Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Electra & AVL => Topic started by: Thumper on October 04, 2007, 05:53:23 pm

Title: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Thumper on October 04, 2007, 05:53:23 pm
What cosmetic changes are people making to their Electra X's?

I will likely retain my saddlebags for practical reasons, and my solo seat for economic reasons; but am considering changing the turn signals, taillight and mirrors.

Has anyone else swapped in a different taillight or turn signals? Do you have photos?

As a follow-up to my post on bar-end mirrors several weeks ago: Has anyone removed the welded-in inserts on the Electra X handlebar to install bar-ends? If so, how did you do it?

As a follow-up to my previous post on a 'minimalist' Electra, I am toying with the idea of removing the sidecovers and getting a battery-relocation kit (although I'm not sure there is one for the Electra X). I'll have to spend an afternoon mocking up the 'look' on my Electra to see if it appeals to me. Anyone done this yet? If so, what did you do with the ovum cases?

Matt
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: luoma on October 05, 2007, 03:37:45 am
When I first got my Electra, I thought the styling just didn't fit. There was a mix of old and new that clashed. Changing the seat seamed to make the biggest difference. Now I think that the tail light and turn signals need to go. I'm not sure I'd go to the expeence right now, but I'd love to see pics of one that's been done right.
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on October 05, 2007, 07:28:56 am
The Electra was meant to come with different tailights and signals but the facotry never got around to sourcing DOT approived models so the same old units that were on the Classic bikes have been attached. Same with tyres. They were supposed to come with Avon Venom series. I have been told that new one will, but I will believe that when I see it. Check out some European sites or out original ad (in the catalog) and they show the lighting that was meant to come here
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: exmayor on January 25, 2008, 07:35:26 pm
Would it work to use Classic 5 speed low bars and bar end mirrors?  Are there any control fit problems using those bars on an Electra?  I have only had barend mirrors on my bikes and will want to make that change.

Rick
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on January 26, 2008, 10:07:55 am
Rick,
We are all in Germany and I am the only one with a computer. As luck would have it the guys who could answer the question are not available until late next week.
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: 2bikes on January 27, 2008, 03:12:40 pm
I have put the classic chrome and coach-lined delux tank with knee pads on mine.  I have now just fitted the deep valance chrome front mudguard (see my item on the trouble I had fitting this).
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on January 28, 2008, 01:03:14 pm
I just don't think the factory appreciated the depth of feeling over traditional Bullet styling in the US, UK or Europe when they launched the Electra-X on the export market. I wonder how many Electra-X buyers bought one because of the uprated mechanical specification but really wished they could have kept the 50's styling of the classic models.

The factory could easily have supplied lean-burn models for export with traditional tinware (see the 350 and 500 Machismo models available to our Indian friends), but they chose not to, so it's up to us to see if we can get them looking a bit more like the motorcycles we really wanted.

Is anyone out there planning to create a flat-track style Electra custom?

Regards,

A.
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Thumper on January 28, 2008, 05:34:14 pm
I just don't think the factory appreciated the depth of feeling over traditional Bullet styling in the US, UK or Europe when they launched the Electra-X on the export market. I wonder how many Electra-X buyers bought one because of the uprated mechanical specification but really wished they could have kept the 50's styling of the classic models.
<SNIP>
Regards,

A.

Adrian,

I think you hit the nail on the head.

It is so reminiscent of the asian interpretation of a 'chopper' in the late 70's and early 80's. Here in the states they were called 'cruisers' from early on. But they missed the mark with a large audience. They were relatively small displacement, insectile looking, and foreign looking to us. The Yamaha 'Specials' are a perfect example. (Eventually, we got used to them and the rest is history...) What looks 'normal' or even 'appealing' is very subjective and often depends on the culture.

The Electra X "Classic 70's" style only serves to remind me of the worst of those foreign interpretations of the era.

It also goes both ways though. I never liked the Americanized versions of many bikes that came over. Often they'd replace a standard riding set-up with goofy 'buck-horn' or 'ape-hanger' bars. The seats were sometimes goofy stepped seats, or a sissy bar was added. I always preferred the standard and more sport-oriented flavor of the euro models - and still lust after euro-only models (although the lines are very blurred now...)

