Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all
I recently purchased a 2007 electra x that has sat in a garage (damp one) for 5 years,
It has only done 600 miles and after a good clean looks like new it is the model with the Delorto carb,
My problem is after fitting a new Battery there is no spark and the ameter flies into the - position when the light switch is activated as I have not got a workshop book for this m/c yet can anyone point me in the right direction (possibly having had a similar problem) could it be the cdi unit or coil ? any suggestions welcome.

Johno, with the Electra X it can be a complete guess with ignition failure. Obviously this is the reason it has been left parked up. On the Electra because the headlight is D/C and running off the battery of course the ameter will swing into minus. First I would check that you have power at the coil with the ignition switch on and then come back and let us know. You will have to remove the petrol tank to check this and a test light is the best to do this

Just a couple of things that may catch the new owner out. Side stand needs to be up and kill switch to run. There will be no spark but the engine will turn over if either is wrong.

I've just got home only to be told that my Dads Electra X doesn't work. The lights work, etc, but the engine is dead. It has also been sat in a garage for a couple of years and hasn't moved. I shall investigate this weekend and report on any findings.

Thanks for the reply's a few pointers to check out, will keep you all updated.
thanks Johno

Just a quick thought. What is the procedure for starting an Electra X? I've got this strange feeling that you're supposed to pull the clutch lever in (and it does something to the valve lifter) before you hit the start button. I just need to know before I pull an Electra X to bits.

You have to pull in the clutch lever to complete the starter solenoid circuit.. prevents the starter button turning over the engine when it may be in gear.

Then its as per Frank re side stand etc.

Ta muchly.

Solonoids on these were also a problem because unlike the cast engines with the solonoid in the tool box the Electra solonoid was subjected to waster because it was in behind the sidecover and it was facing up and allowed water to get in through the top because it wasn't waterproof

I've done a bit of digging (Well, subjecting my Dad to the Spanish Inquisition) and found that all of the electrics worked when the ignition was switched on. As soom as he pulled the clutch in and hit the starter button, the electrics went dead. Sounds like a blown fuse. At this time, I reckon the fuse blew because the bike has been idle for so long. What I'm going to do is: Replace the fuse, then kick the engine over a few times to make sure that everything still works (and to free-up anything that may have stuck). If all is well, try and start the engine.