Hitchcocks Forum

Electra X engine. Last few rides I get a loud backfire in the exhaust when accelerating, lasts for a few minutes then clears. The bike starts easily and ticks over on the choke, set off and a few minutes later as I accelerate it bangs. Last time I pulled over and the engine ran cleanly until I turned the twist grip. This is a short but loud episode. Any suggestions? Sticking valve? Water in the fuel?

Spark plug/ignition system "missing"

I had the same issue. But i also had intermittent starting issue (no spark very occasionally). Checked everything (Carb, new spark plug etc). Ended up replacing the TCI unit and all was ok.

Graham.



does your Electra-X still have the Pulse Air Valve gubbins fitted?



A.

Hi, my 2005 Electra had the same issues. It was tracked down to the TCI unit. Hitchcocks fixed it (and my dodgy wiring).

Thank you for the helpful replies. Adrian - no it does not have the Pulse Air Valve. I can accept that it could be the TCI unit, it does have the 'new' improved TCI from Hitchcocks. Puzzles me when it happens. Start runs fine for couple of hundred yards through the rev range then starts to back fire for about two-three minutes then clears and fine for rest of trip. TCI fault? I had a problem with a SR125 engine that stopped after it warmed up and ran again after a short rest which proved to the CDI unit heating up and failing, not the same pattern as above. Anyway thanks again for your help.

It could be a duff ignition coil.

How long do you let it idle on the choke? It could be a partially fouled plug.I start my electra X and ride straight off and shut the choke off after a couple of hundred yards.

Papasmurf writes: "It could be a duff ignition coil."



I agree, and that's the problem - it could be a hundred things. All any of us can do is guess. Really it needs someone to follow a proper diagnostics process on it, otherwise we are just stabbing in the dark.



If you can't find a way to diagnose it, you could just start replacing stuff until it works, using this discussion as a starting place. After all, that's what most garages do. Unfortunately it involves buying lots of new stuff that you don't need, but of course garages are only too happy to charge you for them.



Do you have access to a genuinely expert motorcycle technician who can do a proper diagnosis? That's what it needs.

Thanks gents, I will do a systematic check of all the existing items. Dave it has a new plug and like you I usually ride away and close the choke on the move. It worked like a charm all last year and this year up to a week ago and it has gradually got worse so it does sound like deterioration of a component. Thanks all.