Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: Smithy on June 01, 2018, 07:27:17 AM
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Mostly people who know nothing about real bikes obviously.
Me and my mate Phil went to Sizergh Castle near Kendal yesterday intending to stay over for the night. However when we got there the talk of the weather for today was of torrential rain and thunder storms so we decided to come back on the same day.
350 mile round trip with a mixture of A roads, motorway and B roads and the Enfield performed faultlessly the whole time. I'm not saying it was perfect; for example on the M6 travelling at 60 - 65 sliproads coming on to the motorway were hard to get right as I couldn't accelerate into the middle lane so had to dodge cars.
Overall though a pleasant trip and yet more Enfield positives.
Ian
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Sounds like a great day out Ian, and I'm following your Enfield experiences with interest, as they are definitely on my radar. It sounded great as you pulled away from East Kirby BTW. :D
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Thanks Pete I love how it sounds too!
Up to now I've taken the total mileage up by 5000 miles to 8300 and I am really happy with it. I have replaced the original chain which was dragging its arse at 6500 miles and done two oil changes, one with filter too, and have no negatives to report. As you may have read I don't mollycoddle my bikes but up to now it is standing the abuse well (oh dear have I just cursed it?). It is undoubtedly happiest at 45 to 50 on smaller, twistier roads but we did 60 miles of motorway yesterday and it did well.
I wonder if a lot of the negatives with Enfields arise from poor quality control rather than bad manufacturing as it seems if you get a good one you're ok but if you get a bad one, oh dear (there I go tempting fate again, my next post will probably be How to rebuild an exploded Enfield motor!).
If you want to ride mine anytime Pete we could meet up somewhere so you could have a thrash.
Ian
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What Pete said :)
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Evening Smithy, your thread makes for interesting reading, as my good self and big bro (propellor) are considering a couple of Enfields. I love the ktm390 I bought after my accident and for a 400 single it's performance is unbelievable, however the one thing I'm kind of struggling with it is, it's a tad revvy and I fancy something with more "grunt and plod" so to speak. Can I ask is yours a 350 or a 500 and is it lecci start or kickstart only? Oh and is your generous offer having giving yours a "thrash" open to other club members 😉😉
Cheers, Michael
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Hiya
Mine is an EFI 500 with an electric start and if I may poke the wasps nest a little I would say has a far superior engine to the old kickstart only motors, especially the 350 that wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding. The 500 has torque in abundance and is a lovely example of how a long-stroke single should run.
If you're within easy distance of North Notts you are very welcome to come over and thrash my bike around. Perhaps I should get commission from Enfield for selling their products?
Ian
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We can sort you some liquid commission. ;D
Be a good run down there across country Mick.
You're right about the rice puddin. I had a 350 Indian Enfield in the mid nineties. I am lead to believe they have improved since then.. ?
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Definitely. The one I had in the noughties was an 18HP, 50 mph plodder with brakes that would have scared Fred Flintstone. The EFI I just sold was, as noted above perfectly capable of going with the traffic if you took a little care. In 13 months 5800 miles it had:
One snapped chain: problem here is the inboard sprocket limits you to the same Indian rubbish or non -Oring stuff you boil in blubber once a fortnight.
One TPS under warranty: the EFI blink code is brilliant
One rotted wiring loom pin that cost me 10 minutes out of action and a ride out cut short.
Some touch up paint where the waffer thin Indian stuff had gone through.
One brake light switch (CRF ones fit if you add a sliver of beer can as a spacer).
One ride with a misfire I never adequately traced but went away after I did a fingertip search through the loom.
Electric foot not working fixed by stripping the button and bending the contacts back to shape.
Many gallons of ACF-50
3 oil changes.
Turned in 85 to the gallon too.
Lovely as a second bike and I'd consider another if I've picked the right 6 numbers, but its not a Honda.
