Hitchcocks Forum

Hello!

I have a 2009 Royal Enfield Electra 5S (CI engine, from Chennai) and recently started working on my Bull. I'm thinking of doing a few mods and would like to know the following for now:

1. Has anyone used the Bellmouth air filters with the stock Micarb VM24s? If yes, what's the engine response been like? I'm guessing it harms the engine more than the others (since they're more "open"), but to what extent?

2. Which model of the K&Ns would fit best on my bike? I'm confused between the R1100 and the R1060. How are S&B cone filters when compared to K&N?

3. What jets would I have to (re)fit on my carb for each of the above mentioned options?

4. How are the NGK Iridium SPs? Read somewhere that they work best (and only) with the splitfire cables. Is it true? Also, how exactly would the new Iridium SPs affect the firing?

Also, has anyone used the Lithium I(r)on batteries (Shorai, Moty, Ballistics, Braille, etc.) on a Bull? What's the response? Can they be charged on the usual Lead Acid battery chargers?

Hi RBP. I doubt anyone here is capable of answering all your questions, but I could be wrong. Don't worry too much, just get some stuff, an assortment of larger jets for your carb included, and tinker about. Experimentation will reveal what works best with your particular setup, and it is very unlikely you'll blow your engine up in the process. Good luck.

Mixed opinions on the Iridium plugs. Some people swear by them others (like me)can't tell any difference. They do seem to last longer.

I can do two answers, Shorai batteries need an "intelligent" charger and "Splitfire" cables are snake oil, bin them. The plugs work fine with any normal HT leads. Most folk report that Iridium plugs usually promote easier starting and a smoother tickover.
REgards, Mark

Thanks Robin, I think that's the best way to go about it. But well, since I'm based in India, one has to think twice before ordering something (the currency, sigh). But lets see. I plan on ordering both, the S&B(or the K&N, the question still remains unanswered) as well as Bellmouth. They don't really cost much. Tinkering about with them would give me my answer. Thanks! Pete, I've heard mixed reviews about the Iridium plugs, yes. And I guess like Mark points out, I think they should work fine with the usual setting. I'll give it a try. And Mark, I had come upon an article that claimed that the Shorai batteries can be charged on the usual chargers, just that it (the 8-cell one in this case) shouldn't exceed 14.7V while charging. Which sort of confused me.

I used the Lithium-Ion batteries from our hosts. The bigger one is in my electric start EFI (always kick it though). The smaller size is in my classic engined bullet. Left ignition on once on the older bullet, battery was flat. I was amazed to find a normal, (but high output) lead acid charger did the job in 7 minutes.this was later found on the internet to be standard, they do take about 7 minutes to charge, great if you need your bike!



Lithium-Ion batteries do set you back a bit, but they give out more power, charge fast, and if you are unlucky enough to turf your bike, they have no acid to leak either liquid or gel. They are also green. When the battery finally life expires, you just break it open, and use the contents as pot plant fertiliser (NO, i'm NOT joking, saw it on TV documentary)









Lithium-Ion batteries rock!

Scalyback, what make were the batteries you used? Shorai? Also, I have a 350, but it's KS+ES. Do you think 4cells will be enough to run my Bull?

SPS batteries as far as I know (its pissing with rain, i NOT going to look!



2013 catalogue, page 95, part 92065 for kick bullets, 92066 for leccy start.

Hello RBP
Page 16 of the 2013 Hitchcock's catalogue lists the jet sizes for the VM-24 with various air filters and exhaust combinations.
If you are riding a lot on some of India's dusty roads it's not a good idea to run an open bellmouth - the engine will wear out very fast. Bellmouths are only really suitable for 'show' bikes or relatively dust-free environments.