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Took 'A2' test, got 'A' licence...do I have a problem?

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Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 14:42 - 20 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I really like mine, although it's one of those space age ones with a disk brake and alumooninium barrel. However, I enjoy it in company with and in contrast to modern bikes. As an only bike, it might be a bit... needy.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 16:23 - 20 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks relatively unmolested, which is unusual in this day and age. Early 90's model by the tank and looks like it's been poked a little with a pod filter and sporty exhaust?

The "proper" pre-unit 500s are getting increasingly hard to come by and seem to be an appreciating asset, what did you land up paying for it?

I've got a 350 bullet and I'm building a fire-breathing monster (comparatively) project based on a 500.

The build quality on them is grim so expect a constant low level tinkering to keep it running sweetly. At that age, I'd expect many of the worse parts to already have been replaced.

Be aware that standard 500 pistons are notorious for the crowns collapsing/ coming off if you ride them hard (so much over 65 for a protracted period). Consider replacing it with a forged one. This is because they come effectively half sawed through behind the oil control ring as standard.

I presume you've seen https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/ ? Try not to buy the entire shop first go.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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Gruntmobile
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 01 Mar 2018
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PostPosted: 19:49 - 20 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm about to receive the service history, but what I know so far is that the engine's been rebuilt at Haywards in Cambridge, who are Enfield specialists I think (which hopefully solves the piston crown problem?), and the handlebars and exhaust replaced, and yeah looks like the filter is new. I was planning to repaint it, make it look all classy, but the rat look might be growing on me. It's a 2000 model, W reg.

I'm mostly worried that as a newbie I won't recognise any mechanical problems until they've done some damage - is there anything I should keep an eye/ear out for or any regular checks I should be doing?

Quote:
I've got a 350 bullet and I'm building a fire-breathing monster (comparatively) project based on a 500


Would be interested to hear what you're planning for your monster. A lot of people seem to like the 350s - how would you compare them to the 500s? Seems to me that the 500s are already lacking enough in top-end torque etc...
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 00:17 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

There isn't much to chose between a 350 and 500. The 350 is an overall smoother, less vibey engine. The 500 has a little more poke.

The main thing is to make sure you don't run out of oil. Check the levels regularly (like every time before you go out and more frequently on longer runs). If you notice performance deteriorating, loss of compression when starting and/or oil comsumption increasing, it's time to find out why. Service intervals are reasonably short anyway. Do check fasteners are tight because they rattle loose. Do not overtighten them because some are made of cheese and will strip.

Oh, and don't mix up the fasteners if you're working on it. There are at least four different thread systems on my bike (BSF, Whitworth, cycle thread and metric) and I chucked in a fifth (UNF) out of pure badness when I was fitting highway pegs. So remember which nut and bolt goes where until you get a handle on it.

Also be aware that a lightly tuned 500 will be making 17bhp-ish at the back wheel so don't expect it to be fast! It will sit at about 60-65. It WILL make you change down to third to go up steep hills or into a strong headwind.

The brakes are pish, the gearbox is even more pish and there is a huge gap between 3rd anf 4th gear which will annoy the hell out of you.

There's a thread on my big bullets progress in the show and tell section but I'm aiming for 40bhp and >100mph out of it. It would have been cheaper and more effective to buy a modern triumph.

They are easy to work on though. I came home from work tonight and fitted a new throttle valve to the carb on my 350, re-fitted the carb then fitted a new chain, replaced the rear sprocket (which is built into the brake drum so wheel out, hub off). Also had to switch the bearing across from the old sprocket.

All done in less than an hour.

However, this is a bike which will really teach you to ride. YOU have to do everything, it wont help you, it'll just do what it's told. You need to anticipate what you are going to want well ahead of time and get yourself in the right place, at the right speed and in the right gear to do it.

It's an interesting choice for a first big bike. I often say it's harder to ride at 50 on my bullet than 120 on my VFR. It's an involving experience
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 08:59 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh, and I wouldn't be in too big a hurry to start tuning it.

As stinkwheel has noted previously, a properly set up Enfield engine will start with a surprisingly small and gentle kick - I've started mine by pushing down on the kick-starter by hand (hand-starter?).

However, if you fiddle with it, plan for a fair old workout to get it going again. Consider that even if you get it set up right again then it might not start because it's fouled or flooded from failed attempts, leading you to erroneously mis-tune it.

Despite the electric start on the later models coming with its own problems, I'd rather have one than not. If yours is starting and running well, I'd be minded to keep it that way for as long as possible rather than improving it until it breaks.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 11:41 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes. I am currently regretting the decision of fitting the 28mm Amal carb to my lightly tuned 350. It's 5 years old and now the slide and body are very worn, the slow running circuit is a nightmare to keep clean and free and it's getting increasingly latchy to start.

I'm actively looking into fitting the larger mikcarb (a licenced mikuni copy) off a 500 but this is also a head-scratcher in terms of jetting. I'm even considering re-fitting the original 24mm mikcarb because it ran well with it, if not quite as poky on wide open throttle.

Getting everything as "proper" as possible is a good idea. The design is good and proven, it's the execution that is lacking in many ways. One of the best things I did with mine on thinking back was when I fitted a Japanese made carb service kit to the original carb which had proper mikuni jets and needles.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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Skudd
Super Spammer



Joined: 01 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: 13:58 - 21 Mar 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

grr666 wrote:
Yeah, but can he weave a big boy bike round some cones? Folded arms It's amazing how often one has to do that during a typical ride. Wink


Have you been on the M6 lately?
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Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".
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