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[Dave B]

I've recently acquired an unmodified 500 Bullet Electra X (seven year old) with extremely low miles (less than 400), and wondered if the engine noise I'm hearing when riding is typical of most Enfields. It's quiet enough at tickover, but as the throttle is opened and put under a bit of load, there is a noticeable "clacking" or light "knocking" which seems consistent with the piston speed. And as road speed is gathered and load is reduced, the noise seems to quiten considerably. Needless to say I'm new to the Enfield fold, and would appreciate your thoughts.

[seano]

Well, it is tempting to ask the obvious, have you checked valve clearance? and also, has it fully warmed up?

Without hearing it, it is almost impossible to say for certain

I have a 56 plate 500 bullet, and they are noisy, clunky, shaky old machines, which is what we all call 'charector'

So having ridden one I have to say that they are noisy when revved quite hard, and if you have just got off a Fireblade or something it can be tempting to twist that throttle up.

So to sum up, they are noisy, but if you suspect something isn't, let an expert hear it and take a look, which, in my personal opinion, for a bike of that age, with such low mileage, will be worthwhile anyway.


I know this probably has not been that helpful but without hearing it or riding it is difficult to say if this is normal or not.

[PeteF]

If you're used to modern Jap bikes an RE will sound pretty noisy.

[Gwilly]

Its possible that with such low mileage its not yet run in or even had its first service..

Use the manual and go right through the bike checking everything is tight and secure, The Indian chappy may not of been that diligent..

Change all fluids, check primary and drive chain tensions.. Not too tight or loose..

Check tappets, timing not too advanced, and plug chop to check not too lean..

Use a fill of high octane/premium fuel to run a cooler motor during break in.

Mine sounds like a blacksmiths shop if i use cheap fuel from supermarket…

Nice and steady on the throttle and don't lug it.. Give it a few hundred miles till its properly settled..

You'll have a nice bike if you treat it well… remember Fireblade it is not…. gwilly

[Dave B]

Thanks, Seano, Pete, and Gwilly. All advice noted, and I'll be acting upon it.

ps. Sorry this topic has been double posted, I don't know what happened there.