Andy
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Thanks for input Andy M and smithy, if/when I bite the bullet (see what I did there🤣🤣) and purchase an Enfield it would most likely be going straight into the ol workshop and getting a full strip down and then getting some moto63 treatment, so most likely full rewire would be in order by the sounds of it. I've got the XBR tracker to finish first so probably be looking at autumn time when my wallet will be getting an airing 😢😢
Smithy, I /we may just be taking you up on your generous offer of a spin .... or was it "thrash"😁😁, I'm going for a ride with big bro on Sunday so will have a chat about riding down to your neck'o the woods in the next few weeks.... thanks again chaps👍
Cheers, Michael
Ps... "brakes that would scare Fred flintstone" that one made me giggle Andy
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My mid nineties enfield
[attachment deleted by admin]
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After I'd stripped all the steelwork off. Ally mudguards. Just fitting the B40 pattern silencer by the look of it. Sounded lovely.
Edit. K reg dates at 92, so I had it earlier than what I remembered.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Good grief don't time fly.... ya must av only been about 30/31 years old.... far to young for an Enfield is what I remember thinking at the time 🤣🤣🤣... now mid to late 50's sounds about right to reacquaint oneself with the brand😉😉
Still got the shed too
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Close. But no banana ;D
32 in 1992.
That was second generation shed . I'm now on 3rd generation.
You were right about being too young for an Enfield though ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks for input Andy M and smithy, if/when I bite the bullet (see what I did there🤣🤣) and purchase an Enfield it would most likely be going straight into the ol workshop and getting a full strip down and then getting some moto63 treatment, so most likely full rewire would be in order by the sounds of it. I've got the XBR tracker to finish first so probably be looking at autumn time when my wallet will be getting an airing 😢😢
Smithy, I /we may just be taking you up on your generous offer of a spin .... or was it "thrash"😁😁, I'm going for a ride with big bro on Sunday so will have a chat about riding down to your neck'o the woods in the next few weeks.... thanks again chaps👍
Cheers, Michael
Ps... "brakes that would scare Fred flintstone" that one made me giggle Andy
Cool. You are welcome to come here for a cuppa and some Enfield riding or we could meet up at CMC at Clay Cross for a bacon buttie etc. It's only 10 miles from my house and we might persuade TJ63 to pop along as well. Would that make it a proper TC gathering?
Ian
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I was 28 when I got my first one. Biggest hassle on that sort of score was all the old boys who hadn't realised electric lighting and round section tyres were an improvement. They are still out there, Hitchcocks will sell you an EFI to carb downgrade, which I get if you are too old to learn what little there is to know about FI, enjoy carb fiddling witchcraft and don't care about killing the planet, but why would you want a cable operated drum (another kit at vast expense) instead of two disks and ABS?
If I got another I would rewire it to a proper automotive standard. The FI and ABS stuff they bought recently so could be left alone. The lights and charging circuit are full on Indian **** with connectors I recognise from my K100 back in the day. The switch gear, sidestand interlock etc. I would bin and use second hand Japanese (that'd get a few of the Retired Expired and Old Club coughing and shaking their copies of the magazine). You'd also want the wheels at least stripped, the spokes rot. I'd look at going tubeless while I was at it (get the jump starter boys, heart attack alert at the REOC!). When I changed the tyres there was a safety rim so it can be done with a seal kit. I'm glad I never had a puncture BTW, the rims are oversize and needed a beadbreaker, I suspect they are made to Imperial sizes somehow.
Andy
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Thanks again chaps for input, bacon sarni's and coffee Ya say, you obviously know how to temp a plumber Ian 😁. Like I say Andy it would most likely be getting a full strip down over this coming winter as I've already got a picture in my mind of what I'd like to do with one, it is really more a case of me wanting/needing to know if I could live with the general characteristics of an Enfield motor. Now I'm 55 I surely qualify 😁😁🤘. Must say tho, I am really looking forward to having a go on one, wether it's yours Ian or another one. Quite fancying the continental GT as my starting point.
