56 Bullit won't start

[Jackiam]

Hello new to the forum just picked up a 56 Bullit that has been in storage since 1975. I cleaned the tank and carb changed the oil. Not having any idea about these machines I can't start it I just installed a new battery. The bike has no spark. Should this thing have a key? Points look good...is there a switch or something I should be looking for?

[Arizoni]

Some of the older Bullets had their ignition switch located on one of the side covers.

After all these years, a previous owner might have removed it but it's worth checking around the area to see if there are some unconnected wires.

A Royal Enfield that old will be using a 6 volt ignition and lights unless someone has updated it using new parts.

Perhaps the best tool you could get right now (if you don't have one) is a small volt/ohm multimeter.  I got one at Harbor Freight for about $8 and although it isn't large it does seem to work well.

If you have one of these electrical "multimeters" you can check to see if power is getting to the ignition points and the ignition coil.

The switch on the headlight nacelle (if it's there) is for the headlight.

[ERC]

If it is a 1956 Bullet and is original then it will have an SR1 magneto and will have a ground metal or wire attached to the mag.  ERC

[LarsBloodbeard]

Should this thing have a key? ...is there a switch or something I should be looking for?

Yes, there must be a switch or key-switch somewhere which basically turns on the coil.

[ERC]

If it has a magneto you don't use power to turn on a coil. A mag generates it's own power just by turning the shaft. They usually have a button to ground the coil to shut them off.  ERC

[barenekd]

The real unanswered question, is it a mag or points/coil ignition? If it's a real '56, it should have a mag along with an alternator. It could have been converted to point/coil ignition later on. Is there a battery in it?
Post some pictures. That would help to determine what you have and what's been done to it.
Bare

[LarsBloodbeard]

I assumed it wasn't magneto since he said it had a battery...  But you know what they say about when you "assume" something...


I make a fool of myself, that's what they say.

[SRL790]

Jackiam,
I have a '54 Bullet and am running the original Lucas MO1L magdyno which I believe your's should have.

Attached are a couple of Lucas documents that might help you out.  Probably have more info at home but I'm out of town for the next couple of weeks.

Andy

[ERC]

If it's a 56 and original it should have what Bare said. Pictures would really help.  ERC

[barenekd]

I assumed it wasn't magneto since he said it had a battery...  But you know what they say about when you "assume" something...

Still not a bad assumption. The '56s had a battery which had nothing to do with the ignition. Rather then the magdyno they had an alternator, but maintained the mag for ignition. This was a one year deal.
Bare