I have been looking at both the Electra and a Bonnie. Love the classic looks of both bikes. Some of what I have read on-line suggests that the Electra may require more tinkering than most other bikes. I am not very mechanically inclined and I am concerned that the Electra may require more maintenance than I can provide and will therefor be spending a lot of time (and money) in the shop.
Can current Electra owners let me know what I can expect?
I am also tall (6'3") and 270 lbs. Are there any other large riders out there that can let me know how the Electra rides?
Sold my last bike (Honda CB450) in 1980 and have recently gotten the itch for another bike. The Electra looks like a great choice for an old rider like me but I am concerned about the maintenance.
PJB
Not many CB450 referenced these days!
The Electra in stock form will feel more like a Honda CB250 or Twinstar. With a performance kit to open the intake and exhaust and provide the correct carburation it will feel like a nimble CB450.
To your questions:
The Electra X requires relatively frequent maintenance at 2000 mile intervals. During that period additional checks and adjustments might be necessary: drive chain tension, air in tires, cluctch (cable) adjustment, valves, engine oil level, etc. So far my bike is reliable, but with its old design it does want TLC.
If you intend to leave all maintenance to a dealer, then the Electra might not be a good fit for you.
I'm 5' 7" at 175 lbs and feel almost right for the bike. If I could shed 20 more pounds it would be a perfect match. IMO, I think 200 lbs+ is a bit much for the Electra if you intend to run it at the upper limits of its speed range. If you're going to thump along at 45 and 50 it shouldn't be a problem.
As you know, the Bonnie will be the CB450's great grandfather. Stone cold reliable, fast, refined, competent, almost-maintenance-free. By comparison, it will also be expensive, heavy, gas-guzzling, and boring Boring BORING!
Matt