Forum

[PeteF]

Well, Papa, we'll have to differ on this but you won't find me running an air cooled engine up to operating temperature in the garage.
I guess I'll do it my way until I start working for the RNLI )

[papasmurf]

PeteF, I also make sure my Enfield, is fully warmed up before I ride away on it. That no choke and ticking over reliably at 720-750rpm.
Basically because of the horror stories on this forum I am sorry I ever bought it as I now expect it to self destruct at any moment when riding it. (Seriously.)

[PeteF]

Oh dear Papa, we disagree again. I always start the engine and ride off immediately (fairly gently for a couple of miles) The aim is to warm the engine as quickly as possible.

[nigelphoto]

Papa, it would be a terrible thing if you got rid of your Bullet just because of the bad (often exagerated) reports on this message board - DON'T DO IT!! The problem with a forum is that people write as though they are chatting in the pub, but what you don't get is the fine nuances and gestures which accompany speech and the free exchange of ideas. The Bullet is a very low powered, unstressed motorcycle rather badly built in India but based on a good, solid reliable design which has stood the test of time. Your method of keeping the bike in good condition over winter is probably just as good as anyone else's. I am happy to ride over winter (out on a club ride on my MZ later today - yep, east European tyres and its snowing!) and I ride at least 50-60 miles on my Bullet once a month and get it nice and warm but warming it up and letting it tick over for a while on the drive isn't going to do any harm. Its not the engine thats bad on these bikes - its the finish of the paint, the chrome and the electrics. Oh, and the current importers, which is why I include our hosts in my prayers every night!!

[papasmurf]

Nigelphoto, I would not even think of selling my Electra X(ish). The first, time it goes badly wrong it will get scrapped, because basically I could not afford to get it repaired, and due to disability I would not even contemplate an engine strip down myself.
Because of it's low mileage I did not expect to have to worry about big end failures, exploding starter sprags and so on.
I expect better of an engine built in 2006 a long way into a production run.

[Adrian]

You might actually have one, I think a lot of the problem children were 2004/2005 bikes. Mine is a 2005 model! If something does go bang, don't despair - there may be those of us local to you who might be able to help. A.

[Tim NZ]

The mayo is most commonly the net result of poorly routed engine breather pipe work up to the 'catch-can'


Subject has been discussed in great length may times on every RE forum since 2004; and the answers are in the Archives.


Basically: ALL breather pipes must be run with a constant rise up to the Catch-can. Any dip in the pipe work acts as a 'gully trap' and oil/water emulsion plus condensates accumulate at that low point.


Situation made worse in cold weather and short trips. If you still run the std Air filter and all engine breather piping, expect to find Oil and Globs of 'elephant snot' mayo in the airfilter, which is where it will all end up after the catch can fills with the stuff. You need to clean ALL the engine breather pips out...


If you want to contact me off list I can send you a schematic on how to route the breather pipes correctly...


royalenfield AT clear DOT net DOT nz

[Perorec]

I cleaned pipe that connetcts breather box and "machine" (I don't know exactly what part of machine that is but that's the pipe that "breathes"). That pipe was blocked with mayo. The other pipe is where oil returns back to machine and that one was fine. I also cleaned breather box and pipe that connects breather box with air filter. Air filter was full of oil so I put a new one. Next I'm buying non return air valve.
Thank you all.

[Perorec]

Did I miss any other breather pipes that I still have to clean?

[David]

I echo what Bullet Whisper said. A little will do no harm. I have owned two RE Bullets 500. Commuted on them through out the winter. Both of them at times were my only form of transport. I still own one of my RE. In the winter if it is cold, wet, or both, no matter how long you ride for, how hot you get that engine, you will not prevent emulsified oil. Thats running 20w50 oil. Changing to a lighter oil may help..