Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Bike Overview
The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 has a come a long way considering the earlier production models were not really up to the mark in terms of quality. A true British classic, the bike is now manufactured in India and imported to the UK. If you are on the lookout for a bike with muscle and lineage, the Bullet 500 would suit you just fine.
Do not expect to tear down the road when you ride the Bullet 500, as it is meant to be ridden at a leisurely pace. It pumps out 22 bhp with the Clubman racer squeezing in an extra 2 bhp. The gearbox takes a fair bit of practice to get accustomed to, but once you are adept, riding the bike is a pleasurable experience.
The tyres are remarkably skinny considering the size of the bike and the handling is reasonable given that it has basic suspensions and forks. The chassis is durable although, it cannot really be tested at full tilt, because of its lack of power. The bike makes up for in torque what is lacks in raw power. The brakes are old fashioned drum brakes with the pre-2004 models not fitted with an electric start.
The quality of the bike has definitely improved over the years with a slew of improvements made in all areas of the bike. UK importers ensure that it meets European regulations and standards in all aspects and carefully monitor quality standards.
A tough and dependable bike with no nonsense frills is what you get when you buy the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Bike Spec
- Weight168kg
- Engine4 stroke, single cylinder
- Capacity499cc
- Average fuel consumption70mpg
- Top speed70mph
- Seat height760mm
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Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Retro looks, lack of top speed
Cons
Higher revs
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Fault free tour of Spain.
Traditional British bike feel!
Front disc, rear drum adequate
Heavy.
Fast enough for relaxed cruising
Maintenance cheap and simple, can exceed 80 mpg
Pros
Its very economical.
Cons
Brakes
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Very comfortable seats.
No problems yet but only got it.
Braking not great to begin with but bedding in nicely.
Really is a bit of vibration from it but this will cease when its run in.
Its powerful enough for what I got it for.
Very economical.
Pros
Very cheap to run and maintain, spares available easily.
Cons
The standard silencer is too long ( now replaced with a shorter one )
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It's comfortable but not suitable for long journeys.
No problems or issues it does what its supposed to with the minimum of fuss.
The brakes are adequate for the bikes performance.
It's a lightweight easy ride motorbike.
For a 500cc its underpowered but if you accept it for what it is its okay.
Its a very cheap bike to run, spares are very cheap compared with all other make bikes, it does around 100mpg !! say no more.
Pros
The best thing is the ride when I can just plod along the country lanes. Haven't found anything wrong with it apart from vibration when my mirror vibrated off on motorway, caught it before it went off. I first tried one in India and liked it so much I purchased one here and I haven't regretted it, I love riding this RE, I ride it more than the others I have.
Cons
Mirrors are crappie, I have now put bar end mirrors on, a vast improvement.
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Really good ride, however lots of vibration over 60mph.
Don't expect sport bike performance off this single cylinder plodder, it's a bike to enjoy
Mirrors are crappie, I have now put bar end mirrors on, a vast improvement.
Built like a tank. Had it over a year from and runs sweet
Brakes are quite good really, stops when you want it too
Pros
A great piece of history in modern times. Excellent example of engineering..
Cons
The brakes
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Single sprung seat gives a great look with average comfort
The Enfield is all about prosperity not performance
The brakes
Excellent build quality... built like a gun
A lot to be desired
Pros
The feel. It's a bike with incredible heritage spanning 100 years. It looks, sounds and feels great to ride. Huge amounts of customization through aftermarket suppliers. Very good after sales service. Owned this bike for nearly three years. Always makes me smile feeling it thump away around country roads or in the town. Had to do some work on it, but I enjoy that aspect. Great Sunday bike, will work as a commuter but the more miles it covers the more effort you will put into making sure it's running optimum (maintenance).
Cons
Build quality can let it down, from Browning of bolts a d corrosion if you are not rigorous in cleaning and protecting, to fast wearing of chains/brakes/sprockets due to lower quality Indian parts.
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Fairly light, not much power, but plenty of torque. The engine is a thumper, you know you are riding a motorcycle from the trip beginning to end.
A 499cc big single cylinder engine. Approx 27bhp and 32ft/lb of torque. It won't light the road on fire, but it is a joy to ride within its range. Real grunt, proper thumper of an engine. Fuel Injected, with backup kickstart… Which are so cool all bikes should still have one.
Build quality can let it down, from Browning of bolts a d corrosion if you are not rigorous in cleaning and protecting, to fast wearing of chains/brakes/sprockets due to lower quality Indian parts.
No plastic all metal with a very nice hand painted finish. Metal components will show corrosion quickly without protection and maintenance. Indian built parts like chain, brake pads/shoes aren't brilliant and would benefit from English made replacement
Nothing fancy. No ABS. Rear drum is adequate. Front disc brake is a two pot caliper and does its job fine.
Pros
Traditional style and design with modern touches
Cons
Another 10mph on top end would make it easier at motorway speed
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Handles well, never gets out if shape
Exactly as described only 27bhp but adequate for legal speeds
70+ mpg low servicing cost spares not overly expensive
Well built but chrome is not up to same quality as European. Alloy and paint not as good as Japanese offerinhs
Drum rear means it is not as efficient as a twin disc set up. 2017 bikes are now front and rear disc
Pros
The quality of manufacture and the fact its no different to ride than any 1960 brit single and puts a smile on my face every time I ride it
Cons
nothing!
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handles really well, very forgiving light and easy to ride
low power low speed but very 60s british ride, for the type of bike its pretty lively
I think it pays me to ride it !! over 80mpg, would be an excellent commuter bike
Far exceeds what I expected, very durable
front brake excellent rear drum brake not so good