Your Bit
Diane and Martin’s First 2000 miles on Electra X’s
"We’ve
both owned a variety of bikes in the past, including big bikes in my
case, and we have ridden BMW F650GS for the past two years. Touring is
our passion! We clock up about 13000 miles a year, throughout the UK
and abroad, through all seasons, in-between working to pay the bills.
How come we end up buying a couple of Electras? Well, we’d heard and read
so much negative publicity and banter I thought 'If they’re so bad, how
come the Electra’s been in production longer than any other bike?' and
we decided to find out for ourselves. We rang Jim Allan Motorcycles to
book a test ride one Saturday…. And the rest is history as they say.
I took the demo bike out first and Diane followed behind. First impressions – there’s
more pulling power than I expected. I went down the A16 a few miles and shuffled
around on the bike, got used to the mirrors. I found that I needed to make a
positive move to check the mirrors, not a casual glance as on the GS. This has
now been improved by fitting mirror stem extenders. Initially I thought the back
brake was diabolical and then --- errr --- I realised I’d been partly pressing
down on the exhaust pipe! A slight alteration to my foot position put that right
and then my right foot soon started to find the brake position instinctively.
We
turned off onto a country lane and then I started to “play”, riding
a little harder confidence in the Avon rubber grew and the lean angle became
greater….. and corners became faster! No, the Electra hasn’t got
the grunt, power and top speed of other bikes I’ve ridden. But, as Diane
later commented, anyone can just squirt it on if they’re riding a powerful
bike; the art in bike riding is to make good progress by maintaining a good average
speed.
The Electra is capable of doing just that and loves the bendy, undulating
B1203 between Jim’s garage and Market Rasen! I pulled over and Diane took
her turn. I followed her, eagerly awaiting a second ride. No chance! I followed
like a dog chasing a hare for twice the distance I’d ridden – and
back to the garage. Damn!
Jim came out and asked us how we had got on. Now I thought that if we were impressed with the bike we might have ordered one between us as a second bike so that we could have a different riding experience. What did Diane say in front of Jim? “I’m having a blue one. What colour do you want?” This is the woman that quibbles about spending a couple of pounds on extra video tapes in the supermarket! My immediate thoughts were “you’re not having one until you’ve been on a negotiation skills course!” Anyway, we went home to think about it and work out the finances and the next week asked Jim to order two bikes. We didn’t order any luggage because, hay – we’ll not be touring on them, we’ve both got all the luggage we need for 2 weeks + away on the BMW’s…… Ha Ha, read on!
We picked
the bikes up on August 25th and advice from Jim was, “Take
it easy and don’t exceed about half throttle. You’ll get
up to 50 or 60 MPH in 5th [gear] anyway. Bring them back when they’ve
got 500 - 600 miles on.” They both had 14 test miles on the clock
and they’d done 99 miles by the time we got home. Occasionally
I changed down into 3rd gear with slightly too much road speed and the
whole bike started to vibrate so I quickly whipped it back into 4th before
fully releasing the clutch. We both found that neutral was a bit elusive,
more so than any other bike we’ve had, and the engines were much
tighter than the demo bike.
When we got home Jim had sent an email asking
if we had got home safely. I replied yes safely but Diane had burnt a
hole in her trousers on the exhaust. I asked if Jim could make up a heat
shield to shroud the pipe behind the footrest. This was fitted at the
time of the first service.
The first trip out was to Richmond, North Yorkshire, a round trip of
218 miles to research a “treasure hunt” for a family event.
We needed to maintain a reasonable average speed and run-in the engine
so we decided to follow the A61 through Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield,
and Harrogate and on to Ripon where we picked up the A6108 to Richmond.
As we were still unsure about the bike’s reliability we took comfort
in not being in the “back of beyond” should we breakdown.
We purposely went up and down the gearbox as much as possible to vary
the revs and engine loading. The gearbox started to loosen up, neutral
became more predictable and my vibrating 3rd gear sorted itself out.
We didn’t exceed 50 mph and I was very weary of overtaking any
vehicle that I hadn’t observed for a while and decided the driver
was a steady plodder! I must admit I think that must be the hardest part
of owning a new Electra, but they soon started to bed-in and loosen up.
The next weekend we had a ride out through Hathersage
and Castleton into the Peak District, clocking up a further 60 miles
or so. The engine
continued to became smother and neutral was getting much easier to find – just
about first time every time. Apart from my CBT days, the Electra has
the smallest capacity [14.5 litres] petrol tank of any bike I had previously
ridden. With only 1.25 (ish!) litres in reserve I was concerned about
what range I had between petrol stations. We often find ourselves up
on the moors where village filling stations are sometimes closed on Saturday
afternoons and Sundays. I soon came to realise that the advertised 70 –80
miles per gallon was a reality and a full tank lasted well over 200 miles.
