Royal Enfield has a new Bullet, the Bullet Classic C5, and unless you’re familiar with these bikes you might miss the changes at first, but they’re substantial. This brand new Bullet, arriving next month in the U.S., looks pretty good and, more amazing, it looks even more retro than before.
The old Bullet 500 has been pretty much unchanged since 1955, model years didn’t mean a lot since minor refinements were the rule and visual changes were minimal. The Bullet Classic C5 takes its styling from a slightly older era, about 1951, but the engine moves into the modern era with unit construction, fuel injection, hydraulic lifters, no kick start, a smooth shifting 5 speed transmission, … it’s a brand new motorcycle, it just looks like a perfectly restored 60 year old bike.
Royal Enfields have always appealed to many older riders who like to tinker with their bikes, weekend maintenance is part of the experience, while the new Bullet gives you all of the retro look with low maintenance, smooth operation and increased performance required by a new generation, though I have a hunch it will be welcomed by all.
The new engine enables the higher sustained cruising speeds found in the U.S., more passing power and torque from the fuel injected 500 pushrod single, and, as required today, very low emissions.
Styling was something they wanted to get right so they set up an in house design group and looked everywhere for additional expertise, Xenophya Design took part and the in-house designers made multiple visits to the British National Motorcycle Museum for inspiration and to ensure the look was historically correct.
Royal Enfield points out the C5 includes:
* Post-World War II styling with authentic fuel tank graphics
* Body-colored frame, color-keyed to match the fuel tank and fenders
* Sprung saddle, with special bushings for smoothness of action and isolation of
vibration
* Era-correct stitching, texture and finish on the seat cover for period-perfect style
* Black-painted alloy cylinder, emulating the cast-iron cylinders common in the
1950s
The bike weighs in at 412 pounds, with 27 hp and 30 foot pounds of torque, perfectly capable of delivering a fun ride. Brakes are a 280mm disc up front with a 152mm drum out back. Don’t forget, 85 miles per gallon, too!
The C5 is expected to be available for purchase in the U.S. in June 2009 retailing for $6,395, not a bad price for a brand new classic, especially when it performs like a modern bike fully capable of everyday use.
The new unit engine is also being used for the new Bullet G5. It looks the same as the old Bullet 500, available in standard, deluxe and military versions as always, but now powered by the modern engine, that still looks very retro itself. The Bullet G5 starts at $5995.
This could be an excellent bike for a more leisurely ride, fun for beginners, fun for anyone who appreciates classic style without the headaches. I think Royal Enfield may expand their market with this one, I like it. Stop by your Royal Enfield dealer next month to check it out.
Link: Classic Motorworks
Walt says
Nice job on the aesthetics indeed. Though I enjoy and appreciate vintage iron (own two 1930s H-D flatheads and a 1972 Bonneville) the importance of technical updates can’t be ignored. If only the British motorcycle industry had moved as deftly to update their machines back in the 1960s, they might have altered their course and avoided collapse.
Mark X says
I need another motorcycle like a hole in the head, but I may have to give one of these a home.
Mikeo3o5 says
I too don’t need another motorcycle in the garage but I am really attracted to the new Enfield’s.
I had a good friend that had a 500 in the late 50s and I rode it often and have had a soft spot for them ever since. I think I am going to have to have one!
James Bowman says
A friend at work has the earlier model in green and it is very nice, I almost bought it from him as he usually has >5 bikes at a time.
Henry Hunt says
I’m in Kenya and have a 500 bullet, I strongly welcome the changes, I think I’ll make my next vacation plan to India, again, and see about getting one of these bikes back here. Being from Colorado originally it would be interesting to see how one would do in the Rocky Mountians. My current 500 has been a good flatlander but even in Kenya its slow on the hills. Good luck RE with the new version!!!!!!!!!
marvin says
Very nice indeed, perhaps a bit showy for me in the eggshell blue but extremely handsome in the dark red. Can some one clarify for me why designers take kick starts off bikes, is it very hard to engineer alongside an electric boot like the old models or is it just that if the battery is reduced to such a level that it won’t start the bike that the engine management/injection management won’t work anyway no matter how much you jump up on the lever? I have had bikes with only kick starts with both and with only the electric boot, thinking back the ones with a kick start also had points does the move from points kill the kick start as a good idea as I have bump started bikes with flat batteries and electronic ignition and even fuel injection with no problems? When choosing between two bikes if one had a kick start it would be a major plus for me.
kneeslider says
Marvin, Royal Enfield says kick starts were deleted because most owners of electric start models simply weren’t using it. And the new C5 is also available in black.
