Hitchcocks Forum

Hi there,

So I'm new to this whole kick start, old school technology on a Royal Enfield but I've fallen in love with it. The bike is a Bullet, 2002 and with the kick start and amo meter reading beside the speedo. So I'm not sure what 'type' of bike the bullet is.

The main problem I'm having is this:

Im riding along happily at 40 / 45mph and the bike starts to shudder intermittently. Starts to want to lose power and from the exhaust you can hear a pop or a blow back. Its feels like dirty fuel (but there has been 5 fills since I've got it) or a quick blockage to the fuel line or something telling the fuel to stop and start at a very quick pace. The bike will do this and then go normal for a few minutes and then do exactly the same thing again.

Its affecting the performance of the bike as you can imagine. There is no consistency when it happens, it happens going up hills, down hills and on the flat.

If anyone who is technically minded can help me out id very much appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Richard (Larne, Northern Ireland)

You could try a hotter running spark plug.

Try riding with the fuel cap off/loose, or a way too make sure the tank is "breathing"

New points and plug? Easy to do and will eliminate that. It's happened on my 500cc Bullet from 2000. atb Chris

Brilliant, thank you all for the reply. Got a further few questions on that:


1. Is it possible that i can change my kick start to an electric start from one of the 2 kits available here on the site and this will eliminate this problem?

2. Can you suggest a good spark plug brand?

3. What section are the 'points' in?

Thanks in advance again

Richard

I was going to suggest also fit a new condenser and coil whilst you are at it, plus as suggested, points. Cheap enough. Mine were a bit pitted, and were going to fail, although the bike ran perfectly. You have to keep on top of maintenance, stitch in time etc. No 10000 mile intervals here! I replace oil and filter every 1500 to 2000 miles. I would buy an ES bike - you could get one for a couple of grand, a bit more for a good one - or spend a small fortune upgrading, make a meal of it and lose the plot!.

Eletric start will not eliminate problem. Check plug for fouling, check clean and set points breaker contacts if fitted. Check and clean fuel filters and line incl float bowl.. Check HT cap to plug and HT lead to plug and coil.