[Dalmatian man]

First would like to say hello to everyone one from here in sunny wigan.Have recently got myself a 14 plate 500 classic which I am enjoying very much, a lot different from my last bmw 1100.
The last owner fitted a 19 tooth front sprocket but I am finding the gearing a touch to high , so intend to revert back to 18th, can anyone tell me what size of socket I need to undo sprocket nut.Many Thanks.

[2bikebill]

Welcome.

On the G5 (Electra) it's one and seven eighths - 48mm.   Can't think it'd be different on the C5.

see here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNK9tfJ1_xc

[Bert Remington]

Dalmation man -- experiences vary but I suggest you replace the oil pump o-ring and right-hand cover gasket.  Hitchcock's can advise.  Be careful the splines on the kick starter shaft don't damage the case seals.

[heloego]

   Agreed about the Pump outlet o-ring and the cover gasket.
   The kick shaft cover seals are a double-lip seal. I recommend packing some grease into the gap between the lips and liberally greasing the shaft before installation. This eases the seals over the lip to reduce possibility of damage.   Installing the cover gasket dry may result in leakage later. IMHO just before installation apply a thin film of Form-a-Gasket or similar, carefully rub it into the paper seal with thumb and forefinger, and install it immediately before it sets.   Torque the 11 cover bolts "star" fashion to about 86 inch lbs/1kgm meter though IMHO that's damned close to stripping the aluminum threads in the case. I torqued mine to 75 inch lbs/.86kgm meter. let the assembly sit overnight before adding oil and have had no leaks.

[Jako]

 To save a few $$$  I applied a film of grease to a new  gasket the first time I opened the side case ,  it has now been reused at least 10 times over the last 2 years and never leaks, I just check its condition and reapply grease each time.

[heloego]

Grease is definitely OK, too. The point is to stop any leaking.  Just a paper seal, and the oil simply seeps into it and out to the engine case or the floor, and you can only tighten the screws so often.

[suitcasejefferson]

Not sure what model you have, but it has to be better than a BMW. Stock gearing is dead on on the UCE Enfields. They don't have enough power to pull a higher gear. I ride 55-60 mph in top gear. These are not race bikes.


I use a spray on gasket tack on paper gaskets. Spray on both sides. It's sticky for a few minutes, so it holds the gasket in place. Then it dries after tightening the bolts down. I used to use grease on paper gaskets till I found this stuff. Never had it leak.


I definitely recommend slightly undertorqueing nuts/bolts on the RE. The Enfield is made of something similar to pot metal (it has a high zinc content) and is VERY soft. I don't even use a torque wrench on most of it's fasteners, preferring to trust my own sense of feel.

[Bmadd34]

  I don't even use a torque wrench on most of it's fasteners, preferring to trust my own sense of feel.

"Off with it's head".

[Dalmatian man]

Many thanks for all your replies, I am of the the mindset that the horse power of these engines is better left with the standard gearing. But great bike and helpful forum.

[Rattlebattle]

Just measured the official RE sprocket removal box spanner for you. As I thought, it's 46mm, the same as the wheel nut on a Triumph Sprint ST FWIW. As for the gearing that depends on how heavy you are, whether you ride solo or two-up, where you usually ride, whether you are a top gear cruiser type etc. Me, I find it much better with the 19 t sprocket. Don't confuse opinion with fact.