Guess again, that **is** the 500 Electra-X, sometimes the little round "X" sticker below the Electra decal wasn't always added, but that does not mean it isn't the "X" Like I said, the 350 Electra has the old-style engine with the cast iron cylinder barrel.
Thanks, I'm still learning about these bikes and my eye is far from trained in discerning the differences. If it ain't badged, it ain't obvious to MY eye! :-D
If this is the one that really does it for you, fine - despite what I advised you I do love the AVL engine, I ride a modified Electra-X and a custom RE based on an Electra-X hybrid engine in a 1960 English Royal Enfield frame. With a bit of tuning work they can go really well. Yes, there are some known weak spots, primarily the sprag clutch on the Electric starter, the cam followers whose stems can snap and occasional crankpins where the hardening flakes off. But that doesn't happen to every Electra-X, so if the seller ever does drop the price, you need to make your best judgment about whether this is a suitable machine for you. You can of course risk it and set aside money for repairs when something breaks.
Thank you, sir. If it were a hobby bike, I'd be VERY interested. But I'm saving up for something more capable of handling some of the long distance travel I need to do, in which case the greater probable reliability of the UCE is what logic dictates. We tend to get distracted by "shiny!" and "cool!" - which is why I tend to over analyze and second guess and re-analyze and think through decisions over a period of time instead of just jumping in with both feet. Doing so keeps the buyer's remorse to a minimum. :-D
ABC:
As you've already decided against getting the AVL I guess this is academic but here's what my memory is saying about the AVL.
Just call me Paul.
Academic is good. Storing away info for possible future reference leaves one prepared to make better decisions in the future.
The oil pump was redesigned to get rid of the low pressure piston pump. It was replaced by a gear pump. Unfortunately, they kept the worm drive design used by the IB. Worm drives are easily overloaded and the gear teeth on drive pinion and the cross-shaft worm teeth will be damaged when this happens.
Lubrication is a big thing for me. In my experience, if one keeps an engine well lubed it runs cooler and lasts longer. Somewhere I saw a comparison video between the CI, AVL and UCE engines and the amount of oil moved by their respective oil pumps. I was skeptical of the Musket until I read where he beefed up the lubrication system. But for personal use, the UCE has the better system - in my lowly opinion.
The old points and condenser were eliminated and replaced with a more modern pickup coil to trigger the ignition.
I'm not sure exactly what this means - but recall becoming quite proficient with setting the points in the old Jeep we used to run on the back roads of Brazil. I always carried a set of new points, an old set well sanded and serviceable, a bit of sand paper and a feeler gauge - which in later times I didn't even bother to use as my "eye gauge" got so good at judging proper gap. "Fun" is where you find it, but having to reset the points on the road under a hot tropical sun is not very high up on my list of "fun" things to do! [/quote]
If I had the choice of spending a little less money for the AVL vs spending more I would hold out for the UCE.
It's proving to be a very reliable engine.
Thank you, sir. That's pretty much the conclusion I've come to as well. Yesterday I put a portion of the funds necessary into a six month CD. We'll be leaving for the U.S. in a few weeks and won't be back 'til a month before the CD matures. We'll see if we can save up the difference between now and then to pick up a Rumbler or
Haven't made up my mind what a logical second choice would be - there's plenty of time to do so.
Again, thanks to all for the input, and especially for the education on the differences.
Topic: AVL vs UCE (Read 4810 times)