Royal Enfield Bullet / Standard 350 uce Review / road test

2010 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 uce

The 2010 Bullet 350 uce retains its original styling and comes with options of a front disc brake and electric start. The exhaust though is a a bit too long. With the long exhaust and the original cast iron engine replaced, the original "Bullet Thump" would certainly be now muffled in these 2010 models. But with new BS III (Bharat Stage III) pollution norms coming into force across India from April 2010, the "heart transplant" was probably inevitable.

Based on the popular and well proven standard 350, now with the all new unit construction engine, this is classic motorcycling with a modern twist. The Bullet uce looks and sounds like a classic British single, but with a significant performance boost, excellent fuel economy and significantly reduced exhaust emissions.

The Bullet standard 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.

How does the new Royal Enfield bullet Twinspark look?

The new Royal Enfield bullet 350 Twinspark kept the looks of the vehicle unchanged; it is simple and maintains the conventional style. Despite the looks being standard it still looks gorgeous and bold, which is a characteristic feature of any Royal Enfield motorcycles and the stand-out feature of the new bullet Twinspark is its finishing quality. 

The huge metal logo of Royal Enfield on the fuel tank looks stylish and the front mudguard is cool. The neutral finder makes it easy and convenient to shift to neutral. The seats are kept wider and flatter, so there are not many modifications in the looks department of the new Royal Enfield Electra Twinspark as compared to its predecessor. As regards digitalization Royal Enfield still lags behind the Bajajs and the Hero Hondas. The new Bullet Twinspark doesn’t sport digital speedometer and doesn’t sport a tachometer too.

Engine and performance of the Bullet 350 uce

The new Royal Enfield bullet 350 uce Twinspark is powered with a 346cc engine that generates a maximum power of 19.8 bhp at 5250 rpm and a torque of 28 Nm at 4000 rpm. The motorcycle company claims that the bullet 350 Twinspark that the bike will also be able to hit maximum of 120kmph speed. As regards the Unit Construction Engine (UCE) it gives fewer maintenance issues, the company remarks. However, it is early to jump the gun and can be proved only after a driving it for sometime.  This according to the company brings about greater optimization of air-fuel combustion as well as improved power delivery with reduced emissions.

The UCE facilitates smoother operation, power delivery and cleaner emissions too according to the company. The bike has gas-filled shock absorbers that enable smooth riding over potholes and speed breakers. The bike can touch a top-speed of 120kmph and will give you a mileage of around 30-40 kmpl. But the mileage might vary depending on the condition of the bike and how you actually ride it. Well, RE bikers are very well aware of the fact that the Bullets aren’t for mileage.

Handling and comfort of the bullet 350 uce Twinspark

There are certain claims such as low maintenance made by Royal Enfield as regards to the new bullet 350 but until you own one it is hard to decide the handling of the bike and probably a test ride will help you come to one opinion. Low maintenance as claimed by the company can be one discussed after a year from now and it is too early to talk about it now. The company failed when it came to this with many of its models.

Price and color choices of the new bullet 350 Twinspark

Bullet 350 is available only in Black color. Price Update (23,rd March): Prices starting at Rs. 89,846 (ex-Chennai) and going up to Rs. 93,846 for the kick start and electric start variants respectively

Last word about the new bullet 350 Twinspark

The new Royal Enfield bullet 350 Twinspark kisses the road with loads of promises from the company; of performance and fuel efficiency but the physical features are hardly touched upon, which could keep the bike away from buyers. The new UCE engine is the only feature of the bike that is something worth looking at this point in time. And, only time will tell if the new Twinspark will survive in the market based on this new UCE engine technology; there is so much competition ahead with the influx of super bikes and the camp at the Royal Enfield will be hoping so it will still be able to cling on to the loyal Bullet fans.

Features and Benefits:

•Aluminum alloy Lean-Burn engine

•Five-speed transmission with modified gearing

•Higher speeds, better handling

•Gas-filled shocks

•Capacity for higher speeds, better handling

•Environmentally friendly with lower emissions and increased fuel economy

Technical Specifications:

Engine	Single Cylinder, Four Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air Cooled, Twinspark
Displacement	346 cc
Bore x Stroke	70mm x 90mm
Maximum Power	19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	28 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	Constant Mesh 5 speed
Ignition	Digital TCI
Carburetor	Micarb VM 24
Dimensions
Ground Clearance	140 mm
Width	810 mm
Wheel Base	1370 mm
Length	2140 mm
Height	1120 mm
Seat Height/ Saddle Height	800 mm
Tyres
Front	3.25 x 19"
Rear	3.25 x 19"
Electricals
Electrical System	12 V - AC/DC
Head lamp	12 V AC - 35/ 35W, Halogen
Battery	12 V - 5AH
Tail Lamp	12 V, 21/5W
Brakes
Front	Twin lead internal expanding drum breake
Rear	Foot operated, 153 mm drum
Weight(Kerb)	180 kg (90% fuel + oil)

2010 Royal Enfield Bullet 350