Iam pretty sure all the Bullet Owners, they buy the bike with lots of Enthusiasm and later we find that our bikes are not being maintained and Mechanics would have screwd up the vehicle so bad that we would loose interest in riding the bikes. So it all leads to one destination, a proper Bullet mechanic who can take care of our bike and service properly.
Infact Even Iam one among you who had purchased RE ThunderBird 2004 Model and learnt about the bikes by screwing up and after experimenting with the bikes a lot.
Here are my basic suggestions and Inputs which can help you in Maintaining the Bullet and for long running of your vehicle. I Know these are not new but definitely would be useful for newbies who are new to the world.
1) It is adviced that regular service of Bullet once every 3000 - 3500 Kms is Mandatory to Keep the engine stable. Please make sure that Mechanics changes the Engine oil, Oil Filter, Air Filter are changed during Service.
a) My suggestion would be to use Shell 20W50 oil for Engine and use 90Grade oil for Gear Box. Gear Box Oil needs to changed every alternative service.
c) This is key input for long running of Engine. After Service, please add STP oil treatment to engine which would completely smoothen the engine and you can feel the difference immediately.
2) Brakes - Always Keep the regular check on the Brake fluid level near the front break. Also advisable to clean the Brake shoes in every alternative service
3) Tyre Pressure - Diff People say different pressure and also company says to keep 18 in front and 22 in back. Since RE is cruiser bikes and we ride on rough terrains low tyre pressure can lead to Punctures. So I keep 26 in Front and 36 in back. Never had any issues in long run with this pressure.
4) The Chain Sprocket and Chain needs to be changed every 18000 - 20000 Kms. This is the life of chain and usually it wears out. Please keep an eye on this
Note : Nowadays I see lots of Mechanics exploiting the Bike owner for any small engine noise also, please do the engine work. My Sincere suggestion is please please please never open the engine listening to the mechanics without understanding.
For example - I have been cheated by a mechanic saying that Engine work needs to be done and they have screwed the crank shaft and also the made me to buy a new Bore, When there was a provision to do Re-Bore or add the sleeve. SO my Sincere suggestion is understand the engine and then you ask the mechanic to open the engine and please ensure you sit beside him
Now Coming to Some Mechanics, After experimenting with lots of people I would strongly suggest these mechanics
1) Mr Seshan - Bullet Mechanic in Chennai
His work shop is in Taramani Link road, Chennai and he one of the finest mechanics. He is specialized in engine work and If you want to do engine work, please go to him and get it done and you will find the change.
The only drawback with him is he takes very long time and he is quite expensive. But you will be satisfied for the money you have paid.
2) Babu - Bullet Mechanic in Bangalore
Now I started giving my bike to him and Iam very happy with the way he handles the Bikes. His location is near Benniganahalli Bridge
Some Mechanics whom I would never recommend.
1) Manjunatha Bullet Garage, Banaswadi - Never ever go to them and he would exploit you and would screw up the vehicle. He is very expensive.
2) Technik Motors, Indiranagar- I would say 50/50. Some are happy and some are not happy.
I feel never we should go with RE authorized service center, instead find your own mechanic and start giving your vehicle.
I hope My inputs have been useful and if you need any more information or feel like sharing some more information to this blog, please comment it and I would get in touch.
