Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum
General Discussion => Campfire Talk => Topic started by: RGT on November 12, 2009, 06:15:01 pm
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Hi I just found this site as I am looking at a '90 350 Bullet with about 500km on it. I am not too familiar with these bikes is there anything special I should look for? He is asking $US 1600.
Can you get a big bore kit for the 350 to convert it to a 500?
I am concerned that a 350 may be too underpowered.
For around $US 4000 there is a 1 year old 500 Machismo for sale with 1000km on it. I assume this would have a 5 speed?
I am currently in South AFrica and would like to bring the bike back to the states in a couple of years.
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There is no appreciable performance difference between the 350 and 500. This is not anything like a Japanese bike. Before even considering this I would recommend an extensive reading of this forum.
As for bring it to the US.... It has to be EPA and DOT compliant with proper documentation. The units you are considering will not meet these requirements
These are great bikes. They are a lot of fun and satisfy the psyche of a particular type of rider. You may be one of the anointed, but take the time to do the research first.
Good luck!
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amen
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Yet another: Amen!
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Thanks, I understand these are unique bikes, I have grown up working on all sorts of vehicles so this tractor I looked at today is not too far off the mark for me. So the Bullet 350 I looked at is an Enfield, as opposed to being Royal, it was brought in to SA in 1990, which is before they were being imported here. I don't see a forum for these bikes. The numbers for the bike are as follows:
4_B_471167L is stamped on gooseneck and engine
830 is stamped on both case halves
37790 is stamped on the transmission
is there a resource for helping me determine the exact year?
It seemed to run great, a little whirring from the generator when you turn on the headlight. Alittle oil leakage. The thread on the tires looks untouched but they are original and hard. The pinstriping is worn off and the rims are a little pitted but it all seems pretty straight. It is registered here as a rebuild. The price is down to 1k...
below is the link to the ad if anyone is interested in seeing it(or buying it)
http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-Motorbikes-Parts-scooters-motorcycles-motorbikes-Royal-Enfield-Bullet-350cc-Indian-Model-W0QQAdIdZ161715923
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If it's marked Enfield, instead of Royal Enfield, it's made in India, and it could be a 1990.
I don't know of any Indian Bullet registries to check those numbers for year.
It might be a fun bike to buy cheap, and own while you are there, which can give you some experience with these bikes.
Then, you could sell it when you move away, and buy one here, so you won't have to deal with the importation regulations and hassles, which are alot.
There are plenty of Bullets here to buy, which are already registered in the US, and you can just buy one and take it home.
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I vote with Ace on the bike. Buy it ride the heck out of it while you are there and resell it. If you get most of your money back you would have quite the experience. Will.
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500 kilometers and the stripes are worn and it's leaking oil? What's the Saouth African equivalent of "Sounds fishy to me"?
At the very least- get new tires.
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I may well get it just for here, everything about the bike does lend me to believe that the odometer is correct. It's about 20 years old and was not garage kept, so I think the sun has faded the paint and stripes, you can see where they are they are just faint. It looks like the ad expired for the link I put up...
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Got to admit it's a sharp looking bike. Even if the paint/stripes are a little faded. Gives it character. Will.
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For a grand you can't beat that deal although I don't know the S.A. motorcycle market