Hitchcocks Forum

I've just bought a 2007 Electra X Trials. 770 miles from new, only 8 miles in last 18 months. Problems from the start - backfiring and losing power, steadied if I throttled back. Then it started cutting out completely (after 200 mile run), would start again easily but would cut out again after a mile. Now wont start at all. Ideas anyone?

Put a new plug in for starters and then see if it will start, then look at the carby, check and adjust the tappets. Fuel cap shouldn't be the problem because Electra fuel caps were notorius for leaks so air can easily get in.Make sure you have fuel in the carby and that it flows freely to the carby

Sorry to hear about your trouble, Ray. Sounds like an electrical fault in the ignition circuit, or a fuel problem. Unfortunately the Electra X has dodgy electrics, and on numerous occasions has has my bike developed the same kind of symptoms as yours.This has been due to: - loose yellow alternator wire in connector block above crankcase (three yellow wires in total), duff spark plug,loose HT lead,broken reg/rec, water in ignition switch, corroded connector in headlamp, flat battery. I think that more or less covers the ignition circuit problems I have encountered over the years, so check these. Also drain the fuel if it's old, clean fuel filter, strip carb and give it a good clean (not too difficult to do), and empty engine breather catch can of any white gunk and clean engine breather pipes. Good chance your bike will run sweet again after checking these.

Thanks! That'll keep me busy for a little while, suppose I'd better buy the workshop manual too...

Aha! Turned out to be crud in petrol tap. Running aweet now. Cheers for the tips