that they had some mishaps while tightening cover after oil filter change & had to replace it!

Both service centers charged me for wash which was not indicated to me before. Was only removed after escalations. No one cares about you or the bike. The job card has to be closed with a big sum, that's all. It is a loot game.
I urge you all to question each line item in the bill and if you are not convinced, kindly contact RE customer care and raise a complaint. They all wake up once a complaint is registered.