Restoration of Diesel-Powered 1959 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 by Time Cycles Garage
For enthusiasts in India and beyond, the Royal Enfield Bullet isn’t just an old motorcycle — it’s a cultural icon. Its thumping engine and timeless lines evoke decades of riding tradition. So when a 1959 Bullet 350 with a rare diesel engine landed at Time Cycles Garage of Madhya Pradesh, the team knew this project had both history and potential.
However, this wasn’t a typical restoration. The bike had been swapped to run a Greaves-Lombardini diesel engine by a previous owner — a common upgrade in India for tractors and farm equipment due to diesel’s fuel efficiency. Yet the trade-off was notable: while the diesel setup sipped very little fuel, it generated modest power compared with petrol engines.
Diesel Performance: Efficient but Underpowered
The diesel engine delivered around 6.3 horsepower at 3600 rpm and roughly 20 Nm of torque at low revs. In practical terms, it returned remarkable efficiency — nearly 1.3 litres of diesel per 100 km when ridden thoughtfully. Yet, this came with limited top-end performance, making fast riding unrealistic.
Time Cycles saw both the quirk and the challenge in this unusual Bullet. They decided to preserve its character while transforming it into something that felt purposeful and refined.
Transformation Starts with Mass Reduction
First, the team focused on lightening the bike. They removed unnecessary weight by ditching the airbox, battery box, mudguards, and chain guard. As a result, the Bullet shed excess mass and became more responsive.
Next, they refined the stance and suspension. Stock shock absorbers gave way to OEM gas-charged shocks with shorter, custom springs and tweaked compression rates. Meanwhile, the front end was lowered by about two inches to improve posture. Taller and wider Shinko 4.00-19″ tyres replaced the original 3.25-19″ tyres to enhance grip and visual balance.
Classic Meets Custom: Ergonomics and Comfort
Beyond mechanical tweaks, Time Cycles sought to improve rider comfort and style. They installed a classic butterfly handlebar for relaxed yet confident control. Then came a handcrafted brown leather springer saddle, stitched by skilled artisans. Its vintage look wasn’t just aesthetic — it proved comfortable for solo touring and everyday riding.
To complement the seat, the team wrapped the grips in leather from the Trip Machine Company, polished to match the saddle. They also added custom brass bar-end levers with chrome finish to declutter the handlebar while adding refined detail. Finally, they hand-fabricated mudguards and stays, ensuring perfect fitment and clean lines.
A Resto-Mod with Character
Rather than fully reverting the Bullet to its original petrol setup, Time Cycles embraced its diesel uniqueness. They blended restoration sensibilities with custom touches to create a restomod that celebrates both heritage and individuality. The result feels like a thoughtfully evolved classic — a machine that honours its past yet rides with surprising presence today.
This diesel-powered 1959 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 stands as a testament to creativity in the custom motorcycle world. It reminds riders that sometimes the road less travelled — even one powered by a diesel engine — can be the most memorable.
[ Photography by Nirmesh C ]
- Location: Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
- Contact: +91 96697 01779.
- Social Media: Instagram – @timecycles_garagecafe
