Our test bike had a loose steering head which resulted in a mild swaying wobble above 100 kph. Shouldn't be a problem on other bikes, though. Also, though the 280 mm front disc is powerful, there isn't much feel through the lever, which compounds the task of the front forks that feel too soft for the bike. A firmer front with more feel is what's needed here. This is the only real complaint I have with the Classic 500.
There are other things, like the flickering right-side pilot lamp, an indeterminable rattle coming from the front end, mirrors that vibrate too much to be of any use and pegs that seem to be too wide when you put your foot down. But I really don't care about these things. These are teething troubles that every Bullet comes with and are meant for you to take care of. You make it perfect the way you want it. At Rs 1,31,527, ex-showroom, Mumbai, the Classic 500 is fantastic value for money, given its Ninja 250-rivalling performance and exclusive appeal. What's more unbelievable is that I got 29.6 kpl in spite of not taking it easy even for a second! Brilliant! With a gentler right hand, you will go farther for sure. Anyway, at this price, I'd have liked to see better suspension and stickier Avon tyres too.
If reminding people of the past is this bike's purpose, I'd say it's a smashing success. If being a smashing performer is this bike's purpose, I'd say it's even better. Riding the bike left me with the feeling of being back on my old Bullet. The feel, the smell and the tingling sensation that remains with you long after you've gotten off the saddle - it's all there. Just that the Classic 500 takes the experience to another plane. A Bullet that finally goes like one, looks better than a sackful of gold, has a sound that reminds one of the golden age of motorcycling and throws no tantrums? Thank you very much Royal Enfield, for the best Bullet I've ever ridden.
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