|
23 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
|
|
Enfield Lean burn or original
Hi all,
when they moved from the old engine to the newer lean burn engine.
Was there much improvement?, more reliability, where other parts improved other than the engine.
Still hankering after one but reliability is the key issue.
Currently on the radar is a 350 leanburn thunderbird. Disc front brake and kickstart only. Your views please
atb Floyd
Last edited by floyd; 23 Dec 2013 at 15:46.
|
23 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
Mine was iron engined and carbed but 5-speed, the interim between the old 4-speed and the unit construction EFI's. The newer the bits the better both the design and the metallurgy, but the weak link remained whatever left over 1940's component ended up in the front line when they upgraded something. I rode mine on the A & B roads in it's as supplied 18 HP state and had only one breakdown, an electrical connector fixed with stuff bought at a DIY store.
Looking at EFI's I still hear stories of Indian chains not up the job and other imperfect details. If you accept that this is a 2000 mile service interval 60 mph bike I think you will find the FI version superior but still not the Goldstar made by Honda a lot of people want them to be. This is the reason I will still look at SR400's instead.
Isn't a 350 Thunderbird a grey import? Home market rather than export will be **** even by Enfield standards.
Andy
|
24 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
The leanburn engine is better than the old iron engine. You will also benefit from a modern 5 speed gearbox which is a lot better than the old 4 speed. The 350 leanburn engine is more reliable and smoother than the European model with the 500 cc engine. Lots have done around the 100K mark without needing repair.
A near perfect bike would be a 350cc conversion of the electric start European lean burn Electra.
In either case use Non Indian made chains. ( those from Elite are not only better but also cheaper than OEM part)
|
24 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw
The leanburn engine is better than the old iron engine. You will also benefit from a modern 5 speed gearbox which is a lot better than the old 4 speed. The 350 leanburn engine is more reliable and smoother than the European model with the 500 cc engine. Lots have done around the 100K mark without needing repair.
A near perfect bike would be a 350cc conversion of the electric start European lean burn Electra.
In either case use Non Indian made chains. ( those from Elite are not only better but also cheaper than OEM part)
|
I know i could ask, but being a Enfield expert oldbmw Does the 350 thunderbird, 2003 reg come with a 4 or 5 speed box. The ad says 4 speed. Deffo lean burn pre unit?
|
24 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
If there is an extra lever to select neutral on the box it's a grease filled Albion 4 speed. If it is more conventional looking it is the interim Hatfield uni designed 5 speed.
If the add says 4 speeds it's the full 1940's experience, iron engine, brakes activated by sending a post card, wiring by Edison.
Andy
|
24 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
Could be either it is about the change over point. If there is an extra lever to select neutral on the box it's a grease filled Albion 4 speed. If it is more conventional looking it is the interim Hatfield uni designed 5 speed.
Andy
|
24 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
|
|
|
24 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
I understood the lean burn bikes all had 5 speed boxes. I know one that rode with us to the French rally did. It would be a big minus to have a 4 speed box, not because of the 4/5 gears. just that the 5 speed box is so much better designed .
|
26 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
Enfield mix the terms to try and make the home market think they are getting the same bikes. The e-bay link showed an Albion 4-speed just like your grandad used to ride. Lean burn in this case will just be smaller carb jets or extra sand in the petrol tank. Unit construction and a disc brake tells you the bikes technology levels have reached the 1990's.
Andy
|
26 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
|
|
The guy accepted my offer then sold to someone else
|
27 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by floyd
The guy accepted my offer then sold to someone else
|
I know how much that can hurt. I once saw an advert for a jaguar XK140 coupe. I rang the bloke and told him I would pay him his asking price if it was as described if he would hold it for me whilst I travelled up on the overnight train to him in Paddington from Cornwall. When I got there car was great. knocked on the door and the guy told me he had sold it late the previous evening. Those were lovely cars and that was the closest I ever got to owning one.
In this case I suggest you buy a European 500cc. It wouldn't be difficult to convert it to 350cc if you want to. Do not raise the gearing, they run much better on the standard ratios.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|