Hitchcocks Forum

Hi guys, this is my first post here, and also, my first Royal Enfield rebuild, its a complete bike in good nick, but its gonna get the full nut bolt job anyway! This is the oldest thing I have ever worked on, so I say 'Part 1' in the title because I think this is going to be the first question of many.

First off, after identifying what i had, which is a 1946 model G 350, I purchased an original printed owners manual (which i photocopied and put back in its protective case!) and the workshop manual.

I have started pulling the bike down into the major parts, tank is off, engine is out, gearbox is out etc.

So my question is this, why do I have no valve lifter, there was not one to disconnect on the engine, it is stated in both books that there should be one however, modern enfields have them, stands to reason there would be one on a '46. The second, and i think related question is, what is the black switch on the handle bar, it has a round body and two positions operated by a small thumb lever, it is an electrical switch, but does not appear on any drawing, is this some kind of ignition switch per chance?

Any help with this would be great, because it has me baffled and i am itching to move forward with this project

Seano, Welcome! The G is a nice gentle bike, ideal for a first timer new to Brits or Enfields. Parts supply is pretty good from our Hosts, be sure to check out availability in the Parts Books Online section on this site. As to your questions: the G should have a valve lifter (not a decompressor) in the valve chest (under the square cover on the bottom of the barrel,) but they seem to be a bit weak and are often broken off. You may be able to see the remains in there! The switch on the left bar is the headlight dipswitch! It should be clear from the wiring diagram if nowhere else.
REgards, Mark