Royal Enfield has launched the Bullet 500 in India, which is powered by a carbureted engine, dropping the fuel injection system in the interest of costs. The Bullet 500 is priced lower than the EFI variant at Rs. 1,53,855/- (on-road, Delhi). Special features of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 UCE version include 280 mm front disc brake with 2-piston callipers, electric start, tiger eyed headlamp, re-designed winged badge on tank, new grab rail for pillion, one piece long twin seat, 19-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear wheel (running on MRF Zappr tyres) and a new forest green colour.
The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is powered by a 499cc single-cylinder engine which produces 26.1 BHP of power at 5100 RPM and 40.9 Nm of torque at 3800 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The EFI version produces slightly more output with 27.2 BHP of power at 5250 RPM and 41.3 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. The styling of the motorcycle is similar to the Electra 350 or the Standard 350, which has its own appeal amongst Bulleteers. Other specifications remain almost similar to the Classic 500 but the Bullet 500 weighs 3 kgs heavier at 193 kgs.
Many Royal Enfield owners have complained about the Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, which they feel is not very reliable. This move to offer a carbureted version of the 500cc motor is quite welcome, as it gives buyers a choice, while at the same time makes the bike affordable to a large section of buyers. The Chennai based company plans to work on improving quality of their products, while at the same time expanding capacity to meet the increasing demand of its motorcycles. Royal Enfield will launch the Continental GT Cafe Racer later this year.
