It is a matter of choices.
The classic is the Iron Barrel version, and that is what I will discuss here.
None of the models have everything needed for my ideal Bullet, so I aim for the ones that have what I feel are the best features, and cnvert the rest of it to what I want.
Others might want the closest resemblance to the old 1950s model.
Pre-2004 4-speed models
Pros and cons:
Look the closest to the old Redditch Bullets.
Kickstart only(pre-2001, optional e-start 2001-2004)
Optional e-start is a nightmare and never available on the old Redditch Bullets. Avoid it if possible.
Has the better engine breather system.
Has the 4-speed gearbox which is like tbe original Redditch, but has very poorly spaced gear ratios for road riding.
Left shifting models of 4-speed have crappy external shift linkage which isn't great for positive shifting, but can be adjusted to be okay at best.
Conversion to right shift makes it shift much better, and eliminates the potentially hazardous underhanging right brake pedal. However, the huge raio gap between 3rd and 4th is still there unless you convert to close ratio gears
2004-2008
Pros and cons:
All have the nightmare e-start system as standard.
Can be converted back to kickstart only by changi g the whole ptimary chaincase to the indian KS only one and drilling a new bolt pattern in the engine case for it. This is a popular mod.
Has the 5 speed gearbox which is miles better than tbe 4-speed box, but is not like the 1950s gearbox.
Has a very good left shift system which is positive and sure.
Still has the underhanging brake pedal on the right.
Has the later engine breather that doesn't work well, but can be retrofitted to the older type.
Has a stiffer front brake plate to improve braking some.
As the years progress, build quality slowly improves.
for my purposes, I like 2004-2008, mostly for the 5-speed gearbox. I can convert any of the other stuff to what I want.
Pre-2000 models were okay in 1998 and 1999 because tooling was renewed. Models prior to 1998 may suffer from effects of the worn out tooling. General workmanship prior to 1998 was not as good. Tanks say "Enfield" prior to 2000, and don't say "Royal Enfield" becaus the lawsuit settling that issue came in 2000.
Basically there is enough interchangeability between years and models that you could make any ideal version from any year Bullet if you buy the right stuff and know what to do.
Available models are:
Classic (all years) all painted.Colors are black, green, white, gray(not all years)
DeLuxe(after 1998)chrome and painted tank, chrome fenders, colors are red, black, or blue.
Sixty-5(2004-2005)all painted, fork gaiters, different color selection with metallic colors. No pinstripes.
Topic: Buying a classic (Read 3601 times)