The Electra does have the distinctive thump, although it isn’t as deep as its predecessor’s. The bike I am riding has just been back from a long tour and needs to be serviced and tuned. But that not withstanding, it picks up pace quicker than Ryan’s relic.Before I know it, the speedo shows a healthy 80 kph. The Pricol unit doesn’t have the charisma of the Smiths but seems to sense the speed better. Unlike the Smiths, there isn’t any tripmeter which is quite disappointing.The brakes come on with more urgency than the old half width drums. This is one upgrade I am immensely happy with. In today’s traffic, good braking is a requisite to keep you in one piece.Does the Electra feel as period as the 1957 Bullet? Well, it truly does, except that it’s easier on you. Better brakes and improved reliability make the Electra more forgiving and help it cope with today’s traffic better.
Before we know it, it is already time to hand over the bikes back to their respective loving owners. As they say, all good things come to an end. But seemingly, the Bullet is an exception. The Electra retains all the soul and charisma of the old Bullet. Its engine might meet the current day emission norms and start in a jiffy but at heart, it is still the same as the ‘57.
After all, which other motorcycle can boast of being termed a classic the day it is ridden out of the showroom?
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