Cheers, Michael
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Enjoying this thread very much. Just be aware that there big differences between the EFI bullets and the earlier Indian Bullets.
My 2002 was a bullet Classic, so drum front brake, four speed, and right hand change. It was brutally agricultural but with oodles of character.
There was then an interim model called a 65, which had a five speed box and was more 1960s styled. think the gear change had moved to the left by this stage, and had electric start as standard.
Then came the Electra X, which had the leanburn engine, disc front brake, left foot change five speed, and was a lot smoother and better performance.
And then the EFI and the Conti 535GT. Some EFI Bullets didnt have a kick start either I think.
Sorry this is all a bit vague, but hopefully itll give you something to go on ;)
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Cheers Tim. Helpful as I've totally lost touch with the development of the Enfield range.
Mine was 92 and a four speed right hand shift. I never really struggled with the gearbox but mine smoked like a two stroke when it got hot in spite of text book running in. The tappet clatter was bad also once it got hot. The tappet clearance was zero when cold and it was really quiet just after starting but the clatter started once the heat got into the barrel and head.
I'm thinking of getting another Enfield, along with Mick.
Cheers.
Andrew.
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Yes, cheers Tim. Most helpful, I'm seriously considering going for a 535 continental GT. so from what you think I'd be ok having a ride on the bullet EFI as they're the same engine??. It's mainly the engine characteristics that I'm interested in.
Cheers, Michael
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My first one was a 65. The only real change from the "iron barrel classic" was the 5 speed university of Cranwell designed gearbox (still separate but left foot change) instead of the right foot, grease filled Albion original.
The EFI is a very different beast except for the styling. The GT is really just a styled EFI, no real change in the engine so getting a ride on any EFI will suit your purpose.
Think I've posted the link to my notes here before? https://flic.kr/s/aHskTdi56E (https://flic.kr/s/aHskTdi56E)
When I was looking to buy I struggled to justify the extra cost of the GT when its basically the same, but if you ars going to style yourself I can see it maybe gives a head start.
The non-nacelle headlight would be one practical reason to get a GT, your average Bullet headlight is designed to put the Luftwaffe off their aim but is useless in a ground search role!
Andy
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Again... thanks for the input Andy, the more info I'm gathering on the Enfields generally really is starting to wet my appetite to swing a leg over one and have a test ride. I'll keep you posted on any developments.... cheers, Michael
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so, as a non enfield person, what i have gleaned is that theyre great bikes and all the tales of unreliability and inbuilt faults are mere twaddle put about by those fools who dont realise that its normal to buy a bike, completely rebuild and rewire it replacing sub standard stock parts before riding it on the road, whilst tutting at those idiots who buy japanese bikes and just ride them round without complete stripdowns, the crazy foolish simpletons......
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so, as a non enfield person, what i have gleaned is that theyre great bikes and all the tales of unreliability and inbuilt faults are mere twaddle put about by those fools who dont realise that its normal to buy a bike, completely rebuild and rewire it replacing sub standard stock parts before riding it on the road, whilst tutting at those idiots who buy japanese bikes and just ride them round without complete stripdowns, the crazy foolish simpletons......
Japanese build quality is shite. Total rubbish. They don't know what they're ..... oh, hang on, it's not 1965 anymore is it! 😂😂😂
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This is one for Ian (smithy)..... can I ask Ian, are you anywhere near bakewell?? And are you free on the 24th of this month? Both myself and big bro can ride down that day and hopefully take you up on your generous offer of "a thrash" 😁 On your Enfield.
Cheers, Michael
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I dont know engine wise, if there are any differences between an EFI and a GT535. As for my 2002 Bullet Classic, apart from having to replace the exhaust valve with a better quality item, thanks to overzealous riding,(not hard really), I didnt have to do anything else other than basic servicing. Quality was fine, and I never had any electrical problems ;)
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so, as a non enfield person, what i have gleaned is that theyre great bikes and all the tales of unreliability and inbuilt faults are mere twaddle put about by those fools who dont realise that its normal to buy a bike, completely rebuild and rewire it replacing sub standard stock parts before riding it on the road, whilst tutting at those idiots who buy japanese bikes and just ride them round without complete stripdowns, the crazy foolish simpletons......
