Royal Enfield Bullet - Standard 350 - production to be stopped?

Sudipto-S-Team · 3rd July 2009, 10:50

Whether we like it or not, the Bullet is not suited to a fast lifestyle that many of us are unfortunately forced to live today. The bike was, is and will continue to be the symbol of macho all over the world.
I am happy that they are at last stopping its production and allowing us - the few owners - the pleasure of owning a classic that is not mass produced (with highly questionable manufacturing practices and quality issues) any more.
Given the total number of bikes available and running in the country, I don't think getting spares will be a problem in the next 20/30 years.
The Bullet is dead. Long live the Bullet.

Gansan · 3rd July 2009, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by COUGAR

But then anything that comes out of the Royal Enfield factory spells class,

Are you serious?

naveenroy · 3rd July 2009, 12:16

I find it hilarious how any thread beginning with RE or Bullet gets hijacked into meaningless ramblings....

Ok, the Bullet was and will be a Classic! Always. But its not been because of its quality - no way!

Spitfire · 3rd July 2009, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by naveenroy

I find it hilarious how any thread beginning with RE or Bullet gets hijacked into meaningless ramblings

Because some folks dont understand a spade from a spade. The Bullet Thing

Sudipto-S-Team · 3rd July 2009, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by naveenroy

Ok, the Bullet was and will be a Classic! Always. But its not been because of its quality - no way!

The problems of the Bullet are not the problems of design defect. There is nothing inherently wrong with the engineering design of the bike.
The problems are typically problems of shoddy manufacturing practices. This is the reason why discerning people still buy old Bullets, particularly pre-80s', and then get them properly repaired and then travel for thousands of miles without a hassle.

SAMUDRA · 3rd July 2009, 13:33

Hi Guys,

As per the information that I've been getting from people in RE is that the Standard will still be available but with a new heart. the new Bullet Std will have the new TwinSpark UCE engine as that of the TBTS. This change is due to the fact that RE is preparing itself to conform with the Stringent BS4 emission standards.

Cheers,
Sam

Spitfire · 3rd July 2009, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAMUDRA

Standard will still be available but with a new heart.

No offence, but you and RE are both missing the point.

More evidence that RE dosent care, they never did.

topedgemonk · 3rd July 2009, 14:30

The heavy crank std 350 is a pleasure to ride. As much as std 350 afficionados (like me) say, the practicality of it in stop and go traffic of today is comparatively less. That is simply not the philosophy behind this bike.

Another good part of std 350 is the gear on the right, most people arent used to it and never want to ride your bike.
Whether real or not, I tend to feel the bike is a little different after someone else (rarely) rides it

I've seen the UCE 500 testing, and it goes like a rocket. Superb cafe racer looks.
Built like a gun, goes like a bullet. Only that the part of being built like a gun is dicey.

jp2u · 4th January 2010, 10:40

just yesterday spoke to a bullet dealer in chennai, he told both the Bullet Std and electra are no more available. reason is emission norms.

Bullets available

Thunderbird: 1.06L
Bullet Classic: 1.08L

bullet 500: 1.40L

Baburajs · 4th January 2010, 17:15

If thats the case then it is the sad demise of a classic. I am happy that I own one.(even though it is an electra 4 speed ) . I have always looked at bullet as a classic and the RE guys as some one pointed out doesnt care. Its business for them and it makes perfect sense.

maddjango · 5th January 2010, 12:18

I own both a standard 350 and a Thunderbird (Pre-TS). While I am sad that the standard 350 is being phased out, I do think that this is for the best. More people were opting for the Electra than 350. So it makes sense. And the stricter emission norms gives the perfect excuse for it.
Though I enjoy riding the standard 350, I have to confess that I use the Thunderbird more. Mostly due to the more comfortable riding position it offers for me.

Shashank.A · 5th January 2010, 13:51

well, its not available for few weeks now. Had to struggle quite a bit to get mine in November.

But trust me guys, however common it is, the Maiden is a show stopper. Even with the stock exhaust pipe, the thump is awesome..

subushady · 6th January 2010, 23:34

I got my Std 350 on Dec 2,2009. Got the first service done and now the bike is quite smooth.
I feel lucky that I got my Std 350 before it got phased out.
It is indeed an awesome bike and my first bullet

manurana555 · 13th January 2010, 00:39

Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff : Post removed. SMS / Slang language is not the preferred mode of communication on Team-BHP. We would much appreciate if you type your post out in clear and concise english for the benefit of other community members.

