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2005Royal Enfield Bullet 500

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The 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 is an Indian-built classic single that traces its design back to the 1950s. Its air-cooled 499cc four-stroke single makes 22 hp and 35 Nm through a four-speed gearbox and chain, for a top speed of about 120 km/h. A 780 mm seat, 187 kg wet weight and 14.5-litre tank give it a solid, old-school feel.

Capacity
499.0 ccm
Engine
Single, four-stroke
Gearbox
4-speed
Dry weight
163.9 kg
Seat height
780 mm
Power
22.0 HP (16.2 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 6Agility 31Comfort 60Off-road 25Touring 45Road manners 55
Off-road & trail25%
Cornering35%
City riding60%
Daily riding55%
Touring45%
Two-up45%
Track10%
Best for
Built for relaxed, classic-style cruising and short commutes rather than outright performance.
Built for
A charming, old-school single-cylinder machine that prioritizes character and simplicity over speed or modern refinement.
Not ideal for
Not for riders seeking quick acceleration, high-speed touring, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
499.0 ccm
Power
22.0 HP (16.2 kW)
Torque
35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m)
Engine type
Single, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1342 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
84.0 x 90.0 mm
Compression
6.0:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Carburettor
Starting
Electric & kick
Ignition
Points
Valves per cylinder
2
Lubrication system
Dry Sump
Transmission
Gearbox
4-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Clutch
Wet Plate
Performance
Top speed
120.0 km/h (74.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1370 mm
Overall length
2120 mm
Overall width
1080 mm
Overall height
1120 mm
Seat height
780 mm
Dry weight
163.9 kg
Wet weight
187.0 kg
Fuel capacity
14.50 litres
Ground clearance
140 mm
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Single downtube
Front suspension
Telescopic fork
Rear suspension
Twin gas charged shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload
Front wheel travel
130 mm
Rear wheel travel
80 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake)
Front brakes diameter
178 mm
Rear brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes diameter
152 mm
Front tyre
90/90-19
Rear tyre
100/90-19

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 199620022005200820132019
Capacity 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc 499 cc
Dry weight 155 kg 168 kg 164 kg 160 kg 160 kg 160 kg
Seat height 780 mm 780 mm 780 mm 780 mm 780 mm 800 mm
Fuel capacity 14.5 L 14.5 L 14.5 L 14.5 L 14.5 L 13.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500?

The 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 has a Capacity of 499.0 ccm (30.45 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 have?

The 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 has a Power of 22.0 HP (16.2 kW).

How many gears does the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 have?

The 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 has a Gearbox of 4-speed.

What is the torque of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500?

The 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 has a Torque of 35.0 Nm (3.6 kgf-m or 25.8 ft.lbs).

How much does the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 weigh?

The 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 has a Dry weight of 163.9 kg (361.3 pounds).

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