The answer is "no." The new Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 will not divide Royal Enfield motorcyclists into two camps.
But why not? It is described as faster, more dependable and relatively maintenance free. Most parts will not interchange with older Bullets. It also is not the motorcycle that has been so famously produced virtually unchanged in India since 1955.
Some old-style Bullet owners could dismiss the new Classic as just another modern motorcycle. Classic owners could be prone to ignore the old thumpers falling behind in their rear-view mirrors.
Not going to happen, at least not in the United States. Royal Enfields of every age are so rare here that riders will do the fist bump when they meet. There will be a lot to admire in each other's bike. Stories to tell. Lies to swap.
One story: awhile back I was introduced to a fellow who had owned Royal Enfields back in the day. He cast a not-too-friendly eye on my 1999 Bullet. All I could think to ask was what his experience had been with Royal Enfields.
"Not too good," he allowed, still staring at my bike: "We always had trouble with the chain cases distorting and leaking."
Imagine! My elderly Bullet, with its "modern" cast alloy primary cover was a monumental improvement over the tin chain cases of pre-war Royal Enfields! I certainly felt like a spoiled poseur.
CA 2015 Battle Green
How the Shotgun 650 came to life
Mark Wells: "After we had shown the SG650 Concept (above) at Eicma in 2021, it gathered huge interest from international custom builders and got heads turning, so much so that we decided to build it." WebBikeWorld
CA 2015 GT 535
Close look at Himalayan 450
FL 2015 Chrome
NE 2016 GT 535
What are they doing wrong?
I thought it was the saris, but, legally, there is nothing women can not do in saris. Legally, though, helmets are required. IndiaToday
Custom Interceptor from Malaysia
Shotgun 650 vs. Super Meteor 650
NE 2001 Military
CA 2012 bobber
Specs show Honda copied the Classic
GA 1957 Trailblazer
FL 2018 Battle Green
Himalayan a great bike: ADVPulse
CA 2022 GT 650 custom
NV 1943 WD/CO
Old Brit Bullet or India made?
Paul Henshaw shows you the FAST way to tell an old Bullet made in India from an original UK Bullet. YouTube
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