"5-Speed" is prominently forged into the engine cases for a reason. It wasn’t until 2005 that the five-speeds became standard issue, and the Classic is still available as a four-speed for vintage racing. For safety reasons, the transmission was converted years ago into a left side shift, one-down/four-up. Despite being equipped with a quirky electric starter, the Bullets come with a genuine old-school kick start as well. When was the last time you kickstarted a street bike?

The riding experience garnered on the Enfield is, without a doubt, a return to a time when motorcycles’ raw and youthful enthusiasm far outweighed any mechanical shortcomings. Despite the catchy, suggestive moniker of the line, the Bullets are anything but. In fact, the Electra X doesn’t do anything remarkably well, which paradoxically contributes to its considerable charm. Due to its low horsepower output, the key to riding the Electra is maintaining momentum. It is a little like driving a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, and even has similar drinking habits. The Enfield gets an estimated 70 mpg, and with a fuel capacity of 3.8 gallons, you’re not going to be on a first name basis with your local gas station attendant. Premium octane? Surely you jest. (Click image to enlarge)

Barreling down the cracked asphalt that splits a labyrinth of orange groves, the Bullet Electra X whisks me back to my early forays into motorcycling. It is an easy surrender to things past. The nostalgia is kept buzzing with carefully synchronized shifts through the gearbox at half-throttle, keeping the motor at a lazily thumping drone. You can twist the throttle all the way to the stop if you want, the sound of the engine will build and there’s more vibration, but oddly, you are not going to go any faster. In today’s arena of hyper-powered race machines masquerading as street bikes, there’s something truly invigorating about being able to ride a motorcycle to its full capabilities.

The Bullet, by virtue of its limitations, delivers the most visceral of rides. Every bump in the road, every crease of asphalt is felt with absolute clarity. Hitting any sizable cracks in the pavement will transmit the concussion directly up through the 1970s piggyback reservoir shocks and into the seat and handlebars, reminding you that you are, to all intents and purposes, riding a vintage motorcycle.

The Enfield jaunt is reduced to the unqualified basics; a twist of the throttle, a pull of the clutch, a shift of gears, and the occasional implementation of brakes. A single disc provides the stopping power up front with a traditional drum brake handling the rear. While not exactly exemplary, they work just fine with the Electra’s 75 mph claimed top speed (provided there’s no headwind or grade), claimed dry weight of 370 pounds and narrow 19-inch tires.

The deficit in power, handling and brakes, combined with the lack of mechanical response, is almost incomprehensible by even the most rudimentary of standards. However, once you get past your modern performance expectations you can enjoy the Enfield for what it is—a motorcycle that manages to capture the essence of what we all got into motorcycles for in the first place: pure, unadulterated fun.