Forum

[jenks]

I currently run a 56plate electra! What benifits would I getin changing to an Efi and which model is best?
Cheers
Jenks

[Michael]

I've had both, although I didn't have the Electra for long and didn't get to know it all that well... as far as I am aware the benefits of EFI over Electra would be: no decompressor (well, there is one but its auto), no need to worry about choke or mixture, possibly slightly easier starting when comparing like for like, marginally more power (although not really noticable), marginally higher electrical output so you can plug stuff in... if you are that way inclined and the electric start has actually been designed alongside the bike so, in theory, it is more reliable (although not really the case for the very early EFIs).




The frame is basically the same, the suspension the same, the panels are the same etc...




The downside of an EFI over an Electra... tinkering is limited because the EFI system is made up of a 'magic box' and not a carb, there are MORE electrical bits to fail (and they can/do fail from time to time if my bike is anything to go by!), the wiring loom is considerably MORE complex, the stock exhaust silencer on a EFI is (a) rubbish and (b) about a million pounds to buy new.




Overall concensus... EFI is probably marginally more reliable, but also more complicated so when/if issues arise it might be a bit harder to find. Tricky one... I would probably gun for a classic bullet (pre-electra!) right now given the problems I have had with my 58 plate EFI, but EFI problems are rarer than Electra ones if this forum is anything to go by.

[apparently lucky eddie]

So far as I can see you'll get a little more performance because you'd be several thousand pounds lighter in the pocket area! Seriously though, there is a lot of electrics to go wrong and when it does go wrong there is little you can do to fix it. Remember an awful lot of Enfields are friday afternoon built bikes (that said all mine have been supremely reliable). I'm about to get rid of my car because I'm fed up with the ridiculously overcomplicated electrics and reverting to a classic pre-electric model. I'm with Michael, if you like tinkering a classic older model is for you. If you like shiny new things then an EFI is fine (love the new yellow Conti). Of course if it does break you'll have the guarantee and can just chuck it straight back at the dealer to deal with. Maybe the answer is both? After all, keeping a Hellectra running must carry some kudos!

[Adrian]

If your Electra-X is running OK and you're enjoying it, hang onto it! Even if it goes bang, getting it repaired is a **lot** cheaper then a new (and more complicated) EFI bike. Get your money's worth out of it. Like Eddie I do like the look of the CGT models compared to previous EFI offerings, and if I were coming to the world of Indian built Royal Enfields for the first time, I would probably go for one of those, or if not a CGT, then a B5.

The pre-EFI Electras' main mechanical weak points are the sprag clutch, big end (variable hardening quality on the crankpins) and cam followers. The sprag clutch can be replaced or even eliminated as a number of Electras have been made kick-start only. Our hosts sell replacement con-rod and big end kits with UK-made big ends, and with a bit of engineering work the cam followers can be replaced with the tougher items from the classic Bullet engine.

Do you have concerns about the continuing viability of an older bike (by modern standards), or is it the lure of the "shiny new things"?



A.

[jenks]

Thanks for your views guys! Was just thinking perhaps I should update!now as it is going well and I enjoy riding it, will most probably hang on to it
Cheers
Jenks