Author Topic: Finally biting the "bullet" (Read 5257 times)

voodoochild · **on:** July 02, 2014, 04:50:38 pm

Hello RE community,
I've always wanted a Bullet (grew up in India) and now I have the opportunity - found a CL post on a 2001 Classic for $1500 and am setting up to go see it on Friday.
http://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/mcy/4548161446.html

Poster says "needs some carb work and the kick starter spring slipped off the kicker pedal so the kick pedal doesn't spring but still works".

I'm a relatively novice rider in the US (I ride a scooter now) but grew up riding a Yamaha RX135 in India.
I also haven't ever worked on a Bullet (or even motorcycles in general) before so I don't know what to look for yet but I'm eager to tinker and learn (thanks to this wonderful community and the treasure trove of RE information available online).

I've trolled the forum for a couple of years now and while I cannot afford the new UCE models from a dealer yet, I'd love to jump in with this one here.

Any opinions/advice/questions I should ask/red flags? Thanks in advance.

ace.cafe · **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2014, 05:05:41 pm

Basically, for the $1500, you can take what you get, and fix up whatever it needs.
Buying Bullets are always a pig in a poke, because a lot can be wrong that is difficult to determine in a typical used bike buying scenario.
If it runs and rides okay, with some rough edges, consider it worth getting. They all need work, even if they are new.

Mike_D · **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2014, 05:17:31 pm

I'm with Tom 100%. If it starts and is rideable, buy it -- $1500 is a good price. The kick start spring is an easy fix and we can all help you with whatever may come up. Parts are cheap as well. And if by chance you are near NYC I'm willing to help you personally if you wish (I have a garage with tools in BKLYN). Let us know how it goes.

RajDsingh · **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2014, 05:53:58 pm

I would say Grab it before somebody else does.

NField Gearman · **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2014, 08:10:57 pm

I'd grab that right quick. I've always liked the green with gold lettering/striping.

Looks like a great machine and an opportunity to get your feet wet. Lots of really cool parts and accessories available for that one so you can really load it up and make it your own.

Kevin Mahoney · **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2014, 08:11:56 pm

I agree that the price is good if.....it runs well, does not smoke or knock. Loud valves are part of the deal. Make sure that you are prepared to be very involved with the bike mechanically. They are not plug and play. Also remember that at home you had a mechanic nearby to do most if not all of your work.

Also check the VIN number. That looks like Avon Grey (on my computer) which is a 350cc color but it has 500cc fenders. The VIN will start MBFFSV then there will be a number. It it is 22 it is a 500, if it is 18 it will be a 350. Also look at the distributor shaft. If it has a grease fitting it is a 350.

I may have brought in a small number of 500cc's in Gray but don't remember. I kind of doubt it.

Vince · **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2014, 09:26:40 pm

Kevin, you did import some 350's in gray. You shipped one to me by accident when I ordered a 500. Luckily a guy came in and fell in love with it, so it didn't last long on my floor. But he was the only guy that was satisfied with "only a 350" Every other customer HAD to have a 500. I think you had several 350's from the same shipment that lasted for 3 or 4 years before someone bought them. Talk about new old stock.
In some ways I liked the 350 better than the 500. It ran smoother and the engine was more responsive. Over all performance seemed about the same.

Kevin Mahoney · **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2014, 09:27:46 pm

All of the 350's except a handful were Gray, just not 500's. If you want to see a very rare 350 find one with ES.

voodoochild · **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2014, 10:10:38 pm

Thanks for your tips, advice and encouragement everyone.
The RE community and this forum is really a big part of the decision making process ("to buy or not to buy") for "on the fence" folks like me so THANK YOU for all the time you spend helping and educating us newbies. I'll let you know how it goes.

Blltrdr · **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2014, 03:36:47 am

If you buy the bike make sure there is a hanger for the carb. Easy to make one. The carb has to have some kind of support if the stock air box is removed. Good luck with the purchase. That is a great price for that bike.

nate728 · **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2014, 04:20:49 pm

If you want something a little newer with an e-start, there is this one not too far from the Finger Lakes area. I actually used to own this and I can tell you the owner only paid $1700 for it. Located outside of Erie, PA.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4493660765.html

ace.cafe · **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2014, 05:07:47 pm

Quote from: nate728 on July 03, 2014, 04:20:49 pm

If you want something a little newer with an e-start, there is this one not too far from the Finger Lakes area. I actually used to own this and I can tell you the owner only paid $1700 for it. Located outside of Erie, PA.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4493660765.html

That one has the 5-speed, which is a desirable factor. I would lean toward a 5-speed model.

azcatfan · **Reply #12 on:** July 03, 2014, 05:56:45 pm

Damn, get both! Can't find a used one around me for under $3k regardless of year...

pushrod · **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2014, 10:30:55 pm

If that 01 was a little closer, it would be in the back of my truck right now

voodoochild · **Reply #14 on:** July 04, 2014, 02:34:26 am

Alas!

As luck would have it, the bike just sold this evening (and I was all set to go look at it tomorrow)!. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Oh well! (pushrod - are you sure it wasn't you who grabbed it?

)

Quote

If you want something a little newer with an e-start, there is this one not too far from the Finger Lakes area. I actually used to own this and I can tell you the owner only paid $1700 for it. Located outside of Erie, PA.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/4493660765.html

Thanks for the heads up nate278, this one's about 3 hours from me. Might just have a look at it.
In the meantime, thanks for everyone who responded to this thread. Your advice, support and encouragement has been very reassuring.

pushrod · **Reply #15 on:** July 04, 2014, 10:40:05 am

Oh well! (pushrod - are you sure it wasn't you who grabbed it?

)

LOL, no it wasn't me

voodoochild · **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:33:01 am

Reviving this old thread because it's great to be back here again.
So after years of searching, I finally found my first Bullet ...about 20 minutes from where I live

She is a 2007 5-speed iron barrel with 9000 miles.
Previous owner took great care of her for almost 8 years (he is on these forums too!)
Points swapped out for an electric dist. New chain about 1000 miles ago and swapped out 21 tooth gear for 19. Needs a new battery but other than that she seems in great shape.
He also threw in the Peter Snidal manual and a bunch of spares.

Only had her a day and trying to learn how to kickstart her right (first things first!)
I'm sure I'll be on these forums a whole lot more now but just wanted to say I'm so happy to be here again

ace.cafe · **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:36:40 am

Looks great!

High On Octane · **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2015, 12:23:19 pm

Sweet bike! Welcome to the club!

Chuck D · **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2015, 04:19:44 pm

Nice! Love the iron barrel militarys.
N.Y. guy, huh?

Hondo · **Reply #20 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:20:11 pm

Wow is that thing clean. The PO also spent some money on all the black items, or a lot of hours doing it on his own. I am in the process of getting rid of all the chrome on "Old Sarge" my 2006 military and I have a ton of hours in this process. That is a great looking bike to start with and you can always do more.