Bullet 350 UCE

Royal Enfield is a bike manufacturing company based in Chennai and first the Bullet 350 cc, single cylinder model was launched in 1948.The Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark was one of the first bikes to get the Twinspark UCE engine and it was launched in November 2009 in India. RE launched four versions in 346cc which includes the Classic, Thunderbird Twinspark, Bullet 350 Twinspark and Electra Twinspark.

The new bike has the Unit Construction Engine which replaces the old cast iron engines. The transformation to UCE technology started with Thunderbird Twinspark, and later the models Classic (500cc & 350cc) and Bullet Electra Twinspark have also been transformed to UCE.

Look

Bullet 350cc comes with a strange sound like a bullet which gives it a peculiarity. The wheelbase is long as compared to other bikes and the weight is more which gives the impression of stability .It can handle heavy weight and is strong bike where the tyres are big and the engine comes with full mud guard and foot gear with a convenient gear shift option. The new UCE model almost resembles the earlier model of the bike with all the black color paint and the front drum brakes. The traditional badge and the design can also be located on it. It comes with full line seat that provides complete support to the biker.

Both the models Royal Enfield Classic 350 and classic 500 supports spoke wheels and the look of the toolbox, the file tank and the thigh resting pads are incredible. The instrument panel has the speedometer and fuel indicator integrated to the headlight case. The design imprinted on the bike makes it look historical coming from war fields.

Engine

Bullet standard 350 cc engine has 346cc Unit Construction Engine and the maximum power delivered by Bullet 350 UCE is 19.8 Bhp at 5250 rpm whereas the maximum torque is 28 Nm at 4000 rpm. The clutch and gearbox are integrated to the case which is physically located outside the case. UCE prevents losses caused by transmission and reduces the maintenance problems.

Ride and comfort

The new features of Bullet 350 UCE include the disc brake and the electric start .The 280 mm disc brake and the carburetor fuel injector are provided for improving the performance. The bike is supported by EFI integrated to the five speed gearbox and the EFI provides complete combustion of the mixture of air fuel to have a smooth pick up and to reduce emission. The exhaust has been designed to be long but the new bike will have to fulfill the emission standards to be allowed on Indian roads. New head lamp having 12V, 35 / 35 W make you feel like riding in day time.

Attractions of Bullet 350 UCE

1. It provides better combustion and fuel efficiency.

2. It can carry heavy weight and stays stable.

3. It has high power and it is easy to start.

4. It has easy options for gear shifting.

5. The new engine supports the BS111 emission norms.

6. It has high ground clearance.

7. The new headlight provides better light.

Drawbacks

1. Maintenance is a problem with RE bikes.

2. The mileage can be low as compared to the figures given by the company.

3. It is heavy to use in crowds and difficult on turns.

Price:

On road price of bullet 350 UCE is Rs. 99,000 (Ex showroom Delhi price) and it has been launched in red, silver and black colors.

Specifications:

Engine Single Cylinder, Four Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air Cooled, Twinspark

Maximum Power 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm

Maximum Torque 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Displacement 346 cc

Bore x Stroke 70mm x 90mm

Carburetor Micarb VM 24

Transmission Constant Mesh 5 speed

Ignition Digital TCI

Dimensions

Length 2140 mm

Height 1120 mm

Ground Clearance 140 mm

Seat Height/ Saddle Height 800 mm

Width 810 mm

Wheel Base 1370 mm

Tyres

Front 3.25 x 19″, Rear 3.25 x 19"

Brakes

Front Twin lead internal expanding drum brake, Rear Foot operated, 153 mm drum

Electricals

Head lamp 12 V AC – 35/ 35W, Halogen

Tail Lamp 12 V, 21/5W

Electrical System 12 V – AC/DC

Battery 12 V – 5AH

Weight (Kerb) 180 kg (90% fuel + oil)

Thunderbird Twinspark

Thunderbird Twinspark is a stylish bike from Royal Enfield revolutionary Unit Construction Engine and is known for pleasurable riding experience. Thunderbird Twinspark is priced Rs1, 03,000 in (Ex-showroom) and was launched in 2008 in Chennai. The bike comes with the Twinspark feature and has a UCE engine that offer high power, torque, fast brakes and fuel efficiency.

