Hitchcocks Forum

Hi folks,
I know I know, some of you don't consider the avl engine and the elctra x a real bullet.
But is it a bad choice ?
I already have a 2002 4 speed of which I'm very happy.

I'm now starting planning to get an Electra x for a scrambler lookalike( touring ) project.
I like the disk brake, I like the slightly different shape of the engine, I like the extra mileage and the new bearings and modernities in what should bring extra reliability. I know the electric starter is useless but that's the first thing I will remove.

I saw a few threads about issues with solenoids and other stuff and there is always someone thinking in a different way telling you... "you know the electra x I read about issues", well I read about issues with hondas so that's not a precise information.

Please give me your opinion especially if you own one or owned one and tell me what are the standard problems.

Thanks
ride safe
E.

hi there,i know of good and very bad electra,s but i think that correctly maintained machines can be good i know at least 3 people in our local reoc centre who run avl type electras with no problems although 1 other guy had problems with cam followers although i think his mechanic at the time was at fault,the biggest problem with the avl is the dreaded sprag clutch ,although some guys don,t have any issues ,i think it may be how and when you use the electric leg ,i,m sure mikel or noel ogri can give you glowing testiment as to the avl engined electras over to you boys!

My Electra X is a lovely wee bullet!

Well, I have no regrets buying my Electra X. 13000 miles and no significant problems and plenty of enjoyable riding. I had a breather problem a short while ago which seems to have cleared up (?). I must admit, I hardly ever use the electric start (and may actualy remove it this winter), kick-starts first time every time. I've only made the basic mods: exhaust, air filter and carb adjustments. 50-60mph is the bike's comfort zone and gives relaxed, enjoyable and economical riding. Great bike: tough little plodder - brill. Perfect for hilly Yorkshire where I live.

I love the bitch. Bin the starter and pav get a sensible exhaust and get a bullet that generally outperforms its peers both in terms of performance and mpg.Pulls to over 70 mph indicated up the steepest motorway hills without going over 75% throttle then gives a genuine 94mpg on a run with the lads. This is carrying a larger than average lump like me.Ps carry spare cables !!!!!!

Standing at the gate and looking in, put your hard earned into a cast engine because of the limited production time, parts for Electras were hard to get ( see how many parts you see on the ebay sellers) and before too long near impossible and if you get a dud bottom end, I need go no further because Electra lovers are very protective of their purchase

Thanks Everyone !
Thanks Norm !
I'm particularly looking for reasons not to buy it.
I'm always evaluating pros and cons for a while before a purchase.
PLease guys keep giving me informations.

Thanks
E.

Love AVLS! Tho my favourites are Cast Iron bullets but AVL's reliability factor is mind blowing. I know many friends who did 970km or 1000km+ in less than 11 hrs with just 4 to 5 breaks. Their bikes have clocked 70,000 km with just some minor issues. But again.. one who serves you better.. deserves some hot imported internals!:) So it's good! I heard the big end had issues with Electra X but luckily I have not faced anything like that. Also.. I heard that the AVLs we have are replicas of Original AVL? (Not sure) because in the year 2001 RE launched an AVL named Machismo A350 - It was totally different, with a 4 speed gearbox (Tall Gearing) and Cast Iron like features.. like the traditional breather port on left side. I feel that engine had more power and than other 350 AVLs but again, I am not sure if it was totally a different engine.

Dampking, I believe you are right about Machismo's.
i saw one on Sunday , it was a 500 imported from India, but the left carter wasn't the one that we know for the AVL electra x it was more similar to the sixty-5, don't know the year.

Thanks a lot.
E

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