Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: LotusSevenMan on November 13, 2007, 08:38:44 am

Title: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on November 13, 2007, 08:38:44 am
A general question!
We all seem to 'customise' our Bullets either for increased reliability reasons, the basic looks or any number of other reasons.
What is the best single mod you have on your Bullet (and what year/model Classic is it)?

LSM
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: RagMan on November 13, 2007, 12:39:42 pm
Larger front sprocket.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: sewerman on November 13, 2007, 01:31:57 pm
 I have an 04.  First thing I did was ditch the air filter and the stock pipe.  Worked wonders.  Removed the primitive pollution hoses, don't forget to plug the small tube in th intake manifold.  I used the classic head pipe from the catalog and a small staight thru megaphone from J.C. Whitney.  A little loud but better.  I also milled the head and did a port/polish job.  Replace the tires with the Avons.  They are all good first timers if you are just picking one. 
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: mbevo1 on November 13, 2007, 01:53:35 pm
Fixed the catch-can system on my '07 Classic.  Blocked the return line to the timing case and reversed the breather line from the crankcase. Removes the abrupt bend in the breather line and solved the clogging of the breather system from condensation in the lines. Greatly reduced oil consumption from the loss of negetive crankcase pressure.

Removed the PAV system, too... a close "second best".

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: luoma on November 13, 2007, 02:28:19 pm
From a performance standpoint, the first thing everybody should do is frre up the intake and exhaust. Even if you don't care about extra horsepower, we all want the feel of a happy motor. I used the CMW kit for the Electra. Seems to work good.

Appearence-wise, the best thing I did was to get rid of the stock seat and install the premium delux solo saddle and pad. The difference in looks was tremendous. Comfortable too.

I have also added a larger front cog and windshield.

Since I am the type that can't leave well enough alone, I think I'll get a better clutch, fatter tires, vintage tail light and turn signals... the list goes on.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Anon on November 13, 2007, 04:01:05 pm
On my '06 Deluxe, I would say the single best modification I have done is switch to a 7" headlight.  Of course the only other change I've made at all is add a rear cargo rack.  Next in line is maybe some engine bars.  I'm not ruling out exhaust changes etc. but I'm also pretty happy with the stock bike.

Eamon
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Ratty57 on November 13, 2007, 06:13:16 pm
My best mod (and my bike is no were near stock) would be, doing the front brake upgrade. I had the hub trued, brake pads relined and then did that very easy little mod to the brake set up system that allows you to adjust each shoe individually.

There's no point in having all the fun hot rod parts if you cant stop the ruddy thing!

Ratty
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Thumper on November 13, 2007, 06:36:34 pm
Performance kit!
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: deejay on November 13, 2007, 07:13:46 pm
British exhaust system, hands down best mod so far.

Future mods...
Es to Ks conversion (within a month)
612cc kit (within a year)
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on November 13, 2007, 09:04:52 pm
 ;D

Some of you have an interesting definition of 'Single' (ha ha) but all valuable stuff.
Keep 'em coming!!!!!!!
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Leonard on November 13, 2007, 10:14:00 pm
I guess it would be a toss up between the side stand and the clock.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on November 13, 2007, 10:29:54 pm
Just getting a sidestand so hope it works OK (eBay special direct from India) and have done a clock mod; see tech tips.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: VMAX on November 14, 2007, 02:48:15 am
You know, I hope someone who is producing our bikes reads these ideas. It would be nice if they were done, that way we would be free look for more improvements within the Classic designs.  ;)
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Spitting Bull on November 14, 2007, 04:57:13 pm
I have made only a few modifications, but the most important one (because it removed the only doubt about my bike's reliability) was to take off the breather-pipe from the crankcase to the catch-can and fit it the other way round.

Tom
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Foggy_Auggie on November 14, 2007, 06:34:06 pm
My only mod is the side stand.  And only use it to get off the bike and position myself to lift it onto the centerstand.  Helps a lot in that respect for me.

This Spring I'll go for the small engine bars.

That's it.

Regards, Foggy
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: cyrusb on November 21, 2007, 12:30:58 am
Just bought an '05 classic and I'm thinking magneto.Its just begging for one.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: Sam on November 21, 2007, 01:21:39 am
the best has been rolling back the clock and undoing as much as possible of the noise and emission restrictions, taking it back to more like its design. Free flowing muffler and air cleaner, made a huge difference. next will be to take the compression back to where it's supposed to be.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: dewjantim on November 21, 2007, 01:26:44 pm
Number one modification of all the ones done so far has to be the addition of the duck-bill breather tube. It keeps my chain clean and lubed and costs less than 10 bucks from CMW. I hate to lube chains, this tube emits vapor from the engine breather so the chain stays nice and it doesn't even get all over the rear wheel. EVERYONE should get one.......Dew.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: t120rbullet on November 21, 2007, 02:39:47 pm
The best performance improvement has been when I ported the head and put in some bigger valves (stage 1 head before stage 1 heads). I also put a K&N air filter in the stock air box , the long pipe/short muffler and a 20 tooth countershaft sprocket .
Mine didn't have any emission stuff on it other than the catch can under the battery box and that left with the duckbill.
Aside from that all I did was remove the turn signals and the 8"headlight.
I soon found out that the less time I spent trying to improve it the more time I had to ride it so that's what I've been doing with it lately.
There are a few things I want to do to it in the next few years.
Replace the crank bearings with some good brass caged bearings and replace both the gearbox bearings etc.
This winter I'm going to replace the engine with a new one while I "bulletproof" the old one so I guess I'll have to figure what to do with some of that emission stuff.
CJ

 
 
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: DaveG297 on November 24, 2007, 02:46:17 am
Shorty   Muffler.  Have you ran the engine with just the header pipe....WOW, makes those HD boys take notice.     Sweet music......dg
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on November 24, 2007, 12:03:07 pm
I have just fitted a short silencer/muffler along with a new header and a finned alloy cooling ring. I have also dumped all the PAV emissions stuff as well.
Great improvement in the acceleration. Really amazing and the sound is a lot nicer too.
Now just trying to fit a sidestand but the version I have needs mods to fit my 2003 Export right foot four speed model so seller is trying to source another 'correct' one. I can mod this one easily enough though if he can't find the righ one.
Also, fitting a pair of new sintered pads to the rear of the Honda VTR so garden looks a right mechanical mess.  ;D
Only 4*c out there too (no garage you see). So very Brrrrrrrrr.  :o
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: RagMan on November 24, 2007, 02:08:04 pm
Having no workshop, or garage is a pain in the rear. I have a lot of work to do on two different machines, and no where to do it - grass and gravel are not good places  to work on things. I tend to loose things early on, and spend the rest of the day trying to find them.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: t120rbullet on November 24, 2007, 03:07:19 pm
Now just trying to fit a sidestand but the version I have needs mods to fit my 2003 Export right foot four speed model so seller is trying to source another 'correct' one. I can mod this one easily enough though if he can't find the righ one.

http://www.royalenfieldusa.com/sidestand-centrallymounted-p-132.html
Here is the sidestand I have on my RT Shift 4 speed.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on November 24, 2007, 06:12:25 pm
Where it fits onto the footrest support threaded hex bar I notice some have a tube welded into the sidestand bracket at 90*. My supplied stand is just a flat bar so the spacer tube that normally holds the footrest in the correct position length wise would need to be cut. Not difficult but not necessary really if the welded tube type is available. Also, there would need to be a small section ground off the top of the plate to clear the primary case underside.
I think the end of the chrome foot in the pic in the advert shows that it is just the same diameter all the way, yes? The one I have has a spread foot, ie. like its been flattened giving a good footprint area. Having had my Honda keel over last X'mas day after a run out ( but after 2 hours of standing there OK!!!   Grrr) I know the expense/anguish.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/2060323248_2129693734.jpg)
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: t120rbullet on November 24, 2007, 10:28:49 pm
That is not like the one that I have. Mine is like the one you describe having a distance tube welded into it.
The one you have in the pic looks almost like the old one that bolted on the front motor mount.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on November 26, 2007, 11:31:41 pm
t120

Now that'd be real good to have a fwd mounted one  ;D, but the spacings are right for the footrest support for that fwd mounting hole and the rear bolt in my case here. Like this ones 'footprint' area though as definitely larger than the tube diameter type alone!!!!
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: DaveG297 on December 07, 2007, 10:14:38 pm
I also put on the next higher set of bars and like the feel real well.   Nobody talks about bar changes,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,how bout some Ape Hangers...........just kiddin.........
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: baird4444 on December 08, 2007, 02:27:28 am
I also put on the next higher set of bars and like the feel real well. 

I put the 2" DogBone risers on mine...
gives me a more situp straight posture-Mike

[old attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LJRead on December 08, 2007, 02:50:17 am

Amazing what a couple of inches will do to those bars.

 Has anyone come across a winshield that can be lowered out of the way when not needed or you want fresh air?  I would like some sort of rain bread I can use just when it is raining.  Might have to engineer something, but it seems like someone might already have done something like this.  I don't want one out of perspex, but would prefer a solid fairing like windscreen.  If the windscreen is too low, there will be a lot of turbulence across it, but maybe some sort of ridge across the top front would break it up or divert it to the sides.
Title: Re: So what's the best single modification you/others have made to your Bullet?
Post by: LotusSevenMan on December 16, 2007, 10:38:37 am
Sometimes LadyLuck smiles on me (but not that often!!!)

The new sidestand wouldn't fit without mods.
Well the guy in India that supplied it said he'd get me the type like we all know with the curved chromed tube all the same diameter. He had supply problems with SamRat so credited my account with ALL the cost (that's the stand and the shipping) so I got a sidestand for free.  ;D
Some mods with an angle grinder to it etc and a spray of fresh paint to the support 'body' saw it fit a treat.
Nice X'mas present from India!!!!!