Royal Enfield Bullet Trials Review
Bike Tested: Royal Enfield Bullet Trials; Road Test No. 1081; Test Location: Aamby Valley
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 2,53,965/-
The Bullet Trials is a scrambler version of the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet
Recently, a few pictures were leaked where we could see a scrambler-type modified version of the Royal Enfield Bullet. But then as the motorcycles are open canvas, everyone thought it is just an outside modification. However, this was not just any local modification but an all-new type of motorcycle that Royal Enfield has now introduced calling it the Bullet Trials. Available in both 350 and 500, Royal Enfield invited us to experience this motorcycle in 19 Degree North, an off-road adventure park in the midst of Aamby Valley, Lonavala. Let’s see what makes these motorcycles so special, shall we?
Motor Quest: Royal Enfield entered the Trials competition back in the time and came out victorious. To bring back the historic achievement Royal Enfield launched two motorcycles, the Bullet Trials 350 and 500. Based on the Bullet but with most of the traits of the Classic siblings, the Bullet Trials is a scrambler type motorcycle. It can do on-road duties while also being very capable off the road!
The Bullet Trials has a lot of off-road purpose bits to it
Styling – A quick glance and everyone will mistake the Trials as a modified Classic and it is very much so! The chassis, headlight, tank and the engine resemble a lot to the regular Bullet or Classic. But it has some differentiating elements like a redesigned and sturdy handlebar and the chassis is exposed with a different colour along with getting off-road spec tyres and a different suspension up front. The upswept exhaust and a single seat setup with luggage rack at the rear make it look a lot more purposeful. The test bike was loaded with off-road accessories like a bash plate, headlight grill and a 48 logo on the side box.
The Bullet Trials is also quite sleek!
The Bullet Trials is a scrambler version of the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet
To keep things rugged and tough, there are no LEDs on the bike while the indicators and the tail light look very similar to the ones on the Interceptor 650. The off-size spoke wheels look good with the off-road rubber. The rear gets a pair of gas-charged shocks mounted onto a stronger and thicker swingarm. While the Trials is available only in a single colour, for now, the colour change happens with the chassis. The Trials 350 gets a red coloured chassis while the Trials 500 gets it in green colour. As the 500 begs to be premium, it gets some chrome on the tank while both the motorcycles get brown seats in a classic triangular design.
Very basic analogue instrument cluster, shows just the primary information
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster on the Bullet Trials is very basic and it is the same unit that we have been seeing on the Bullet and Classic series. The cluster displays the primary information like the odometer and speedometer. The amp meter section is replaced with a low-fuel indicator and an engine light. There is no more information on offer but then if you are going trail-riding, you actually don’t need anything else. However, a fuel gauge would have come in handy. The switchgear is also carried over from the existing motorcycle and as it is an AHO unit, it gets only a starter button and an engine kill-switch on the right while the left unit has the passing light, a horn switch and an indicator switch. Alongside comes a choke switch, which I am still unsure why would an EFI bike require.
800 mm of seat height with a single piece setup and nothing for the pillion
Ergonomics – The ergonomic triangle is also exactly the same as the Classic or the Bullet. There are no changes except for the handlebar being slightly higher while the seat becomes slightly thinner. This is done to suit stand-up riding for off-road or trail roads. The footpegs are front set while the seat cushioning is pretty good and comfortable for the rider. There were no mirrors on the test motorcycle and to see what’s behind we had to turn our heads back. But as stock, you get round shape chrome mirrors which don’t give the best view of what’s behind. There is no pillion seat either, instead, you get a luggage rack which can accommodate a decent-sized bag behind. However, saddlebags can be troublesome as the upswept exhaust might come in the way.
No changes have been made to the engines
Performance – Powering the Bullet Trials is a 499cc, single-cylinder unit which has been taken from the Classic 500 and it produces 27.2 BHP and 41.3 Nm of torque. The performance is exactly the same but the torque comes in handy in situations where this motorcycle can be ridden. The throttle response isn’t as crisp but the wheel starts spinning quickly. The clutch weighs up pretty well and the gearbox is slick shifting, however, finding the neutral is a task. It still gets a 5-speed unit which is enough for off-road but not much for road riding.
Vibrations might bother a lot but the gearbox is slick shifting
Torquey nature of the engine becomes very useful in off-road riding conditions
The vibrations haven’t gone away and you can feel them nicely because the engine is a stressed member of the chassis. The motor isn’t harsh but there is a decent amount of noise coming from the engine. There is not much difference in the power-to-weight ratio as the weight difference is of only 4 kgs. The top-speed remains the same at 125 km/hr while the motor returns a fuel efficiency close to 30 km/l. The exhaust note from the upswept exhaust is the same, it still has a thump to it.
The Royal Enfield Bullet Trials is very comfortable, apt for any riding conditions
Riding Dynamics – Even with very similar ergonomics, the dynamics are quite different. As there are no extra parts to carry around, taking it off-road is a lot of fun. The off-road spec tyres grip really well while the higher handlebar provides very good feedback. The Trials can be put around proper trails and the bike would take everything in its stride without any issue. We were given a set of trails and it was just the hill climb which I failed because of my own mistake. There were two more trails which seemed very difficult but I could complete them without keeping my foot down.
It can do road as well as off-road equally well
Suspension setup is upgraded and more compliant to road-off-road conditions
The 35 mm telescopic suspension at the front with the gas-charged rear shock work really well. The suspension setup is very comforting as it is softly sprung and helps in worst of undulations. On-road the Bullet Trials corners nicely while holding the line very well. The 280 mm front disc is very useful on-road while the 240 mm disc at the rear offers great feedback while performing off-road duties. The bikes don’t get switchable ABS which hampers the fun off-road but keeps things safe.
Feels very appealing as a complete package!
Verdict – The Bullet Trials is another adventure motorcycle coming from Royal Enfield after the Himalayan. While the Himalayan is made for long distance touring too, the Royal Enfield Trials is an outcome of the historic victories. It is a very fun-to-ride motorcycle which can go to places and do off-road trails like a piece of cake. But the motorcycle would have been more appealing if the hardware on offer was a bit better and could justify the price. It definitely is comfortable and looks outstanding but the Bullet Trials is a motorcycle that would please a few. It is a perfect pedigree for an occasional off-road run where you don’t have to worry about the motorcycle or the trails as such!
It does posses a can-go-anywhere attitude
What’s Cool
* Brakes and dynamics are very enjoyable
* The bike feels sturdy and it is very well put together
* The suspension setup is comfortable and compliant to any kind of road
* Looks different and has a lot of attention seeking off-road bits to it
What’s Not So Cool
* Single seat setup, no option to get a pillion along
* Vibrations from the single cylinder motor do creep in
* Misses out on modern hardware while being priced at a premium
It is a Royal Enfield in it’s true sense
Royal Enfield Trials 500 Specifications
* Engine: 499cc, Air-Cooled
* Power: 27.2 BHP @ 5250 RPM
* Torque: 41.3 Nm @ 4000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-Speed
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 30 km/l
* Frame: Single Down Tube Frame
* Tyres: 90/90/19 (Front), 110/80/18 (Rear), CEAT
* Suspension: 35 mm Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Gas Charged Shocks (Rear)
* Brakes: 280 mm Disc (Front), 240 mm Disc (Rear), ABS
Royal Enfield Trials 500 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2080 mm x 805 mm x 1123 mm
* Wheelbase: 1380 mm
* Seat Height: 800 mm
* Ground Clearance: 135 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5-litres
* Kerb weight: 192 kgs
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