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[Jimmer]

I've just had new main bearings in the bottom end of my Electra. After 13k the hardening just flaked off in patches? I'm hoping the replacement of non indian bearings will have it lasting longer.Whilst the engine was out and in bits I decided to remove the sprag while it was still in working order. Now it's up and running again I've removed the starter motor and filled the whole with our hosts plug.I removed the cable that ran from the starter motor to the starter solanoid and also thought I'd take the solanoid off as well but realised it's connected to the battery and other wires ect??? I'm pretty green when it comes to electrics guys............What am I needing to do??? Will I burst into flames at high speed for my ignorance or could I blame it on the sunspot activity?

[Norm]

 Jimmer,


    Remove the two heavy battery cables, don't need them anymore and you will have 2 wires to the coil of the solonoid black and a blue/white from memory. Black is earth so no big deal and blue white only becomes live when you push the start button Put a piece of heatshrink ove the end or tape it up and cable tie it somewhere so it can't come into contact with anything

[Alan R]

Hi Matey----why not make use of the redundant solenoid, wiring etc  and fit some heavy duty air horns ?? Have them facing rearwards and boost your top speed by 50% !!!!!!!!!!!

[Alan R]

Hello again ---------------- did i read that correctly ?? 13,000 miles ?? and main bearings are failing. How did you first become aware of this ----- was it the usual rumbling noises etc or something else, maybe ?? Ah well, it keeps you off the streets I suppose.-------- Hang on !! I thought we were supposed to be ON the streets ?? What make of replacement bearings have you used ??? Please do make sure that they are suitable for automotive use as  not all bearings are the same. If bought from our hosts then all should be well. Good luck----- we are all behind you -----------------miles behind you !!!! Do keep us informed and see you on the streets SOOOOOOOOOOOONNN ????

[Norm]

 Alan,


     13000 miles, nothing strange about that, stupid bloody factory continued fitting rubbish bearings with "Made in India"stamped on them. I replaced the wheel bearings on a bike on Thursday that had done 4000ks and one had been fitted with 2 balls missing,and if they weren't missing when fitted they were nowhere to be found.  At the bearing place his only comment was "bloody bearings made in India, what do you expect "

[Jimmer]

Air horns....nice idea, I've even got a pair somewhere but alas the solenoid is dead. That's how I got round to realising I didn't need a starter motor. (Anyone want to buy a sprag clutch? Not sure I'll need it again.......even to sell with the bike......could I ever sell the bike after what I've been through?


The bike was running fine, I was in town pottering around when a new noise appeared and the engine seemed to labour. It rumbled, I decided to get myself home on it 5 miles and did not ride it again. Running it from cold the next day it sounded bad....once it warmed up, it was sad and grumbly.


I've replaced the bearings with european made auto bearings from our local bearing shop. When I told the guy at the counter the sizes he said..."Enfield then." 


What is it about these bikes? In 16 years of riding I've owned a Kawa 550, GSX400, still have a vfr750 after trouble free 86k but none of them do to me what the Enfield does. In so many ways it's a dreadful thing and yet.......has anyone looked at the design of the minda front brake switch... (I'll be trying to fix mine later.)... breath taking.


Nobody could have warned me what I was getting myself into......it's a substitute for not having children one bloke told me?


Spring is here, Enfield running sweet (minus brake light)...life is good. 


 


 

[Alan R]

Hi Norm-- Hi Jimmer------ Those comments just about sums it all up I think. I have an Enfield mainly because it's great FUN. As you know Norm, like yourself and others I have a collection of Clasic Honda's from the 1970's including a very early GL1000 Goldwing (And until recently a CB750 K6 ) all of which will go to 100,000 miles with proper maintenance. A fellow VJMC member has a 1978 ? CB750 F2 I think ( Black engine-- stronger con. rods etc ) which is 20,000 into it's second time around the clock--Honestly, I know this to be true. So why have an Enfield then ??? a) It's a challenge on so many levels--- her indoors for one !! b) It gives me something to actually do in my workshop other than just oil & filters. c) I can still retain some individuality in a world growing evermore "compliant" & "safe" & PC etc ad nauseum. d) I get to meet othe proper "Individuals" on forums like this  ------ and finally,  e) I'm BONKERS anyway !!!!!   SO THERE. ( And at 62, frankly my dear--I don't give a damm !!)