Remember we didn’t need any luggage because we didn’t intend
doing overnighters on the Enfields? Wrong! Diane got itchy feet and decided
that we were due a weekend a way with B+B on Saturday. We’d enjoyed
visiting Richmond so much that we decided to book B+B there, so, with a rucksack
each, we set off into the Yorkshire Dales and then on to Richmond. This time
we had bonded even more with the bikes and felt more relaxed. We had good
weather and took the long way round through the Yorkshire Dales. I found
the Electra skittered around more than the BMW GS when riding over the loose
country elements - crud, cobbles and crap!
But it’s a hash comparison – Electra
with road tyres and new stiff suspension versus one of the best off road
orientated bikes on the market with semi knobbly tyres. On arrival we found
that there was no off road parking so we left the bikes chained together
at the side of the road. The next morning we found them dripping wet with
mist, the stuff that gets everywhere, but both bikes started first time when
we were ready for off back through the Dales and, reluctantly, back home. Apart
from regularly checking the bikes over and dipping the oil the only attention
required before
the first service
was topping my bike up with about 100 ml of oil. When we went back to Jim’s
for the service he showed us some leather panniers. “Very nice
but no thanks, we’ll not be touring on the Enfields”,
I said. Hmmmm – read on.
We’d
booked a long weekend in Scotland. Big decision time. Do we go on the
GS’s or the Electras? We decide to put the Electras to the test.
As Diane put it, by now, riding the Electras was like wearing a comfy
pair of slippers [but with better road handling]. We decided to order
the panniers after all and made the 140 mile round trip to Jim’s
to order them. I know we could have phoned or sent an email but the
ride was more enjoyable.
That B1203 between Market Rasen and Jim’s was beckoning again! Jim asked
if the bikes were running okay and if we were happy with them as he liked to
give the importers customer feedback. By this time the bikes had covered 800
miles so I said that I would put a few words together about the first 1000
miles. As it turns out I’m writing about the first 2000 miles in about
two and a half months.
On Friday 4th November we set off on a route from Rotherham early for Tarbet,
on the bank of Loch Lomond about 35 miles north of Glasgow, which we estimate
to be about 290 miles by our planned route. By now we had totally bonded
with the bikes, which had never let us down so our planned route included
a stretch of the M1 at the beginning, A650 through Bradford and A629 to
get us quickly into the Yorkshire Dale and towards the Lake District. From
Skipton we took the B6160 through Kettlewell [where some of Calendar Girls
was filmed]. At Buckden we took the unclassified road through Hubberholme
following the river Wharfe, over a humpbacked bridge and B-R-A-K-E! A sheep
was stood in the middle of the road staring at us menacingly! At least
we now know the front disc brake works well! We started to climb away from
the river Wharfe and continued over the fells towards Gayle [as in Gayle
Water Mill for you Restoration programme buffs]. The road is not much more
than a single track and it’s not uncommon for us to get split up
as we overtake or give way to oncoming vehicles.
The fact that I hadn’t
seen Diane for a while didn’t worry me but then I stopped and waited,
and waited, and then got the feeling that something was wrong. I doubled
back to find Diane parked up. “I just heard a metal clonking sound
and I couldn’t get going again” she said. I tried the electric
boot - no joy. The engine turned over but didn’t fire. I did the
rudimentary roadside checks, fuses, fuel, spark plug and side-stand switch
bypass, without success.
Now at this stage, if we had any more jam, we’d
be called Robertson! We’re sat almost at the top of Wether Fell and
at the bottom of the hill is Mike Tonge’s R. E. Dealership in Hawes!
We swapped bikes and I freewheeled Diane’s just about all the way
to his back door but didn’t fancy pushing the bike through the town.
Ten minutes after ringing Mike, he turned up with a van. Back at his workshop
he worked out that a pushrod was loose and tried to find out why. He found
no logical reason and asked if they’d been adjusted before we set
off. I said about 600 miles before. He shrugged his shoulders and said
that the adjuster had come loose. He’d known it happen before but
it was extremely rare. He then wished us well and said – no charge.
We’d lost two and a half hours and needed to make time up so we modified
our route and continued on the A684 though Sedbergh and Kendal where we
had dinner and the picked up the A6, over Shap, through Penrith and then
circumnavigated Carlisle on the M6 before picking up the B7060 which interleaves
with the A74M, occasionally running alongside it. I often wonder why bikers
use the motorway - the “B” road is much more fun. We continued
on a short stretch of the B7078 but had to concede to both time of day
and lack of daylight and joined the M74 so we didn’t have to map
read and negotiate towns and villages.
