Author Topic: New guy introduces self.  (Read 3997 times)

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Byway

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on: February 12, 2008, 03:41:52 am
Hey everyone..

My name's Al.  After years of dreaming I've finally purchased a Bullet.  It's an '01 Classic, kick-start only.

I've owned other bikes (and many a car), have had quite a few mechanical experiences, both in the Air Force and with my own vehicles, so I look forward to contributing to mechanical discussions and to learning a lot about the Bullet!

I look forward to posting and chatting with you!

Al  (on the "Byway")
2001 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic;  1988 Yamaha Virago 535;  1999 Suzuki Katana 600; 2001 Honda CN250 Helix;  1972 Honda CB350SS.


birdmove

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Reply #1 on: February 12, 2008, 04:51:34 am
    Let me be the first one to welcome you here, Al. I just bought a brand new 2007 500 Classic.I live in Puyallup, Wa. I'm still breaking mine in and getting to know the bike.I'm 54 years old and started riding back about 1963-4 or so, so I was riding when the British bikes ruled the roost in motorcycling.I'm also a big fan of "thumpers" having owned quite a few of them-mostly dual sports.
    Theres a lot of folks here with knowledge of Bullet motorcycles including the owner of the dealership I bought mine from-Vinc'es in Olympia, Wa. Post some photos of your bike too, we're always ready to admire another RE Bullet.

    Take care, Jon
Jon in Keaau, Hawaii


Byway

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Reply #2 on: February 12, 2008, 05:14:28 am
NIce to meet you, Jon.  I seriously considered buying a new 5-speed but got a pretty good deal on my 4-speed.  The 5-speed gearbox is said to be an improvement over the four but mine is decent, lacking the linkage of the left-hand shift set-up.  It's just taking a bit of concentration to shift one up and three down, and never mind that it's with the foot formerly used for rear brakes!  One more layer of theft protection!  ;D
 Washington state is beautiful!  Must be good riding out there?

Al
2001 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic;  1988 Yamaha Virago 535;  1999 Suzuki Katana 600; 2001 Honda CN250 Helix;  1972 Honda CB350SS.


birdmove

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Reply #3 on: February 12, 2008, 05:32:17 am
    Yes, we do have some fine riding here.Now if the rain would just let up!! I have three motorcycles right now: The 2007 Bullet Classic, a 2005 Kawasaki KLR650, and a 2007 Yamaha XT225.I have been commuting on the KLR just about every day rain or shine for a couple of years now (except in the snow). I have a fairly short commute of 15 miles round trip on a pretty nice back road where the speed limit is 34-40, but traffic is usually going more like 50.So I figure the Bullet will handle it after the break in is over.I'm just at about 270 miles so far.So far my Bullet shows that it has not used any measureable amount of oil.I seem to be getting around 70-78 miles per gallon.The thing about the Enfiled Bullets to me, is they look so great! I've posted a few photos of not only my Bullet, but some custum/modded ones in the General area of the photo section.
    Hopefully, if I ever get this thing broke in, after the weather improves a group of us Bullet owners in this area will get together for a group ride here.That would be fun!

   jon
Jon in Keaau, Hawaii


Byway

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Reply #4 on: February 12, 2008, 05:55:38 am
Jon,

Sounds good!  You and I seem to have similar tastes in motorcycles.  I've been intrigued by the KLR for a long time! 
Yeah, 50 or so mph shouldn't be bad at all!  I have lofty plans of back roads road-tripping and maybe a little commuting, too.  I'm keeping my eye out for fellow Bullet riders in the area..
I'll post pics of my bike soon. 

Take care!

Al
2001 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic;  1988 Yamaha Virago 535;  1999 Suzuki Katana 600; 2001 Honda CN250 Helix;  1972 Honda CB350SS.


LJRead

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Reply #5 on: February 12, 2008, 07:00:44 am
Another good chooser of bikes.  Several on the forum have extolled the virtues of boThe Yamaha and Kawasaki you own.  I'm up to my ears in "mechanical" right now and the Tech Tips section is helping a lot.  Today I managed to retreive my oil dipstick from the bottom of the oil chamber.  I learn a lot and need to!


Enjoy the fourm,

Larry


LotusSevenMan

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Reply #6 on: February 12, 2008, 07:10:21 am
Welcome aboard!
Have fun with your new purchase.

Larry by the way undersells himself. His is a major renovation or it seems to be turning out that way. Glad you got the dipstick blade back Larry!! Had to be in there somewhere didn't it!
If it ain't broke-------------------------- fix it 'till it is!

Royal Enfield Miltary 500cc  (2003)
Honda VTR FireStorm (SuperHawk) 996cc 'V' twin
Kawasaki KR1 250cc twin 'stroker
Ducati 916 'L' twin


fredgold52

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Reply #7 on: February 12, 2008, 02:33:02 pm
Welcome to the forum, Al.  Sounds like you're gonna fit right in.  This is a great place with many very good people.  Hope you enjoy yourself.

Fred
2006 '65' and a 200cc Stella, Indian all the way


Thumper

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Reply #8 on: February 12, 2008, 03:47:59 pm
Welcome Al!

Keep us posted on the progress with new (to you) Bullet!

Matt


cyrusb

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Reply #9 on: February 12, 2008, 04:32:25 pm
Glad to hear you grabbed a kick only,Its closer to the original , and simpler.
2005E Fixed and or Replaced: ignition, fenders,chainguard,wires,carb,headlight,seat,tailight,sprockets,chain,shock springs,fork springs, exhaust system, horn,shifter,clutch arm, trafficators,crankcase vent.


geoffbaker

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Reply #10 on: February 12, 2008, 10:14:02 pm
Hi Al,

I'm a new owner as well. Just bought my 2000 military bullet a couple of weeks ago. I'm looking forward to riding it after the rebuild (new valves and a decarbonizing job required)!

I'm 52 and much like one of the other posters in this thread, I grew up on British motorcycles (actually, I lived in Ireland in the time). My last bike was a 1952 BSA A10 thumper. It's amazing how little difference there is between the technology of that time and my 2000 Bullet!

Once its operational I'll put up a pic or two.

Enjoy your new bike!


Byway

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Reply #11 on: February 12, 2008, 10:46:34 pm
Thanks for all the encouraging welcomes (past and future)!

Al
2001 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic;  1988 Yamaha Virago 535;  1999 Suzuki Katana 600; 2001 Honda CN250 Helix;  1972 Honda CB350SS.