Henry, high altitudes should be no problem, the bikes were tested, according to RE, by riding up to 18,380 feet!
SteveD says
What a nice looking bike. I think the market for smaller,lower powered bikes will be growing as more folks use them for commuters. The major issue will be to see how reliable it turns out to be.
greg says
henry hunt ….just one point….might want to check on availability of this model before booking your flight to india… the cycle world piece that i read on this bike satted that these models would not be released domestically in india, that they were designed for the export market…
Chris says
So are the internals still there, or has the kickstarter been totally engineered out of the new model? I’d definitely want to retrofit one if at all possible. 🙂
cl
nortley says
While I doubt that the Enfield will cut too deeply into the sales of the big Japanese manufacturers, it will be interesting to see its effect on new models. There have been attempts at making a classic looking street bike based on a four stroke single from them before, but in my eyes none of them quite made it for looks. They all reminded me, more or less, of dirt bikes with street bits hung on their chassis. I hope that the Enfield does inspire some serious effort from other builders. The only obvious non-classic aesthetic ‘flaw’ in the Enfield is the front disc brake, a good drum should handle the machines capabilities and would look the part. Someone might come up with a kicker kit. It looks like it would require making a whole new sidecover.
Hawk says
Where are the “Prince of Darkness” electrics?
We can’t truly relive those old “Brit Bike” days without remembering, “Home before dark.” A starting ritual was never complete until you put a hand in front of the headlight to see if it was lit. Standard tool box components were a girlfriend’s hairpin and nail file.
I’d never have trusted my old Gold Star without a kick starter ….
Swagger says
Anything can be accomplished with the copious application of funds.
Neat looking bike, I hope it does well for them.
nobody says
Just what “everybody” wants for this bike:
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Dummy-Kickstart-Lever-El-hombre-est-macho-p-17396.html
Sticker Boy says
My gf has been bugging me about the Triumph Bonneville… better not show her this!
marvin says
Chris the rest of the EFI range have a kick start and the trials one may be even better looking than the classic although its a bit of a toss up as they are both very good looking. This suggests you could quite easily change the cover and put a kick start on the classic.
http://www.oxfordshireroyalenfield.co.uk/images/gallery/efi_gallery/efi-trials.jpg.
Hawk did you know that lord lucas was actually given a knighthood for services to auto electrics when he single handedly invented the short circuit?
todd says
Very nice. RE would probably sell a few thousand more Bullets if they imported them into California. Maybe that will happen in 2010 when everyone switches over to CA emission standards.
I too would want the kick starter. It’s not like it’s difficult kicking a low compression 500 single, especially if it has a decompression device. One problem with having a kick starter is that the bike will still start and run with a dead battery. This sounds like it should be a positive feature but it isn’t; Running a bike with a dead battery works the regulator too hard and you start to burn things out (things that are under warranty). How do I know? Been there, done that and read it in a manual once.
Having no kick starter forces you to replace your dead battery.
-todd
davidabl says
I was quite surprised to see the KS go away 1 )makes the bike look less classic
2) Hondas, Nortons, H.D. came dual start for quite a few years, as owners didn’t really believe that the electric foot would always work. Enfield owners could be expected to feel the same 3) the best retro repop out there is probably the Kawi W-650, which has
a Kickstart…
davidabl says
My main concern about this one is that it’s too close in price to some of Triumph’s offerings. btw, regarding an earlier post by Todd, without some gastank fume recovery system they just won’t let ’em into CA.
webscrounger says
They’ve done a very nice job re-engineering the bike, It looks great and is likely more reliable, efficient and will probably sell well. However, I’m going to say I don’t care for the aesthetics of the new unit engine.
I think of the Royal Enfield as a true relic that still lives today and part of that is the original non-unit trans/engine/kick-start, etc. With the refinements, the classic industrial look of the old mechanics is lost, as is it’s aesthetics and appeal, to me anyway.
I would have been happier if they made all the other engineering upgrades while keeping the same non-unit configuration. So, if and when I add one to my stable, it will likely be a classic older non-unit model, ancient technology and all. But then I also don’t have to rely on it for day-to-day transportation like many probably do.
B*A*M*F says
Kick starts are great, but you can also do a push start when absolutely necessary.
lostinoz says
Cruising through their site (http://www.oxfordshireroyalenfield.co.uk) it appears they have BOTH kick and electric start “options” for the bullet classic.