Soon after joining the motorway
my bike cut out. My immediate thoughts were “pushrods”! I flicked
the electric boot and the engine fired up again and then I realised that
we had forgotten to refuel because of Diane’s breakdown. I switched
to reserve and set off to find Diane as she was in front. We met up at
the next services. By now it was dark and we rode in a staggered formation
to be more visible to drivers behind, in the nearside lane doing about
55 – 60 m.p.h. We arrived at the hotel at 7:30 pm. and we were advised
to unpack after evening meal, which was served until 8:00 pm. We quickly
freshened up and descended into the dinning room still in our biking gear,
ate, and then retreated just as quickly.
On Saturday our planned lunch stop was Rannoch Station a 160 mile round
trip. [Route: A82 north Crianlarich - A85 - A827 – Killin - unclassified
road on south bank of Loch Tay and past the Crannog Centre (of TV TimeTeam
fame and where Ray Mears failed to make fire the Iron Age way, allegedly)
- Kenmore – unclassified - B846 - Tummel Bridge and onto Rannoch
Station].
It rained
most of the day and when we arrived at Rannoch Lodge we found that
the kitchen
had just closed. Fortunately we’ve been there
3 times before and the owner recognised us and allowed us to order food.
Let’s face it, not many couples turn up there on bikes in April,
October and November as we have over the past two years. On our return
we called in Kinloch Rannoch, and refuelled at a station with no pay
booth, totally unattended, with a sign asking customers to pay at the
post office down the road! [Return route B846, unclassified south bank of Loch Rannoch, unclassified
south of Tummel Bridge rejoin B846, A827, A85, A82.]
On Sunday we completed some unfinished business. We’d planned to circumnavigate the Kintyre Peninsular in September but gale force winds had kept us to a more sheltered route. This time, though still raining, we were determined to do it. We took the east coast B8801 and B842 roads to Campbeltown and tested those disc brakes again as we went over the brow of a hill to find a cow laid in the middle of the road. The only option on the west coast of the peninsular for the return leg was the A83. As it happened this was fine as the daylight soon started to fade and my stomach started to rumble! Anyway it might be classed as an A road but closer home I know of better roads that are designated “B” roads. By the time we got back to the hotel we’d done 219 miles.
On Monday it was back home and ready for work on Tuesday.
You’ll notice I’ve not said much about the bikes recently. Well there’s not much to say other than they were eager to please, were doing everything required of them and were reasonably forgiving when my forward planning wasn’t what it should be!
Remember
my Electra ownership started out of curiosity and test ride to see
what all the bad press and banter was about? Well,
we now have
2000 miles on the clock and I can say: The Electra engine is in
a sedate class of its own compared to modern 500cc bikes. I can keep
up with normal traffic flows up to 60 mph unless I have to stop and start
on a steep hill on open road and then I felt that I wasn’t quick
enough for 'boy racer' behind. No, you can’t squirt
the speed on like the Sports Bike Brigade, but you can often catch them
up when they are balked by traffic or junctions further up the road,
after all Enfields filter just like any other bike. We’ve used
about 300 ml of engine oil between us. Reliability – Yes Diane
has had a breakdown but we’ve also had to have a BMW recovered
due to a breakdown and that didn’t happen on the doorstep of a
Dealership! It broke down earlier than any other bike we’ve owned
but we’ve had failures with Kawasaki, Honda and BMW and (dare I
say it?) mine hasn’t broken down.
What would I change? I’ve
dismissed the highway kit to give that extra torque and bhp. I like the
Electra for what it is. Though, I do accept that I am privileged to have
two bikes and can jump on the GS at any time. If the Electra was my only
bike I might consider it. I did wonder if the quality of the seat would
be good enough to carry my 13 stones comfortably all day, but I find
it remarkably comfortable. I may have it restored by Motorcycleseatworks
at a later date when it gets tired. When riding the Electra over crud
and loose gravel on country lanes I do miss the semi knobbly tyres that
are on the GS. But that’s because I’ve come to trust the
Metzeler Tourance tyres and, perhaps, I should treat the country lanes
with a little more reverence in any case. The standard fitment Avon tyres
are good road tyres and are sure footed in rain. Diane, being “vertically
challenged”, is interested in getting a low seat which is being
advertised on the R. E. web site. I’ve already mentioned the panniers
that are now fitted and that’s about it.
We’re
both chuffed to bits with our Electra’s
and they deserve a better press."
Thanks to Diane & Martin for their 'report'. Do you have some experiences you'd like to share? Drop us an email and some pictures & you could see your story on here!