Matt
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: luoma on January 28, 2008, 10:44:31 pm
Hey Matt, it's not only the japaneese that made some fashion felonies. Remember the Norton Highliner? What a way to ruin a perfectly good Commando.

Actually, the Electra isn't changed too much to rescue. It still has basically the same styling. I even like the bobbed front fender. I do wish it had a traditional rear fender with stays, instead of that ugly sub-frame. Other than that, I think the first thing many people change, even with the classic/deluxe models is the seat. My bike looks entirely different with a tan solo seat. I even like the shape of the tank on the X. Now if I could swap out the dorky turn signals and insect antenna mirrors I'd be happy.
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on January 29, 2008, 01:01:35 pm
luoma , Matt,

so we do what we have always done with our bikes: if there's something about it we don't like, and we can change it, we change it! As you say, the Electra's looks are not too far gone to make it much more pleasing to the eye, and if it takes the loss of some bad tinware and untidy frame lugs to achieve it - well, just do a neat job and go for it!  I guess you're not worried about putting it back to stock for resale, are you? Just make sure you have enough space for the increasing pile of junked stock parts...

Some US export models of the old Brit stuff were very cool, the '56 Indian Woodsman version of the Bullet inspired me to customize my Electra. I haven't cut any frame lugs off yet, though!

Matt, there was a 350 lean burn Bullet sold on eBay here in the UK a while ago you would have loved, the owner built it just for scrambles, the only tinware was the gas tank and fenders!  There was no sign of a battery, so I'm guessing he used a crank-mounted PVL ignition or similar..

Regards,

Adrian
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Thumper on January 29, 2008, 04:17:23 pm
Hey Matt, it's not only the japaneese that made some fashion felonies. Remember the Norton Highliner? What a way to ruin a perfectly good Commando.

Actually, the Electra isn't changed too much to rescue. It still has basically the same styling. I even like the bobbed front fender. I do wish it had a traditional rear fender with stays, instead of that ugly sub-frame. Other than that, I think the first thing many people change, even with the classic/deluxe models is the seat. My bike looks entirely different with a tan solo seat. I even like the shape of the tank on the X. Now if I could swap out the dorky turn signals and insect antenna mirrors I'd be happy.

L,

Yep, it was the looks of the tan solo seat on the green paint (in one of the promotional pictures) that actually made me buy my RE. Funny that I ended up with the black saddle!

Matt
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: luoma on January 29, 2008, 05:20:55 pm
Adrian wrote, "I guess youre not worried about putting it back stock for resale."

Why on earth would I want to sell it. The bike can become anything I want it to be (it's like a two-wheeled Erector Set, remember those?). And besides, I've not had this much fun on two wheels in a long time. I may add another bike to the stable, but there is no doubt in my mind that the day I sell the X, is the day I begin to regret my decision.
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: TRider on January 29, 2008, 06:11:40 pm
luoma
I agree.  I am so happy and relieved that my Electra didn't sell on Ebay.  I know I would have regretted it.  My wife is not real happy about it now, but thats ok too.

Terry
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: LJRead on January 29, 2008, 06:35:42 pm

I think we are all glad you didn't sell your bike, TRider - you had put yourself into getting it to where you wanted it and we enjoy your contributions to the forum.

In an hour or so I go to finally, I hope, clear my Thunderbird through Customs.  This has me a little concerned as they are allowed to charge up to 54% of the total cost of bike plus transport and as it turned out the transport from India mounted up sky high.  But I'm now considered a 'local' and they usually give us locals a break.  We'll see.

There are several things about the Thunderbird I don't really like, the tank goes up alarmingly and creates a space between it and the top of the engine, and there are those odd chrome pods for the instruments that I'm not appreciative of.  But then I have this Machismo coming and there probably won't be much I want to change on that, so maybe the best thing is to just leave the Thunderbird alone and use it like my father did his 'work car', an everyday work horse.  Reading all the nice things you all  do with your bikes puts too many ideas in my head, but maybe they can stay that way, in my head, as I get my financial affairs back into order.  Good enough!
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: TRider on January 29, 2008, 10:28:41 pm
Larry,
Thanks for your kind comments.  We are all looking forward to you taking delivery on your Enfield.  You have waited a long time.  You have more patience than Job.
Please post a shot of you and your bike together.  I for one can't wait to see it.  Hopefully this will be LARRY's DAY.  Ought to be turned into a national holiday for your island.  LARRY'S DAY.

