Help needed in buying a Bullet 500cc

gt_mustang · 12th May 2009, 19:16

man how could u find only one 500 in hydseesh there are many places to checkthere are soo many old bullet specialists in hyderabadwell anyways congrats on ur bike

amarprusty · 25th May 2009, 17:30

New Bullet 500 Machismo AVL LB is a neat power machine,very torquey,great handling and stability along with the huge front disc brake halting the bike at 100 kmph.

Rs 10k more than the puny 350 TB-TS at Rs 1.16 Lac on-road Bangalore

Awesome Drive

drsamuelk · 25th May 2009, 22:43

Hi guys, I just thought I should share this with you. My friends bullet was the 6th dissapointing 350 AVL bullet to be released by Bullet in India and the early ones were a flop. I believe that all things got to do with the number '6' is pure bad luck(Satan's number). We had been to our Bullet dealer in Vellore, Tamilnadu and wanted to improve our 350 machismo. We were promptly offered a new 500 cc stock AVL engine for Rs 35,000. This engine contains cylinders, crank case, crank and shaft, everything new. Just keeping the old gearbox. That's really cool, now all of you out there, don't waste money on reboring an old engine. If you don't want a AVL engine just go for a new cast iron engine, it costs Rs 15,000. Just get a load of that.

Torque-ative · 26th May 2009, 06:38

Did I hear you right !!! Or may be I heard what I wanted to! The 15000 was for a CI 350 or 500 block ?

lohithrao · 26th May 2009, 08:48

smokie, good buy! enjoy

smokie · 16th June 2009, 09:32

Ok guys, I have some updates

The engile oil was really, low so topped it up. The mechanic filled it higher than the "H" level. It started burning oil after that. I then got it reduced to exactly "H" level. Now it only burns oil the first few minutes, after that it's ok.

The spark plug gets all oiled up after a ride. The mechanic says that the piston rings have to be changed. Right now, I am not too keen to get that done. I am cleaning the spark plug before every ride. I am hoping that this problem will go away once the oil level goes further down.

The battery died, so got a new Amaron battery. The old one was 5amps and the new one is 9amps. The new battery needed a new battery case.

Got all the locks changed, so now I have only 1 key for all the locks.

The best for last. The engine has started kicking the carburetor out. Right now it's dangling. Got a rubber flange yesterday, and will get it fitted today.

Here are some pics of the bike after a good wash. As you can see the bike has already started marking it's territory.

Took the bike upto 100, and it seemed ok till now. Will push it a bit further once I have more confidence in the bike and my riding skills. Looking for a neat helmet as well. Looking for the old style scooter helmet, probably white.

I have a few questions.

1. Does RE showroom sell single seats? The ones I saw in the market, I didn't like. I would like the one they are using on the RE classic, or something similar.

2. What would be the best way to transport this to Indore from Hyderabad. There are no direct trains. I have to leave to Indore without the bike. I will ask my friends to send the bike once I have reached there. Any steps/precautions to take before the transportation?

pedrolourenco · 16th June 2009, 09:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokie

The battery died, so got a new Amaron battery. The old one was 5amps and the new one is 9amps. The new battery needed a new battery case.Got all the locks changed, so now I have only 1 key for all the locks.

Get a battery box with a lock. Infact your lock set should have 1 lock for the battery box. All you need to do is pick up an original battery box from RE. Also change the crankcase cover. The one you have is from some other model.

Spitfire · 16th June 2009, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokie

Now it only burns oil the first few minutes, after that it's ok.

Something is not right here. It shouldnt "burn" oil.

Quote:

The spark plug gets all oiled up after a ride.

You mean its coated with oil after a ride?

Quote:

The mechanic says that the piston rings have to be changed. Right now, I am not too keen to get that done.

The above symptoms and this(rings) appear to be some major issues.

Quote:

I am cleaning the spark plug before every ride. I am hoping that this problem will go away once the oil level goes further down.

I dont think this is the right way to go about it.

Quote:

The best for last. The engine has started kicking the carburetor out. Right now it's dangling. Got a rubber flange yesterday, and will get it fitted today.

