1. Will the engine be available in India?
First and foremost, any sort of custom engine/frame/modification of the sort that this project involves, is *illegal* in India.
Yes, that is the crushing truth. This was made for the Indian market but the law doesn't allow a Bullet owner to swap out his motor with this. This isn't the same as a chopped Bullet. This motor fundamentally and very visibly changes the specs of the bike from single to twin, 350 to 700, 500 to 1000, wheelbase as well.
If you are in India and do want to order the engine, please do your research about getting permission from your RTO to do this major mod, registering, getting insurance, emission check etc. Secondly, factor in the cost of shipping and the hefty import duty ( I've been told that it is around 26-30% for something like this but don't know for sure).
Next, let's say you do install this in your Bullet/custom bike. The chances of this thing getting stopped by police at a random check/pollution test and getting impounded are pretty high. It will be difficult to explain how your engine just happened to sprout a second head and believe me, it won't escape the eyes of the most lethargic cop.
In any case, to do it all properly will need a *trained and approved* workshop/s to provide necessary support. For right now, lets hope that things work out and Indian laws on custom vehicles made in small numbers allow projects like this to be legal.
2. What models of the Royal Enfield Bullet are suitable for this engine?
ANY Bullet with the original, iron barrel engine can be used, depending on engine size desired. 350s will be perfect for a 700, 500s for the 1000. This doesn't mean that a 350 can't get a 1000 engine or a 500 can't be converted to 700 but the bikes will provide the correct donor top end needed.
Electric start bikes will simply need a new kick-start style inner primary cover which will be provided for turnkey builds.
3. Does it matter which gearbox/shifter side my bike has?
No. Both 4spd and 5 spd gearboxes will fit perfectly and either left or right shift can be used. But, left shift bikes with brake on right will only have room for a single exhaust pipe on the right, thus needing a 2x1 pipe on right or a 2x2 pipe with front pipe exiting to left of bike, same as in the 998 prototype.
4. How does the Musket crankcase fit into the frame?
Exactly as the stock single cases. The 4 gearbox stud locations are identical and the case bolts to the gearbox. The rear frame-to-crankcase stud hole is also the same. Front engine plates are custom and available, they bolt to the frame downtube 'tee' same as stock. The top tube is stretched approx. 6" and the tube needed can be provided (it is 1.75" OD 1.5" ID and telescopes onto the bike's own top tube) or the builder can do this him/herself.
5. Is electric start available?
No. In the interest of keeping this as simple, light and true to classic British twins, this motor is kick-start only. Electric start will also add considerably to cost.
6. Will high-perf. Bullet parts drop in? Yes but keep in mind the effect on transmission, clutch, frame, braking etc. The bike is already getting double capacity and output and in the interests of longevity, some compromises must be made.
First and foremost, any sort of custom engine/frame/modification of the sort that this project involves, is *illegal* in India.
Yes, that is the crushing truth. This was made for the Indian market but the law doesn't allow a Bullet owner to swap out his motor with this. This isn't the same as a chopped Bullet. This motor fundamentally and very visibly changes the specs of the bike from single to twin, 350 to 700, 500 to 1000, wheelbase as well.
If you are in India and do want to order the engine, please do your research about getting permission from your RTO to do this major mod, registering, getting insurance, emission check etc. Secondly, factor in the cost of shipping and the hefty import duty ( I've been told that it is around 26-30% for something like this but don't know for sure).
Next, let's say you do install this in your Bullet/custom bike. The chances of this thing getting stopped by police at a random check/pollution test and getting impounded are pretty high. It will be difficult to explain how your engine just happened to sprout a second head and believe me, it won't escape the eyes of the most lethargic cop.
In any case, to do it all properly will need a *trained and approved* workshop/s to provide necessary support. For right now, lets hope that things work out and Indian laws on custom vehicles made in small numbers allow projects like this to be legal.
2. What models of the Royal Enfield Bullet are suitable for this engine?
ANY Bullet with the original, iron barrel engine can be used, depending on engine size desired. 350s will be perfect for a 700, 500s for the 1000. This doesn't mean that a 350 can't get a 1000 engine or a 500 can't be converted to 700 but the bikes will provide the correct donor top end needed.
Electric start bikes will simply need a new kick-start style inner primary cover which will be provided for turnkey builds.
3. Does it matter which gearbox/shifter side my bike has?
No. Both 4spd and 5 spd gearboxes will fit perfectly and either left or right shift can be used. But, left shift bikes with brake on right will only have room for a single exhaust pipe on the right, thus needing a 2x1 pipe on right or a 2x2 pipe with front pipe exiting to left of bike, same as in the 998 prototype.
4. How does the Musket crankcase fit into the frame?
Exactly as the stock single cases. The 4 gearbox stud locations are identical and the case bolts to the gearbox. The rear frame-to-crankcase stud hole is also the same. Front engine plates are custom and available, they bolt to the frame downtube 'tee' same as stock. The top tube is stretched approx. 6" and the tube needed can be provided (it is 1.75" OD 1.5" ID and telescopes onto the bike's own top tube) or the builder can do this him/herself.
5. Is electric start available?
No. In the interest of keeping this as simple, light and true to classic British twins, this motor is kick-start only. Electric start will also add considerably to cost.
6. Will high-perf. Bullet parts drop in? Yes but keep in mind the effect on transmission, clutch, frame, braking etc. The bike is already getting double capacity and output and in the interests of longevity, some compromises must be made.