Hitchcocks Forum

I am new to Enfields, I have a 2011 EFI, really pleased with it,Have done 3000 miles so far, I sometimes have to do long journeys 2 to 300 miles, can anyone tell me what would be a safe cruising speed on motorways,and A roads..
Titch

Hi Titch,

My 2011 EFI has covered 6,000km. In Switzerland, motorways have a top speed limit of 120km/hour. This is very close to the bikes published top speed. I don't think motoways are the right place for Bullets, when to keep up with the traffic you will have to ride pretty well flat out. How long before it destroys itself or how long before you loose all sensation in your hans feet and nether region.

IMHO, this is not pleasure. Cruising at 50 to 60 mph on A roads is where the bike and myself are happiest is the way to go.

Cheers TrevorCH

Hi Titch

I recently did a round Europe trip with the pregnant wife and luggage on board (so 3 up, rather than two up)! The journey was planned pre-bump, and we only found out a few days before so the wife used the train for quite a bit... Anyway, I digress. The EFI could run at 55 all day long, and can manage 65 on the motorway without too much of a problem. any higher than that and you will shake your bones to bits and you'll need to top up with oil every couple of hundred miles.

You might want to consider going up a tooth on the gearbox sprocket. I needed to replace sprockets and chain after my long trip (yes, I know, should have done it BEFORE the trip!) and I decided to go up a tooth - really good decision. The gearing is now much better for all types of riding - first gets your through a junction now, not changing halfway through, and top will happily have you at 70 instead of 65 on the motorway. All that being said, 55 mph is the best speed for a bullet regardless. It's smooth and comfy at that speed, and with the improved gearing you still have a bit of reserve for overtaking without too much loss of torque.

I would agree with 55. Mine has a sweet spot in that region where all trace of vibration disappears.

Titch here, Thanks for your advice guys, Sounds like 60mph is about it, I can live with that.I have other 650cc Classics too, and always Poo Hooood ! the Enfields till I rode one, now I am completly converted. They are a gutsy little bike and I love it, Would like to get an older one one day.
I an new to the site, and would like to thank Hitchcocks for providing it,
Merry christmas all, Titch

Hi All. I am in the process of fitting an Indian 500 motor/gearbox into a 1955 350 frame, and thanks to the people who have advised so far! I noted this topic, and wondered if it would be worth upping the G/box sprocket to an 18 tooth before I fit the lump? I will be using the bike for a 40 mile round trip, mainly country/minor A roads. For access, it would seem a good idea to do it now, but reading through our hosts notes, I think I may have problems locking the drive to release the nuts. Any thoughts or advise greatly appreciated!

Hi 'Shed

When I changed my sprocket in the summer it was a case of keeping the chain on, and locking the drive using the rear brake. Worked a treat.