They say ‘Old Is Gold,’ and this saying very much holds true in the world of the Royal Enfield lovers – commonly referred to as Bulleters. The launch of the Royal Enfield Classic 500 was eagerly awaited, and, at the outset, I can safely say that it certainly lives up to its expectations.

The Classic 500 is a new bike – well almost – but it’s remained true to its roots. Unlike the ‘new’ Harley Davidson V-Rod, which looks nothing like a Harley from yore, the Classic 500 can in-no-uncertain-terms be mistaken for anything other than a Bullet.

First glance tells you that the Classic is a shorter bike than the usual Bullet, and that it’s shod with 18-inch tyres from MRF – 90/90x18 in front, and 110/90 at the rear. The classic headlight dome houses the instrument cluster, which includes the speedometer, ignition switch, and a small dial in place of the amp meter that has an engine warning light, and a fuel level indicator light that flashes if it falls below the three liter mark. It would have been a nice touch, though, if RE had given a classic feel to the speedo as well – like a Smiths Chronometric meter perhaps. Both the wheels are covered with big fenders that hark back to an era gone by, and the oval toolbox only serves to enhance the classic feel.



The chassis of the Classic 500 has seen some work – the front half comes from a regular 500, while the rear half is a new design. The company-fitted long silencer somewhat kills the look, and I wonder how many riders will stick to it – especially when the aftermarket upswept exhaust looks so good on the bike. And it has the traditional Bullet thump too.

The Classic 500 is powered by a new twin-spark, unit construction engine, which is fed by a fuel injector, and develops a power output of 27bhp@5250rpm. The electric starter fires the engine to life rather smoothly, unlike the AVL engine where the starter makes a bloody racket everytime it cranks the engine. The smoothness of the engine is accentuated by a powerful oil pump, which keeps the engine well lubricated.




Swing a leg over the Classic, and you quickly realize that the single saddle seat pretty much seats you where it wants – with very little room for any adjustment. There are riders who’ve complained that the forward-placed handlebar is not too comfortable, but it certainly didn’t bother me any. Pull in the clutch (oh yes! the clutch and brake levers are heavy, new, and finely finished), slot it in gear, and you’re ready to roar. In fact, with a torque figure of 4.2kgm@4000rpm, and a seven plate clutch, it’s rather easy to get wheelspin before you zip off into the distance. You can shift through the 5-speed gearbox easily, but there are times when you have to use a heavy foot on the left-side gearlever, which reminds you that you’re riding a Bullet.

Open the throttle wide and you can feel the surge of the 27 horsepower. The speedo needle touches 110-plus km/h rather effortlessly – with the throttle still having some way to go. But if you push it to 120km/h, and hold that speed for a while, you will feel the vibration all over – including the seat, handlebar and the foot pegs. As a result of which the images in the rearview mirrors become a blur. It’s a great bike to ride on the open highway at a steady speed of 90 – easy on the rider, and easy on the engine.



The partly new chassis has made a difference to the ride quality. Damping duty is carried out by 130mm front forks and rear gas shockers with an 80mm stroke, which cancel out the bumps quite comfortably. The Classic Bullet 500, like all other Bullets, is a sure footed motorcycle, and you can enter and exit corners with a huge amount of confidence. Plus, the new MRF tyres do help in this regards. Retardation duty is done by a 280mm front disc, and a 153mm drum at the rear wheel. The rear brake has improved because the brake drum is on the right-hand side, the same side as the brake pedal, which means that no unnecessary links are required at the rear wheel.

The development work that’s been done on the bike is logical, and seems to be in line with Enfield’s promise that the new engine and gearbox will be much more reliable than its predecessors. There are people who are still skeptical (due to unpleasant past experiences) of the electricals. But the people at RE provide a firm assurance that they’re as good as they come – long distance tourers will certainly hope so.



That the Classic has managed to capture the hearts of Bulleters, and others riders, is more than evident. In a market filled with fast modern bikes, the Classic will definitely stand out. Small details like the headlight shade, saddle seat, big fenders, upswept exhaust, oval toolbox, finned collar, paint scheme (especially the mint green), tank pads, and the tank insignia, all adds to that classic allure.

There are those who will say that, at 27bhp, the Classic is just not powerful enough for a 500cc bike. True, but the Classic is more for the image, and feeling of nostalgia, rather than for burning the racetrack. And at Rs 1.25 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), you’ll never find a 500cc motorcycle – and especially not one with anywhere near the kind of attitude and heritage that the Classic 500 comes loaded with.

The Classic 500 is a great ‘new’ (old) bike, and has not only managed to warm the hearts of the enthusiast, but is also likely to see a whole lot of converts. And yes, it didn’t leak any oil for the duration that I had the bike – good sign I thought!