If it all gets a bit too manic, the UCE is also equipped with the Electra’s 135mm single disc, single piston caliper front and drum rear brake set-up. It’s a definite improvement over the old two drum arrangement and gives plenty of bite and feel, even during hard braking.
Switchgear and clocks are also Electra; with speedo, mileometer and a handful of warning lights, and an engine management light to keep tabs on the EFI (an engine management light on an Enfield, who would’ve thought it?).
Lights, switches and pedals are all the same too, as is the basic spec; side and centre stands come as standard – a big omission on most other modern machinery – as does the flatline dual seat, electric and kick-start, and indicators of course.
On paper, the new generation Bullet bears little resemblance to the 1949 version, and the purists out there may argue that a Bullet with indicators, fuel injection and catalytic converter isn’t really a Bullet, but I’d have to argue back. Enfield have successfully managed to blend the traditional look, sound and feel of a British single with the additions required to keep it within current legislation, and have managed to come up with a fairly useful motorcycle too.
Long may
it continue.
Royal Enfield Bullet UCE EFI
Engine unit construction, OHV four-stroke, single cylinder
Bore x stroke 84x90mm
Capacity 499cc
Compression ratio 8.5:1
Fuelling electronic fuel injection
Starting electric/kick
Chassis tubular steel cradle
Suspension telescopic fork front, gas filled, twin shock absorbers rear
Brakes single disc, single piston caliper front, 135mm drum rear
Tyres 3.25/19 Avon front, 3.50/19 Avon rear
Wheelbase 1370mm
Seat height 820mm
Weight 187kg
Fuel capacity 14.5 litres
Price approx £4000 (TBC)
Contact
Watsonian Squire Tel 01386 700907 or www.royal-enfield.com
Further reading
Road tests, spares lists and manuals available to buy from the Mortons Media Group Ltd archive.
Contact Jane Skayman 01507 529423 or email jskayman@mortons.co.uk for prices and details. www.mortonsarchive.com
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