Hitchcocks Forum

Hi I have owned an Electra X 500 (2008) for a few months now and I noticed that the oil is getting low. I always stop the engine using the decompression lever as I seem to remember seeing this recommended somewhere to help with oil leaks??

Since I don't know what oil is in the beast, and it might not be wise to mix old and new, and since it has not long run in (2½ thou miles) and so might still be wearing into the oil, I figured that, even though the oil looks pretty clean, it might be due for an oil change.

As a newbie to the world of brit/indian motors, being used to modern Jap bikes, I'm unsure of what oils to use. I always used synthetics on my other bikes - should I do the same with the bullet? I presume I don't need to use a special bike oil without detergents since the clutch is separate, but I would welcome your recommendations. Since I have always owned bikes with just one place to put oil, I would welcome any advice as to choice of lubricants and regime elsewhere too.

If there is somewhere where this is already clearly documented, then just point me there...

Many Thanks,

What a nice polite and considerate person you are woosh.. So unlike some other mouthy bad tempered gits we get on here at times...

The reason we stop these big singles with the decomp is the motor will usually stop turning on the compression stroke, which in turn will attempt to force that big piston back down the barrel turning the crankshaft backwards...this is all well and good until you realise that the starter sprag clutch locks up to prevent this... So something has to give and given this kind of repetitive hammering the sprag will eventually break into bits and you lose your starter motor drive gear...
Quite expensive to replace... As regards oil, most people use a fair quality 20-50 mineral oil, the important thing is being changed regularly, say 1000-1500 miles before the oil starts to break down.. Any questions at all feel free to ask on the forum, There are no silly questions just the answers can be a bit odd.... cheers gwilly..

Hi Gwilly, thanks for your reply...
So if I get what your saying, stopping the engine with the decompression lever reduces wear on the starter sprag clutch...?

This might be pertinent to my other post which is about the fact that the starter motor mostly clatters without engagement when I try to start it lately - it takes a while before it engages and starts the engine. Is this because the sprag clutch is damaged? What course of action do I need to take? I can't start the bloody thing from cold on kicker no matter how many different things I read about it!

Cheers,

"What Area/Town are you in Mr Woosh?" Just in case your local to an "Old Hand" who can help you out...
The Book says an Oil of SAE 15-40 (For the Lean Burn Engine/AVL/Electra)I use a Cheap Fleet oil in mine & or a Semi Synthtic on special occasions..The Oil Do's thend to Stay Cleaner Longer than on My Clasic..On Which A: I would Not use Synthic and B: Do's Run on 20/50 Mineral Oil,,,,,,SO SAE:15-40 every 1500 miles say's My Hand Book...
Have Fun..Craig (In Nottinghamshire)

Yep, 15/40 for leanburn engines.

Hi Craig et al thanks for your help - I'll pick me up some 15/40...

I'm in sunny South Devon BTW - Good biking weather today!

Hi Craig et al thanks for your help - I'll pick me up some 15/40...

I'm in sunny South Devon BTW - Good biking weather today!

Beg pardon woosh, 15w-40 is correct.. Lean burn but with the same starter gear as the iron barrel ES, Change oil every year regardless of mileage or viscosity..

Usually fresh oil before the winter layup in my case as bike for pleasure only...

Maybe worth checking/cleaning the starter wiring connections, heavy gauge and small on the relay..

My neighbours Hardley was struggling on the starter and it was a corroded/poor earth connection to the frame...

Worth checking anyway... regards gwilly the bewildered..

Re Gear oil - the book says EP90 - I have some 80W90 synthetic in my shed - is that ok to use or does it need to be single grade for some reason?....

EP90 is hard to find although it's still available in the classic oil range, Castrol do it. 80w90 is fine though.