To all the Standard 350 lovers, to each his own. The problem arises when the Standard 350 owner tries to push these thoughts over to others, OR try to degrade or call other Bullets as 'non-Bullets'.
I remember when the first LHS gear shifter was introduced it was flamed. When the AVL was introduced it was flamed. When the electric start was introduced it was flamed. How?! By calling it sissy accessories or options meant for women or for people who love 'plastic' bikes.
There is no real reason to claim that the Standard 350 is the true Bullet since its not (when you consider their own logic of judgement). Originally Bullets were introduced with inclined engines, rigid frames and no neutral finders.
So when they did introduce the vertical engine, that means that they are not true Bullets since true Bullets would have inclined engines.
When they did introduce the rear shocks, what can we conclude?! That it was for women for softer ride for their buttocks?!
When they did introduce the neutral finder, what can we conclude?! That it was for sissy's who found it difficult to find neutral?!
Apart from these there have been many enhancements and changes in the Bullet. Each change brings about progress.
To one it may feel that a Bullet is meant to be ridden at 40 in fourth gear, but to another it may be one being ripped at 120 in top gear. Or to another a well styled and prepped cafe racer screaming at +150kmph in top gear.
They are all Bullets. A Bullet simply is a single cylinder, four stroke engined. The thump is variable, there is no true thump. The thump varies from owners. Some may call the 'toilet flush' type sound the thump, some may call the refined sound of the long bottle silencer the true thump or the short-bottle. A thump is simply the sound produced by any long stroke large single cylinder engine. To call a certain sound the "thump" is stupidity because even Norton's and BSA's are thumpers. To call them non-thumpers is denying the fact and make a fool out of oneself.
So speaking if the Standard 350 is a true Bullet, it strictly isn't. It too has undergone change.
Yes, if you want something that is CLOSEST to what you got fifty years back its the Standard 350. But by no means is it BETTER, or CLASSIC, or EXQUISITE than the newer Bullets. Standard 350 are Bullets, just like the others. They are as original as the Classic 500 you get today. The Classic 500 is the next step for Royal Enfield and I support it because thats what fans ought to do.
But if you want something developed, something modern, something thats more reliable then go in for the newer Bullets. Electra has the electronic CDI, the AVL has the aluminium engine with better oil pump and a much better average and performance. The new UCE is even better than the AVL in terms of quality and reliability. Now they'll soon be launching Fuel Injection. These are all enhancements and not to destroy the image of Enfield. Instead to build a newer and modern Enfield, something that will help it regain its status among the Nortons.
Last edited by Gordon : 2nd November 2009 at 15:03.
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