Dodging Bullets: Resurrection of a Motorcycle

by David Wittlinger

When author David Wittlinger decided to get an old motorcycle to fix up he didn't have any particular model in mind. The criteria were it had to be simple, inexpensive and look like a proper motorcycle. When he came across a broken down Royal Enfield Bullet 500 he found what he was looking for. A motorcycle with a unique history, his particular example had an endless list of maladies--most thanks to the dreaded 'previous owner'.As the list of repairs grew in concert with his credit card balance Wittlinger learned a lot about motorcycle mechanics and about a unique brand of machine he jokingly describes as "Designed by the British, built in India and broken by Americans". As the first attempt at starting the repaired bike nears, Wittlinger confesses to a growing affection for the design and engineering despite its shortcomings and dated technology. In this revised and expanded second edition Wittlinger is sent another Bullet from a friend to resurrect and sell. As with the first bike, little goes as planned. 'Dodging Bullets' is a book that can be enjoyed equally by marque enthusiasts and those who like following a journey of mechanical restoration that isn't taken too seriously.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2019

About the author

David Wittlinger and his wife Lynn share their home with three rescued dogs of dubious lineage. Aside from writing, David's other hobbies include playing the banjo (poorly) and tinkering with an endlessly changing selection of old cars in his garage. He wrote his first novel in 2013. Despite wistfully dreaming of life in a climate without snow or humidity, the author is a lifelong resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

His first book, Portal To Elysium, was inspired by a dream the author had about a window to the after-world. His second book, The Strong One, is about a lost young woman who finds her inner strength after a traumatic event. David admits to having so much fun writing it that he is working on two more follow-up novels.

Reviews

[Michael A. Simmons, Sr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

A short, fun read about restoring a modern relic, the Enfield Bullet 500. After the demise of the British Enfield in the late 60's, the marque was kept alive by the Indians who licensed the rights to the Bullet 500. Through clever engineering and manufacturing the Indians were able to duplicate and retain most of the Bullets foibles that were put there by the Brits including some (ahem!) enhancements of their own. If you have ever resurrected in old motorcycle from the graveyard, especially one of British provenance, you will like this book!

[Mr.S.A.Windsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interested in old British singles........

Great short read for all,not just motorbike nuts. Witty,light hearted and interesting enough to be read in one go. USA based chap who regains his interest in bikes with basket case to complete bike. Loved it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not a gearhead you will almost certainly not enjoy this book. If you are, you probably will.
My only complain is that the author consistently misspelled "its" as "it's" sometimes multiple times in one page and it was jarring to read. Still, a nice journey.

[Raymond Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adequate humour for the odd chuckle; I would describe the book as a biography not without interest. Bullets are definitely bikes with much character and joy for the right rider.

[JEREMY SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a technical book but a good read.