Hitchcocks Forum

Hi there, came to start my bike today and all I get when I press the starter is a very loud cranking and grinding metallic sound like something is breaking up in the engine, its only covered 700 miles, any ideas to what it could be please? Thanks Phil

Phil,
Sounds like the sprag has failed or is failing, 700 miles should be still under warranty? We have a C5 out here at the moment with a failed sprag and without a kick starter it is pretty bloody useless. Another piece of Enfield engineering mastery. One step forward 3 back

Hello ENFIELD PHIL---------Want some honest advice (that's why you're here, right??)---Still under Warranty ?? YES ??.....IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT.......TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THEM (NOT YOU) TO REPAIR !!!!! And while you're at it don't leave the place until they give you---- a)A definite date when it will be ready and ---b) A COURTESY BIKE (WITH FULL TANK) IN THE MEANTIME. If, on the other hand it's OUT of Warranty (on a time basis)}-- Yes, as NORM says it's probably the ******i.n.g. sprag clutch. It'll cost you at least £60 for the bearing, plus labour ( £25/hour approx.)minimum of 1 working day = 8 x 25 =£200, plus "consumables" ie oils and gaskets etc. plus VAT ( @20%). It's a MODERN bike in a MODERN world but with old world values(ie crap engineering and we don't care about you the customer). Damm......this Soap-box of mine gets bigger every time.It's a Consumer-led world these days but nothing will happen unless you(the customer) takes charge and press the right buttons.

-UPDATE---------STOP PRESS--------- UPDATE---------From another listing I must now bring myself also into the modern world. Average, non-"Brand names" charges are some £45 to £60 per hour on average. Which makes it even worse, I'm afraid. As my Oriental friends would say-- "So sorry"

Thanks for the info guys, the bike is just over a year old. Quite a downer really and upsetting but hopefully I'll get it sorted. I thought the sprag clutch affair had been ironed out after all these years Ive read about this failing on numerous occassions, thanks once again, Phil

Phil,
The UCE sprag seems to be a lot better than the earlier ones as we don't hear of a lot of failures but when it is yours that fails, it doesn't matter how many others have failed

There may be some hope if you get your dealer to contact the importers Watsonian as yours is only One year old parts would be suppled free at least and you never know as its very low millage they might even knock a bit of labour. See T/C below.

All new Royal Enfield Motorcycles come with a 2 year warranty**.

This is effective from the date of purchase. The machine must be serviced in accordance with the schedule indicated in the owners handbook by an approved dealer. Proof of this may be required in the event of a failure resulting from faulty workmanship or materials.

Faulty parts may be required to be returned to us. The use of non-original parts and/or modification will invalidate the warranty. As with all warranties there are some items which are excluded, as they are regarded as parts subject to normal wear and tear or unavoidable deterioration. These are: spark plugs, brake/clutch linings, cables, bulbs, battery, exhaust systems, tyres & tubes, chains, sprockets – see owners handbook for full details.

All warranty claims must be made through an approved dealer, and any work must be agreed by Watsonian-Squire before it is carried out.

** The 2 year warranty covers parts & labour for the first year, and parts only for the 2nd year.

Thanks all for the info, Im now prepared to sell this bike if anyone or dealer is interested with the fault it has, it has done 700 miles, red, taxed until April 2013, service history, £3100, Phil

Phil,
Sometimes it is the best thing to do, Enfields are not suitable for everyone

Hi Norm, trouble is I love the little bike, but cant be bothered with the hassle,it will make someone a good bike, Phil