Forum

[Thunderdird 2]

I'm considering buying a 2004 Electra X with 13500 miles on it, it looks to be in good nick, but what should I worry about/look out for please?
Only selling mine because I need the electric start due to ostio arthritus, but a bit worried about all the spragg clutch problems I hear about, if a spragg goes whats involved & cost of fixing?
Cheers
Terry

[Andy C]

I did have one of the early leccy starts and the sprag broke 3 times - the final time I didn't bother with it and took the starter off completely.

Providing you are reasonably competent mechanically it is something you can fix easily, but is quite costly

I get the impression that the EFI engines have an improved sprag, but as I don't own one I cannot really comment.

Good luck.

[Thunderdird 2]

Just got a good deal on a 56 plate Electra X with crash bars and rear rack for the same price in beautiful condition, no contest really!
1/2 the mileage too, and the AVL engine I like!
The Electrabird has the AVL & 5sp box so pretty much the same only bigger.
I was wanting the right bike at the right price but not the EFI.
Looking forward to some serious touring next year now!
Any advise still appreciated,
Cheers
Terry

[Thunderdird 2]

What is the starting procedure with electric start, is as simple as pressing a button?

[Davie Hall]

I have an Electra X, mine has all the clutch and sidestand switches disconnected but all I do is ignition on fuel on , choke on and hit the button. I don't touch the throttle at all but others on here say they have to use a bit of throttle

[Thunderdird 2]

Thank you Davie, no need to use the de-comp to help the motor then.

[Adam]

Hi Terry, I have just replaced the sprag in my 56 plate Electra X at just under 12,000 miles. Parts (sprag assembly and gaskets) from our host gave me enough change out of £150 to buy a pint and a bag of nuts. A drop of oil also required and gasket cement if, like me, you wear a belt and braces. I stripped out one day before ordering just in case anything else was found to be knackered and re-assembled the next day when the parts arrived (excellent service from Mr. H as always). No special tools required and I suppose total time taken was six or seven hours, half of which was spent looking for tools in the untidy sh*t ‘ole that doubles as a garage. I made one error by forgetting to fit the wee machine screw that hides behind the clutch basket and holds the inner primary tight. For starting I don’t use any throttle when cold or hot but I do give it a blip if warmish and I don’t use the de-compressor, others do. I’m sure you will enjoy your touring and if you ever end up in The Purbecks give me a shout. Adam

[Iain]

I bought my Electra X this summer, its a 2005 model with about 14000 miles on the clock.
All I do is -
Petrol on, ignition on, choke on then press the electric start button. I barely touch the throttle.

Only time it didn't start was the first day when I forgot about the side stand cut out, rather embarrassing.

Iain

[jefrs]

The clutch switch, where fitted and/or working, allows you to start the motor in gear with the clutch in. Handy if you've stalled it and can't find neutral in a hurry.

What they said, just push the button. A bit of throttle when hot, cold start if very cold.



Me, I've got arthritis in every single joint but I can (still) kick the C5 EFi no sweat. Arthritis is use it or lose it, go through the pain if you want it to keep working - I'll scream and swear but keep at it; don't touch the tramadol. It will go second prod, basically after priming it. Most of the time though, I'm lazy - poke the button, whumpty bap bap bap!


The ticking noise after start up (EFi) is the auto-decompressor, it stops after a few seconds and then the engine picks up. C5 EFi is 8.5:1 which around the point a 500 needs a decompressor to save the starter motor, and the ankles. There again my old boots have kick plates and I've never had problems starting a big single, except an old mate's Goldie with a trick A/R lever that sent a would-be thief over the bars into a handy thorn hedge whilst we watched laughing.

[Thunderdird 2]

jfrs, I've had O.A. for 10 or more years now, the pills and potions the NHS put me on made it worse!
Buggers put me on Tramadol with out telling me its opioid, had a hell of a job to kick it, moved back up here and dumped ALL medication and bought the R.E. to put 2 fingers up to it.
The 350 can start usually 1-3 kicks but if I 'miss' the chance too often the old leg wont let me have too many more goes, and it bloody hurts!
New Electra X with electric foot kisses it all better!
This spragg thing worries me a bit, I want to get the spare part in for my spares box, which bit is it that's most likely to fail, is it that tapered bearing looking part, surely I dont need the whole (£150) set as all the components are available separately?
If the spragg goes are you able to still use the bike by kick start?
Terry