Howdy folks,
I rode 400 miles during the weekend, with pillion and panniers, including across the highest mountain passes in England in Cumbria. Lots of twisties and hill climbs, mountain passes and lake side roads - just what this little thumper is built for. We did Hartside pass near Alston, Hardknott pass, Wynrose Pass, Kirkstone pass all in Cumbria
You may have guessed from my profile name that I have ridden Enfields in India - (Delhi - Amritsar (Punjab) - Kashmir - Jammu - Leh - Himachal Pradesh) and it was here that I discovered the Indian Enfields and there love of technical roads. I rode 350 & 500 Bullets and a 350 lean burn twin spark Thunderbird with a longer rake (which handled brilliantly)
Riding the older bullets with less torque, in the Indian environment, wasn't a problem as the bike is well pitched against the conditions found over there (Granted the bike was starved of air above 17,000 feet struggling uphill).
The new UCE bike is an excellent improvement, but I think I'd still like even more power and perhaps improve the handling.
I realise the engine hasn't been around that long, and there seems to be little in way of upgrades or modifications.
The first thing I was considering was a seperate oil catch can - I've noticed a lot of oil is being pushed out of the PCV valve into the air box - in fact so much pressure from the engine is being diverted there it's putting strain on the lock catch for the airbox cover. I'd rather collect this in a separate container and empty it at home into a old oil container as the air filter will get clogged. Also this will keep the plug cleaner. And I think I will drill a vent into the airbox and place wire mesh internally over the drilled holes.
I'm considering having the suspension fettled front and rear... does anyone know of any kits?
There isn't a K&N listed for the bike. Any ideas on this?
I want to change the front sprocket so I'm not so high in the rev range when at full chat along a straight. should I go for a 19 tooth?
and what about the rear sprocket? could I do anything with this?
I'm interested in any performance modifications to the engine. Cam, Piston, Crank.... anything.
I'm running the accessory sports exhaust - I have considered taking this off and running with a slash cut pipe but was concerned about back pressure being too low... any advice or opinions?
I'm into endurance trials and timed hill climbing - and this is my new baby - I push this bike pretty hard (and give it cool down periods) so will be looking out for any tech ideas to replace components or modifications to rectify the stock kit not up for the job.
I wonder if I need to brace the frame anywhere too.....