MYOLA JOANES
myola@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Finding reliable mechanics to repair the Bullet is a quest in itself. There’s a hidden gem in the bustling city of Panjim, where Carlos Cabral, a 57-year-old bike whisperer, has turned his passion for these iconic motorcycles into a lifelong mission, bearing witness to the countless bikes that have passed through his hands.
“I knew I wanted to do this as soon as I laid eyes on the first Enfield my cousin owned,” Carlos recalls. “After studying at ITI, I joined Royal Enfield, where I honed my skills for
12 years before setting up my own shop.”
Carlos specialises in the classic and new Enfields, also known as ‘Bullets,’ lovingly repairing, maintaining, and modifying these bikes. Whether it’s enhancing grip with new tyres, installing a custom exhaust system, or tweaking the handlebars for that perfect ride, Carlos is a whiz in identifying what's wrong with a bullet with a single test drive . Despite changes in technology, he keeps himself updated. “Earlier, people maintained their bikes with such pride. The kids these days don’t learn enough about the workings of their bikes, and don't care to maintain them like we used to. Also, everyone’s moving abroad. When they come back, I fix their bikes and get them purring again, like they never left,” he chuckles. Carlos reminisces about the good old days, riding with friends, the salty breeze in his hair and his trusty Bullet beneath him. “Owning a Bullet in that era meant a different kind
of power. As time went by,
the symbolism of the Bullet has evolved.”
He continues, “The bikes themselves have changed over the years. Older models had cast-iron engines with a distinctive thump and a more mechanical feel. They also had the gear lever on the right-hand side, which often surprised new riders. Now, bikes are more user-friendly.” Carlos says, shaking his head. “Old school riders appreciate the raw, unfiltered experience that these classic bikes offer, something that modern technology struggles to replicate. The bikes were designed to be as sturdy and reliable as a bullet. Hence the name ‘Bullet’ because these bikes were built to last. And I'm here to make the dream come true,” he laughs.
Carlos opened his shop at the age of 28, and he still works a grueling 10am to 11pm shift every day, singing and smiling as he tends to his beloved Enfields. “No new generation kids want to join us. I’d be happy to teach, but all the people that have approached me were outsiders,
as everyone’s moved abroad for better opportunities. This isn’t a white-collar job, but it’s
sustainable in a place like Goa,” he admits.
His workshop, conveniently located in front of his house, is more than just a place of work—it’s a memory of a bygone era that Carlos holds close to his heart. “It doesn’t even feel like work anymore; it’s become a part of my life. This place is like a second home.”
So, if you ever find yourself in Panjim, listening to the hum of an old Bullet engine, you’ll know there’s a man who’s dedicated his life to keeping that sound alive. Carlos Cabral isn’t just repairing bikes—he’s preserving a piece of history with every turn of his wrench.