[AK Mike]

Greeting to you all,

I was surprised to see that a RE dealer in the US currently has a new, 2019 Bullet B5, since I thought after 2017 they were no longer being imported to the States.  In addition, after looking at the photos on their website, it appears to have a rear drum brake, which also surprises me since I thought any of the new C5s or B5s would have discs.  Do any of you fine folks know any details?  I am still interested in a B5 if I can find a good one.

Thanks

[Richard230]

But I wonder when that "2019" Bullet was manufactured?  My 2016 BMW R1200RS was manufactured in May 2015, as an example. 

[Enfield Pro]

Greeting to you all,

I was surprised to see that a RE dealer in the US currently has a new, 2019 Bullet B5, since I thought after 2017 they were no longer being imported to the States.  In addition, after looking at the photos on their website, it appears to have a rear drum brake, which also surprises me since I thought any of the new C5s or B5s would have discs.  Do any of you fine folks know any details?  I am still interested in a B5 if I can find a good one.

Thanks

Can you share a link?

[AK Mike]

Can you share a link?

Here are a couple photos attached from the dealer's website...

[9fingers]

I would contact Royal Enfield USA and ask them about it.
9fingers

[Richard230]

I thought the newer Bullets had a rear disc brake so that the EU-mandated ABS could be installed. If you ask me, that is not a 2019 model but something a couple of years older (NOS).   

[Enfield Pro]

I thought the newer Bullets had a rear disc brake so that the EU-mandated ABS could be installed. If you ask me, that is not a 2019 model but something a couple of years older (NOS).   

C'mon Richard, what are the chances the dealer doesn't know what they have ? 

[AK Mike]

I just called the dealer this morning and they confirmed that the photos on their website were old, and that the new B5 does in fact have rear disc brakes, as well as ABS on the front. 

That made me wonder, regarding ABS... does that complicated anything if and when removing the front wheel to do a road-side puncture repair?  Thought I heard something about ABS needing to be recalibrated by a dealer if the wheel is removed?

Thanks as always for your input.

[AK Mike]

Now that I've confirmed that the 19 B5 has rear disk brakes, IF you had the choice between a 2017 with drums, and a 2019 with discs, which would you choose?  Is the rear disc worth it, or is a simple drum more desirable in such a low-powered bike?

Thanks as always.

[Richard230]

Well a disc brake is easier to maintain and will stop better, in my opinion. But a drum brake looks better, does not need its hydraulic fluid changed and is likely more resistant to sliding in the rain.    Like everything, pros and cons, depending upon what floats your boat.   

[AK Mike]

Well a disc brake is easier to maintain and will stop better, in my opinion. But a drum brake looks better, does not need its hydraulic fluid changed and is likely more resistant to sliding in the rain.    Like everything, pros and cons, depending upon what floats your boat.   

Thank you Richard.  I really appreciate the advice from the "Grand Gearheads" 

[Richard230]

Thank you Richard.  I really appreciate the advice from the "Grand Gearheads" 

You are welcome, Mike. But always take my advice with a "grain of salt".   

[GlennF]

Stopping power is not something Enfield rear drum brakes are renowned for. Well adjusted ones are acceptable but its a bit hit and miss whether you get a good one. Part of the isssue seem sto be the adjustment plate for the drums is often locked down in  a position where the shoes are not centred properly from new.

I can lock the rear wheel on my drum brake B5 BUT it requires me to take my foot off the peg and apply the full weight of my foot with my heel.

Go with the disk brake if you get a choice.

[Richard230]

Stopping power is not something Enfield rear drum brakes are renowned for. Well adjusted ones are acceptable but its a bit hit and miss whether you get a good one. Part of the isssue seem sto be the adjustment plate for the drums is often locked down in  a position where the shoes are not centred properly from new.

I can lock the rear wheel on my drum brake B5 BUT it requires me to take my foot off the peg and apply the full weight of my foot with my heel.

Go with the disk brake if you get a choice.

But on the other hand, with a drum brake you don't need the complication and weight of an ABS system.   

[tooseevee]

But on the other hand, with a drum brake you don't need the complication and weight of an ABS system.   

        I learned VERY early on that you just canNOT follow cars (in a traffic situation) at what should be a normal distance. I must double that with my '08 AVL. It canNOT outstop even the shittyest of car brakes if some idiot jacks up on you "out of the blue" for no apparent reason. I have to put most of my 130 pounds on the rear brake to get anything out of it. So I just try to ride so I don't have to do that.