Do you own a Bull?
- Thread starter olly42
- Start date
apk
Well-Known Member
Used to own a first generation thunderbird 350. Great bike, but very difficult to maintain because of the problems that kept coming up. I've had all kind of problems - right from starting troubles to oil leaks to clutch cable break to rust. Ended up selling the 'bird' after a couple of years.
I have been reading on team-bhp and other forums that the bullet realiability has improved over the years. Am really tempted to try out either the classic 500 (really love the desert storm colour) or the new thunderbird 500.
Anyone who has bought a bullet recently care to comment on the reliability factor! I guess a bullet will never be a 'fill it, shut it, forget it' kind of bike!
Best,
APK
I have been reading on team-bhp and other forums that the bullet realiability has improved over the years. Am really tempted to try out either the classic 500 (really love the desert storm colour) or the new thunderbird 500.
Anyone who has bought a bullet recently care to comment on the reliability factor! I guess a bullet will never be a 'fill it, shut it, forget it' kind of bike!
Best,
APK
Hi APK !
Yes...bullets of old were never the 'fill it, shut it, forget it' kind of bikes.
But it did not matter much as the alternatives were just as bad regarding the finesse and workmanship...
The situation changed with the entry of japanese models. Which has forced the manufacturer to improve, and the new Bullets are just as good if not better. The first generation of TB were particularly bad as they were learning at that time and transiting to the new bike. The Bullets which are available today are quite mature and maintenance-free. But apple-to-apple, please be prepared to spend more time and money on Bullets compared to other bikes.
I have an old Bullet. In its entire existence of 36 years it has leaked oil only for around 5 years or so. There was a crack in the engine base and it was too small to warrant the repair expense and I was lazy too.
Finally one day I got it repaired. I ended up spending money(the entire engine has to be taken apart) but its been fine since then.
regards,
Jawed
apk
Well-Known Member
Happen to own 2 Enfields
Very nice!
BTW, did you change the stock tyres on the TB? Seems a bit wider than the one that I had.
Best,
APK
apk
Well-Known Member
Hi Jawed,
Thank you for the inputs on the newer bullets. Yes, most of what I have been reading online suggest that the fit and finish as well as the reliability of bullets have improved considerably in the past few years. As you said competition from the Japs have made them more conscious about quality. I also feel that the emerging export market in the US & Europe have also contributed to the improved quality.
Having already owned the 350, I would be keen to try out one of the 500cc models - either the classic or the new thunderbird. I've heard that the 'cafe racer' is also coming out in late 2013 or early 2014, though the prices are rumoured to be north of 2 Lacs.
Best,
APK
apk
Well-Known Member
Friend of mine is taking delivery of the new bird in october, so if you can wait till then - will keep you posted on how it runs - problems wise
Long trips planned on it so should give us the 'feed back' pretty soon
Thanks Denom. Will be nice to get a first hand experience.
Best,
APK
sachu888
Well-Known Member
I will always go for an old Bullet,especially Standard model.Its a matter of personal choice though.I don't like new Bullets with UCE engine.New Bullets also have gear on left side without neutral finder.No offence to new Bullet owners but for me they feel like 500cc Splendor
First gen TB had fuel leaking and few other problems,but they have been rectified by RE.
Regards,
Sachin
Owned one until a few months back. Used to break down often and at very very urgent times. Got so pissed off at it that I sold it off after 7 years.
Now own a "Plastic", "Jap" bike that does not give any issues. Runs like a dream and will chase down any "metal" bike to hell! :lol:
Now own a "Plastic", "Jap" bike that does not give any issues. Runs like a dream and will chase down any "metal" bike to hell! :lol:
anm
Well-Known Member
I always wanted to own one and thinking of pulling the trigger.
My usage would be very limited - as commuting to work on office in delhi/ and return in night is out of question. That would give me couple of kilometers on weekends. On the other hand, do not have time/ inclination to sit with mechanic every weekend to get it fixed. For reduced usage, reliability is even more important.
What should I do? Buy new for reliability, or buy old for budget? Any suggestions, or if anyone who is willing to sell one in VGC. Pls help.
My usage would be very limited - as commuting to work on office in delhi/ and return in night is out of question. That would give me couple of kilometers on weekends. On the other hand, do not have time/ inclination to sit with mechanic every weekend to get it fixed. For reduced usage, reliability is even more important.
What should I do? Buy new for reliability, or buy old for budget? Any suggestions, or if anyone who is willing to sell one in VGC. Pls help.
sachu888
Well-Known Member
The newer bullets are more refined and efficient..and quieter too...in short well-behaved good boys.
If you are looking for Rowdy Rathore type experience ( If I may put it that way...)..then nothing comes close to the old bullets. There were better bikes performance wise (RD 350 for instance)..but they were not Bullets..
One of the most magical experiences is to listen to a Bullet idling at 800 rpm...when the only sound you hear is the Thump coming from the silencer...no sound from the cylinder/tappet etc...its really magical...it can't be put in words...you have to experience it first hand....
I agree...the new UCE engines are better from efficiency...pollution angles...but......earlier Bullets were really different.
have a nice day all.
Jawed Ahmed
If you are looking for Rowdy Rathore type experience ( If I may put it that way...)..then nothing comes close to the old bullets. There were better bikes performance wise (RD 350 for instance)..but they were not Bullets..
One of the most magical experiences is to listen to a Bullet idling at 800 rpm...when the only sound you hear is the Thump coming from the silencer...no sound from the cylinder/tappet etc...its really magical...it can't be put in words...you have to experience it first hand....
I agree...the new UCE engines are better from efficiency...pollution angles...but......earlier Bullets were really different.
have a nice day all.
Jawed Ahmed
apk
Well-Known Member
Yes, both have wider track tires at rear
what size and make of tyres do you use? I remember the MRFs on the TB 350 that I had were pathetic.
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