Thanks!

iron · 13th January 2010, 15:03

the standard with the UCE is being show at the auto expo
it features a LHS gearshift ,RHS brake the seat of electra
probable launch feb 2010.
pics courtesy orkut -

3rd July 2009, 10:50	#31
Sudipto-S-Team Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Kolkata Posts: 1,320 Thanked: 290 Times View My Garage	Old soldiers never die Whether we like it or not, the Bullet is not suited to a fast lifestyle that many of us are unfortunately forced to live today. The bike was, is and will continue to be the symbol of macho all over the world. I am happy that they are at last stopping its production and allowing us - the few owners - the pleasure of owning a classic that is not mass produced (with highly questionable manufacturing practices and quality issues) any more. Given the total number of bikes available and running in the country, I don't think getting spares will be a problem in the next 20/30 years. The Bullet is dead. Long live the Bullet. Last edited by Sudipto-S-Team : 3rd July 2009 at 10:58.
	() Thanks

3rd July 2009, 12:16	#33
naveenroy Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,511 Thanked: 1,253 Times	Hahahaha.... I find it hilarious how any thread beginning with RE or Bullet gets hijacked into meaningless ramblings.... Ok, the Bullet was and will be a Classic! Always. But its not been because of its quality - no way!
	() Thanks

3rd July 2009, 13:33	#36
SAMUDRA BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 94 Thanked: 80 Times	Hi Guys, As per the information that I've been getting from people in RE is that the Standard will still be available but with a new heart. the new Bullet Std will have the new TwinSpark UCE engine as that of the TBTS. This change is due to the fact that RE is preparing itself to conform with the Stringent BS4 emission standards. Cheers, Sam
	() Thanks

3rd July 2009, 14:30	#38
topedgemonk BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: TRV Posts: 66 Thanked: 9 Times	The heavy crank std 350 is a pleasure to ride. As much as std 350 afficionados (like me) say, the practicality of it in stop and go traffic of today is comparatively less. That is simply not the philosophy behind this bike. Another good part of std 350 is the gear on the right, most people arent used to it and never want to ride your bike. Whether real or not, I tend to feel the bike is a little different after someone else (rarely) rides it I've seen the UCE 500 testing, and it goes like a rocket. Superb cafe racer looks. Built like a gun, goes like a bullet. Only that the part of being built like a gun is dicey.
	() Thanks

4th January 2010, 10:40	#39
jp2u BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: chennai Posts: 237 Thanked: 21 Times View My Garage	just yesterday spoke to a bullet dealer in chennai, he told both the Bullet Std and electra are no more available. reason is emission norms. Bullets available Thunderbird: 1.06L Bullet Classic: 1.08L bullet 500: 1.40L
	() Thanks

4th January 2010, 17:15	#40
Baburajs BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 265 Thanked: 14 Times	If thats the case then it is the sad demise of a classic. I am happy that I own one.(even though it is an electra 4 speed ) . I have always looked at bullet as a classic and the RE guys as some one pointed out doesnt care. Its business for them and it makes perfect sense.
	() Thanks

5th January 2010, 12:18	#41
maddjango Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 18 Thanked: 17 Times	I own both a standard 350 and a Thunderbird (Pre-TS). While I am sad that the standard 350 is being phased out, I do think that this is for the best. More people were opting for the Electra than 350. So it makes sense. And the stricter emission norms gives the perfect excuse for it. Though I enjoy riding the standard 350, I have to confess that I use the Thunderbird more. Mostly due to the more comfortable riding position it offers for me.
	() Thanks

5th January 2010, 13:51	#42
Shashank.A BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 484 Thanked: 10 Times View My Garage	well, its not available for few weeks now. Had to struggle quite a bit to get mine in November. But trust me guys, however common it is, the Maiden is a show stopper. Even with the stock exhaust pipe, the thump is awesome..
	() Thanks

6th January 2010, 23:34	#43
subushady BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: M Posts: 35 Thanked: Once	Std 350 indeed Rocks! I got my Std 350 on Dec 2,2009. Got the first service done and now the bike is quite smooth. I feel lucky that I got my Std 350 before it got phased out. It is indeed an awesome bike and my first bullet
	() Thanks

13th January 2010, 00:39	#44
manurana555 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chandigarh Posts: 5 Thanked: 0 Times	No bike Matches the Charm of riding the std 350 even not d 5speed RE bikes Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff : Post removed. SMS / Slang language is not the preferred mode of communication on Team-BHP. We would much appreciate if you type your post out in clear and concise english for the benefit of other community members. Thanks!
	() Thanks

13th January 2010, 15:03	#45
iron BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bombay Posts: 260 Thanked: 55 Times View My Garage	the standard with the UCE is being show at the auto expo it features a LHS gearshift ,RHS brake the seat of electra probable launch feb 2010. pics courtesy orkut - Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks