499cac-RoyalEnfield.docVIP

499 cc. Overhead-valve Royal Enfield Bullet R.A. WILSON-JONES A.C.C.I., B.Sc., M.I.Mech.E., Royal Enfield Technical Manager, Gives ALAN BAKER Inside Information on the Latest of a Long Line of Sporting Singles THE Royal Enfield Bullet range of motor cycles was introduced in 1933 to cater for the rider who wanted more performance than was given by the standard roadster models. Although of sporting type. the engines of the Bullets were not in any way super-tuned; wisely, the makers were not prepared to sacrifice too much in the way of low-speed tractability for a few rarely used m.p.h. at the top of the scale. The Bullets achieved immediate success. Between their inception and the outbreak of war, they amassed a consider-able list of competition victories, as well as finding favor with the faster riders on the road. The five hundred started life as a 488 c.c. (85.5 x 85 mm) inclined-engine model with four exposed valves operating in a pent-roof combustion chamber. In 1935, the design was altered to a three-valve layout with fully enclosed and lubricated valve gear, though the cylinder was still inclined. The following year saw a reversion to the four exposed valves, but the cylinder was vertical and the timing case shape became virtually what it is today. Also the bore and stroke were altered to 84 and 9C mm respectively, which dimensions were not subsequently altered Post- war Designs Two valves and total enclosure were again adopted for 1938, and that engine formed the basis of the post-war J2 model! which appeared late in 1945. A year or two later, Royal Enfield decided to produce a three-fifty endowed with more punch than the Model G which had performed well In the hands of Service riders. Much had been learned since before the war and it was determined to put those lessons into practice. When it appeared at the 1948 Earls Court Show the new 346 c.c. Bullet created quite a sensation, with its light-alloy cylinder head, pivoted-fork rear suspension an