2011 RE

[manxie]

Just a quick question folks. I`m thinking about getting a 2011 500 Bullet. I don't know much about them but always liked them. Two questions if that`s OK?

1) The exhaust .... is it a simple straight swap if I want to change the silencer or is there sensors and stuff to consider?

2) The EFI ..... is it reliable? Is it better or worse than a carburettor?

Thanks guys, hope the questions aren`t too stupid 

[Smithy]

Hi Manxie

The exhaust is a straight swap with no need to change anything. There is a lambda sensor elimination kit but to be honest it makes hardly any difference if you do fit it. The only caution I have on exhausts is that Hitchcocks silencers are very expensive and the quality is dubious on the chroming. Have a look around to see what else is available.

The efi is reliable and although I have fitted a carb conversion just for shits and giggles does actually do a good job. The one Achilles heel is the fuel pump, reliable but if you do get a problem you will need nearly £400 to replace it which is ludicrous. Having said that my efi system was good enough for 20,000 miles with no problems before I fitted the carb.

The trick with Enfields is to simply enjoy them for what they are and don't try to tart them up too much. I have made this mistake with The Mighty Enfield and it is fighting the buggery out of me to get it back to one, reliable piece. If I could go back I would have changed the silencer and left it at that.

Ian

[manxie]

Thanks for your advice Ian. The only thing I was thinking of doing was to change the silencer as I think the standard one looks a bit bulky, and maybe a single seat, but that would be it.

Thanks again, Steve.

[Propellor]

Hi manxie. I've had my euro 4 classic 500 for 4500 miles now (from new) and loving it. I believe the one you are looking at has a simpler efi system than mine, with less sensors. Whether that's good or bad I don't know. Certainly less clutter. 

Let us know how you go with it. Good luck .

[Propellor]

Ps my silencer is the Goldie style from hitchocks and it makes a lovely noise with the baffle out. I am having trouble with the chrome finish, as pointed out by Ian. Not peeling or anything but there is a "bloom" on it which is spreading and won't polish out. A kind of milky look. Not great but the way it sounds is great.

[manxie]

Cheer Prop. The owner is off island until September so wont know anything for sure til then. The more I`m looking though, is the more I`m wanting one 

[xbally]

I had a Bullet Electra which was oily and unreliable (semi pre-unit) but part exed it for a 2009 EFI which was brilliant although i did pamper it! I replaced the heavy original silencer and pipe for Hitchcocks parts and this was a straight swap without any stupid EFI issues. I only sold mine when i got another XBR500 as I thought 2 500 singles (albeit very different) was a bit extreme. I now have the new 650 Interceptor twin which so far has proved to be great value.

[manxie]

Thanks xbally. The Interceptor`s are lovely. Cheers, Steve.