|
|
|
FAQs – frequently asked
questions
The following information applies to the range of motorcycles using the traditional 350 and 500cc engine, not the new Bullet Electra lean burn 500cc unit. This unit is covered at the end of this section. Q. What effect will 'Euro 3' have? We are frequently asked about the availability of current machines in relation to the new Euro 3 emissions regulations. This situation is complicated by different cut-off dates model variations and sales volumes in Europe. For Royal Enfield in the UK all current machines will be available legally until well into 2008. The exact cut off will depend on the amount of our stocks held at the end of 2007. We intend to have sufficient stock to match demand. However, what that means in real terms is that during 2008 our stocks of Classic 4-speed 350 & 500cc machines will run out and after that these bikes will no longer be available. New models, type-approved and fitted with an EFI engine to comply with Euro 3, will be introduced in 2009, or possibly late on in 2008. Details of these will be announced closer to that time, but all will be of an evolutionary nature, retaining the Bullet heritage. This new engine will be on display at the NEC Bike Show this November.
Q. I realise that these machines are much better finished and more reliable
then ever, but are they practical as everyday commuting bikes ?
A. If you have good basic experience of running and maintaining a bike of this
era then it can be an entirely practical proposition . We have many customers
like this who enjoy the simplicity of the engineering and doing the necessary
adjustments and are sympathetic to the riding requirements and do not expect
high cruising speeds or motorway compatibility. If this is not you , then
perhaps you would be better of with a modern Japanese machine .
Q. What about spares availability ? A. Apart from our own large spares department , Royal Enfield is served by a good number of specialists and an active owners club making it one of the best serviced marques. Q. Can I use unleaded fuel? A. All of these machines are designed for unleaded. Un-official and parallel imports have valves and seats which are not suitable for unleaded fuel. Q. What oils should I use in the engine, gearbox and transmission? A. Engine oil should be a good quality 20W-50 multigrade but you can use 15/50 as this is usually more easily available. The four speed gearbox is grease filled and should not require topping up for a number of years, and the 5 speed gearbox uses EP 90 grade oil. The primary chain case should have 10W-30 grade but you can use TQF /ATF fluid with some benefit in lighter clutch action. Q. What tyre pressures should I use ? A. There is the potential for some confusion as the hand book and workshop manuals give different figures. UK experience leads us to recommend - Front 26 psi Rear 28 psi ( 32 psi with pillion) However it is feasible to experiment between 22 - 28 front and 26 – 36 rear. Q. What can I do to tune the engine? A. Although there are a variety of tuning parts available the largest gain in performance from the standard engine is to replace the silencer with a free-flow type. Further small gains are possible by fitting a sports air cleaner and re-jetting the standard carburettor. Increasing the compression and port modifications are possible but this really needs some bottom end mods to improve strength. Q. Can I change the gearing easily ? A. The 500cc machines can benefit from up-gearing by one tooth on the gearbox sprocket to give higher speed cruising, particularly if the simple modification to the exhaust system has been made to release more power. Q. Can I disconnect the emission equipment? A. This is required on most models to enable the machines to meet the EEC regulations. Disconnecting the air feed pipe and sealing the exhaust union will not affect performance. The emission valve actuating feed pipe from the manifold will need to be sealed. Q. Why doesn’t the engine breather lead onto the chain for oiling? A. Its all part of the emissions regulations, but many owners consider it sensible to redirect the engine breather tube to vent over the chain for lubrication. Latest models have a return oil feed to the engine. A. How can I improve the front brake? Q. Recent changes at the factory have resulted in a significant improvement in front brake performance, but older machines with the less effective braking will improve after a bedding in period and benefit from careful adjustment. Softer linings will usually give better bite but only masks any basic bad adjustment or shoe mis-alignment. Q. Is there a workshop manual? A. We can supply the factory produced manual which we have now combined with some extra technical information. Q. My gear change is heavy – how can I improve this? A. This is most likely due to clutch drag . Clutch adjustment is critical – too much free play and it will drag , too little and you can get clutch slip. Careful adjustment is essential. The new 5 speed gearbox does not suffer in this way. The older 4 speed box may be improved by draining the grease and filling with 80 or 90 EP oil. Q. I would like to bring a bike back from India – is this a problem? A. There’s no quick answer to this one – but apart from VAT and duty payable, it is now necessary to get the machine tested under the Single Vehicle Approval system which requires a number of modifications to these Indian domestic models. We can e-mail you with more comprehensive details. Q. The handbook gives extremely low running in speeds – is this necessary. A. Many details in the handbook leave much to be desired and may cause confusion. The recommended running in speeds are neither feasible nor necessary. Experienced riders will understand the necessity to limit speed and engine loading for the first 500 miles and not hold high revs for any long period. The workshop manual provides much better detail and service advice. Q. During the winter I notice some creamy looking stuff around the oil filler, what's this ? A. That’s emulsification of the engine oil which is a common occurrence with air cooled engines in cold damp weather. It’s the result of internal condensation mixing with the oil. Whilst this occurs only in the winter it’s best to check the oil regularly and change the oil more frequently. Using a thinner grade of oil at this time may help. The best tip to reduce this effect is to run the engine oil level at the lowest mark on the dip stick – helps to heat the oil up and drive off the water. Q. Can the new 5 speed gearbox be fitted to older bikes.? A. Because the left foot mechanism has a shaft that goes through the engine casing, it’s not feasible. To make this possible, a right foot change modification kit is now available. Q. There has been talk about twin cylinder engines – is this going to happen ? A. Not in the near future, and there are other engine developments with the 500cc single cylinder models which will precede any twin cylinder developments. There is no possibility of bringing back any of the old engine types because these could not be made to meet the current and future noise and emission regulations. Q. What about the diesel ? A. The factory stopped producing a diesel engined bike three years ago. This could never be imported here and by repute was noisy, slow and unreliable. Various people have fitted diesel engines to bikes in the UK and one of our dealers currently offers a conversion.
Q.
What does the new Electra X give me that the old engine doesn’t ?
A. Better reliability, less maintenance, easier starting, more power and better fuel consumption, whilst retaining the simplicity of a push rod single cylinder engine. Sounds a bit glib, but that’s the nub of it. And it can be easily tuned to give 25% more power with our Highway kit. It also rides better and brakes better.
Q. How do I check the oil level on the Electra?
A. from cold, run engine for 1 minute. Stop and stand for 2 mins. Check oil
level, remembering to screw in cap fully before and after checking dipstick.
|
|
