I have a bullet electra 5S(ES+DB), Magic Black, 6 months old and have done 7000Kms. Let me explain about myself first, I have owned and driven Rx100, RX135, splendour, Caliber, wind and pulsar. Now I have Caliber and bullet left with me. Caliber has done 1, 00, 000+ and is 10 years old(very first model) and bullet is the most recent purchase.
I am a regular biker and my daily run is around 80 Kms. I drive to and fro office in Gurgaon from Delhi. I attempted to purchase bullet as I have driven almost all the bikes but not bullet, so I landed over to bullet. Though I will keep this machine for long but I want to explain the facts for those who really want to know about bullet.
problems with bullet:-
(1) MIleage (30-35 Km/L) when you drive below 60km/hr
(2) High cost of maintenance( Even free services cost 700Rs, just for oil change.
(3) Engine oil leakage problems.
(4) Clutch gets loosened in heavy traffic and frequent gear shifting.
(5) Noise problem( apart from thump).
(7) Low ground clearance(silencer and stand touches ground on crossing pot holes)
Good about bullet:-
(1) reliable, excellent handling
(2) Brand value
(3) very comfortable for long drives
(4) Excellent looks.
The self start will definitely chuck up the battery as the standard battery is fitted and is not maintenance free. I got the battery replaced from EXIDE as the service centre people don’t consider it as under their service.
Factory fitted rear view mirror at left hand is low aligned and touches the wrist(GO AND CHECK IF YOU OWN ONE).
Battery box is of bad quality and with lock which can be opened with any key or hairclip(TRY THIS), so battery can be stolen very easily. Kick don’t work when you are down in traffic(DUE TO PRESSURE). Bulbs get frequently fused( Tail lamp, meter bulbs)
Clutch wear and tear is very high and plates need to be changed every 3000Kms.Tappet noise from crank is somewhat nobody will appreciate and only driver can feel it. The service people say that the problems will be fixed in next service, but they never fix and dont even understand the issue.
I made direct contact with the Head of service(North India) to get good service, then only I got a service which I rate 7/10, else it is always 5/10.
I have also tested the machine running delhi-Chandigarh-Delhi(office cruise trip) non-stop in 13 hours and it responded extremely well though with a competition with Pulsars and karizmas. The best thing is drive comfort and excellent handling. All the problems in the bullet are because the company is not taking interest in QA before delivering the bikes. Also the CNC technology is not the best(leakage issues). I have my caliber still with me because it had never given any problem and still gives 65Km/L.
Considering all the facts, I can only suggest that if you want peace of mind, DON’T GO FOR BULLET, because once you own it, you will not be able to complain to anybody about your decision of owing it. I had visited service centre 17 times in three services, because they can never deliver a completely serviced and problem free bike. Also the bullet owner never show their problems and frustration on road but you can SEE THIS IN THE SERVICE CENTRE(only complaints and no appreciation).
So If you are just an average rider and dont want to be in problems, dont purchase a bullet. It will definitely empty your pocket in terms of purchase, fuel and maintainance. On an all it will cost you 2.50Rs/Km as overall running cost. OR IF STILL YOU WANT TO OWN I AM ALSO HERE TO WELCOME YOU IN BULLET WORLD.