RE 500 electric start

[spooky]

I am looking at 500 e/start RE`s, there seem to be a few that have had problems with the sprag gear ? and the adverts often say electric start is not connected,  is this a common and big problem ? I would need the electric leg if it was to be a viable option bike for me..

[timbo]

Hi Rufus. Definitely the early classic engined  ES models had this problem. So that's starting from 2002 when the first electric starts came out. My mate Sharon has an Electra X which is the next generation, say around mid 2000s, and she has been through sprag clutches, and only kicks hers now. But my understanding is that the EFI models have not had these problems, so the modern version should be ok 
Funny, the electric start on my 2002 classic never gave any problems, but that's cause I rarely used it 

[spooky]

Thanks T, looks like they are not for me, if it doesn`t work i may as well look at something else,  500r mz maybe..i don`t know

[xbally]

Hi Rufus. Definitely the early classic engined  ES models had this problem. So that's starting from 2002 when the first electric starts came out. My mate Sharon has an Electra X which is the next generation, say around mid 2000s, and she has been through sprag clutches, and only kicks hers now. But my understanding is that the EFI models have not had these problems, so the modern version should be ok 
Funny, the electric start on my 2002 classic never gave any problems, but that's cause I rarely used it 

Echo the above comments from personal experience.I had a new old stock pre unit engined Bullet Electra X from Hitchcocks and the sprag clutch went twice in very low miles despite being wrapped in cotton wool.The de-compressor did not work either so a very hefty well timed kick was needed which is fine if you're used to old school brit singles which i wasn't! I p/exed mine for a 2009 EFI which was brilliant in comparison.reliable electric and kick starting,de-compressor makes it easy to start.Slightly more power than the pre-unit engine-not quite 100 mpg which i got with the Electra X (the cycle parts on the early EFIs were very similar to the Bullet Electra)useable front disc brake .Gearbox and clutch are much better on the EFI too.I would have another but wouldn't touch an Electra with a barge pole!