The boss has spoken (the wife) it WILL be the next pony in the stable, as I just wrecked my daily rider. Color matched panniers or a nice set of classic brown throw overs and whitewalls would really enhance the look.
As a purist, I dont know if I’m happy with the unit construction or the fuel injection or the hydraulic lifters, but as a daily rider (or somewhat close, as it IS a Brit bike) its a welcome change.
Good on ’em as a friend of mine would say, and I’ll be at the local stealer harassing them until they get one in!
Tin Man 2 says
People all over the world use these bikes as daily transportation, and have for 50 Years. All these remarks about reliability put out by folks who never road one, let alone owned one. You guys want an appliance go buy a Toyota, You will never have to get your hands dirty. A handy person in rural India would love to own any Enfield, and would keep it going for his whole lifetime, Much like the Harleys still running and highly prized in Cuba!!
lostinoz says
Tin Man 2,
Dont be so quick to judge people, some of us have had more than our fair share of experiences with Brit bikes. Two classic Triumphs and a RE has left me with a firm opinion and plenty of time turning wrenches. The older bikes were good for their time, and still hold a soft spot in many hearts, and I’m sure there will be more people to see the bright side of things now that you dont need to be nearly as skilled to own them.
“If you want an appliance, go buy a Toyota” works now, but 40 years ago, the Japanese bikes and cars were not all that dependable from what I remember. You had to fix things constantly, and people yearned for more. Today, RE has FINALLY given us that “more” that we’ve been waiting and praying for, and for that, their popularity will grow now, just as the “appliances” had grown through the 70’s to now.
hipsabad says
“Royal Enfield says kick starts were deleted because most owners of electric start models simply weren’t using it.” Weird, one of my bikes is a modded W650 and I run an electric jacket liner (Gerbing’s – great design) in the colder weather. The jacket liner draws 77 watts, consequently I’m in the habit of always using the kick start to save on battery strain. Cold weather starting takes longer, thus the kick is especially useful specifically when I need it. It’s not always so easy to bump start a bike given certain situations. I lament their loss. Bikeshop owners sometimes tell me it’s good practice to periodically replace my battery every 2-3 years (C$120). Funny, my car batteries last for a long time. I know cars have different charging systems that work at lower revs but still why all this tossing away of bike batteries?
"W" says
Two words – “Me Want”
dogsnarl says
Beautiful ~
Motorod says
Kickstart v.s. kickstart, blue v.s. red, character v.s. appliance, who cares? This is not some old Brit bike, thank goodness: It’s a brand new Indian motorcycle. A good friend related seeing an old Enfield pass the bus on which he was traveling over the highest motorable pass in the world. Hauling goods. When the bus he was on broke down, they had to kick the ice away from the doorway to exit. Very harsh conditions, but I’d wager to say that the fellow on the Enfield had more than mere confidence in his bike. That’s Pure Faith, brother.
In some Indian villages a motorcycle or scooter is the only means of transportation, the village taxi & ambulance, sometimes the only source of wealth. Whole families travel on them, carry their goods and produce away to market. You can see these beauties in operation everywhere, some of them still running since the period from which this one borrowed it’s good looks.
Reliability? That’s enough for me. When they finally start selling this bike in California, I’ll make one my daily scoot.
Nair says
You guys are lucky… the bikes cool… wish it was available back here in India… I know a lot of die hard bullet lovers who would be ready to pay the price (including 110% duty) and get this beauty back to India….
Randy says
I wish RE success. There is certainly a significant fraction of the motorcyling population who think the current “modern” bikes are overstyled overkill. Yes, I have a modern bike (R1150GS), but I also have a R75/5. And I like it just fine. I’d buy an RE in a moment except I live in Cali.
Scott M says
I want one, but I live in the repressive Socialists Republic of Kalifornia, so the ruling class that tells us all how we should live our lives won’t let me have one. I envy the rest of the nation where people still have some freedoms. I pity you if you follow the lead of our ridiculous totalitaian state.
Nice motorcycle, love the early 1950s look and would make a great in town commuter and fun bike to hit the local Rockabilly shows on. Hmmm…. Arizona has nice weather…….hmmm
Joe says
I think they should make the bike with a kickstarter as an option seeing as most Enfield buyers are into the nostalgic retro image of the bike. A small crome cover over the shaft could be removed and a kick starter lever fitted for those that like the look and backup.I know modern bikes have reliable electrics but when I venture on remote outback tracks on my BMW1150GS I would love to have the backup and piece of mind of a kickstart,especialy one that can be carried in the toolkit as a slip on emergancy fit. A low battery in an isolated remote location can be life threatening.
