Hey guys, i think i am pretty much having the idea to buy a new bullet but i guess i wouldn't toss out the idea of buying a used one assuming it was well cared for. I came across an 02 with 3400 miles on it, lots of extras too. I contacted the owner via email and he is very knowledgeable about the bike and had his mechanic keep it maintained on a regular basis. In other words he isn't the typical clueless owner who buys this bike thinking it doesn't need upkeep etc. Anyway, i noticed the bullets from a few years ago are listed with the 4 speed. When did they start the 5 speed models? What can you guys tell me about this transmission? Is it pretty reliable, smooth shifting etc? Does it do anything with performance or cruising speed rpm's? Should i just look for one with a 5 speed? The price for the bike isn't bad so it has me thinking, but i figured i would get your opinions first. Thanks guys.
I may be of some assistance here, since I own a 2006 5-speed Bullet and my father owns a 2002 4-speed. Lets say you have a choice between 2 identical bikes for the same price, one with a 5-speed and the other with a 4-speed. It is without question my advise would be to go for the 5-speed bike. I have never had a problem with my gearbox, it shifts as easy as my old 2005 Triumph Bonneville and the gears are evenly spaced. My father however, always seems to be messing with his gearbox, trying to find neutral, tinkering, etc. He also has showed some frustration with the rather large gap in gearing between 3rd and 4th gear. Problems with the 4-speed box seem to be fixed (except for the gap between 3rd and 4th) with converting it back to right side shift.
Can you live with a right hand shift bike? If so then I would completely ignore the reported problems with the 4-speed box, except for the gap between 3rd and 4th. Another issue, which is not strictly gearbox related is that 2002 is the year that bullets switched from Witworth to Metric, so you may need to buy new tools considering what type of bolts are holding the bike together. Oddly enough, my father's 2002 has BOTH.
With all of this information I would still have trouble deciding between a new bike and a well cared for 2002. The warranty on a new bike is great, but if your local dealer isn't very experienced you may be s.o.l. when a problem arises. A lot of Bullet owners (myself included) become so attached to their bikes, that they would NEVER dream of leaving it with a mechanic, and instead get a shop manual and fix it themselves... in this situation the warranty has less value.
The information I have given you may not help your decision, but it is all useful.
What is the asking price of the 2002?