Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials - Running in and 12 month 1000 miles review

[@mattdog1982]

This is my favourite model of the 500 bullets.

[@raygrigg5816]

Was given one for my 60th birthday, love it, also have Triumph, Bsa and Indian. Around town and short rides I always take the Enfield. Ignore the bad press, ride it for yourself.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you for your comments. I agree, its an excellent great all round bike.

[@ekimandersom4478]

What the hell do you people get for birthdays? I got a couple new socks

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Jeez, that's what I call a birthday present!

[@richardstone8414]

Very nice review jack with no annoying music really like enfields myself have now subscribed i myself have just got back into biking after 34 years aged 58

[@kimholland9316]

Looks and sounds beautiful. Can't wait to see what the Meteor is like

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I've only had mine a few weeks and was expecting loads of vibrations but not the case at all. It's a lovely little engine so far. I never take notice of the bike press or people who take bikes out for a 20 min test ride.

[@corriecole4687]

Thanks!

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you so much. Corrie. I am looking to get the channel up and running again soon after an absence due to family illness and loss. 👍👍👍

[@corriecole4687]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles I’m so sorry about your loss and look forward to new content.

[@tux008]

Beautifully put, lot of soul in those words 👍👌

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you for your kind words 👍

[@bob8047]

Had my Trials since July, just finished running in on Texas back roads, but would love to ride it around Tattenhall and Beaston. them roads would be well suited to the bikes set up..

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thanks Bob. yes its a great bike. It just eats up those A & B roads but is also easy the handle and manoeuvre the city traffic. A great bike !!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

A good well balanced review. I picked this video because you own the bike & this gives a much better review than someone who's borrowed a demo for a couple of hours. They thrash the almost new bike & then complain about vibration. The only decision is not whether to buy one but which colour to buy. Red or green frame! Thanks for posting.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you. Much appreciated. Have a great Christmas 👍👍

[@jfro5867]

Really enjoyed that mate. I am so tempted to get a Trials honestly. I like both red and green. I have a modern that is terrific, but there is something about the Bullet I just can't get out of my head.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi J Bo. Its a completely different riding experience. I got my first bike in 1980 and I would say riding the Enfield is akin to going back, probably before that. Try one out 1st while you can. Its not for everyone. I love mine. Big smile on my face every time I ride it.

[@bultacowally]

I have one also and I love mine too. My most favorite motorcycle I have ever owned and I have had quite a few. Honda, Yamaha, Kawi, Suzuki, Triumph, Husqvarna, Bultaco...everything from 90 cc single to 900 cc 4 cylinder and everything in between. And IDK where you are at "mate", but here in the US if you haven't bought one by now you are shit out of luck. They're all gone as the Bullet Trials Replica was very limited run.

[@jfro5867]

@@bultacowally No need to be snarky Wally. Mate is a term of affection. There are still some new ones around so no I haven’t shit out.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@bultacowally Yes there are still a small few left in the UK

[@bultacowally]

@@jfro5867 Geezuz lighten up Francis...was just making a statement. you just misinterpreted what i said to be "snarky". Let me re-phrase that as to not offend you mate..(augh!!!) If you live in the great US of A...there ain't none left they all got sold dumbass. If you live down under ( or are you and American just pretending to be Austrailian with the "mate" thing) don't know...don't care. Same with UK. Just saying there aren't any more here. How do I know you ask??? The dealer I bought mine at scarfed every last one he could get his hands on in the US and told me he had the last one available, a red one, which is now sold. RE only shipped 100 units to the US. So do you still love me??? mate???? OY VEH.... The world is doomed....

[@snapfocus]

big fan of royal enfield here great video frn keep it up 🔥🙏🏻

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you. Its a fantastic bike. I believe production of this model is ceasing in India which is a shame. I think there will always be a market for this kind of bike made in a traditional way unfortunately the commercial reality of trying to make this bike comply with various dare I say 'nanny' state regulations is not viable for RE.

[@Lee-70ish]

Cheers Jack I've been looking for my final bike before i have to hang up my skid lid . I have had an inkling for an Enfield as in the early 70s I had a GT Continental 250 which was really a great little bike never had a bike with a better gear box My local Enfield dealer has the green frame version Trails 500 brand new and after your review I'm sorely tempted for a bike that looks how i remember all bikes looked, Chrome and burnished alloy for just pottering around the lanes and the odd camping trip. Thanks for the info and I know exactly what you mean about careful running in . Saw another review and these guys on a new demonstrator cranked it open then said it vibrated too much, surprise surprise. Think is time to spend some of my pension money special with this covid tying us down Merry Christmas and happy riding

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Lee, sounds like a great Christmas present to yourself, The trails is a great all round bike. Its not has polished as the interceptor but that's part of the charm. Not many new ones left now.

