The Royal Enfield Bullet- a legend in its own right. Its undergone some quantum innovation now. Any guesses- yeah you guessed it right, they fitted it with a electric start! The bullet has been one bike that has stood the test of time. The bullet is loved for the simplicity of its mechanics, the ride comfort and the feeling of nirvana that thump of the bullet gives. Any true bulleteer would willingly marry his mechanic if he can tune the bike to suit his taste. Bullets are the most preferred bikes of long distance bikers. This is partly because of the ease of repairing it, partly the ride comfort. This halo helps sell the bullet more also and the company carefully cultivates the user group by organizing himalayan trips, creating user communities etc. But mind you, on himalayan trips, a team of mechanics also travel with the bikes.
What about the rolling stone with wanderlust who buys a bullet. Its difficult to learn the mechanics of the bike. You don’t take the bike on too long a ride because you fear some part my give way and you do not know how to repair it. It’s so simple, your hardcore nuts and bolts bulleteer will say. But, what about the not so mechanically inclined riders? The mechanics exploit precisely the simplicity of repair to fleece the uninitiated. They charge a bomb for small stuff, that if known, could actually have been done by oneself. They say they need to rework the engine, when all that was required is to adjust the spark plug gap. In it’s endeavour to build the user base the Royal Enfield company in India should also hold classes for teaching avid bulleteers how to perform small repairs on their bike. Things like changing a clutch cable, tightening the brakes, identifying a fault etc. This will enable them to spread their wings wider and build a much more loyal user base.