No idea about Enfields, but this made me laugh, so ta for that, johnr!
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Enfields are sort of two for one offer. Some days you ride, some days you fettle. The wife is never going believe that the day there is something decent on the radio and the beer fairy mysteriously tops up the fridge in the garage that the CB500 urgently needs its thrunging sprocket adjusting and flux capacitor re-calibrating is she.
Andy
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This is one for Ian (smithy)..... can I ask Ian, are you anywhere near bakewell?? And are you free on the 24th of this month? Both myself and big bro can ride down that day and hopefully take you up on your generous offer of "a thrash" 😁 On your Enfield.
Cheers, Michael
I am not too far from Bakewell and am indeed free on the 24th so it looks good for a catch up and a test ride!
Whereabouts in Bakewell shall we meet up and what time?
Ian
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Brilliant Ian, I'll check big bro is good for the 24th and let you know times etc, you say "catch up and a TEST ride" I thought we we're coming down for a THRASH 😁😁😁😁
Cheers, Michael
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I'm good to go. Looking forward to meeting up.
I'll save the skin off me rice puddin. See how it gets on wi that 🤣🤣.
Is Bakewell the town where there's a long straight leaving town heading towards ashbourne? We've ridden that way to Stafford a few times but there's a year passes by each time 🙄🤣
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Ah,....well there you go Ian, big bro clearly is free on the 24th. I can picture a roundabout in the middle of bakewell if I'm not mistaken??. Then a long straight road leading off it at the first exit. That's the first exit as we would come to it going down to Stafford. Am on picturing the right village here? ...
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Hi Michael
I'm pretty sure you have the right village. If you look on Google maps the road you're thinking of is the A6 Buxton Road (I think) and leaves the roundabout in Bakewell as North Church Street. Just where that first bend to the right is there is a bit of a parking area which would be a good place to meet.
Thrash, test it's all the same to me!
Ian
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Enfield bullet. A bike where the definition of thrash and plod is the same 😌😂😂
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Morning Ian... sounds like we're at the same place then, which is good😁. I'm out tomorrow morning for a ride with big bro, so will discuss an approximate ETA and let you know. Look forward to meeting up and looking forward to having a ride on your bike. Eerrr "thrash"😁🤘
Cheers, Michael
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Moto63 and Propellor I'm going to make myself unpopular and owe you a very large apology but I don't think I can go through with this. I'm not sure I want to let anyone else ride my pride and joy. Sorry lads I should have thought it through better, I hope I haven't messed things up for you too much.
Ian
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Afternoon Ian.... absolutely no problem mate, I quite understand how you feel. I don't think I'd be over keen on letting a total stranger out in my bike. We were However looking forward to the ride down to bakewell and meeting up with you. Like I say tho, no problem. Thanks for letting us know in plenty of time.
Cheers, Michael
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Hi Ian.
No problem at all, like Mick I totally understand. If y'all still want to meet up I'm game for the ride down to Bakewell anyhow. A run over the tops on the type of roads we gravitate towards these days.
I've had a 350 bullet in the past so have a reasonable idea what to expect. I wouldn't mind having a listen to a more modern version to see if they've cured the loud valve gear rattle. There's an Enfield dealer not far from me so I can pay a visit.
Cheers
Andrew.
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Shouldn't that read a "a Harley dealer near me" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
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Fellas you have been so reasonable I have an idea. How about we meet up in Bakewell as planned, I will lead you to a nearby bike café (the Yondermann) and you can take a spin on the P&J from there? That way we can eat bacon butties, chat bikes and you can have an opportunity to sample the Enfield?
