Royal Enfield Bullet is a classic-styled heavy-duty motorcycle. It produced and marketed by one of the world's aged and renowned motorcycle manufacturers, Royal Enfield (India), which currently operating under the parent organization Eicher Motors Limited, India. The Bullet is the flagship model in the Royal Enfield motorcycle lineup that carries the retro design and styling inherited from the old day motorcycle designs. Here, the Bullet 500 is the larger model where the motorcycle series also includes Bullet 350.

The Royal Enfield Bullet 500, you can call it a machine or a motorcycle.  But to some people, it’s a legend that has been carrying the Royal Enfield legacy for over 90 years. Therefore, the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is not just a motorcycle or a machine; it’s a legend that has been chosen as an icon by millions of riders. This legacy carried on from generation to generation, and now the motorcycle series shines as a glittering star in global motorcycle history.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500 – Physical Attributes:

The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is an icon in the Indian motorcycle industry. As Royal Enfield (RE) quotes, “Most motorcycles come and go, but a chosen few become icons,” and the Bullet 500 isn’t just a machine; it’s a legacy. However, the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is a primitive-looking retro-designed motorcycle produced and marketed by Royal Enfield (India).

In terms of design, the motorcycle holds old-school retro design and styling that is copied from Bullet 350. Along with some modern technical enhancements over time, the motorcycle also has been updated to meet the modern rider’s needs. However, the core design has remained classic and unchanged for many years, which is how it has become a legendary presence in the Indian motorcycle industry.

The core attraction of the motorcycle comes from its classic body layout, including a round-shaped headlamp, an oval fuel tank, a classic-styled stitched cushioned seat, an old-school wheel setup, a shiny chrome-plated exhaust, and a vertically aligned engine with heat suppression shiny fins. It's not just one part that stands out; the entire motorcycle is undeniably appealing and always turns heads in a crowd.

In the design, the old-school-inspired front end features a halogen bulb-fitted round headlamp with chrome lining. Conventional chrome-housed turn signals are mounted beside fatter barrel upright fork arms. Matching this, the handlebar is a chrome-coated single-piece pipe handlebar positioned in an upright manner. The analog speedometer is placed on top of the headlamp housing.

Here the fuel tank is an oval-shaped metal tank that holds Royal Enfield badges on both sides and the signature hand-painted pinstripes gave the RE Bullet 500 an elegant look. Similarly, the segmented but single-piece seat is cushioned and stitched. It provides an old-school styling along with retro-designed side panels that also feature RE badges and hand-painted golden pinstripes. This nostalgic impression also extends to the spoke wheels and shiny metal mudguards.

In the rests, the Bullet 500 features chrome lining on various body parts, including the large and exposed exhaust barrel. As always, the exhaust sound of the motorcycle remains consistently loud, deep, and iconic. It is one of the most beloved features of RE motorcycles no doubt. However, at the rear, it also maintains a conventional old-school design featuring an old-styled tail lamp, chrome pit turn indicators, and a registration plate hanger over the rear mudguard. Thus entirely, the RE Bullet 500 is a classic piece of art that truly holds the essence of Pure Nostalgia.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500 – Frame, Wheel, Brake, & Suspension System:

The Royal Enfield Bullet is an old-school-styled classic motorcycle produced by Royal Enfield India, which holds the record as the longest-running motorcycle in history. The motorcycle is constructed on a highly stable single downtube steel cradle frame that ensures greater confidence and a more stable riding experience on every single ride.

On the wheels, the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 features old-school-styled steel spoke rims and tube-type street commuting tires. The front tires are sized at 90/90-19, while the rear tires measure 110/80-18. In terms of the braking system, the motorcycle is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes on both wheels, along with a dual-channel ABS enhancement for added safety.

In the suspension system, the motorcycle features a heavy-duty suspension setup designed to handle tough terrain conditions. It comes with a 35mm upright telescopic fork system in the front featuring 130mm of travel. At the rear, it is equipped with outer spring-loaded and gas-charged twin shock absorbers featuring 5-step adjustable preload and 80mm of travel. Thus, the motorcycle features a very capable set of wheels, brakes, and suspension systems, designed for heavy-duty performance.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500 – Engine Performance & Features:

The new Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is a heavy-duty classic commuter motorcycle. It comes equipped with a robust 499cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC engine. This engine features a bore and stroke of 84.0mm x 90.0mm and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The fuel feeding is equipped with an electronic fuel injection system. The transmission is paired with a manual multi-plate wet clutch system and a 5-speed gear transmission in the pattern of 1-N-2-3-4-5. The engine starting is facilitated by both an electric start system and kick-starter system.

In terms of power and performance, the Royal Enfield Bullet 500's engine is tuned for smoother power delivery, sharp acceleration, and efficient fuel economy. As a result, this engine is capable of producing a maximum power output of 26.1PS at 5,100RPM and a torque of 40.9Nm at 3,800RPM. This tuning allows the motorcycle to deliver high torque at low RPMs and cruise comfortably at a top speed of around 105kmph, characterized by the signature Bullet exhaust note. Additionally, the Bullet 500 can ensure a decent fuel economy of approximately 25kmpl under standard riding and environmental conditions.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500 – Target Customer:

The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is a retro classic commuter motorcycle that comes with an exclusive and captivating design. Its iconic exhaust note holds a strong appeal for classic motorcycle enthusiasts. This vintage-styled heavy-duty commuter is exceptionally popular in many countries in the world.

Its capable and heavy-duty powertrain is ideal for daily commuting and it can easily handle tough terrain riding conditions, even at extreme elevations. Therefore, those who desire for a classic, comfortable, and reliable commuter can consider it as a reliable road companion.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500 – Rivals in the market:

Honda Hones CB500

Harley Davidson X440 

TVS Ronin 

Jawa 42 Bobber