Hitchcocks Forum

HI all. I went to a 2 day meeting in the Black Forest last weekend, for all British bikes. Scott Squirrel, HRD Vincent and everything else you can think of.

As it happened, my German Enfield dealer was there with his highly customised EFI so asked him to clarify whether taking out the auto-decompressor was an approved modification. His answer was a little strange. He told me that Watson Squires remove the auto-decompressor from every EFI they import prior to sale. What to believe? He also confirmed he will sign off on the modification in the owners service book and he will honour the two year warranty. I just have to get used to the extra effort to kick start without decompressor. He also remarked about not letting me watch him work on the bike, which he always allowed in the past on my previous Bullet and said that the Importer had instructed all the agents to keep customers away from the workshop. What are they trying to hide? They should know that nothing stops a Bullet man from tinkering. Cheers TrevorCH

Hi Trev,

I'm not sure that Watsonians remove the auto decompressor. My C5 still has it as testified by it clacking if I start it without leaning it over a bit on the twistgrip side. I always use the choke (bi-starter?) summer or winter on the first start of the day, and don't use it thereafter. I let it tick over for 10 to 15 seconds before returning it upright and letting go of the choke.

Before selecting gear for the first time of the day I hold the clutch in for about 10 seconds which minimises the clock.

Cheers, shappers.

Hi Shappers,

Now that I don't have the auto-decom. I cannot try your idea out. In any case I usually start on the centre, stand whether electric of kick start and then let it warm up for a minute or so. I will try holding the clutch lever in for a few seconds before moving to 1st. The clonk is annoying and I did not have it with the previous 2007 Bullet. Must wii the rocker covers off some time and see if I can eliminate any noises that should not be there. I know it will never sound like a Bonnie, but I don't think is should rattle like a diesel either.

"Clunk click every trip" (Jimmy Saville) or for Bullet EFI "Clack clonk every trip"

The initial "clunk" into first gear occurs to some degree oth other on all chain driven machines including modern rice burners, but can be made less of a problem........... Correct adjustment of primary and final drive chains............... Before starting pull in clutch & swing kickstart a couple of times to clear the plates.............. For them as has modern enfield without k/start you are stuffed & must rely on correct chain tension