Author Topic: Bullet 350?  (Read 8501 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

joecool85

  • Scooter
  • **
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: 0
on: June 02, 2011, 04:17:02 pm
Anyone know if there are plans on bringing the UCE engine Bullet 350 here?  I can't afford $5,500 for the Bullet 500 and have been looking at the Suzuki TU250X as an option for $4,000 but I'd rather have a Royal Enfield in the driveway.  If the Bullet 350 came to the US for somewhere in the $4,000-5,000 price ranger I'd be ordering one ASAP.  MPG must be excellent too.


prof_stack

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,115
  • Karma: 0
  • Ride carefully - You are invisible.
Reply #1 on: June 02, 2011, 05:17:23 pm
Anyone know if there are plans on bringing the UCE engine Bullet 350 here?  I can't afford $5,500 for the Bullet 500 and have been looking at the Suzuki TU250X as an option for $4,000 but I'd rather have a Royal Enfield in the driveway.  If the Bullet 350 came to the US for somewhere in the $4,000-5,000 price ranger I'd be ordering one ASAP.  MPG must be excellent too.
I too would buy a 350 Bullet if it came here.  Wishful thinking never works for me, and I doubt if it will ever happen.  It wouldn't cost much less than the 500 after shipping, import fees, etc. are covered.  Yeah, it would vibrate less and get better MPG but be less potent for freeway use.

The TU250X is an attractive motorcycle.  Have you checked out the new Honda CBR-250R?  Same price as the TU, or spend $500 more for ABS. 
A Royal Enfield owner's cup is always half full.


prof_stack

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,115
  • Karma: 0
  • Ride carefully - You are invisible.
Reply #2 on: June 02, 2011, 05:18:09 pm
Oh, I forgot to welcome you. 

WELCOME to the best forum on the 'net.
A Royal Enfield owner's cup is always half full.


Ducati Scotty

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,038
  • Karma: 0
  • 2010 Teal C5
Reply #3 on: June 02, 2011, 05:27:44 pm
I doubt it will make it here.  There's not much market for small motorcycles in this country and I don't think the 350 has had the modern UCE engine treatment, so it may have trouble meeting emissions standards.

While I think the RE has more character than the TU the TU is still a nice bike and has modern advantages like electric start and fuel injection.  Go take one for a test ride before you totally dismiss it. 

Also, the Ninja 250 is an amazing small motorcycle and around $4000.  It looks like a sport bike and handles very well but the seating position is not too aggressive.  Though it may not have a lot of top end it is probably more motorcycle per dollar than almost anything on the market.

Scott


Desi Bike

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,176
  • Karma: 2
Reply #4 on: June 02, 2011, 05:45:44 pm
I was riding a Suzuki Boulevard GZ250 before, it was quite nimble and in a pinch it could toodle down the highway if needed. Fairly decent looks, cruiser style and dirt cheap as far as small bikes go. Quite a few bike schools use them for training as well. ... But its not an Enfield.
میں نہیں چاہتا کہ ایک اچار
میں صرف اپنی موٹر سائیکل پر سوار کرنا چاہتے ہیں


joecool85

  • Scooter
  • **
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: 0
Reply #5 on: June 02, 2011, 05:48:35 pm
Wow, I'm surprised at the reaction from you guys.  I'm not writing off the Suzuki, in fact, I'm head over heals for it pretty much lol.  I just would rather an Indian motorcycle than a Japanese.  Well, really I'd like an American one, but those don't exist below 883cc.

As far as the UCE thing goes, on the international RE site it says the Bullet 350 is fitted with the UCE engine.


Ducati Scotty

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,038
  • Karma: 0
  • 2010 Teal C5
Reply #6 on: June 02, 2011, 06:08:31 pm
Then I stand corrected and happily so!  Call CMW and ask if they plan to bring any 350s into the States.

Also, I think we'd all rather see you on a bike than not.  And if an Enfield doesn't fit your budget, well that's ok.  We love our Enfields but we're motorcyclists first! ;)

Remember that for any bike you buy in addition to the purchase price you're probably going to pay a few hundred in freight and prep charges, you'll need some gear so factor in another $300-600 for that, and there's insurance and registration.  As mentioned in another thread recently the first service comes up in a few hundred miles and that may be another $100-200.  Things to keep in mind if you're on a budget.

No one tells you these things, least of all the dealers, but you'll spend a pretty penny in side costs the first few months, especially if you have no gear and have never insured a bike before.

Man, a 350 would be a great first bike for so many riders.  Not too aggressive and lots of character.

Scott


Maturin

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 789
  • Karma: 0
  • My Precious
Reply #7 on: June 02, 2011, 07:21:44 pm
The biggest problem the 350 is facing is it´s carb. In Europe you´ll probably won´t get it registered because of emission laws - what is ridicolous, but true. Don´t know much about US registration laws but I smell trouble there.
Joecool85, what about a used 500? The supply may be sparsely but with a little luck you´ll get one within your budget. Spareparts are cheap, and considering all experiences chances are good that you´re not going to need many of them.
« Last Edit: June 02, 2011, 07:26:01 pm by Maturin »
2010 G5
A Garage without a Bullet is a empty, barren hole.

When acellerating the tears of emotion must flow off horizontally to the ears.
Walter Röhrl


1 Thump

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,563
  • Karma: 0
Reply #8 on: June 02, 2011, 07:27:23 pm
Its a UCE with a carb. best of both the worlds.


Ducati Scotty

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,038
  • Karma: 0
  • 2010 Teal C5
Reply #9 on: June 02, 2011, 07:29:21 pm
Does it have a catalytic converter?

Scott


Maturin

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 789
  • Karma: 0
  • My Precious
Reply #10 on: June 02, 2011, 07:50:39 pm
I think I read somewhere that she has an unregulated one. Besides that there are some features that are not suited for the international market, like the (very nice but otherwise weak) drum brake in the front and a 35/35 watt headlight.
2010 G5
A Garage without a Bullet is a empty, barren hole.

When acellerating the tears of emotion must flow off horizontally to the ears.
Walter Röhrl


r80rt

  • C5 Pilot
  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,986
  • Karma: 0
  • R.I.P Papa Juan, Uncle Ernie
On the eighth day God created the C5, and it was better looking than anything on the planet.
Iron Butt Association


joecool85

  • Scooter
  • **
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: 0
Reply #12 on: June 02, 2011, 07:55:40 pm
I'd be happy with them taking the current US Spec B5 and put a 350cc UCE fuel injected power plant in the chassis.  Especially if it shaved $500-$1,000 off the price.


Ducati Scotty

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,038
  • Karma: 0
  • 2010 Teal C5
Reply #13 on: June 02, 2011, 08:10:32 pm
http://www.royalenfield.com/Motorcycles/bullet350.aspx

It would be you who posted that pic! ;)

The Classic 350 looks just like a Classic 500 with a black frame and 350 motor.  Nice.

Scott


r80rt

  • C5 Pilot
  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,986
  • Karma: 0
  • R.I.P Papa Juan, Uncle Ernie
Reply #14 on: June 02, 2011, 09:14:32 pm
I like the black frame with red tin look, wish that 350 was available here.
On the eighth day God created the C5, and it was better looking than anything on the planet.
Iron Butt Association