Kicking the carb out? you mean it comes off... just like that... Your mechanic didnt remedy this?

Quote:

As you can see the bike has already started marking it's territory.

Stop going by this nonsense, get your bike repaired.

Quote:

Took the bike upto 100, and it seemed ok till now. Will push it a bit further once I have more confidence in the bike and my riding skills.

If you keep riding the bike with above symptoms you are going to damage it.

I am sure this is your first Bullet.

smokie · 16th June 2009, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedrolourenco

The one you have is from some other model.

Which model is this from? I thought it was the standard Bullet 500 case. The 350's I have seen don't have this crank case. They have one without the Royal Enfield written on it. In any case, is there any harm in using this case? Will there be any mechanical damage?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spitfire

Something is not right here. It shouldnt "burn" oil.

I am guessing it's burning oil because white smoke comes out of the exhaust. I am (again guessing) that this is because the oil seeps into the combustion chamber, due to faulty rings.

You mean its coated with oil after a ride?
Yes. It's wet.

The above symptoms and this(rings) appear to be some major issues.
Probably.

I dont think this is the right way to go about it.
I know. But I am not riding it much if at all. I have ridden probably 50km in all since I have bought it. All highway. The reason I clean the spark plug is because, otherwise it takes a whole lot of kicking for it to start. With a clean spark plug it starts in 2-3 kicks.

Kicking the carb out? you mean it comes off... just like that... Your mechanic didnt remedy this?
It came out once. After which the bike was grounded. It did not come off while riding, but when I was starting it one day. He said to buy a rubber flange. The old connection between the carburetor and engine had become too loose. I bought one yesterday and fitted it myself today morning. Instead of metal, it's plastic/rubber combination. It is a very snug fit. The bike started, which is a relief. Haven't ridden it after the operation.

Stop going by this nonsense, get your bike repaired.
I am getting it repaired. Part by part, when I have time. I want to be next to the bike when the work is being done. I am in the process of shifting cities and starting college (again, woohoo!!!), so don't have much time. I have to ship the bike to Indore, and get all the major work done by a mechanic there.

If you keep riding the bike with above symptoms you are going to damage it.
Not riding it. It's not my primary mode of transport. The bike has been grounded since the carburetor episode. Will ride it in the evening, to take it to the RE showroom for mechanics to have a look.

I am sure this is your first Bullet.
Yep! And I love it.

Attaching pics of the metal part which was replaced by the rubber part. Thanks for your time.

desideep · 16th June 2009, 20:49

it is not a great idea to clean the plug every time you run the bike you may break the thread for the plug and then again another problem,

get your bikes Piston rings changed and i am sure you would be a happy man.

get a better battery cover this one is a pure desi one.

you dont have to change your clutch casing cover the bullet 500's did come with this one.

try to see if you can get a disk upfront

smokie · 17th June 2009, 09:52

@desideep: I am sure you are right. Will get that done once I am at Indore. The way I see it, leaking of piston rings won't damage the engine, just burn oil and reduce power. As I am not riding the bike daily, nor for long distances, I guess this repair will have to wait for a month.

It rained in Hyderabad yesterday. Today morning the sky was overcast and weather was cool. Perfect for riding. Got out at 7:30am. The bike almost started in the first kick. Then the bike decided I was not worthy of this honour, so it died after a sputter. After another couple of attempts, it started and I was good to go.

Surprisingly, the white smoke at the start reduced a lot. Enough that I did not see it, only smell it a bit. It was completely gone in a few minutes. I don't know the reason for this, but just a observation. I did not remove the spark plug today. I will leave it in from now on.

The total ride was 50kms, all highway. The bike and I both like to ride at 55kmph - 60kmph. It's the speed where the engine sounds the best according to my ears, not stressed at all. A quick twist of the throttle and bike accelerates smoothly to about 90 or so. Enough to overtake trucks etc.

The bike doesn't care too much about cross winds. While coming back, I faced a strong head wind, but the bike kept going, very stable. Also, it makes me sit up straight, which I am enjoying.

After about 20kms, the bike became real smooth. So smooth, I never felt anything like it.

I love the neutral finder. I am still having trouble up-shifting. Will need more practice.

