Yes, one could buy a bullet too.

But the two SS1000 attempts that have been successfully carried out in India were done on a Karizma (Hero Honda) and a Pulsar 180 (Bajaj). In addition, one was attempted recently on a 150cc Honda unicorn (failed by less than 1 hour).

The latter two could have easily chosen to do it on bullets. The guy who did it on the 180cc machine is a motoring journo, and had access to any Indian bike. The guy who attempted it on an Unicorn was actually owns a bullet (which has been extensively used for touring), but chose to do this more demanding trip on something which he felt gave him a better chance.

1600+ km in 24 hrs is no "commute".

The bike chosen has to be comfortable and trouble free. And quick (effective cruising speed for all three is better than a bullet), with far better suspensions (as compared to the new gas shock equipped bullets). So, why would people who are into extreme riding choose other bikes, in spite of having access to bullets?

Granted, this isn't your average tour. But even a 100 cc bike can do a 600 km commute in a day. Sure, a bullet will be more comfortable. But not as comfortable as the above three, and certainly not as trouble free.

The days when the bullet was the only option for tourers in India are long gone. If the "package" the bullet offers you is what you want, then go for it - but if you plan to ride fast and far in a trouble free manner as opposed to "commute" from city A to city B 500 km away, suggest you look elsewhere.