Hitchcocks Forum

I was checking for leaks underneath my recently acquired 2002 500 Classic, and I found one (there's a surprise!). Grease was oozing out of the gasket at the rear of the inner gearbox cover. A little look in the outer cover inspection hole showed that one of the screws in the inner case was fully undone. So off with the outer cover to be greeted with about 500ml of greasy water flowing out! One careful owner and five not so careful ones. An added bonus of the fix is that the neutral finder now works. I think it had been fouling on that screw.

Having said that, the bike does run well (after about one and a half weeks sorting out sticky cables, non working brakes etc). This is my first Bullet with an Amal carb and it does make a difference - a bit crisper, but what a long throttle travel. The bike has done about 9,500 km, so hopefully a while to go before the first engine rebuild!

Sounds like it needs a new "O"ring on the lick starter

Could be, I'll keep an eye out for that. I think it had stood out in the rain for a while, on a very bent side stand. The right hand rear wheel bearing was rough (that seal isn't a very good fit either) and the front brake drum was rusty. Strangely, there doesn't seem to be any water in the fuel/carburettor (hmmm, perhaps I shouldn't have said that).

It's not unusual for those inner screws to come loose. A dab of locktite perhaps ?

Thanks, I did think about that but settled for 'big ham-fisted tight'. We'll see if they come loose again!

Just noticed I put 500ml in the first post, must've been tired. Probably more like about 100ml. I did notice in the dark last night how much space there is between the inspection covers and the case itself. A torch shines straight through. If my bike was going to stand outside (it isn't) I'd probably seal those in addition to a new kick start seal.

Has to be plenty of room around the shifter and neutral finder because if it is tight it won't shift or select neutral