Hitchcocks Forum

Sorry, not a problem, just idle curiosity. Why do we think RE decided to give the classic a different frame to the bullet, given that it appears to have an almost identical look / performance / geometry, but changing the frame means a more complex parts / aftermarket situation. Is the new frame better in some way - such as improved handling, reduced weight, cheaper production?

The frames seem `nearly identical, the same wheelbase 1370mm. Fittings are different. But then the Bullet wheels are 19-in both and the C5 is 19/18 fore/aft which alters steering geometry hence different forks. So far as I've been able to discover the rake/trail *appears* to be B5 25°/75mm and C5 26°/101mm. That seems like a very large difference in trail, somewhat iffy source in India. The smaller rear probably adds the extra degree to the rake. One major difference to the frame is the C5 solo seat fitting for a very large rubber bush.



I'm unsure handling is much improved, yes the C5 has 'better' forks but the B5 is supplied with SM Skidmasters and the C5 gets AM26 Roadriders. Do use Avon's tyre pressures not those in the RE booklet



Where do the frames differ?

I would agree wholeheartedly with jefrs except in one regard - neither the C5 nor B5 forks are 'better', in fact for the life of me why RE couldn't have improved the engineering on a 68 year old design is quite beyond comprehension. To have to spend 4 hours taking down the whole front end just to change the fork oil is not just vintage, its antediluvian.

I just remove the stud nut and tap the fork stud up to drain the fork oil. Refill via the top of the station.

Please tell me that you can still drain the oil from the forks on the B5/C5 models by taking the cap nut off! If you can't that really would be unbelievable stupidity!

REgards, Mark

It's not antediluvian, it's p*ss poor design. On most old English bikes it's easy to change fork oil. As for the frame, the C5 one is weaker; breakages have been reported on another forum. Likewise the wiring to the battery gives more problems because it's too tight. Form over function, I feel. Looks better though...

Am I missing something? My Electra X(ish) is a simple drain the fork oil from the bottom and fill from the top.

Yes,you are. It's the filling that is more difficult than it should be because you can't just undo the fork leg top nut. Oh no, that would be way too easy; got to give home servicers something to moan about. Progress, I believe it's called. On the upside at least it has drain screws. Every modern bike I bought over at least the last decade isn't fitted with drain screws. A cement mixer is an essential workshop tool these days, so you can lash your P&J to it to turn it upside down to drain out the fork oil...

Now I really am puzzled, as previously stated, on my Electra X(Ish) it is just drain the oil out of the bottom and fill it from the top. No problems.

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