Martin K says
Scott M says “…but I live in the repressive Socialists Republic of Kalifornia, so the ruling class that tells us all how we should live our lives won’t let me have one. I envy the rest of the nation where people still have some freedoms. I pity you if you follow the lead of our ridiculous totalitaian state.”
Scott… the RE will be released in CA when it passes the emissions test, to make sure that we don’t screw up the air etc for our children. If you want to live in a place where you have total freedom to do what you want without considering your neighbour (and neighbours not giving a damn about you) you might want to consider relocating to Somalia. California, in my opinion has a nice balance between personal rights and responsibilities. You should have as much freedom as possible, as long as they don’t mess with the freedoms of others…. I’ll bet that your mc is very, very loud.
David says
Just put my advance purchase money down with the dealer on Friday on a new red C-5. ETA is about 2 weeks. Test rode a G-5, which is mechanically the same, and was pleasantly surprised at how it ran…….. a very good ride. Can hardly wait to see heads turn at all the usual local biker haunts!
todd says
Martin K, the RE most likely already does meet or beat California emissions requirements. That isn’t the issue. California feels that it trumps the federal government when it comes to federal regulations. Therefore, despite the fact that the RE is tested and legal in the United States of America, it still must be submitted for testing in California – even if it has proven to be able to pass. This costs manufacturers hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s not like riding down to the local “Test Only” station. This does have a strange twist – the EPA has decided to let CARB (California) lead the way in determining emission standards for the rest of the country. I think it’s 2010 when it comes into play. That will be the year everything is equal again, no more 49-state compliance. That is, until California decides to overrule the power of the Feds yet again.
-todd
Nicholas Gomez says
Good job Royal Enfield. Now it’s time to get Fritz Egli’s frame design produced in India, and create the Egli Super Bullet 624 based on this new unit construction EFI engine! http://www.bikervoodoo.com/2008/04/02/egli-royal-enfield-super-bullet-624cc/
vikram rao says
having grown up in India, Ive been seeing these old bullits as we know it back home, I hated these bikes, they were slow, loud and big, but now living in America, I long for the thump of an Enfield, I saw a olive green one across the street in Manhattan.I hated the kick start bcoz once the enfield gave me an uncomfortable back kick when i tried to start it, since then i used only bikes with electric start, but this one looks amazing, and with an electric start, will def consider buying one.
Dannie Mullins says
I bought the first C5 sold in the U.S.A, I sold a ’05 Triumph Bonneville black to get the Royal enfield and I’ve never looked back. I love this bike!
Dan Martin says
The new RE C5 Classic is so beautiful my defib device had to give me a jolt to resynch my fluttering old heart. Good job, Sahibs! But there’s still a nagging voice in my head that whines ‘Couldn’t they have managed just a leetle bit more than 27hp out of a 500?’ Even 30hp would look so much better in the write-ups.
Dan says
Nice, but not a real RE.
Baj says
I stay in India and just booked a 500 Classic yesterday… It comes with both a kick and the electric start. US $3000 OTR :). Delivery in a week if I am lucky, normal delivery time 45 days.
The bike sounds great or maybe I have got used to the rattle of my BMW F650.
Matias says
Hi, I would like to know if anyone here bought the new Bullet Classic C5 from 2009, and what you think about it.
Today I used one and loved it but Im not an expert… so I would like to know what you think of it before I spend a fortune (here in argentina is around 8000 USD).
Thanks a lot for your help
Nicekid says
Hi,
It is available in India! i booked one on December and is still waiting for it to be delivered, as they claim that they got 5 times more bookings than they anticipated!. And here it come with a self starter as well as with the kick start option.
joep says
How interesting to hear all the comments that this is a “Brit Bike”. Yes, the original Enfields were British but didn’t the British factory die a long time ago? How can anyone claim that this new machine with a completely new engine fitted with fuel injection is anything other than what it is…Indian.
The Indian people love them, continued them and now have developed them when most people in Britain (bar the enthusiasts) don’t even know what they are. Ask anyone in India have they heard of Royal Enfield and to a man, the answer will be yes.
Mochi1 says
I recently had a RE 500cc C5 for two months in India. Superb machine. In fact, I would like to have one here in the States. However, reliability is important to me. Have there been any write-ups in trusted publications for long-term reliability?