how to determine year made?

[ieatalot]

I bought a 1969 RE 500 in 2005. How can I check to see if it is an actual 1969. It didn't come with a title but I had the VIN# verified and got one. Is there anything specific to a 69 or in general that I could look for on the bike. I just want to check English or Indian.

[baird4444]

hope this helps - Mike

[Royalista]

It certainly does.

From the owner's manual the legend for European motors:

VIN number:
#1-3     manufacturer's code
#2-4     frame type
#5-6     version/model
#7        ignition type
#8        transmission
#9        year code
#10      assembly factory
#11-17 serial nos.

Engine number:
#1      engine family
#2      engine capacity
#3      type of ignition
#4      transmission
#5      fuel feed
#6      blank for future use
#7      year of manufacture
#8      month of production
#9-14 serial nos.

[ace.cafe]

By 1969, the Royal Enfield company in the UK had long stopped making any Bullets, and were making only twins. And in fact, they were just about to go out of business and close their doors.
The India Enfield factory didn't start making 500 models until the later part of the 1980s.

You definitely do not have a 1969 500 Bullet because no such animal has ever been made.
You might have a 1969 frame from a 350, with a more modern 500 engine in it.

Either way, it doesn't change what the bike is, and as long as you like it, that's the main thing.

[barenekd]

I don't think the Indians were even selling bikes to the public in 1969. 1989 was when the 500s were reintroduced. The Brit ones went out of production in 1962.
Bare