Hitchcocks Forum

Hi All,

My hunt for the 'perfect' bullet continues- the second hand market in Hampshire seems particularly slow and/or expensive!

I've been concentrating on EFI models, however a pre-EFI (lean burn?) electra X has popped up and I'm tempted to have a look. I've read back over a few threads on this site and see that opinion varies, with that model receiving a fair amount of stick, but I'd love to know whether the issues are manageable, fixable or infrequent enough to make the electra a reasonable choice.

By way of background, I'm basically looking for a bike to do an infrequent 7 mile commute (on days I'm too lazy to cycle), plus occasional runs of 30-50 miles to visit family. The bikes I've seen so far have typically been meticulously looked after and therefore commanding a price north of around £3k, whereas I'd love a slightly scruffier early EFI for around £2k. The electra is tempting because its currently nearer a grand, but there may well be a good reason for this!!!

Any opinions gratefully received.

The poor old Electra-X hasn't got the best of reputations, but a well-sorted example is a very good bike. The main mechanical weaknesses can all be fixed.



For what you intend to use it, the Electra will be fine, though they are more fun to ride with a decent carb & exhaust conversion and a 17T gearbox sprocket instead of the standard 18T, especially if you're commuting - it doesn't affect the top speed noticeably but makes the bike more responsive in traffic. More serious tuning work is possible, though not essential if you just want something to blat around on.



A.

The EFI is a solid lovely engine and go for a late model which should be a bit more reliable and don't make the mistake of £3k is expensive. £2k is expensive if there is a lot to sort. Electra needs a lot to sort to make it go properly - which is what I am currently doing to an 08. Exhaust system, carb, seat, fluids, cables, the list goes on and easily tops £1500. IT is not a big deal as it is a project and I have the cash, but I wont get it back.........however, I will have a rapid, light, narrow poor man's Goldie (nearly). You cant do that with an EFI, but it would be the better bet for that commute.

Obviously I don't know what the electra X you're looking at is like but if it helps I've had mine from new, 08 reg, 30k miles and no major problems at all, and given the mpg I get even if it blows up tomorrow it's been a good buy. Not sure it needs a lot of 'sorting'. A replacement silencer adds a bit of character but not much else. Carb is absolutely fine (and I bet more reliable than many others).

By sorted I mean to make it fly along and take advantage of its potential to deliver 40% more power with a few mods (as per our hosts package). It is not a derogatory comment about the standard set up, which is fine but if you want to customise the Electra X, it offers a lot of potential and a good return for the outlay if you can get a nearly new one as I have for not a lot of cash.

Cheers all, maybe I'll pop out to have a look at it over the weekend. Think an EFI is probably still favourite but this is tempting if I could get it at the right price.

I take your point on relative price Sofia, I'm just reluctant to pay a premium for a bike which has seen more polish than use. There seem to be quite a few around with a couple of thousand miles of use and pristine bodywork, and I'd feel ever so guilty getting them grubby!

07 Electra - I've had for 3 years. Dodgy electric connections by battery (pain to sort but did)! Speedo failed but replaced. I use mine exactly as you have described and enjoyed every minute of it. I have enjoyed fixing some of the issues as described above and have got a great deal of satisfaction from doing so. My biggest journey was a 160 mile round trip and i never had any issues. There are potentially major problems but they can be sorted fairly easily if you get them. Electras major weakness is the sprag clutch. Pro's and cons to all bikes so weigh it up and go with your own gut feeling! Good luck!