[rural earl]

Here's the link:  http://www.jimsmotorcyclesales.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=06028101X10K15K2012J10I26I31JPMQ1244R0&veh=947646

So, what am I getting into with a 14-15-year-old, brand new bike?  Outside of standard dealer prep (I would check with the dealer to see what that entails) what should I plan to do to this bike if I buy it?  I would have to have it shipped out to Calif., and I'll have to check with DMV to see if I can even register it.  Any thoughts?

[1 Thump]

You CAN NOT register it in CA as is. Some exceptions:

You either need over 8500 7500 (i stand corrected)miles on it (on the odometer) at the time of purchase (say, you sell it to some one who sells it to you after putting on the required miles ; or have it registered in your name in a different state, then ship it over; or if you drive to the out of state dealer and your car gets stolen/burnt etc. then you have no choice to buy this bike and ride it back to Cali.

All of the above have been tried, and totally legit.

[Arizoni]

If you have your heart set on buying an old iron barrel it might be a good buy but IMO the price is about $1500 higher than I would pay for it.

You might want to take a look at this link.
Not only does it show used Royal Enfields of all vintages but the site always seems to have interesting reading.

http://www.royalenfields.com/

As you may know, the older 500cc Bullets like the iron barrel your considering are rather limited on top speed. 
Although they can run faster, figure on a cruising speed in the 50's.

If you aren't trying to buy the old 1955 style engine don't rule out the new UCE, fuel injected models.  Any Royal Enfield from 2010 and on has a more powerful engine capable of cruising long distances at higher speeds (65 mph).
The UCE was first sold in 2009 but I think there were also some new AVL models also sold in that year.
The AVL was an updated iron barrel which had some engine improvements designed by the Swiss.

[rural earl]

Thanks for the wise replies.  I look at this as a whim, and I think I'd need to get pretty fancy to make this bike legal for California.  As a Nevada dealer once told me, "You can register this bike in California if you're handy with a drill motor...".  7000 miles seems to be the magic number, but that's written on the title when you buy it.  If you advance the miles, er, artificially, that would have to be done with the seller's consent, I guess.

[1 Thump]

Its 8500 7500, not 7000.

Added: And, it should say 8500 7500  or over on the title as well.

[Blltrdr]

That Bullet probably sold for $1k less in '99. I wouldn't consider it collectable enough to warrant the asking price. You could probably find a low mileage UCE for the same price. The upside of the newer UCE Bullet over that '99 would be the lower maintenance, higher cruising speed and California emissions certificate.

[barenekd]

There are some speedo shops around that can take care of your mileage problem.
Bare

[1 Thump]

Its 8500 7500, not 7000.

Added above: And, it should say 8500 7500 or over on the title as well.

[rural earl]

Yeah, I thought it was priced a little high, too.  Still, it's interesting as a bit of a time capsule, even though a new B5 would work WAY better for me right now.  Thanks for all the input.

[72westie]

Last I knew it was 7500 miles before they could be titled in California. Yikes! 5 Grand for a '99 Bullet?? No offense, but that's gotta be some good stuff the guy is smoking!

Adam

[AgentX]

I dunno--$5k is too much, but I see used Bullets asking $3500-4000 on Blasco's site, don't I?  And the 99 had the old-style breather.  Doesn't it also lack the problematic oil pressure relief valve in the crank?

[jedaks]

This reply is a few days old and you may have made up your mind already. However my $0.02...

1. Yes, it is way over priced. $3500 is about the maximum.
2. It is a high maintenance vehicle compared to modern machines. I have an 2004 kick only bike (very similar to this one) and it has made me into a mechanic. The bike is my prize possession and I enjoy the maintenance, it's not really difficult, but it will demand your attention.
3. In original factory spec, which that one likely is, it can be delicate. Especially the piston. Make replacing it a top priority job.

[mustangdave]

Earl, I gotta say...thats a nice '99, but I got an 05 from a shop in Sarasota, FLA, and had it shipped to my home in Tennessee...the bike cost me $2500, shipping was $300, and registration was $200.  That $4995 price tag just seems a tad high.