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[MartinB]

Jefrs :"a simple tweak of the air bypass makes the bottom end more tractable".Never heard of this?Could you expand please?

[jefrs]

MartinB re bypass adjust - the air bypass is a brass slot head screw on the EFi throttle body practically hidden under the seat. The entire throttle body can be rotated (Jubilee clip) towards you to gain access. Main purpose is to set the idle speed but -



But with idle set slow as supplied closing the throttle practically propelled me over the bars and cracking it open again resulted in nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, OMG! wheel off the ground (which is not funny in a tight bend). Throttle basically acting as an on-off switch, not gradual feed in of power. Taking excess slack out of the throttle cables did not do the trick.

Turning the bypass maybe less than 90° increased idle by 50-100rpm, not a lot, but did remove most of the flat spot.

Replacing the exhaust with free-flow 50s, K&N and PCV, and repeating the set up exercise has dialled out the flat spot to my satisfaction. The point of fitting the goodies was not specifically to increase power but to get the motor pick up smoother and more tractable, not so all or nothing.

[Lee B]

I've got a 2007 Electra - now with about 8000 miles on. I've used it to commute and think it's great.
However these bikes come with potential pitfalls. I've had to rewire all the wiring on the left hand side of the bike that was under the battery cover due to corrosion. Neutral is an 'art to find' when the clutch gets hot in stop/start traffic the only way is to select neutral just as you are coasting to a stop. I would never recommend this bike as a commuter (conscience would not allow) HOWEVER I love my bike and would never part with it and I use mine regularly for commuting in the summer. Read into this what you will!

[Beezabryan]

Shane has done around 12000 miles, spent £7000 (presumably in addition to the initial purchase cost), "and the full list of breakdowns has been massive".
Whereas a "twist & go" would have cost no more than fuel & basic servicing above the purchase cost for the same 12000 miles, would have saved hours of roadside angst, would have kept £7000 off the overdraft and got him to & from work with a modicum of safety and comfort.
My poor old brain cannot understand how money has been saved.

[MartinB]

Thanks Jefrs.Mine has a K & N filter and our host's exhaust and silencer.I've always considered tickover to be a bit on the slow side but the engine rarely cuts out and i wouldn't say mine has a flat spot or an excessive engine braking problem.That said it could be a bit of tinkering could improve things (or not!)These bikes are not about power are they but if engine pick up and running are spot on - as with any vehicle - the riding / driving experience is more pleasureable.I'm not familiar with the "PCV" either.

Lee B -agree with your comments on the Electra but the sprag is the thing which can make or break this model.The EFI is definiteley more modern in feel and much more user friendley but i can apprecite that's not everyone's cup of tea!

[CGT 535]

I've got 3 modern Enfields in the garage; but for commuting I use a 20 year old Honda CG125. Cheap, reliable and damn nearly as fast as the Enfields!

[jefrs]

MartinB - oops, I hate acronyms, PCv is the Dynojet Power Commander V. Available from H with custom maps for EFi models.


http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/ac ... s-ignition

[jefrs]

I have commuted by bike in all weathers. I would commute on my C5 EFi if I had to, I don't have 'cos I'm retired.



Running an old bike (or car) is a nice hobby but always a money pit. Reliability becomes an issue if the thing MUST get you to work and back. I expect no reliability issues with the new EFi models.

[MartinB]

I don't think my EFI justifies the expense of a Power Commander.Luckily if i want to commute i have the choice of several Jap classics which are up to the job as is my EFI but as others have said the clutch on the Electra (and potential sprag problems) would (for me ) rule out commuting in heavy traffic.Ive also got an 11 year old sports car for summer use which has great potential to be a money pit-much more so than the bikes i run.

[Shane]

To answer the question why did / do I ride an RE when a twist and go would do: I broke my back a few years ago and there are only a few bikes that I find comfortable to ride. I have tried Vespas and Honda scooters but sold them after a trying them for 6 months. I have a single seat and customised handlebars, this provides a tailored solution for me. Your experiences will no doubt differ!