Will go to the RE showroom in Indore once I am there and buy the battery box.

Thanks everyone for your time and advice, I really appreciate it. It is helping this bullet newbie a lot.

NIP · 7th September 2009, 19:04

Enjoyed reading that ownership, especially from a newbie. Has the bike reached Indore yet ? Any new updates ?

Brian Ammanna · 19th March 2012, 12:02

Folks, I'm visiting Hyderabad day after tomorrow and wanted to connect with Sudhakar Anna in Bansilalpet to check for any vintage bikes. I'm eagerly looking out for one.

Can someone share Sudhakar's contacts pls.

regards
Brian
brian.ammanna@gmail.com

I suggest a trip to Sudhakar Anna (Bansilalpet...ask at Commercial store, Ranigunj for directions) to make sure your baby is as good as she looks.

Congratulations...I am so jealous of you![/quote]

bradhey · 19th March 2012, 16:18

anybody who says you paid more for a good 500 like this, will have to eat his words because it has become a rare bike and if you keep it well with the help of Sudhakar Anna, it may fetch you much more when you sell it later !!

zaks · 19th March 2012, 16:48

Congrats on your black thumper and hey, this seat looks very nice and comfy, does anyone know if this can be fitted for C500?

12th May 2009, 19:16	#16
gt_mustang BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: hyd Posts: 247 Thanked: 5 Times	man how could u find only one 500 in hydseesh there are many places to checkthere are soo many old bullet specialists in hyderabadwell anyways congrats on ur bike
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 17:30	#17
amarprusty BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 201 Thanked: 46 Times	Test Drove New Bullet 500 AVL LB New Bullet 500 Machismo AVL LB is a neat power machine,very torquey,great handling and stability along with the huge front disc brake halting the bike at 100 kmph. Rs 10k more than the puny 350 TB-TS at Rs 1.16 Lac on-road Bangalore Awesome Drive
	() Thanks

25th May 2009, 22:43	#18
drsamuelk BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: vellore Posts: 88 Thanked: 45 Times	Hi guys, I just thought I should share this with you. My friends bullet was the 6th dissapointing 350 AVL bullet to be released by Bullet in India and the early ones were a flop. I believe that all things got to do with the number '6' is pure bad luck(Satan's number). We had been to our Bullet dealer in Vellore, Tamilnadu and wanted to improve our 350 machismo. We were promptly offered a new 500 cc stock AVL engine for Rs 35,000. This engine contains cylinders, crank case, crank and shaft, everything new. Just keeping the old gearbox. That's really cool, now all of you out there, don't waste money on reboring an old engine. If you don't want a AVL engine just go for a new cast iron engine, it costs Rs 15,000. Just get a load of that.
	() Thanks

26th May 2009, 06:38	#19
Torque-ative BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 500 Thanked: 89 Times	Did I hear you right !!! Or may be I heard what I wanted to! The 15000 was for a CI 350 or 500 block ?
	() Thanks

26th May 2009, 08:48	#20
lohithrao Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kudla/Mangaluru Posts: 3,204 Thanked: 225 Times View My Garage	smokie, good buy! enjoy
	() Thanks

16th June 2009, 09:32	#21
smokie BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 83 Thanked: 17 Times	Ok guys, I have some updates The engile oil was really, low so topped it up. The mechanic filled it higher than the "H" level. It started burning oil after that. I then got it reduced to exactly "H" level. Now it only burns oil the first few minutes, after that it's ok. The spark plug gets all oiled up after a ride. The mechanic says that the piston rings have to be changed. Right now, I am not too keen to get that done. I am cleaning the spark plug before every ride. I am hoping that this problem will go away once the oil level goes further down. The battery died, so got a new Amaron battery. The old one was 5amps and the new one is 9amps. The new battery needed a new battery case. Got all the locks changed, so now I have only 1 key for all the locks. The best for last. The engine has started kicking the carburetor out. Right now it's dangling. Got a rubber flange yesterday, and will get it fitted today. Here are some pics of the bike after a good wash. As you can see the bike has already started marking it's territory. Took the bike upto 100, and it seemed ok till now. Will push it a bit further once I have more confidence in the bike and my riding skills. Looking for a neat helmet as well. Looking for the old style scooter helmet, probably white. I have a few questions. 1. Does RE showroom sell single seats? The ones I saw in the market, I didn't like. I would like the one they are using on the RE classic, or something similar. 2. What would be the best way to transport this to Indore from Hyderabad. There are no direct trains. I have to leave to Indore without the bike. I will ask my friends to send the bike once I have reached there. Any steps/precautions to take before the transportation? Attached Thumbnails Last edited by smokie : 16th June 2009 at 09:35.
	() Thanks

