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Royal Enfield Bullet Electra Sportsman UK launch at NEC Show 2005Royal Enfield launched a cafe racer styled version of the acclaimed Bullet Electra, powered by the new all-alloy lean burn-engine, at this year’s NEC Motorcycle Show. Produced exclusively for the UK market, the Bullet Electra Sportsman is styled to capture the essence of the cafe racers of the 1960’s, but with user-friendly concessions to modern life, including electric start, 5-speed gearbox, halogen headlight and 280mm front disc brake. Handling is enhanced by gas-filled ear shock-absorbers and Avon Super Venom tyres.
The composite GRP tank, which encases a steel fuel tank, and GRP solo seat unit give the Sportsman a radically different appearance to the standard Bullet. This is further enhanced by chrome mudguards, rear-set footrests and ace bars. An upswept “Gold Star” style silencer completes the picture and gives the Sportsman a truly authentic ‘British single’ exhaust note that will turn heads wherever it goes. In terms of performance the Electra Sportsman is
a significant leap forward from previous models which still used the
1950’s-designed unit. The new lean burn engine offers improved reliability,
better fuel economy (regularly returning over 75mpg) and lower emissions.
Perhaps even more importantly, the combination of a 32mm Dellorto carburetor
and sport silencer allows the engine to breath more freely, producing 30 bhp.
This may be modest compared with modern Japanese superbikes, but is compatible
with machines of the 1960’s – the Royal Enfield Continental GT, introduced in
1964, produced 21.5 bhp. In real terms, the Bullet Electra Sportsman is capable
of mixing it with traffic on A-roads and motorways, with the added reassurance
of modern reliability and full manufacturer support, via a nation-wide dealer
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