Forum

[2cvandy]

must admit I was nervous about buying my first fuel injected bike, I bought a 8 year old injected Harley 4 years ago after having had 4 other carburetor Harleys over the previous 25 years. I actually prefer the feel of the carb models, but I've done 20,000 miles on it now with no issues. Having said that, Hitchcocks carb conversion for the EFI is cheaper than a new fuel pump, so first sign of any trouble mine will be getting converted. At least you're going to end up with a bike you're happy with, that's the main thing, and more money for touring trips is never a bad thing,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[scotty]

Hi all made a new earth connection today hav, nt ridden the bike yet way to windy today but starts ok and seems to idle better comes off idle cleanly and a more aggressive bark to the exhaust.fingers crossed will let you know when I have a ride.

[scotty]

Good news took the bike for a run down the freeway no trouble getting 120kph and still going way down on vibration and a nice bark to the exhaust who would have thought a very bad earth could cause this, even accelerating from 80 to 90 in top up a steepish hill. How I managed to do 900klms in this state in pouring rain and get home beats me, must be lucky many thanks for all advice proffered so freely. Strange things these ecus give me a carby and boyer ign anytime.

[2cvandy]

excellent news scotty,,,,,,,,,,, enjoy!

[jefrs]

Scotty - which of the many earth connections did you re-make?

[jefrs]

Oops miss-read, fist page ... battery. The battery connectoids (things almost but not quite completely unlike proper connectors) are made of flimsy brass strip - mine split across too. It didn't bother the big earth strap but did muck up the black ECU wire. Quite easily fixed. Problem imo is not vibes but that the brass is too thin for the job and bent too sharply so it cracks, steel bends, brass doesn't. I fixed it so it's never falling off again but it it ever does let go I'll fit proper battery terminals.

[Barry N]

I think that anyone who sells an iron barrel now, will regret further down the line. However much the Indian models are derided by some people, they are surely classics of the future.

[sofiaspin]

I would agree Barry, but add the rider that they are classics now. I was at a classic gathering ten days ago, and out of 150 bikes, there were around 10 Enfields. Last year a couple. I have just had a dyed in the wool Triumph/Norton fan on the fone asking advice and sniffing around my Leanburn, and with my guidance is probably going after a late model iron barrel 4 speed. I suspect there are a few more others in my neck of the woods fed up with classic prices, and thinking of Enfields, more so when they see some of us using them and having a ball, and actually leaving our 'real' classics in the garage.

[RoSy]

Scaly, that is dedication to the cause, I would have probably sold it on the spot and like a kid in a sweet shop looking at the goodies thinking what can I buy next. A proud moral to be learnt by your stance.

[jefrs]

My 350 was Redditch and a long time ago, and it was a complete disaster of a rat bike, leaked oil copiously, slower than a Bantam. And yet is was fun for a while. The 500 EFI C5 I have now has proven pretty reliable, quality control probably better leaving the factory now as then for your 10yo. The only issues I've had with it have mainly been electrical connectors, all easily fixed. Yes, I have fitted a PCV but that is not necessary unless you also use a K&N filter as well as a free-flow exhaust (together they confuse the ECU); you can swap the pug-ugly silencer out for something better looking (and a lot lighter) without having to add the PCV.



What the PCV does is allow you to make adjustments to the injector, like you would with a carburettor. The injector is fly by wire from the throttle position sensor (and other stuff), the ECU has no adjustment. The PCV does allow you to trim the throttle response to remove flat spots, adjust the mix and the timing A/R. It does boost the mid-range a fair bit, with the correct map (Hitchcocks), it's no road rocket but a lot more enjoyable to ride than when I got it. I like fiddling with stuff, you don't have to go that way.



Or you could treat your old bike to a jolly good service and keep using it