16th June 2009, 20:49	#25
desideep Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,159 Thanked: 318 Times View My Garage	it is not a great idea to clean the plug every time you run the bike you may break the thread for the plug and then again another problem, get your bikes Piston rings changed and i am sure you would be a happy man. get a better battery cover this one is a pure desi one. you dont have to change your clutch casing cover the bullet 500's did come with this one. try to see if you can get a disk upfront
	() Thanks

17th June 2009, 09:52	#26
smokie BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 83 Thanked: 17 Times	@desideep: I am sure you are right. Will get that done once I am at Indore. The way I see it, leaking of piston rings won't damage the engine, just burn oil and reduce power. As I am not riding the bike daily, nor for long distances, I guess this repair will have to wait for a month. It rained in Hyderabad yesterday. Today morning the sky was overcast and weather was cool. Perfect for riding. Got out at 7:30am. The bike almost started in the first kick. Then the bike decided I was not worthy of this honour, so it died after a sputter. After another couple of attempts, it started and I was good to go. Surprisingly, the white smoke at the start reduced a lot. Enough that I did not see it, only smell it a bit. It was completely gone in a few minutes. I don't know the reason for this, but just a observation. I did not remove the spark plug today. I will leave it in from now on. The total ride was 50kms, all highway. The bike and I both like to ride at 55kmph - 60kmph. It's the speed where the engine sounds the best according to my ears, not stressed at all. A quick twist of the throttle and bike accelerates smoothly to about 90 or so. Enough to overtake trucks etc. The bike doesn't care too much about cross winds. While coming back, I faced a strong head wind, but the bike kept going, very stable. Also, it makes me sit up straight, which I am enjoying. After about 20kms, the bike became real smooth. So smooth, I never felt anything like it. I love the neutral finder. I am still having trouble up-shifting. Will need more practice. Will go to the RE showroom in Indore once I am there and buy the battery box. Thanks everyone for your time and advice, I really appreciate it. It is helping this bullet newbie a lot. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

7th September 2009, 19:04	#27
NIP Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,180 Thanked: 152 Times View My Garage	Enjoyed reading that ownership, especially from a newbie. Has the bike reached Indore yet ? Any new updates ?
	() Thanks

19th March 2012, 12:02	#28
Brian Ammanna Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 13 Thanked: 3 Times	Re: Help needed in buying a Bullet 500cc Folks, I'm visiting Hyderabad day after tomorrow and wanted to connect with Sudhakar Anna in Bansilalpet to check for any vintage bikes. I'm eagerly looking out for one. Can someone share Sudhakar's contacts pls. regards Brian brian.ammanna@gmail.com I suggest a trip to Sudhakar Anna (Bansilalpet...ask at Commercial store, Ranigunj for directions) to make sure your baby is as good as she looks. Congratulations...I am so jealous of you![/quote]
	() Thanks

19th March 2012, 16:18	#29
bradhey BHPian Join Date: May 2010 Location: Agra Posts: 288 Thanked: 34 Times	Re: Help needed in buying a Bullet 500cc anybody who says you paid more for a good 500 like this, will have to eat his words because it has become a rare bike and if you keep it well with the help of Sudhakar Anna, it may fetch you much more when you sell it later !!
	() Thanks

19th March 2012, 16:48	#30
zaks BANNED Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 952 Thanked: 181 Times View My Garage	Re: Help needed in buying a Bullet 500cc Congrats on your black thumper and hey, this seat looks very nice and comfy, does anyone know if this can be fitted for C500?
	() Thanks