Few months ago I sold my 4 year old Bajaj Avenger 180 as I started getting bored with it. Being a cruiser bike fan I had no choice in India except for Bullet as I already had Avenger.
I got to a Royal Enfield showroom to decide the bike.
They had six models on display:-
Bullet Standard 350
Bullet Electra 350 5-speed
Bullet Electra 350 4-speed(Right Shift)
Bullet Thunderbird 350 Twin Spark
Bullet Machismo 350
Bullet Machismo 500
I took all models for a test ride except Standard & Electra 4-Speed( as both were right shift which I personally don’t prefer).
All bikes were equally impressive except Thunderbird as its looks awkward & riding position is not like a true cruiser bike nor like other bullets.
The dealer told me that Machismo 350’s production was going to be stopped soon.
So after comparing left options i.e. Machismo 500, Electra 350 5-Speed.
I liked the Machismo better.
# It has a classic Bullet look.
# It has AVL engine which gives higher Torque, Higher Power, Better Mileage,
# Needs less maintenance
# It doesn’t give kick backs
# It is 500cc
# It a new TCI ignition which needs less maintainence & no tweaking like CB Point in Standard 350.
The only negative things were:-
# Less Thump due to Aluminum Engine instead of Cast Iron & new improved TCI ignition.
# More Vibrations
Although at that time Machismo 500 had a booking 1-2 weeks. But the dealer was our friend he gave us our new Machismo on same day.
On my way I noticed that Kick Lever was taking to much space.
The riding position is more relaxing although great for cruising on straight but not good while cornering.
The tank cap is cheap considering the price of the bike.
The rear Tyre is little thin & also not radial.
The gears are little hard although it is understanding considering it is 500cc.
The main neutral is very very difficult to find but the good side a neutral is there after ever gear.
The ammeter is really waste an rpm meter would be preferred.
A single lock to turn off engine & lock handle would be prefered.
Front Tyre has less grip.
For first month mechanic advised me not to go above 50.
For first month I noticed no problems in the bike.
After first service I took it on a long ride.
The bike easily crosses 80 - 90 it wasn’t until I saw my speedo meter.
It was a great pleasure in overtaking cars on high way.
The torque is amazing it pulls on roads. The bike didn’t felt as anything & easily sailed on hill roads with ease.
The mileage in city is 30 & on high way is 37. Good for a 500cc bike.
I have now rectified the thump problem.
I have installed a short bottle silencer Chennai made & removed a muffler from exhaust pipe whole operation cost me Rs2000 now Thump is good although not as good as Standard 350 but acceptable. I also have installed a 32 Litres custom Fuel Tank. It has added to the Macho looks of the bike. Also replaced the standard tyres with Radial 18inch tyres with a fake rear disk brake. Also the handle is replaced with the flat handle from Standard 350.