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[sofiaspin]

I have just acquired an 08 Elecra X and have removed the standard carb/air box etc and replaced with our hosts Amal Mk 1 carb kit, air filter, and 50s style exhaust and silencer. The baffle is in the silencer. There is now considerable vibration with the bar end mirror shaking and vibes through the handlebars at 60mph. Clearly changing the exhaust reduces damping weight and changes the harmonics of sound. Just wondering if any quick fixes spring to mind (alll nuts and bolts are solid) as I prefer the new set up for lightness, speed and looks. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Leon Novello]

I doubt if you will ever notice the difference in weight, unless of course, you might have to pick up the bike off the ground. To fix the vibration problem and the "looks"; Put the thing back to standard trim and just ride it. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

[sofiaspin]

If you have lifted the stock exhaust of late, then add in all the other strangulating bits, it amounts to a hefty weight loss. Plus the power is up significantly. I might add more baffling. It needs richened as well to eliminate some popping on the over run.

[RoSy]

Heavier bar end weights, and/or check it's not running to rich at that throttle opening. Carbs and exhaust are like rhubarb & custard one of them will need sweetening to get the required result.

[RoSy]

Popping on the over run can also be caused by an air leak in the exhaust system.

[ric]

I shoved some oil based mastic and a handful of ball bearings down the end of my handlebars which already had stock bar end weights - instant improvement.

ON my 865 Triumph there was absolutely no vibration at the bars until I swapped the heavy stock mirrors for lightweight alloy bar ends. Weight does help but its presence is not always wanted.

[neddy]

60mph pretty fast for fairly std. Enfield, head-bearings tight enough, wheels well balanced, front shocks set up, wheels dead inline, etc,etc if engine is all nice&tight

[jefrs]

Fix the cause not the symptom. The new vibration will most probably be the new exhaust straining the head to the side. Loosen the nuts and bolts so the exhaust system lays there perfectly without strain then nip them up and run the motor at idle, then tighten the head clamp (is it push-in?) followed by stays. This usually involves some pushing and shoving of the system to get it into position, wiggle it about until it sits right before tightening it up.



Another trick was brought up a few days ago - loosen the front engine mounts, run engine at idle then re-tighten. Both ideas are to settle the various components into position without strain.



I've also swapped out the entire exhaust system on by C5. Although it didn't cause vibration, it did not fit perfectly first go; it had to be bullied around. You want as little strain on the head as possible.

[jefrs]

Neddy ??? it's a 2008 Electra X, maybe not the quickest bike in the land but 60mph is cruising speed. If you have unacceptable vibration at that speed you may well have something that needs fixing but fix the cause not the symptom.

[sofiaspin]

Thanks for all the considered replies and a lot of good points to check. Turns out the head steady WAS loose, by some margin. There had been a hairline tank split that was fixed and we left the catalloy to dry then did not nip up the bolt. It is the Hitchcocks open 50s style pipe. The bike shifts along easily hitting 70 and more. Also just spotted the front wheel needs trued up. Should be sorted for good within the week.