Forum

[WannaBRetired]

Hello everyone, I am a returnee Enfield Bullet rider with a puzzling problem. The bike is a 2002 4 speed 500 that I have recently bought and have replaced most of the obviously worn out bits (rear chain and sprockets, clutch plates, primary chain, oil pump worm drive etc). Having had a few bullets in the past I suspect this one has been modified, as it pulls so much better than previously owned Bullets and there doesn’t seem to be the usual massive gap between third and fourth gears. I have also fitted an 18t drive sprocket. The problem is a low revs vibration, in second gear only. It sounds briefly a bit like that old jeep on ‘Mash’, though the vibration is felt through the footrests more than heard. As soon as the revs rise a little, or if first gear is held slightly longer, no vibration can be felt. A little clutch slip at low speed also removes the problem. Both chains are correctly adjusted, the chain guard is not loose, nor is it touching the chain. Putting the bike on the centre stand and using a screwdriver as a stethoscope hasn’t really helped. In a widespread search I came across this: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/roy ... sage/73686 Is this my ‘problem’? If I do have to strip the gearbox, presumably the clutch should come out (again) first? Thanks in advance for any help.

[Anders F. R.]

I too am very sensitive to noises and vibrations in motorcyckles and cars etc., but after having had and used several old bikes during the years, I am gradually getting less worried to the noise levels and vibration levels as such, but more observant of the changes in them.

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If your gearbox works just fine, with no more "trouble" than this slight vibration in second, there are no metal in the oil, no loose parts etc., then there is probably nothing to worry about for a long time.

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I am sorry to keep writing about BMWs here all the time, but as I have only one RE and 3 BMWs, more of my experience comes from "the Germans". Anyway, an example: My 1956 R50 gearbox makes grinding and rattling noises, especially in second. However, it shifts just fine, the oil is free of metal and everything else is well. I suppose this is just caused by normal wear, as it probably have done more than 200000 km. At one point, when I can manage some time without it, I will strip it down for major maintenance, but so far I just relax and live without it.

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Another example: My 1981 R80/7, on the other hand, made a lot of noise and vibrations from the gearbox. Draining the oil, i got a tablespoon full of course metal flakes! Out with the box, and it turned out two of the 6 bearings were totally wrecked. 6 new bearings and back in the bike: Still not noiseless and vibrations free, but much better.

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So, to sum up: Just follow it up and take notice of any changes or other irregularities. If nothing gets worse, it may be nothing to worry about, and a "feature rather than a fault".

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Regards, Anders F. Rudnå

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PS. Trying to trick the function that removes the button here. See if it works.....

[WannaBRetired]

Many thanks for that detailed reply. To watch and wait was my inclination but then I thought 'is this laziness?' Added to which, I'm paranoid! Regards, Howard.

[Midge]

I wonder if the head steady is as tight as it should be? Also the other mounts come to think of it.

[WannaBRetired]

Yep, checked all those! Thanks anyway.

[Chris]

Around 45/50 going uphill in 4th there comes apoint when the engine and frame reach a frequency which causes the whole bike to shudder and then stop. it alarmed me at first, but it must be just perfect resonance between the 2. Could it be something like this? I have only ever felt it in 4th, but it must happen in others too, though perhaps chain tension (driving load) mught have an effect.

[WannaBRetired]

Quite possibly, that is why I thought that the link in my first post might apply. I do hope so because then there is nothing to fix!

[Alan R]

Hello there Wanna B, My Hinkley Thunderbird used to do the same thing.In 3rd at about 40mph there was a vibration through the footpegs--more of a tingle, that went away as I progressed. Re-visiting your first posing, was the vibration there BEFORE you changed to the 18t sprocket ie maybe you have disturbed/altered something ?? Perhaps you could contact the previous owner, see what upgrades have been done ?? --- that missing 3rd/4th gap indicates that someone's been in there before. Personally I'd let it run some more miles and just monitor things for now. It's any CHANGE that you need to be alert to. If you do decide to strip the box out then consider what else you could do whilst in that situation eg bearing upgrade (you can then use oil instead of that "grease" stuff). My 2005 Classic 500 Bullet groans in 3rd on load but wimpers on the over-run. I'm leaving it for now until my reserve bike is back "on-line"---- another Classic 500 Bullet ( I LOVE 'EM !!).Please keep us informed of progress ?? Regards from}--- AmaREtired-1

[Alan R]

-----------just to follow-up my last effort with "copy & paste"----- I'm also paranoid, except i'm paranoid about being paranoid !! Works for me !! Now, how's it go again? Highlight--copy--

[Alan R]

---paste & here we are again. My keyboard's got a vibration in it now--Oooerr