The company Royal Enfield initially launched the Thunderbird model in 2001 and it expecting to sell around 5,000 units of the new bike. These high priced bikes are known for technological advancement and are environmental friendly, as they comply with stricter emission norms.

Look of the Thunderbird Twinspark

Thunderbird Twinspark bike has been launched in three monotone colors silver, red and black .The twin pod instrument cluster is placed with speedometer, RPM meter, odometer, fuel gauge, trip meter and the instrument panel is blue black in color that enables it to be clear even in sunlight and view mirrors shows the passing rider instead of vehicle at the rear.

Thunderbird Twinspark has the electric motor starter placed on the inner side of the engine and it helps the bike to have low wear and tear in mechanical parts and to reduce problems of sprag clutch. There are six clutch plates to reduce effort required for controlling clutches and riding is easy. Even kicking has been comforted by the auto de-compressor fitted with the engine of the bike.

Thunderbird Twinspark has the UCE features that enables it to pump oil at high pressures and have proper cooling, that increases fuel efficiency. The bike offers a mileage of 42kmpl on city roads and is easy to drive. You don’t feel vibrations at high speeds and even hard breaking from a high speeds makes the bike stable without vibration and stops the bike in seconds. The bike vibrates when you try to change gear in crowded area.

Engine and Power

Thunderbird Twinspark has a 350 cc UCE engine having twin spark feature. The engine produces 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm maximum power and 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm maximum torque. The twin spark badges can be seen on the side flanks and twinspark decal is found at the rear of the bike. The new engine of Thunderbird Twinspark is featured for efficient combustion that uses the hydraulic tappet and it helps the bike to have zero clearance of pushrod that helps it to have optimal valve timings.

The bike is equipped with an auto de – compressor that gets activated at 250rpm and helps the rider to start the engine without much effort.

Riding and Confort

The design of the bike is very attractive that has ergonomically designed high density foam seats. It is very comfortable to ride on the bike, in long distances in high speeds and the brakes are very quick and easy. The 19 inches tyre and gas charged suspension that are designed in away to offer lowest vibrations in the bike even in high speeds.

Although the kick lever is placed uncomfortably and if you hit clutch regularly in crowded areas it becomes bumpy. An oil window is also provided to check oil levels. A halogen lamp is provided in the bike that has a better life than the regular lamps and bike has foldable foot rest for easy parking in crowds. The bike is heavy 168kg machine and rear brake cable and chain is moved to right side of the bike. The bike has heat shield on silencer and a large CV carburetor BS-29.

Features of Thunderbird Twinspark

• 350 cc UCE engine with Twin spark
• Engine: Single cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, Dual spark ignition engine, air – cooled
• Power: 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm and Torque: 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm
• 280mm disc-front brake and 150mm drum-rear brake for instant stop
• Heat shield on silencer
• Rear gas filled shock absorber
• Fuel tank capacity: 15.5Liters and Fuel Efficiency: between 45 and 50kmpl

Positive and negative specifications of Thunderbird Twinspark

Attractions of the Thunderbird Twinspark

• Twin sparks engine that offers high power and speed
• Bike has internal gear and clutches
• Hydrolic tappet adjustment system is present
• Low vibrations in high speed
• Bike has quick powerful brakes
• Stylish looking comfortable bike for long distance traveling
• Electric motor starter is present and an electronic flasher is present it the bike
• Bike has multi focal reflector for easy tracking
• This is a high power fast bike that gives top speed of 102kmh and mileage of 42 kmpl

Problems found in Thunderbird Twinspark

• The bike is heavy and costly
• Bike is equipped with 6 plate clutches and engine pickup is sometimes not very smooth.
• In low speed and in crowds, on hitting clutches, it gets less comfortable to drive.
• Mirrors do not show the rear vehicle.
• Handle position is differently made.
• Bike can be equipped with long route accessories and have more choices for colors.
• Technology is dominating too much in this bike.
• Bike needs extreme care and kick lever is placed differently.
• You can even get low fuel efficiency and leakage kind of regular problems in this bike.

Cost:

The new Thunderbird Twinspark will be available for around Rs.105940/- on road.