Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all - I had to abandon my 2007 350 bullet last week on the way to work. She started misfiring in very heavy rain and eventually ground to a halt. Despite a wet day she started first kick when I returned after work and ran well. Although I fitted our hosts S+B filter a few years ago I have never had a problem and I ride in all weathers but wondered if this is the culprit. Just wondered if anyone else had experience problems in extreme wet from the filter. I see there is a filter cover available but I did wonder if the bike would be a bit strangulated if I fitted it - it looks a bit snug (part 92623). I have also coated the plug and lead with silicon sealant spray in case that was the culprit.

First thing to check is for water in the carb, which with the S&B is very likeley. Take the float bowl off and look, you will see the water looking like a bubble under the petrol. If you must ride in rain, then some kind of cover to deflect the water off the filter is needed. You only need one that covers the top of the filter. Don't forget, water can enter via the cable sometimes, but the Enfields is pretty much covered by the tank.

The cover cannot restrict the intake. I fitted one to shield the filter when I converted Thumper. Works extremely well.

Thanks gents. Looks like an order for a shield would be wise. One question. Can I take the float bowl off in situ or do I have to remove the carb and turn it upside down? Nettshubby - yes I must ride in the rain - too tight to pay for car parking at my local train station. The enfield has been a very good winter commuter though it now has an interesting er, patina to it.

The fact that the machine started first kick afterwards would suggest water in the ignition. If water had got in the float bowl it wouldn't have started easily until the water was drained out. Water in the ignition could easily dry or drain.

My yr 2000, 500cc Bullet suffered from this on 2 occasions. Fitting a NEW plug lead cured it the 1st time and when it did it again it was the points etc that needed drying off. I've used Hitchcocks rubber cover since then to protect the points. -C

Rusty.. You might get a bit of inspiration from my experiences with the fitting and so on..


Read this.. shouldn't take more than five minutes.


I do so hope the link works..!!

I agree with Pete, any water being sucked into the carb would just vaporise inside the cylinder and possibly even enhance the performance (yes really). Far more likely to be in the electrics, points, HT lead, etcetera.

Well it tipped down last night and again this morning and the bike ran perfectly. Can only conclude it was the ignition and coating with silicon spray has done the job. Exile - thanks for the article - I think I will fit a cover as a belt and braces anyway. Do you leave yours on all year round?

For future reference if anyone can tell me if I can drain the float bowl just by undoing from the bottom of the carb in situ or have to remove the carb to do so I would appreciate it (8 years of enfield ownership and still a mechanical numpty).

Thanks - Rusty

Yes, the floatbowl will come off without removing the carb. You should be able to get a screwdriver in there, especially a stubby one, and just take out the screws and the bowl comes off. Watchout you don't tear the gasket. It's best to remove the bowl, as just removing the large nut in the middle will just drain it, but leave water around the "well" under the main jet. You'll see what I mean when you look into the bowl.