I bought the bike new on March 27th 2010. Now almost 7500 miles. Oil change every 2000 miles. Silkolene 15w-50 fully synth after break-in. I never ride hard up through the gears but I do cruise at 60 to 70. I've done 80 a couple times for less than a minute.
I didn't notice any change in shifting - nothing at all except the onset of the new noise. I haven't started the bike since draining the oil. Haven't refilled yet, until I know what happens next - ride to dealer / dealer collects / I do it myself / or ship to Bob...
I
strongly suspect this is due to a fault which has been there from new. I mentioned the bit of metal I found (then lost) at the very first oil change, and this engine has always been more rackety than the three other new Enfields I've heard.
If only I'd discovered this just two and a half weeks ago I'd still be in the first year of warranty - parts
and labour......!
Plenty of good guesses from you guys as to what the offending bits of shrapnel might be. I just don't have a clue, but I'm really curious to find out. I haven't found the other half of the round bit - it may be lying in there or it may be all that metal dust!
I'm a bit concerned about how much hourly-rate detective work it'll take to find the cause, then a possible long wait for parts. Still tempted to do it myself as a project - and so I
know it's been done right! Alternatively, ship the whole engine in to Scooter Bob to mend. What's the rate down your way Bob?
In either case, I am starting to wonder (God help me) about taking the plunge on a second bike - partly because I'm now hooked and don't want to be without my ride possibly for weeks, and partly beacause I'm wanting to do some long trips, and this disaster has got me wondering whether a beefier machine might be a better option than just putting the 18 tooth sprocket on the Enfield. Seems I didn't get one of the tough ones - maybe even the friday bike......!
Thanks for your condolences Sub. We'll miss him of course, but he was very old and not very well, and had been wanting to go for a while.