The Bullet Trials 500 is now available in Royal Enfield showrooms across India. While it has no direct competition in its segment, the motorcycle’s closest rival is its own sibling and the bike it is based on; the Bullet 500. What are the differences and similarities between the two motorcycles? We find out.
Design
The design of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is reminiscent of the manufacturer’s early days. The Bullet has a very simplistic approach in terms of design that is accentuated with a single-piece seat and generous amounts of chrome that completes its old-school appeal.
On the other hand, as we mentioned earlier, the Bullet Trials 500 is based on the Bullet 500. However it gets mechanical and cosmetic upgrades that make it off-road friendly. Styled like a scrambler motorcycle, Bullet Trials 500 is a nod to the Bullet Trials launched back in 1948. It gets an upswept exhaust, dual-sport tyres, high-mudguard, handlebar brace, headlamp mesh guard, engine sump guard and a luggage rack at the rear. To further set itself apart from the Bullet 500, the main frame and sub frame gets a green paint along with the number ‘48’ on the left side.
Engine
Royal Enfield has not tweaked the engine on the Bullet Trials 500 and has given the Bullet Trials 500 the same motor as the Bullet 500. This 498cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine produces 27.2bhp at 5,100rpm and 40.9Nm of torque at 3,800rpm. It is mated to a five-speed gearbox.
Cycle Parts
The Bullet 500 rides on a 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel. The Bullet Trials 500 also gets the same rim size although shod with dual-purpose CEAT Progrip tyres. Suspension duties on both bikes are handled by telescopic front forks and twin-shocks at the rear.
Whereas braking is done by a 280mm disc upfront and a 240mm disc for the rear along with a dual-channel ABS as standard on both, the Bullet 500 as well as the Bullet Trials 500.
Pricing
Royal Enfield has priced the Bullet Trials 500 at Rs 2.07 lakhs while the Bullet 500 ABS costs Rs 1.86 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). For the extra Rs 20,000 you get a sense of exclusivity along with additional equipment that aids the Bullet Trials mild off-road capability.
