Hitchcocks Forum

Much as I like this bike, it is being a pain of late.

First of all it was the fuel pump relay causing the bike to intermittently prime, and possibly once cut out all together while in a 30 limit, replacement has solved it

Then the nearisde front wheel bearing., again a new one was easily fitted.

Now it seems the steering head bearings have given up - I noticed they were notchy so slackened them off, needless to say as soon as you put he front brake on the bike shudered, tighten them back up, no longer notchy but soon loosened off again despite the adjusting ring being locked by the top yoke nut.

And now, the starter switch is intermittent - pulled it apart and it looks like the huge amount of grease on the contacts is the problem, since cleaning all the grease off it has worked ok.

I noticed when I had the twistgrip apart a lack of lubrication on the twistgrip moving surfaces so decided to put some lube on it.

All things which are easy to fix, but after only 6000 miles should things like this really be hapenning? Dealer I bought it from does not seem to be interested.

Hopefully once the head bearings are replaced it wil be an end to this nonsense.

I am looking at a proper double lock ring arrangement at present like it should be, the one ring is just stupid design sadly and really the main cause as it does move over time.

The only issue is the top yoke is really thin in that area as I was hoping to mill the centre to take the second ring...let see I am buying one to practice as a test piece

That sounds like a good idea, as designed it just relies on the steering nut being tightened down onto the locking ring to stop it backing off, and of course the steering nut has nothing to stop it undoing, so if that moves, the locking ring moves.

Let us know how you get on.

It's all a bit disappointing and seems to point to the way that the bikes are built. Poor quality bearings and little or no grease used on assembly. Are their profit margins really so very tight?

However, at 6,000 miles, you have probably done 5 times the annual mileage of an 'average' RE owner, judging from the low mileage of the used RE's on the market.

So, it's your fault for actually using the thing, when it's an accepted fact that motorbikes these days are fashion accessories.

In all seriousness, the factory could and should do better. I hope that your 'woes' with the bike remain at this kind of level and no major issues develop.

singleminded wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 05, 2021 1:15 pm

So, it's your fault for actually using the thing, when it's an accepted fact that motorbikes these days are fashion accessories.

That made me smile, like you I hope things get no worse, it's a shame really as it is a nice little bike.

@Rocketrr: Been thinking it would be fairly easy to make a tab washer or similar arrangement held in place with a small allen screw in the top yoke, that way all you need to is make a small tapped hole in the yoke - as well as make the locking tab.

singleminded wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 05, 2021 1:15 pm

So, it's your fault for actually using the thing, when it's an accepted fact that motorbikes these days are fashion accessories.

you know this, it's not just Enfield, a friend has a warranty issue with one of Japan's "finest" about a month before they can look at it, meaning the bike is unrideable, and probably followed by a fortnight of teeth sucking before they figure out they don't know what's wrong/don't have the parts/ knowledge to fix it.

Andy C wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 05, 2021 3:19 pm

@Rocketrr: Been thinking it would be fairly easy to make a tab washer or similar arrangement held in place with a small allen screw in the top yoke, that way all you need to is make a small tapped hole in the yoke - as well as make the locking tab.

Yes once I receive the new yoke will have a good look to see if an idea comes to mind