I had driven a bullet 500 for more than 12 years and when I went for a drive on my friend’s thunderbird some weeks back, I was in for a major shock.
What happened to the legendary beat. Seems they have sacrificed it for pollution. Harley has a division and complex acoustics monitoring equipment to ensure the beat is same. So much for an Indian cruiser. Somehow, I dont like it.
The gears are on the left and brakes on the right. Cool. A lever from right to left underneath and I hate extra rods and couplings. Anyways, transitioning from 100cc is made easier.
The tachometer - never got a chance to see that while riding for 15 min – Basically did not feel the need to. I wonder whether it is required.
Raised bars and seat. Now this is comfortable. Something I did as an extra to my Bullet 500. Seats are indeed comfortable for rides more than 1 hour also.
Fuel gauge - another device seldom used.
Disc brakes - they are good.
Cost of some 80+ K with most of the unnecessary features - not worth it.
Machismo engine goes at high speeds but loosens up on a long drive. Requires us to shift gears frequently.
Colors and looks are revamped and is pleasing.
Mileage - Who buys bullet for mileage - 30 Kmpl
I could push the bike for quick pickups and frequent stops and never let anyone to overtake me. :-) Well, the pickup is good.
It’s a decent cruiser - The only one in India. If you call bikes with less than 200cc engines as cruisers, you have eliminator and enticer.
To summarise:
Plus:
Nice looks
Great comfort
Good pickup
Great handle and balance
5th gear is too much
Minus:
Absence of legendary beat
Engine loosens
Unnecessary features jacking up price
Bottomline
My advice would be go for the bullet Standard 350cc/500cc.
They offer the best value.
Cheers
Ram