[@jeremyzukowski6488]

Totally agree about vibration, I have a 2021 500 classic ( battle green ). Runs sweet. I call it my grin bike. ( once i'm on it, i'm grinning) Cheers from Australia.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thanks Jeremy much appreciate your comments

[@stanleylawson9015]

Great review looking at one and yes we all seem to be at that odometer of turning 59 - 60 where we can still remember simple being able to service it yourself and enjoyment of riding , hopefully see you all on the road this year

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Stanley. Really looking forward to getting out and about on the bikes

[@johnwright6995]

Great video Chester by the looks of it live in connahs quay

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thanks John. Yes its Chester.

[@sensescaper]

Love it. Like these bikes and I'm toying with buying one just for the craic. "Going around a roundabout on your knee you'll twat the peddles. Never seen it done with an Enfield but there is a first time for everything". LOL - Hell's Grandads??

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Richard ha yes . Not managed my knee but I grounded the pegs once being a bit enthusiastic 👍🤭

[@TheFowler99]

I have a bullet trials total mileage of 60 ,in running it in,I am using redex upper cylinder lubricants to reduce the stress,it seems to be cooler after a run

[@cardboardnick2090]

Excellent video.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you sunny. Much appreciated

[@stevewaller9346]

You now have another subscriber. Great video. Just got back into biking after 40 year age 60. Thinking about an Enfield when the tests are finally allowed again. Take care and stay safe.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Steve. Thank you for you kind comments. The Enfield is a fantastic bike. All the best.

[@stevewaller9346]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Thanks for the reply. Take care and stay safe.

[@specialized29er86]

I have a 2020 Classic 500 with 6,000 k's and its developed a bad crank and am looking at a 2020 Trials 500 with 1,000 k's and am thinking about buying the bike $5,000 to put the Trails 500 engine into my Classic 500. The engine swap option would be a much quicker and a much cheaper option compared to having my engine repaired. I too love the vibration and fitted to mine a pair of the Continental TKC 70 tyres which has a higher profile and fills in the guards better but I did have to extend the side stand because the bike leaned over too far.

[@paulmcgeown7443]

Great Video thanks....I'm the proud owner of the 2020 Model in Red, here in Australia... I love the look of that Leather Tank Strap, and have been looking for a suitable one for some time...I'd really appreciate a Link to the supplier if possible....Many thanks, and happy riding mate ..

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Paul I will get back to you re strap. I need to go over to the workshop to check it out

[@paulmcgeown7443]

Thanks Jack

[@pierowings7266]

Muy buen video, te felicito

[@1000sofusernames]

I'm getting an urge to get something like this even though I've spent the last 27 years being a dyed in the wool sportbiker. I need something I'm not to race others on.

[@henrysmith5604]

A great review I have the same bike in red I also have the 535 continental GT which I’ve had for 5 years and love it plus I have the 650 continental GT all are great bikes

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thanks Henry. Yes I love mine. I also have a Triumph Bonneville T120 but I tend to ride the Bullet more often than not.

[@jamilkhan15]

Compare and contrast your fleet

[@henrysmith5604]

@@jamilkhan15 Hi Jamil well It was the 535 GT that got me into the royal enfield brand I fancied a 650 so I purchased a interceptor 650 but the riders foot pegs position was in the wrong place which really Irritated me so I sold it and bought the 650 GT which I do not have that problem I really like the extra bit of power but it has not got the character of the 535 or my bullet trials I have also owned a Himalayan in a classic 500 I seem to like the singles more

[@jamilkhan15]

@@henrysmith5604 thanks mate . Cool you preferred the singles .

