Hitchcocks Forum

Is it just my bad luck or what since I brought my electric start Bullet 500 in 20.000K I have got though 3 starter solenoids the third one has gone again works fine if I put a screw driver across it so I know its gone again it just fizzes and arcs inside I can hear it. I suppose I'm lucky never had the spraug go wrong. Plus I've had three Amp meters go wrong as well one stopped working one went open circuit and the third fell apart. So can anyone say is the Lucas one a bit better made and dose the needle stay reasonably still and not wag like a dogs tail. before I order a new one yet again. May thanks Paul M H

Paul,
Get a Japanese bike solenoid and replace the ammeter with an analogue, motorcycle, volt meter (it will fit in place of the ammeter without modification)and all will be well. You will never have another problem.

Hi Paul, the solenoid on my Electra XS went recently so I replaced it with a genuine RE part. This cost me around £40 and so far so good. However I was also advised to buy a solenoid from a Jap bike on this very forum. I had already ordered the RE item so it was to late but noticed someone selling a new Honda 'universal' bike solenoid, which looked identical, for £7.50!!!!
Assuming that you are in the UK Paul I'd start there for that part!

Hi matey ----- try this}-----http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-STARTER ... ----Please don't pay "silly money" for these items, there's no need too.The ammeter should be fitted within a thin, rubber surround. On the move the needle tends to be just it's own width into the + positive side though will "wag" when on idling.