Forum

[MikeJ]

Aquired an Electra X just a month ago to learn to ride again after a 20 year lay off.
Just been reading the thread concerning clutches and gears, what a helpfull lot you are, I've got similar problems with finding neutral. Will try suggestion re rotating rear wheel tomorrow.
My main query is does anyone else find that on anything but a very smooth rural road the bike gives you a real hammering? The suspension is shall we say firm. I get off after an hour with an aching head and displaced organs.
Any advise or cushions would be welcome.
Mike

[Alan R]

Hello MIKE J------------- a lot of the hammering can be put down to forks and shocks that, in standard trim, are too heavily damped.. I know the Classic Iron Engined machines had 20/50 as standard oil in the forks....... A change to ATF oil makes a world of difference, allowing the forks to actually move to help absorb the shock rather than transmit it up to your arms...At the same time I reduced the pre-loading on the rear shocks to give a balanced performance...Regularly put in 100 miles on rides with the "Lads" now and no discomfort at all !!!

[Norm]

MikeJ the gas rear shocks on the Electra can be pretty stiff, I fitted Bullet shocks and a sprung saddle and no problems with the ride, very comfortable.

[dennis t c]

I've fitted the Big Chief saddle to mine, it makes a comfortable ride, good luck with the clutch and gear box, you can't expect to much from there bikes after all they don't cost a fortune ........ Dennis

[Frank]

Certainly from new I found the front extremely hard and it was no pleasure at all to ride on anything but the smoothest main road. Shame because plodding around rural roads should be where the bike is at it's best. With age though it has got softer and it doesn't seem such a pain anymore, perhaps the bike has run me in rather than the other way round. Our hosts offer softer springs part number 144219A which may be the way to go, as well as experimenting with different oils.

[MikeJ]

Thanks everyone. I especially like the idea of the bike running me in. Mike