Hitchcocks Forum

Just picked up my 2007 Electra X, I have plans in place to modify to taste (single seat etc.) but first impression is that the rear suspension is a bit harsh, especially for my local Fen roads! Has anyone else experienced this and if so are there better alternatives out there?

The front suspension yes but I've never found the rear to be a problem. I should experiment with the damper preload settings, I run mine in the middle. For the front ATF fluid is supposed to be a great improvement although I've persevered with 10w/30 fork oil and I don't find it so much of a problem now. Probably the bike has worn me in. That said the fen roads are bad and some I avoid altogether.

Hi Frank, actually, you may be right - the biggest jolt was from the front; especially noticeable going over the horrible banding repairs we see all too much of! I might try the oil change as advised. Hoping a sprung single seat may help...Only other thing to date (very early days yet) almost impossible to find neutral, could be my technique (or lack of)! Any tips most welcome...

Frank, Tzen,

An article AlanR found on suspension. http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/pre ... rticle.php

Neutral finding is almost certainly down to clutch adjustment - slacken off cable, adjust push rod (behind cover near kickstart) screw in untill resistance felt then back off half a turn.

Re adjust cable. If that doesn't work I'm sure others will jump in.

As per Paulk regarding clutch adjustment except with the 5 speed Electra X box you don't back it off 1/2 turn after resistance is felt. Just tighten the locknut at the point of resistance and adjust the cable for minimum play at the lever. If you back it off then all that will happen is as soon as you start taking up the slack in the cable the first thing to be pulled is the actuating lever to take up that 1/2 turn and there will be less throw/travel available to push the plates apart. The clutch doesn't move far at best so every little helps. Difficulty finding neutral is the first indication that the clutch needs adjustment.

Agreed Frank - however I would stress that whilst getting maximun travel it is also important not to have continuous pressure on the pushrod. Failing that working there's different oils, strip, clean and check for wear/warp in the plates, hub and cage or you nudge it into neutral just before you stop.

Regards the clutch: If all the good advice here on adjustments and checks don’t work for you, whip the end cover off the gearbox and inspect the release mechanism. There’s an exploded view on this site > Parts books online > 500 Indian Bullets > 2006 Electra (X) > page 24 > item 29, clutch operating assembly. The component to which the cable attaches was fractured on my Electra X after less than 9,000 miles. Hitchcocks had one on the shelf for about £13 delivered. Adam

I had the same initial impression when I bought my Electra X. The problem is the strong springs fitted in the front and the small amount of travel on the rear (and also strong springs). I have improved my set up somewhat by fitting a sprung single saddle, softer progressive front springs with 10w oil(do not overfill - you want to take maximum advantage of a large air space in the fork tubes to get less air damping). Also I fitted the Hitchcocks softer springs in the rear ( but the strong gas damping in these shocks cannot be overcome). Also I only have 19lbs front and 20lbs rear pressure in the tyres. ( I weigh only 10 stones, however).
You cannot select neutral at a standstill from any gear on the 5 speed box. Do it as you roll to a stop.

Chaps,

On my Electra I could sit at tick over and pop it in and out of gear at will - it was a matter of having all the parts in good order, adjusted spot on, with the oil that suits, and most probably don't leave the factory or any bike shop like that. Each bike will take getting to know and fiddling over time for the best results. Slapped together in the factory or done by someone at a bike shop who hasn't lived with it won't have the time for minor adjustment and check and repeat as nessesory. I had ATF in my primary with the breather diconnected from the catchpot.

Sorry potboiler but I could pop in and out of neutral at standstill with no problem with my Sixty-five.
Tzen, I have ATF in my forks which works for me. I think it's about the equivalent of ASA 7