The Rare and Infamous ‘Bullet’

“Made like a gun, goes like a bullet” was Royal Enfield’s slogan and, in 1931, E O Pardoe designed and prototyped a four-valve, single-cylinder which was introduced and christened the ‘Bullet’ and which, over time, developed a particularly punchy brand of power. Royal Enfield manufactured a range of fast-changing Bullets during the 1930s and, by 1934, the 500cc gained a four-value head which transformed into a more highly tuned ‘modern-looking’ vertical cylinder design in 1936. The first of these new machines were superbly styled and came with coil ignition, dry sump lubrication with the oil reservoir contained within the crankcase, and four-speed, foot-change gearboxes. Its compact layout was balanced by its twin ports and the distinctive upswept, sporty exhaust pipes which established the pattern for all future Royal Enfield singles.Authentically restored in 1977, this rare pre-war Bullet is offered registered and warranted and is in good running order. The vendor is not aware of any other Bullets of this model in New Zealand. Handwritten instructions outlining the starting procedure and a maintenance pattern accompany the bike.