Forum

[Alan R]

BOBw-----No--no, you're not a bore, matey!!..Far from it, in fact--- This is intriguing and I love a good Engineering problem....Yes, if those part Nos. are the same then it'll be the same item...May I ask what made you decide to fit the softer springs in the first place ??.............. Let's try this scenario}-- You obviously have your forks dismantled so re-build with the new springs...Then fill with oil that is normally specified.....Give the bike a good work-out and see how you feel about the forks performance...You now have the option (should you choose to accept it) of re-filling with a thinner oil eg ATF if you want to...........Mechanically you will have the softest option anyway, but can now vary the degree of damping by varying the grade of oil............This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds !!!!!

[Bobw]

Hi Alan. I've been spending 'loads a money'on a 612 conversion (wich I can't justify so don't ask!) and thought I'd do a bit of suspension and brake 'improvement' hence the softer springs as recommended by Mr H & Co. My theory over the 'missing' springs is that it allows the 2 valve plates to move without the added resistance of the small spring holding them closed. So with the spring fitted you may need a lighter oil due to the added spring pressure (just as a pressure refief valve). It may be that if I don't use the spring I will use SAE 10 or 20 and with the springs SAE 5 or ATF. I also recon its possible the Sixty-5 became a test bed for the Electra as its of better general quality than ealier classics and I've found none of the horror stories seen in these pages. It was also possible that someone out there had faced the same issue or even better suggested their own improvement i.e add the small springs, open up the port size and use SAE 20. Think I'll experiment myself and wait for the "leave it alone guys" to have a go. Daft thing is that I enjoy tinkering as much as riding especially on a wet Sunday and I've got a brilliant Bullet. cheers again.

[Alan R]

Hi BOBw----------ok matey, understood ! Let us know how you get on please ??

[Bobw]

Hi Alan, Having bought the springs I've changed my mind about their function. They appear to be no more than bump stops at full fork extension. Once the forks are under load there's no pressure on them. Probably more of an issue for trials or India's roads. So all my previous thoughts seem to be a load of 'tosh' (replace as appropriate). Here's another thought, the fork oil notes say "you can blend different grades to suit" so waht happens to SAE 10 mixed with SAE 20 in equal parts, do you get SAE 15? Think I'd better go now and take my medication.

[Alan R]

Hi BOBw -------------- Ah, the twists and turns of Bullet ownership !!.. I've just had a look in my Enfield Workshop Manual, --BULLET--(which covers the earlier models) and also had a look at our hosts Parts Books Online for 1990, and both do NOT show those smaller springs....In the Online listings, 1996 is the last Not-fitted, then 2000 onwards they are... I think your "Re-appraisal" is probably nearer the truth...So, you can fit them and re-build..The oil question is always an "Old warhorse" on any motoring forum it seems......... My preference is to use ATF as it's designed to be sheared, torn etc, -----the book says 10-30 eng. oil,--- our hosts say ??.....Get both sides filled EQUALLY........TIP}--- Check-out the wheel axle clamps at the front of the fork legs..... The original Aluminium ones develop cracks over time.... Our hosts do a very creditable STEEL replacement ones and I can personally recommend them from actual use..............Also a good time to wash and check the brake shoes, drum lining AND}--- have you done the TLS adjustment mod ???---------------GO ON, be a devil and do the gaiter mod as well...................

[Alan R]

-------------- yes, I did realise the '65 has already got gaiters but they are those plastic ones which crack-up.... You can retro-fit part No.146167 without having to buy anything else....You'll need to do a small amount of junior hacksawing, thats all.....Have a look at my bike pictured earlier....I can load some photos on here with the dimensional details if you like ???------------

[Alan R]

----------Oh BOVVER !!! Scrub that last posting.... The Bullet 65 doesn't have the long fork shrouds to start with-----it'll have to be Part No. 92504 instead with the gap filler 801466 ..........

[Alan R]

----------Oh BOVVER !!! Scrub that last posting.... The Bullet 65 doesn't have the long fork shrouds to start with-----it'll have to be Part No. 92504 instead with the gap filler 801466 ..........

[Norm]

Alan there is as always a compromise the Bullet 65 gaiters I dislike because they look too skinny, but the Electra gaiters while the look better have a big gap up the top which will let water/dust get down inside the gaiter. At least there is a hole down the bottom that the water can drain out of but the sight of a rusty trail running down the outside of the fork leg from the drain hole is a bit worrying.

[Alan R]

------ sorry NORM, when you say "Electra" gaiters which ones do you have in mind ?? I've fitted both types to my bikes ( those two part Nos. I mentioned ) and in either case there wasn't a gap at the top.....