We reported in detail when pics of the new Royal Enfield Bullet 500 surfaced on the web world. Royal Enfield has now officially launched the new Bullet 500 in India. The latest avatar of the iconic Bullet is powered by a carbureted 500 cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) that has a very healthy torque figure of 40.9 Nm.
Talking about the Bullet 500, Mr. Shaji Koshy, Senior VP Sales & Marketing, Royal Enfield said, “The Royal Enfield Bullet is the oldest motorcycle in continuous production with a fiercely loyal customer base across the world. The Bullet 500 is a much awaited model and while designing the bike for the Indian market we worked with the preferences of our special Bullet-loving audience here. Hence, the Bullet 500 comes with a 500 cc carbureted UCE, a powerful torque that offers better and very accessible power, alongwith several other enhancements such as front disc brakes, electric start and gas filled shock absorbers. In addition, for the first time ever, along with the signature black colour, the new Bullet 500 will also be available in the Forest Green colour.”
In India, the Bullet brand of motorcycles enjoys quite a cult status and has been synonymous with toughness and dependability. Such has been the ruggedness quotient of the bike that it has been associated with the Indian Army since 1955. The new Bullet 500 is an attempt to provide the aficionados with a perfect amalgam of iconic design and modern technology.
Talking about the modernity, the new Bullet 500 comes equipped with modern day features such as front disc brakes, electric starter and rear gas shock absorbers. At front, the bike is equipped with 130mm telescopic front suspensions. The piece de resistance on the new Bullet 500 is the hand-painted tank that invokes a sense of nostalgia. The headlamp cluster too has the traditional Bullet styling. Combined to this authentic Bullet design detail is the 55w headlamp that should enhance the visibility during night riding.
The Bullet 500 goes on sale with a sticker price of INR 1,53,855/- (on road price for Delhi).
The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 will be launched in a phased manner across the country. Initially the product will be launched in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi-NCR and Kerala which have traditionally been the best markets for the Bullet.
Arnob, Rahul and Husain – I agree.
However this British ‘Royalty’ became a desi maharaj, why?
Here’s my impressions of Enfields and their jugaads as a foreigner backpacking remote towns and villages across India for 2 years: https://jpgmag.com/stories/19294
Yesterdays technology at tomorrows prices… lol… 1.53 lacs…? Really…?
Bullet has been synonymous with reliability..? Really..?
The army can be much better off even with Hero Impulse..
What other bikes were there for the army to associate with between 1955 and the mid eighties, apart from Jawa/Yezdi? The army has shifted since to more frugal and rugged bikes with similar cruise performance and creating less racket anyways.