Hitchcocks Forum

Yes folks my much defended sprag has gone awol, and while I think I know all the procedure to replace it, and have ordered all relevant tools, I do recall on here a while ago, some info regarding a better quality component (Borg-Warner transmission ??) could someone remind me of this ?? many thanks

Hi IAN }------------ If you replace it (£50-60 ??) it will only go again at some time. That "Better quality component " may well be your KICK STARTER !! Why not save a whole pile of dosh---increase your street cred standing amongst the "Old Boys" and get some exercise into the bargain ??? So not only will you be riding the experience, you'll actually be living it as well. Steroids & Chips, works for me !!

Ian,
From what I know the Borg Warner sprag isn't any better, just cheaper

Ian, how did it fail, what did you do or did not do, a sprag does just not fail without a reason.

Johnny, you're quite right, there must be a reason. It seems to me that the reason is a very poor design.

Pete, I have had 8 electric start 500 bullets, my sprags have never failed.

Ian,i've seen a supposed better sprag,i think it was on ebay.Supposed less of the actual sprags and they were much beefier,and the ring was stronger.Unfortunately i can't find them just now.I should have bought one myself,then at the time.The Borg-warner sprags as Norm says are the same as the RE ones,so will have a limited lifespan too.

Here's some reasons,points ign deteriates and all it takes is a phutt!!!,it's just one of those things with singles,very hard to have them 100% perfect.
Long stroke heavy flywheel put's extra strain on sprag.
Standard sprag could be made much better/stronger.

Alan, I know where youre coming from, and, sad to tell I do often kick it over if there's an audience, I simply would miss the convenience of the electric foot for those times it stalls at the lights, or I'm just being lazy.

Johnny & Pete, its simply a bad design, compounded by some poor components /tolerances, some are lucky some not, I've had horrible grinding noises a thousand times from it due to a backfire or fail to start, I am likely fortunate it's lasted this long.

So, I will make the best of the opportunity and change my final drive sprocket at the same time, may even do the R/H shift conversion while I'm at it !

I'm always interested/worried hearing about sprags - and end up wondering when mine will go! Just out of interest what model and mileage have you?