Front Number Plate

Haven't seen any other two wheeler having a front number plate like the RE (facing sidewards on the front mud guard).

The choices offered to the Bulleteers are plenty, starting from a basic 2 peg chrome plate to the 3 peg brass plate. You also find the Brass RE embossed plates, the one with a sticker, a flag post and variety of animal logos.

After much thought, I decided on the 3 peg Brass Plain number plate. The dilemma however was with the white background that is a mandate for the pvt vehicles. Having convinced myself that it's ok & not really an offense, did just the black number sticker.

For a little more confirmation, intentionally stopped by the cops (who were stopping two wheelers for a check) and asked them if this number was OK... Hurray! two cops, in two different locations gave a go ahead telling me to carry all the documents and they don't see any issues with the number plate.

Since then, been happily showing off what My RE has... everyone stares the second time at the number plate and many have complimented on its looks when I stop at signals.

Looks like RE is teaching me style & I'm loving it!

Crown Plate

The stock front number plate takes the place of the crown plate (just below the head lamp). Wanted to have the Brass Royal Enfield Crown Plate, found it online, ordered and as soon as it arrived, fitted!

Brass Royal Enfield Crown Plate

Now it looks appealing :)

Tapping noise on the Chain Guard

13000 kms run and it was around two months back that I noticed that the links in the chain were not straight, some links had a slight bend. The tension was tight around those bent links. As a temporary fix, applied lubricating oil and using a mallet, straightened them and it seemed to be in a straight line. However, within a week, the links were back to its bent position and I could hear the tapping noise on the chain guard. Tightening the chain would not help the situation as it was an issue with the chain links and not the slackness in the chain.

Knew it was time to replace the chain & sprocket. When I took the Bullet to the mechanic, he advised, changing only the chain and the rear sprocket should help. The front sprocket can be changed if there is too much friction.

Fitted the new chain & sprocket and the running is smooth now. It will take a few kms run for the new chain & sprocket to settle in. Just applied sufficient lubrication and the initial low frequency creaking noise has reduced. The inspection indicates that the links are all in a straight line now.

What could have caused this:
- May be the manufacturing defect in the chain itself, which I may not have noticed.
- I lubricated the chain once with the grease that I had at home. Since the chain is an open chain, the sand particles may have got settled in with the applied grease causing the damage to the chain links.

Sprocket & Chain including the mechanic fees cost 1600 INR.

This was a learning that I have to pay attention to the details and before undertaking any maintenance, I should gauge the impact (+ & -).

"A" Section Get-Together

We who were then 15 hardly realized 18 years had gone by since we passed out of School. Since Satish was in town, planned for a get-together for all those residing in Bangalore.

It was a wonderful day spent in the company of the oldies (Nanda, Satish, Arathi, Pushpa & Jaya ). Met at Oasis mall Koramangala & then for lunch to 898 Steaks & Grill.

Nanda, I, RT, Jaya, Pushpa & Satish

A memorable walk through the memory lane and this is a feeling which I feel will remain as ecstatic as it once was!