Today I changed the air filter on my Enfield. Unlock the tool box, undo the three screws holding the cover, slip in the new filter, screw the cover back on and re-lock the tool box. Except in the two minutes since I unlocked it the tool box lid no longer locks! Despite fiddling for ages it just would not engage anymore with the lock plate so eventually duct tape was employed to solve the problem temporarily.

I really love riding my Enfield but have to admit its build quality is best described as shoddy. It's better than the 2006 and 2016 models I owned but it really is poorly fitted and finished when it comes to tolerances and alignment of frame and allied components. I won't give up on it but do get tired of rectifying bad workmanship. I intend to convert the tool boxes to bolt and wingnut a bit like the originals were on Reditch models.

Ian

I'm now starting to get an idea of the setup. This is the chassis in position with 9" sidecar wheel lead, but a bit further away from the bike than it will end up to allow adjustments. As I thought the forward mounting on the chassis is far too far forward to be of any use so will need to make more split clamps. The body will be going off for paint at the beginning of March so no rush.

Mr Waitrose's grocery boxes are ideal for this job!

Looking good. Taking shape.

Curious onlooker: 'scuse me, what geometry you using on the sidecar?

You: Oh, the Waitrose geometry.

Curious onlooker: Ah. Right.

(Sculks off to consult Google AI) 😂

I'm now starting to get an idea of the setup. This is the chassis in position with 9" sidecar wheel lead, but a bit further away from the bike than it will end up to allow adjustments. As I thought the forward mounting on the chassis is far too far forward to be of any use so will need to make more split clamps. The body will be going off for paint at the beginning of March so no rush.

Mr Waitrose's grocery boxes are ideal for this job!

Hi Thumpeteers

Do you ever wonder why you love a particular bike? Why with all its faults and failings does one bike attract you whilst another with seemingly none of those faults doesn't? I love Sid my 350 Enfield, but to be brutally honest it isn't made to the best tolerances. The engine is fine, but everything else fits where it touches. If you don't believe me try removing a standard part, say the pillion seat, then re-fit it, with no modification, and wonder why suddenly none of the bolts fit back into their standard holes. The product of fitting at the factory with hammer and crow bar. And yet I love Sid.

Yesterday I was at a loose end so continued bolting bits onto The Mighty Midget which although they have been kicking around my garage in various crates for a couple of years all fitted perfectly. If I was sensible I would have continued buying Japanese bikes and steered clear of Indian ones. But despite all this I love Sid, how odd!

Just to reinforce my decision to retire the MM on grounds of cost to right all of its wrongs in terms of worn out parts I looked on ebay for a side-stand spring for it as this, up to now, is the only part I seem to have lost. Prices asked (which I know is different to prices acheleved) ranged from £13 for a spring to £113 for a side-stand with a spring, all second hand.

Ian

Glad to hear it mate. You look after yourself and I will be sending you good vibes.

Ian