[@chandanverma1809jks]

Royal Enfield 🔥🔥👍👍👌nice video sir

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Jai

[@danmanthe9335]

It's funny that everyone wants the bike to tell them everything with a guage or light when all along as you ride the bike is telling you everything that you need to know

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Dan, thank you for your comment. That's a great comment and sadly quite true. To be hones I had never really thought about but Its a shame that 'skill' of 'knowing' what the bike is 'saying' will probably be lost with many new riders who never get to ride a classic. The reliance of electronic aids has sadly been the slow demise of some rider skill. Although I must admit the 'safety' benefit of electronic aids has been fantastic, its often sadly forgotten that they are 'aids' to aid one one, and the underlying rider skill needs to be present. The power of many modern machines has also driven the requirement for new technology in required rider aids. I was a at a bike haunt a few weeks ago talking to a lad with an Yamaha R1 and the very subject of rider gismo's was mentioned. I asked him could they all be switched off and he looked at me puzzled , 'why would you he replied' the 'bike wouldn't ride the same'. I smiled. Dare I say more.

[@bennievee]

Hello Jack how do you find the mirrors , other trials owners have changed them because they do not like them , I will decide on mine after I have ridden it , I see you have kept yours

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hello Bennievee. Hope you are well. Yes I kept the mirrors on my trial. I have a reasonable field of view on them and they are in keeping with the bike . Personally I think they are ok 👍. Hope you have a great Christmas 🎄 👍

[@bennievee]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Hello Jack , just fitted mirror extenders to give more vision -- and just to let any other Bullet trials owners that the right hand side mirror is an anticlockwise thread, the left is clockwise , you have a great Christmas too buddy

[@AkshayKumar-bm9oh]

Can you please share the info or link for that fuel filler cap. Much appreciated mate. Great video

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi AKshay. Its from Motone Customs. Its for a Triumph Bonneville. The fuel filler cap screw type fits the Bullet 👍www.motone.co.uk/triumph-bonneville-c25/custom-fuel-gas-cap-billet-brass-and-aluminium-p1551

[@AkshayKumar-bm9oh]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles thanks mate. Was this fuel cape a straight fit or did the fuel tank required mods to accommodate the new fuel cap

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@AkshayKumar-bm9oh Yes it was it just screws on. Your existing cap, is itjust a screw on type because if so it should just replace it. 👍

[@leehartung2814]

May sound strange, but does this have the same frame as the bullet 500 standard? Can you put a low exhaust on it? Change to bullet fenders and such. There are about 3 left for sale here new, but I wanted a bullet. But RE didn't bring it back last year when I had the cash.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hi Lee. I think the frame is basically the same as the classic. Even the pillion pegs are just fitted with a blanking plate. That said though there are some differences with the way the battery is fitted for example the enclosure is smaller on the trials. I also think a low level exhaust is possible but the mounting points on the rear pillion pegs are missing. The trials is a great bike. I wouldn’t change it. Or get a new classic 350 👍

[@leehartung2814]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Thanks, but we will never see the 350 here in the USA. We never get the interesting bikes, plus the 350 is to under powered for our free-ways. Hope to see a new 500-650 single from RE some day, or hope the new BSA Gold Star makes it here? But I doubt it ever will. It cost millions to get a new motor through our stupid emissions standards system. Idiots. It's all about money here.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@leehartung2814 Fingers crossed you will. I believe the 350 classic is destined for US shores 👍

[@leehartung2814]

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Strange. I went to the RE UK official web site, and it does not list the 350 classic any where? But here is a review from an owner? It is not on the USA RE site, or the UK web site, it's one and only official site? WTH? Makes zero sense. It's like the bike does not exist?

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

@@leehartung2814 yes it’s not long since been released and it slowly finding it’s way to dealers

[@flyingspeedtriple]

Thanks for the vid. I'm thinking of getting a classic 500 for my daily ride (Middlewich to Manchester airport and back - 40 mile round trip which will be approximately 160 to 200 miles a week). It will be in pretty much all weathers (except snow and ice) and all year round. I know there are more sensible bikes out there (CB500F, MT07, Z650, SV650 etc etc) but my heart keeps drawing me to this bike (in battle green military colour). What are your thoughts? Cheers.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Hello flying speed triple. For a commuter bike I expect that you need reliability. If it will be your only bike . .go Honda every time. Now I know I may get a few comments here from the RE purists but dare I say it the Honda is more like a good wife and the Bullet a mistress. You see the Bullet is a love affair that will need regular attention and feckling and will not always be reliable whereas the Honda will be there when you need it. Hope that makes sense. If you can afford a second bike or also have a good car then the Bullet is great for that special ride.

