Hitchcocks Forum

Hi,

I'm brand new to the world of Enfields & I'm toying with buying myself a recentish 2nd hand 500cc model to use as a daily commuter around London. I'm potentially viewing a 2007 Electra X model at the weekend which from the pics looks in great condition and has around 8,000 miles on it.

Forgive me if this is a really stupid question, but what is the difference between this model and the classic in terms of frame, fittings and various specs.

Is there anything particular I need to be aware of or keep an eye out for?

Don't hurry into anything, do your research first. You'll get myriad opinions here, all different. If you like simplicity and tinkering then the old iron barrel is for you, some would advise avoiding the electric start ones though. I've had no issues with them but others curse the sprags and eventually discard them. Some here rave about the new EFI unit constuction models, then spend a fortune adapting and improving them. The Electra models are also known as Hellectras, but again, some luv 'em. I'd say test ride all the models you can lay your hands on, and give them all a bloody good test too, as many miles as you can, not once around the block. And whatever you get you'll be needing Mr H's catalogue before you know it.

"to use as a daily commuter around London"
Not really ideal for this job IMO. I would recommend riding one first if you can before taking the plunge.

Pete, I'd be properely interested to know WHY you say not. I've used my year 2000, 500cc Bullet quite a lot to commute into Manchester. It's been fine except for breaking clutch cables.

But that's not London!

atb Chris

With 8,000 on the clock it'll be just about ready to shred its big end

IMHO any EFI model would be better suited to the task.

Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.

I neglected to mention, it needs to be a post-2007 model as the laws of what's allowed in Central London will be changing as of 2020. Only bikes newer than 2007 will be allowed within the congestion zone unless they pay £12.50 a day. Annoyingly my work is JUST inside the zone.

I've been riding old vespa's and Lambretta's for many years now so i'm well used to machines having various quirks and am more than happy with a bit of minor tinkering as & when needed.

This is the bike in question BTW... (assuming the link works)



http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE5OVgxNjAw/ ... o/$_57.JPG

Just realised i spelt 'Enfields' wrong in the title. Not a great start

Chris, my experience in traffic, even in a relatively quiet city like Hull, is that the gearbox doesn't like it and the clutch gets hot and bothered. I don't think stop/start riding on an Enfield is at all pleasurable.
If I have to go into town I take the 250 Yam which I find much more suited to the conditions.
Quite frankly, if I was in thick traffic every day, I'd get a twist and go scooter to keep a bit drier and cleaner. As I said, my opinion.
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If Mr Black needs a post 2007 Enfield to avoid congestion charges then it cuts down the choice a bit as the old iron barrel classics ceased production in 2008.
I dare say the EFI models would suit modern traffic conditions better but I have no first hand experience.
I can only repeat the advice to "try before you buy" if at all possible.

I would say that if you have a lot of stop-start riding on a classic Bullet the replacement clutch that our hosts stock is well worth the outlay. It is one of the most forgiving clutches ever with smooth engagement to rival a modern Jap or Beemer. I've had one on my 612 Bullet for several years and it's really low maintenance. I check the adjustment once in a while but it never needs doing,and it never overheats in traffic which is the main problem with the standard clutch on all the old REs with separate gearboxes.

Check the "Will this fit my Bullet" box.

90042B CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, 5-speed
http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pi ... /s0518.jpg