Author Topic: What's the average life of a UCE engine?  (Read 20136 times)

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ssg

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on: December 25, 2013, 01:14:13 am
I wish to know what's the average life of UCE engines?
Does there any difference between 350 and 500 cc engine longevity?
What are the best practices  to enhance this?


Craig McClure

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Reply #1 on: December 25, 2013, 03:38:05 am
Use of synthetic motor oil is a good place to start. Scientific tests have PROVED synthetics better lubrication & longevity. I like Mobil 1
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Arizoni

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Reply #2 on: December 25, 2013, 05:10:06 am
What's "the average life of UCE engines?" 

It's much too soon to tell.  They've only been around sense 2009.

Being a member of only 3 web sites that discuss a lot about the new Royal Enfields gives me a limited perspective but for the most part I haven't heard of very many problems with the UCE engines or their fuel injection.
The RE's made after the 2009 models seem to have resolved the starter sprag clutch issues for the most part although I do appreciate having the kick starter 'just in case'.

I only have about 12,600 miles (20,323 km) on my 2011 500cc RE and I know there are others with more mileage than that but I have not had any real problem except with the chain which I replaced long ago.

So far, I'm a happy camper. :)
Jim
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ssg

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Reply #3 on: December 25, 2013, 07:39:47 am
Thanks.
My bull has clocked 22,600 kms and I changed the chain (with sprocket of course) and the battery.
I wish to know is it logical to switch over to Synthetic oil after 22,600 kms?will it work?Till now I have been using the company recommended Motul 15W50.
Yesterday I had a chat with a mechanic he told me that at 30,000-35,000 kms the engine needs overhauling.That made me sad,I think there is no such time scheduled matter and all depends upon the periodic maintenance,driving habits and most crucial thing would be the engine oil.


GSS

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Reply #4 on: December 25, 2013, 02:45:37 pm
There is no downside to changing to synthetic oil. Given the traffic and running at low rpms in India, it probably makes sense that the cylinder head and piston may need the traditional Indian "decarbonization". I wouldn't let them "overhaul" the engine if everything is running well.....30K seems a bit early and I doubt if the entire engine needs a routine overhaul.

GSS
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Ducati Scotty

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Reply #5 on: December 25, 2013, 06:04:32 pm
+1 to the above.  Synthetic, decarbonize if needed, don't rebuild for no reason.  I believe singhg5 has gone well over 20,000 miles with no major problems.

Scott


barenekd

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Reply #6 on: December 25, 2013, 06:27:33 pm
Singhg5 and Jack Leis had well over 20,000 miles on theirs, but that certainly doesn't equate any "average life" of the engine. That has yet to be determined.
There are many gasoline additive products available that will clean out carbon. You have to behead the engine any more to accomplish the deed! Some gasolines already have such stuff in the gas. That's something that really was taken care off 30 or 40 years ago. It's not an issue any more, unless you are really running crap gas and oil. In th US, it certainly shouldn't be a problem. 
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Royalista

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Reply #7 on: December 25, 2013, 08:39:34 pm
Thanks.
My bull has clocked 22,600 kms and I changed the chain (with sprocket of course) and the battery.
I wish to know is it logical to switch over to Synthetic oil after 22,600 kms?will it work?Till now I have been using the company recommended Motul 15W50.
Yesterday I had a chat with a mechanic he told me that at 30,000-35,000 kms the engine needs overhauling.That made me sad,I think there is no such time scheduled matter and all depends upon the periodic maintenance,driving habits and most crucial thing would be the engine oil.

Silly mechanic.  ;D
Needs an inspection for carbon at 30000 km; then repeat schedule from manual.
Do so as long as decent gasoline will be available.

Imagine. While there are bullets about from the fifties climbing up and down the Hima's, why would these young ones fall apart after a measly 30000 km?  :o
moriunt omnes pauci vivunt


Roeland

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Reply #8 on: December 26, 2013, 07:31:29 am
I was told that Harleys need a engine rebuild at 50000km. so it would make sense that a RE will need a rebuild a bit sooner than that - 35000 km seems realistic.


JVS

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Reply #9 on: December 26, 2013, 07:40:12 am
I was told that Harleys need a engine rebuild at 50000km. so it would make sense that a RE will need a rebuild a bit sooner than that - 35000 km seems realistic.

Can't be true. A full rebuild? Something is surely wrong here.  :-X  :-\
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GSS

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Reply #10 on: December 26, 2013, 01:38:33 pm
Sounds like the mechanic is looking at drumming up some UCE business since not much goes wrong with these engines!
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tooseevee

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Reply #11 on: December 26, 2013, 01:47:42 pm
I was told that Harleys need a engine rebuild at 50000km. so it would make sense that a RE will need a rebuild a bit sooner than that - 35000 km seems realistic.

            Not to blow harley's horn at all, but this is rediculous.

            "You were told"?

            By who?  Show me history. Show me statistics. Show me facts.

            There are over a hundred years of both harleys AND Royal Enfields & many different engines for both to discuss as far as reliability is concerned. Some of them are trashed long before 50,000 km (30,000 miles) & others go on forever.

            Your statement is meaningless in the great scheme of things no matter who said it.  It's like saying "I was told everybody needs heart surgery at 40."
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Roeland

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Reply #12 on: December 26, 2013, 03:39:00 pm
I never had a Harley - I was told by a mechanic who works on Harleys - he was obviously referring to the older models as the newer ones would be serviced by the dealership. Saying this most Harley guys out here only go for a Sunday ride and probably cover only 5000 to 10000 km a year - so that would be an engine re-build every 5 to 10 years. And yes some bikes go forever but also bear in mind that in the 70's and 80's 100000km on a multi cylinder car was regarded as high mileage?


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Reply #13 on: December 26, 2013, 04:09:53 pm
Regular Maintenance, Ride till it breaks, Replace parts with better ones...
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barenekd

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Reply #14 on: December 26, 2013, 05:24:16 pm
Quote
Yesterday I had a chat with a mechanic he told me that at 30,000-35,000 kms the engine needs overhauling.That made me sad,I think there is no such time scheduled matter and all depends upon the periodic maintenance,driving habits and most crucial thing would be the engine oil.

That's only 20,000 miles. I don't know what idiot told you that, but it's just totally untrue. I don't know what he based the comment on other than some Hardley pipe dream he's into. There is certainly no real data out there that would even remotely support that figure
Please the that many of the mileage checks and such in the owners manual came straight out of the iron barrel manual and simply don't apply to the UCEs. The breakin procedure should be the first thing to tip you off. The UCE is basically unrideable following the procedure in the book! The decarbonizing at 18,000 which is a long way from being a total overhaul is also something that has been left in the books since the '50s. With modern gas and oils it just ain't necessary! You guys have to read RE publications with a grain of salt.
Unfortunately, new guys with no knowledge of old English bikes won't recognize the differences, so we will forever getting questions about some of the procedures. It is a poor show that RE is doing with the manuals.
Maybe the Continental GT will be updated to today's requirements...but don't hold your breath.
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« Last Edit: December 26, 2013, 05:35:01 pm by barenekd »
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