[@richardstone8414]

I saw lots of enfields in Nepal which triggerd my renewed interest in bikes especially retro designs

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Yes I love my modern retro bikes. I got back into biking with a Kawazaki GPZ, a few years back and then migrated to a Yamaha XSR 900, which is a bit of a beast. I bought the Enfield just over 18 months ago and then added a Triumph Bonneville T120 last year

[@babycriminalchan5803]

I have 2 enfields 👀 1994 bullet 350 cast iron engine it's a deluxe version ( I installed a heavy crank on it ) so it's a heavy thumper and also 2018 classic 500 stealth black version ( now it's shiny yeah shiny black because I clean it a lot 😂 ) 👀 never touched any other bikes after that 😂 once you ride a enfield you never go to other vechiles those beauties have character 🤨 they were like YOU LISTEN TO ME 🤨 ( yeah like a wife ) 😂👌🤣

[@santifresnel2320]

the last new-to-buy decent cc mechanical bike.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

It's a shame it had to end

[@rainerkeck1633]

The same its my 👋

[@ajaychoudhary9817]

started riding 40 years ago!!!!??????\ how old are you sir ?

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Old enough to have ridden over 40 years and some 😀

[@harimukundan2908]

I will always compare an RE with a Landrover Defender ............I cannot compare with other bikes in the world.....

[@thra5herxb12s]

This engine first appeared in 2010. It has no similarities to the original Bullet at all.

[@geraldscott4302]

It's a beautiful bike, unfortunately there is a lot of computerized ugliness under it's looks. It has EFI, ABS, and even a catalytic converter exhaust. I have a 2013 Royal Enfield B5 Bullet which I bought new. It came with EFI, and that catalytic converter exhaust, both of which were totally unacceptable to me. I wanted a real vintage bike, at least design wise. It has the same engine as yours. But back in 2013 the EFI was a retofit (and made the bike virtually unrideable) Fortunately, being a retrofit, it wasn't difficult to replace it with a proper carburetor, in my case an Amal Concentric MK1, using a kit from Hitchcocks in the UK. I also tossed the catalytic converter exhaust in the trash, and replaced it with an aftermarket one, also from Hitchcocks. I already knew I was going to do this before buying the bike. Not only does it now run 10 times better than it did with the EFI and highly restricted exhaust, but it is now all mechanical. No computers, and no emissions crap. I have just over 22K miles on it since new, and while I've had a few minor issues, it has never left me stranded. Sadly, starting with the 2017 models, it is no longer possible to convert them to a carburetor, not easily anyway. I don't know what would be involved, if it is even possible. At least you can still replace that horrible stock exhaust. Being a 2013 model, mine didn't come with ABS. While ABS can be disabled, actually completely removing the entire system from the bike would not be easy. I have no tolerance for anything that takes away control of any part of the bike from the rider. As far as vibration goes, I absolutely love it. Replacing the horrible EFI with a carburetor makes it possible to lower the idle speed so you can get that iconic Royal Enfield THUMP THUMP THUMP. The whole bike shakes at idle. And as you pull away from a stop, you get a nice low frequency hammering sound/feel, which turns into a nice low rumble at around 55 mph, which seems to be it's sweet spot. It's a very relaxing cruiser. Unfortunately, there are not many places where you can safely ride 55 mph near where I live, so I wind up riding on the same roads over and over again. I have gone out for a ride, and wound up passing the same point 3-4 times. But the experience of riding this bike makes it worth it. It's less about what you see than about the sound and feel of the bike. My other bikes are a carbureted Harley Sportster 1200, a 1979 Vespa P200E, and a carbureted Suzuki DR650. I would never consider owning a bike with EFI or ABS. I am 63, and started riding at age 8 on a Bultaco Lobito 100. Enjoy your bike, even if it does have all those computers on it. It still has the 500cc long stroke single, and you can change the exhaust. Check Stuart Fillingham's channel. He replaced the exhaust on his 2020 C5 Classic. You can also get electronic tuners that will richen up the EFI and make the bike run better, but they may not be legal in the UK.

[@JackBonhamMotorcycles]

Thank you Gerald. Yes I do love my bullet trials. It’s just got better and better. It took 1500 to 2000 miles for everything to settle and bed in. Yes I agree 55 is the sweet spot. It is a riding experience. Some good modifications on your bike, I have heard of a few people converting early fuel injected bikes back to carb. 👍