Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all,

I stuck my finger in the inspection hole of the primary chaincase on my 1994 500 bullet.



as I slowly turned the engine, the chain went from 1/4- 3/8 inch slack to quite tight feeling, depending on crankshaft condition.



Is Tornado just playing with me, or is this a problem that i need to sort out? At least there is lubrication in there.

What`s the mileage and does it backfire sometimes when kick starting?

That's a bit tight.
You want about 3/8 at the tightest point.
Usually the clutch basket is not concentric with the mainshaft. Just Indian tolerances.

No, It does not backfire when starting, but lately, the spark plug is coming out a bit sooty, and there seems to be an oil leak from the two nuts that keeps the head on.



I have not thrashed it either, 55 MPH max, 60 for a few hundred yards occasionally.

I guess i will have to go get some ATF so that I can take cover off and check it out?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. My old Reddich Bullet and my Indian Bitsa both show an eccentricity in the clutch basket. The secret is to set the primary chain so that there is minimal slack but definitely some at the tight point. As long it doesn't flog the case on the loose section or flog around too much it should be fine.

I made it to visit Moo, but there something not right.


when i am running in (certainly) 2nd and third at about 2500-3000 revs with just enough throttle to maintain speed, I get a sound similar to when you take a microphone into the wind, a constant and continuous noise. reminds me possibly of a chain running over a bar? I am a little worried about my poor bike!



It has had 6 owners, 3 speedos and nobody has the faintest how many miles it has done, but I have done about 1250 on it.

I might go to a garage and get fluid so that I can remove primary chain cover. Is it AFT fluid?



I would not usually ask all of this, but my bullet never came with the little book, Bugger! Is there a PDF version of the owner's book for a 1994 military bullet 500?



thanks, Scalyback

MY POOR, POOR TORNADO!



Today I decided it was time to stop riding, and examine the bike carefully.
Primary chain was ok, just a little too tight, but ok now!





Then the day took a turn for the worst. For the second time, Tornado lost the same engine stud and locking washer, even with locktite. I could not understand why until I put my hand inside to guide the stud through, when I discovered something that looked much more serious. It is a big fat at the back of the gearbox. I am not sure from the parts book with bit this is and what has been lost. I guess the nut and washer, but were there any spacers there?


















Top arrow - missing nut and washer (stud is there)
bottom arrow - the nut that kept coming loose, I can understand why, with the extra stress being put on it!



Would be most grateful for help on this, As I guess Tornado is grounded until I get this sorted I need to know which parts to order please, as will need to do priority.



I am very thankful that the bike's immense strength and over engineering kept him together for the last 500 miles since the strange vibrations became noticeable, and I feel so guilty for not looking after my poor bike when I first felt something 'strange'. IDIOT !

Is this the half inch rear engine plate stud guys?

Yes that's it,the nut is pn110220.If you go to the column on the left
to "Parts book online"you'll find it under Indian Bullets,500.
1994 model is listed.You should get away with just the nut and washer,
although there looks to be a piece broken off the GB it won't stop it
holding tight.
colin