ROYAL ENFIELD ELECTRA EFI - REVIEW / ROAD TEST / TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION / PRICE

Based on the popular and well proven Electra, now with the all new unit construction fuel-injected engine, this is classic motorcycling with a modern twist. The Electra EFI looks and sounds like a classic British single, but with a significant performance boost, excellent fuel economy and significantly reduced exhaust emissions.

The Deluxe version of the Electra features a chrome tank, matching chrome mudguards, hand painted pin stripes on the side panels and classic pattern Avon Speedmaster tyres. This gives the fuel-injected Electra the classic Bullet look of the 1950â€™s but with modern performance and reliability.

The Bullet Electra is a classic motorcycle, simplistic in design with a new, robust and reliable unit construction engine. Comfort takes a front seat with gas filled shock absorbers and a sub frame.

FEATURES:

Â· 280mm front disc brake for reliable stopping power

Â· Gas filled rear shocks for a smooth ride

Â· Electric and kick-start options

Â· Halogen headlight for a clearer view

Available now in red, black, blue and sliver.

Engine- 2/5

Royal Enfield have tried hard to meet new Euro 3 emission laws without ruining the feel of their classic 500cc single, and it’s worked. The all-new unit-construction lump is fuel-injected yet still feels like an Enfield, mostly because it still has the 84mm bore, 90mm stroke and heavy crank of the old Electra. It may be made in India but it’s a traditional British push-rod single. Rubber strips between fins are there to reduce engine noise, but sat on top of you’re still treated to a nice classic sound that should endear the bike to old-fashioned purists. It’s still a lazy little engine, but it accelerates slightly quicker than the old model and has a touch more top end too.

Ride and Handling- 2/5

The brakes aren’t up to much, with a single disc on the front and a drum brake (how quaint) on the back, so it’s a good thing the engine’s only packing 27.3 bhp. It’s relatively comfy, until you get up to speed and the vibes start to kick in. It’s definitely not a bike for long journeys or sustained top speed. Compared to the competition, like the Kawasaki W650 or the Triumph Bonneville, handling and suspension lack quality.

Equipment– 1/5

One look at the pictures should tell you that there’s no on-board computer or digital tyre-pressure sensors here! The Enfiled aims to recreate biking from a simpler time. 2 wheels and an engine are about all you get for your money, but if you’re here reading this and considering one of these bikes, that probably forms a big part of the appeal.

Quality and Reliability- 2/5

Reliability with Enfield’s is patchy at best, with poor electrics. Theyâ€™re very easy to work on though and there’s nothing that canâ€™t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you’re used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock.

Fuel economy – 4/5

Enfield claim 87mph for the Electra EFI, so with today’s fuel prices it could make alot fo sense as a cheap commuter. These bikes are so simple servicing can be done at home- in fact it’s probably a big part of the fun for alot of owners. The cost for a new one is very low and used bikes can be picked up at rock bottom prices.

Model History–

1949: The Bullet goes into production at the British Royal Enfield company.

2002: First electric start Bullet introduced.

2004: Bullet Electra X introduced along with conventional left foot gear shift/right foot brake set-up.

2008: Electra EFI model released with fuel-injected and all-new unit construction engine

OTHER VERSIONS-

Bullet Trials: Alloy mudguards, wide bars, a solo seat, different sub-frame, alloy bash plate, enduro-style tyres and upswept exhaust.

Bullet Electra Sportsman: Rear sets, clip-ons add up to a saucy cafÃ© racer style.

Bullet Classic: Has a chrome-sided tank and matching chrome mudguards. Thereâ€™s a Classic Solo, too, with a single seat and luggage rack.

Overall Verdict– 3/5

This new version of the Enfield Electra may look the same, and to be fair in alot of ways that count it is, but in fact it features an all new unit construction engine with fuel-injection, dragging it kicking and screaming into this century to meet Euro 3 emission laws. This is a motorcycle with alot of charisma- a throwback from a bygone era. It’s endearingly different to modern bikes, which can be a positive thing if you’re looking for something different. Warm to it’s character and you’ll have a massive grin on your face as you thud gently around the back lanes. But you can’t help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past…

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions
Engine	Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air cooled, and Fuel Injection
Displacement	499 CC
Bore x Stroke	84 mm x 90 mm
Maximum Power	20.3KW, 28bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed gearbox with left foot gear change
Ignition	Electronic Ignition
Ground Clearance	140 mm
Width	800 mm
Wheel Base	1370 mm
Length	2160 mm
Height	1050 mm
Seat Height/ Saddle Height	820 mm
Tyres
Front	90 x 90 â€“ 19″
Rear	100 x 90 â€“ 19″
Electricals
Electrical System	12 Volts – DC
Head lamp	60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN
Battery	14 AH
Tail Lamp	21/5 W
E-Start Starter Motor	0.9 KW, DENSO
Brakes
Front	Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm)
Rear	Foot Operated 153 mm Single Lead Internal Expanding
Maximum Speed
Speed	130 Kmph
Suspension
Front	Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping, Stroke 130 mm
Rear	Swing Arm With Gas Shock Absorbers, Stroke 80 mm
Vehicle
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 litres/2L reserve (21 litres Clubman)
Compression Ratio	8.5 : 1
Air Cleaner	Paper Element
Engine Oil Grade / Qty	15W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA
Weight(Kerb)	187 Kg (with 90% fuel & oil)

Royal Enfield Bullet CLUB

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