Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Other Bikes Tech
Other Bikes Tech For Technical Questions on bikes not listed in the other forums.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 24 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by blues2 View Post
Thanks for taking the time to find out what the problemm was with the UCE engines. It appears to me now that most of the bad press relates to the AVL engines.
Time for a rethink about the new Enfields.
I have booked a test ride this Saturday to give it a good try out. I will post again after this has taken place.
No trouble at all.

Do let us know your impressions of the new machines.

Regards
D.E.D.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 25 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I was told categorically by Watsonian that the crankshaft assemblies were the same for the AVL and UCE engine. That they the UK importer got it wrong (again) does not really surprise me. They were absolutely no use to me whatsoever.

Dont get me wrong, I really love my little Enfield, but the Avl's do seem to suffer from poor quality control. I have no knowledge of the UCE bikes as if I had to go left foot shift I would buy either a new Bonnie or MG Breva. The AVL bike is the last bike made with right foot shift and after 50 years of right foot shift I dont want to change as my reactions in an emergency have always been right foot change even after five years using a BMW with Left foot change. I never really was at home with it. I was at ease with the Enfield almost immediately

It is odd the Hitcocks blame the soft conrod for bearing failures, Priceparts have found that nearly all bikes that fail early have case hardening flaking off the crankpin and do so at about the 8 to 11K miles range and have one or more of the following.
a 'go faster' kit fitted.
a bigger gearbox sprocket.
running too far advanced. (pink when pulling away) mine doinks instead of thumps pulling away like a diesel cement mixer. It may be the efi has a different ignition system that is not fixed at manufacture with some form of adjustment or compensation for ignition timing.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 28 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
one or more of the following.
a 'go faster' kit fitted.
a bigger gearbox sprocket.
running too far advanced.
That clears thing up a bit I'd say

blues2 original query was about the UCE machines not modded and flogged AVL's as Priceparts reports.

Again, regretful that you've had such troubles with your AVL.
I do know the hart ache of such things.

If the opportunity arises to test ride a UCE, I advise it.
With the newer lump and the disc brakes they are quite a treat !
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 29 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by dirteveryday View Post
That clears thing up a bit I'd say

blues2 original query was about the UCE machines not modded and flogged AVL's as Priceparts reports.

Again, regretful that you've had such troubles with your AVL.
I do know the hart ache of such things.

If the opportunity arises to test ride a UCE, I advise it.
With the newer lump and the disc brakes they are quite a treat !
Mine left the factory running too far advanced. However these engines are suppose to be reliable at 44 Bhp, most of the kits are approved aftermarket ( most fitted by the Enfield importers themselves) get it up from 23hp to less than 30. This means the crank is only just up to the job. Some form of after sales service would have been good, quality control even better. They knew at the factory my crank was wrongly machined as the timing keyway was machined too shallowly so to get it out the door they fitted an undersized woodruff key. In all probability is also machined in the wrong place, but that could also be either the stator or rotor out of spec. The case hardening would not have shed from the crankpin had it been made properly. Those that are made properly seem to work well.
As luck would have it, the other problem I had on my trip across Europe was the disk brake failed When hot it would lock on and stay on until it cooled. This fault developed before I left France, but I learned to live with it across Italy, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Germany.

For my part, If I have to get a left foot gear change bike. It will be a twin, either a Triumph Bonnie or MG Breva. Although I prefer the even firing of the parallel twin, it is for me, too heavy and a bit too tall so the Breva ticks more boxes. One thing I did like about the BMW was the shaft drive.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 30 Aug 2011
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Essex
Posts: 20
Thanks for everybodies imput, I have now had a test ride on a new UCE Bullet. The bike rides well and seems quiet nippy for a Enfield. It would appear that these are as good as the old models. Now finding one for the right price maybe just a little bit harder.

Thanks
Blues2
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 31 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by blues2 View Post
Thanks for everybodies imput, I have now had a test ride on a new UCE Bullet. The bike rides well and seems quiet nippy for a Enfield. It would appear that these are as good as the old models. Now finding one for the right price maybe just a little bit harder.

Thanks
Blues2
Despite my comments, they are better designs than the old bikes, just from time to time ( too often) they have quality control issues which the UK importers often choose to ignore.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 8 Sep 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by blues2 View Post
Thanks for everybodies imput, I have now had a test ride on a new UCE Bullet. The bike rides well and seems quiet nippy for a Enfield. It would appear that these are as good as the old models. Now finding one for the right price maybe just a little bit harder.

Thanks
Blues2
Glad to hear it.
I hope all goes well for you.

Regards,
D.E.D.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 29 Sep 2011
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
I have put about 250 miles on my UCE Enfield(C5) that I picked up the other week with 1300 miles since new.

Rides just like my old 500AJS from 20 years ago, my only complaint so far is the single saddle is too hard, hopefully it will 'break-in', the original owner was a young lady considerably lighter than I,so perhaps she had no problem.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 30 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Resurected!

I'm going to resurect this thread as it comes top when your search Enfield UCE. As I am just about done running in the beastie below and it was mentioned in another thread I want to try and create a bit of a UCE refference. What I'm finding on the dedicated Enfield sites is a fair bit of confusion with earlier variants and different ecpectations to what those travelling want to know.



Cheers

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 30 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
This is going to be my UCE manual. Excuse the Hurley-Pugh logo, its a running joke on the NC forum

https://www.flickr.com/photos/145968...57679514081504

Item 1 : Can you run a heated jacket? No one, including RE customer customer service seems to know the alternator output, so fit a switch and/or a smaller lamp and LED running lights and use the power saved for the jacket





Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Private Imports Of Royal Enfields,, Notice by The RE company Red Bull Trip Transport 11 16 Nov 2016 19:56
2 Canadians, 2 Royal Enfields and the Indian Himalayas (& lots of pics) lightcycle Ride Tales 1 16 Apr 2011 23:05
Kenya to South Africa on Royal Enfields padikpanther Route Planning 6 9 Dec 2010 11:19
Rough Cost Of Royal Enfields scottoe Which Bike? 3 19 Sep 2009 13:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:09.