Forum

[theWoosh]

Thanks for all your help folks - I hear what you're saying about cruising speed, but I think I might still give it a try - perhaps change the sprocket as suggested...
I think at the price I have managed to negotiate, it might be possible for me to sell it on in the spring at no loss if we don't get on.
Robin, I love the idea of keeping my bikes in the house, that would be ideal - but obviously you are single!...
Maybe I need to build a shed...

Am going to take another look this evening and the cash is going with me, so you may be hearing from me some more soon!

Cheers

[Norm]

Hi Mark, my only concern is putting a rosy tinge on these things and convince somebody to buy one and they get stuck with a big problem. If after I offer this sort of advice and they go ahead and they end up with problems at least I can fell comfortabe in the fact they were warned

[MattP]

Sometimes it's a struggle to find anyone to say anything positive about Enfields! I wonder why we spend so much time with them? Anyway here's some facts and opinion to help decide. I've owned my electra (in Watsonian trials trim) from new, bought 2008, now done approx. 24000 miles, used throughout last two winters and only polished infrequently. Apart from some pitting on the chrome on the exhaust it scrubs up fine and has never not started or let me down. The gearbox is as good as many bikes I've owned before (and far better than my BMW boxer) and it's perfect through town or A and B roads. It's not best suited to motorways but I've done plenty of dual carriageway trips and it plods on at 60ish no problem. Mine vibrates a bit and I wouldn't want to sit on it for hours but it's a 500 single so that's what I expect. I've owned Kawasaki's, Honda's, BMW's, and an MZ and the Electra is undoubtedly my favourite.

[theWoosh]

Well, I bit it (groan)... it's sitting outside now
Took it for a quick spin on the dual carriage way and it was fine at 60+ish (though I probably need to check that with GPS) so that's cool. But it was the ride home on the lanes that really mellowed me out - quite sedate - I've already started to develop a more chilled riding style as it doesn't have the nippy acceleration of the higher revving honda, but I'm liking that so far (and I'll probably live longer!).
Thanks for your input - I dare say I'll be taking up more of your time... It's nice to see such a good supportive community though. That's a selling point in itself!
Safe riding

[Phil Ashbrook]

I had a new big end and rod and the guy who did the crank re-build said I was lucky that he managed to only get 1 or 2 thou run out which he said can sometimes take all day to get that low , my engine really does not vibrate like the old crank which destroyed its main bearings . The bike bobs up and down on tick over but at 4,000 rpm it's very smooth and should last a long time , factory crank builds in Madras in the 90's was a bit rough and ready but things have improved now .

[Norm]

Hi Mark, I do have another issue with people completely unfamiliar with the earlier Enfields including Electras. I have people bring them here who have no idea mechanically and no real interest in getting their hands dirty. When I ask them why the hell they bought an Enfield the reply usually is "it looked nice" Always ends in tears and they then have to try and offload it and recoup some money

[Edward]

I agree with Norm's initial reply.I think your requirements are beyond the capabilities of the bike.

[theWoosh]

Can anyone tell me what the battery type should be for this? It is an electra x 2008 (carb). Also is there an advantage in using a gel version (if that's available. The battery is completely dead after bike being stored for ages.
I need to get battery ASAP as I think I have already done something nasty to my hip kick-starting it! I'm guess it gets easier with practice...
I'm sure some of you must be older than me, but I'm feeling my age today
Thanks

[Gwilly]

Order now from Mr H and it should turn up tomorrow morning...

Parts book online to the left this screen will be useful.. Also the technical notes..Take a browse. gwilly

[Alan (Lancashire)]

a battery will be to heavy for the postman , so it will be sent parcelfarce - parcelfarce don,t deliver on Saturdays