Ian
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If im free on Saturday morning, I will scoot across and meet you for breakfast as well ;)
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I think it would be the Sunday for our ride down Tim, don't know if you're free that day? It'd be good to meet up n have butty n a brew with you??
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If it helps you make up your mind Tim it's also British Bike day at CMC bike shop in Clay Cross that day and it's not too far from Bakewell. Could be a TC day out?
Ian
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Doh! Got my dates mixed up. Sunday suits me better anyway, so I look forward to it, and a visit to Clay Cross. What time you meeting, and is it at the Yonderman cafe? :)
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Good evening Ian and Tim, we were hoping to be leaving from up norf at approximately 7:30am on the Sunday morning so would hopefully be getting down to bakewell for around 10:30 to 11 o clock. I hope this fits in with you two fellows and look forward to meeting up with you both and having a brew n a buttie oh and hopefully sample the Enfield 🤞
Cheers, Michael
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Count me in. Looking forward to the run down and meeting up. Be great if the weather obliged too.
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That time suits me fine. Tim we are meeting in a little parking place just off the roundabout in the centre of Bakewell. Have a look at former posts in this thread for more details.
Ian
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That's great Ian, hopefully see you at around that time. I'll be on fairly noisy ktm390 duke so you'll most likely hear me coming. Hope you can make it along Tim, be good to catch up again.
Cheers. Michael
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Sounds good. Im still not a definite, but hope to be there.
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I've just found this thread. I can't resist a Yondermanns breakfast, so I'll see you on Sunday morning.
Trevor
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Morning gents.... be good to meet up and finally put faces to names, hopefully see you on Sunday.
Cheers, Michael
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Thanks folks. I will find the layby in Bakewell, mentioned above :)
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Still hope to be there. If im not there by 10:45, just head on boys ;)
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I've just found this thread. I can't resist a Yondermanns breakfast, so I'll see you on Sunday morning.
Trevor
Great to have you join us Trevor.
Ian
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Just got back from bakewell where we met up with Ian and Trevor. Really good to finally meet you fellows and put faces to names. Many thanks and a big thumbs up to Ian for handing over the keys to both myself and big bro for a spin on his pride and joy. Very decent of you Ian so thanks again. Not forgetting Trevor, I got to say thanks for taking the time to ride up and down looking looking for us👍
The trip down was well worth it, not just for a cracking ride both down and back up but also because it served the purpose of letting me know wether to go out and look for an Enfield. I will.
Pity Tim couldn't make it, would have been good to catch up again, hopefully catch up at Stafford.
Thanks again chaps, Michael
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I'll second what Mick said. Very nice to meet Ian and Trevor. Big thanks to Ian for trusting us both with a spin on his bike.
The run down to bakewell was a cracking run over the tops on the little roads. Early get go at 7am but gorgeous weather.
I think a 500 Enfield will make a great second bike, for the little roads (not that it's not capable of other stuff).
Thoroughly good day. Many thanks chaps.
(Didn't get my hands on a tart, but I did have a saus n Tom 😁😁😁)
Cheers
Andrew.
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Thanks chaps it was indeed a grand meet up. I find Thumper Club people to be very agreeable people indeed and you two and your mates Rob and Tom are no exception. What I really like is it's about riding bikes and not just owning something that one thinks impresses other people. I loved your GPZ Andy and Rob's ER5, proper useable, personalised bikes that get ridden. Not forgetting Mick's KTM 390 which does its best to sound WAAAAY bigger than 400cc!
Good to see you out and about too Trevor glad you're ok. Hope to catch up with you and Tim at Wetton in July.
Thanks again chaps and looking forward to joining you on some Yorkshire roads soon.
Ian
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Yep, apologies for not making it over to Bakewell fellas. Very late night the night before watching a great little band play in a local pub. The drummer is blind, and two of the guitarists are in wheelchairs, plus young Sam is autistic. They played all their own stuff and are called Angry Fish. From Sutton Coalfield, and very good.