Engine- 3/5
Making a relaxed 28bhp, the Woodsman EFI isn’t a thrasher’s dream, but it makes big handfuls of torque right from tickover in a charismatic, lumpy fashion. The alloy-construction engine revs better than older Enfields, but it’s happiest using the low and mid range torque. 70mph cruising is comfortable, 85mph possible flat out. It feels best at 50-60mph on country roads.
Ride and Handling- 3/5
The Woodsman handles better than it’s dynamically similar Trials brethren, thanks to running decent Avon road tyres instead of knobblies. It’s not sharp, and being brutal will tie it in a knot, but smooth use of the wide bars results in a respectable ability to maintain momentum through bends. Suspension quality is low, crashing over potholes and such, though it’s merely slightly bouncy over better maintained surfaces. Just keep in mind what it is, and it’s fine.
Equipment- 3/5
Equipment is good compared to Enfields of old – the fuel warning light, fuel injection, electric start (plus a kicker for those of burly leg) and disc brake make life simpler. There’s a luggage rack behind you for strapping your sarnies to. That’s about your lot – it’s simplistic motorcycling. There’s not even a trip meter.
Quality and Reliability- 2/5
All Enfields are built in India these days – fit and finish is crude in places. Reliability is better, and they’re dead simple to maintain, but still expect to have to get hands on once in a while. The Woodsman is a model created in the UK, adapted from a standard Bullet EFI by the importer. The conversion parts are well made.
Value- 3/5
It’s not ludicrously expensive, but neither is it cheap. It’s cheaper than pseudo classics like the Triumph Bonneville, but then it’s not quite as able. It is, however, genuinely descended from classic British machinery from over 50 years ago, and remains the most authentic way to get the classic biking experience on a zero-mile machine.
Model History-
1955-1959: Original Indian Woodsman sold in USA, based around British-built Bullet.
2010: New EFI model based around current Bullet sold in UK only.
2010: New EFI model based around current Bullet sold in UK only.
overall verdict- 4/5
The Royal Enfield Bullet Woodsman EFI is a modern take on a bike produced by the 1950’s USA importer, who turned Bullets in to scramblers and branded them as Indian Woodsman. The 2010 bike shares a name and basic layout, but has welcome modern touches including electric start, fuel injection and a disc front brake.
Specifications
| Top speed | 85mph |
|---|---|
| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Power | 27bhp |
| Torque | 28ftlb |
| Weight | 187kg |
| Seat height | 825mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | 80mpg |
| Tank range | 250 miles |
| Insurance group |
| Engine size | 499cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | Air-cooled four-stroke single, pushrod valve actuation, 2v. Five gears |
| Frame | Tubular steel cradle |
| Front suspension adjustment | none |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Preload |
| Front brakes | 280mm disc, twin-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 152mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tyre size | 100/90-19 |
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