Bullet - the Mean Machine

In a world full of sleek lighter bikes, the legendary bullet is still alive and roaring. Almost written off as ‘a bike past its prime,’ the black beauty has its own bunch of die-hard motorists. It’s not for those who seek to commute to office and back, it’s an ideal power machine for weekend biking. Something that makes you stand out. “Everyone makes way for the bullet and she is an attention-grabber,” says Premanand, a young twenty-something who works for a multinational bank, and thrives on those looks it gets on the roads.

Originally made in Britain, the rugged bike, with the ‘Built like a Gun’ trademark,’ was shipped into India in the 1950s for the military and police to traverse the harsh Indian terrain. Later, a manufacturing unit was set up in Madras. Unfortunately, poor marketing forced the company to close operations in 1970. Soon, Enfield India rolled out indigenous bullets.

Unlike in the West where the bike is a symbol of individual personality, in India where over 10 million vehicles ply on the rods, people want a bike that makes travel cheaper. But, for the growing urban crowd that wants to get away on weekends on long drives, the bullet is comfortable machine. The only hassle being, many think the bike is heavy, tough to handle and lacks in design and colour.

Not any longer, the newer sportier models are easier to ride, designed better and come in a variety of colours. The Machismo, for example, is the first bullet with a 5-speed gearbox and gearshift on the left. The Thunderbird is another cool bike from the stables of one of the oldest motorcycle companies in the world. Electra has better seating comfort and great shockers.

When Enfield India launched their first Bullet Club in Bangalore, in 1995, little did they realize that it’d draw in a large number of enthusiasts. Today, with more than ten clubs, these motorists are organizing regular meetings and events. In 1997, 40 such members undertook an adventure to the inhospitable Khardungla, one of the highest motorable roads in the Himalayas. While they found mention in the Limca Book of Records, the legendary ‘Dare Devils’ team from the The Corps of Signal, formed a human pyramid of 201 men on ten 350 cc bullets, riding a distance of over 200 metres, creating a world record.

Its sturdiness and maintenance-free features are well known.

For those who like a bit of history, the Enfield Bullet has plenty to offer. Enfield was the first to use the swinging arm suspension and rear shock absorbers on their standard bikes. They were the first motorcycles in India, enjoying a monopoly in its hey days with just a sprinkle of the now-forgotten Yezdis and Jawas. And it’s one of the oldest surviving bikes in the world.

Despite the onslaught of the 100 ccs, there are still plenty of motorists, who swear by their bullets. “It’s a man’s bike,” says a proud Balaji, who won’t trade his machine for any new gizmo in town. So, for those who have written that obituary on bullets, think again. The dependable bike that’s achieved a cult status might still survive after all.