Later
Terry
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on January 29, 2008, 10:36:02 pm
LJ,

I think that just about everything that has been said about re-styling Electra-X models can be applied to the Thunderbird model as well.  I agree the tank does look awful, but you could see if the tank off the Machismo fits when that arrives and order a spare tank if it does! A picture of both bikes together would be something...

Regards,

Adrian

Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: scoTTy on January 30, 2008, 12:00:39 am
where as on the other hand.. I like the looks of the tank ;)
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: LJRead on January 31, 2008, 08:52:03 pm
Having a good time today taking it off, all off.  I got the 'new' bike up to the porch of my shop with no key, so I managed to take of the side covers and will now do the same with the ovals.  The battery I am getting rid of with a Bat-Pac as I don't have electric start, and as soon as I can get a K&N air filter, I'll get rid of the old one and its plastic cover.  By the way Matt, the rear fender doesn't have a plastic extension, just ends.  Must be an addition for exported bikes.  I took off the instruments pods (Thunderbird) and the front forks are looking good now.  I may just get rid of all instrumentation and all indicator lamps as I don't drive at night and can tell when my flasher is going, and if it isn't no one here cares anyway. The key was missing from the bike, so I'll put in a good toggle switch.  No one will steal it anyway, no one here ever locks their doors, why would I worry about locking the bike? I never look at the speedometer or tach in my car, so why would I with the bike?  I won't be going over 40 mph anyway.  I call it simplifying, or maybe I should call it "Thumpering the bike out"!  There is no resale value on the bike here anyway, no one has the money, so it gives me the freedom of not worrying overmuch about resale value.  Yeah, it's fun to take it off!
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: TRider on February 01, 2008, 01:30:24 pm
Larry,
I'm thinking scooter for you man.  150 cc would be a blast for you, especially an Aprilia 150 Scarabeo which comes with storage and some luggage and looks great.
Each his own though.
Terry
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: bob bezin on February 01, 2008, 11:05:17 pm
when i bought my bike i test rode an electra and a classic and i thought if my eyes were closed i'd pick the electre then i opened my eyes and bought a delux.
bobbezin
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: LJRead on February 02, 2008, 12:03:07 am
Interesting about the Thunderbird tank - now that I have the odd looking chrome plastic instrument pods off, the tank doesn't look half bad, and, in fact, gives a more open appearance to the engine.  I don't know whose bright idea it was to give the newer T-birds a two tone paint job, but it really looks awful.  Fortunately mine is just a purple sort of blue, blue tank, blue fenders and the rest black.  The two side covers are superfluous in that one side covers the air cleaner, which I will replace with a pancake type. The other covers the battery, which I got rid of with the Bat Pac.  The two ovals I also got rid of and will make a filler piece resembling the classic side panels.  I've got that one figured out pretty well, and I think you all will like what I have in mind.  I might try to find an hour meter, like we use on boats, since it really gives a good idea of when to change oil etc.  Otherwise it will be safe just changing the oil and so forth about three times a year, because I won't drive it far with the limited size of this island. The speedometer/odometer is totally wrecked.  Someone got in there and tore it up, so I've discarded it.  Really, the only issues with the bike now is a few chips in the paint, and I think CMW has the right color touch up paint, so I'll order that right away.

I've got some guests coming in on Tuesday who will probably have a digital camera (everyone these days does, except me),  so maybe I'll get a photo posted.  I've got some real good agents working on getting the other bike down here. 
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on February 04, 2008, 10:26:30 pm
Matt,

have you seen Bill Harris' Electra scrambler over in the gallery yet? It surely deserves a mention here.

(http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/gallery/583_30_01_08_10_34_11.JPG)

Mr Harris has posted details with it, and claims it will do 90 MPH on stock gearing! Quite an achievment, especially with what loooks like the stock lean-burn downpipe, although the classic muffler and flat slide carb must help a lot, More points too (in my book!) for the right-foot gear shift...

Another well customized Electra, more please!

Adrian
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Thumper on February 05, 2008, 05:13:23 pm
Matt,

have you seen Bill Harris' Electra scrambler over in the gallery yet? It surely deserves a mention here.

Mr Harris has posted details with it, and claims it will do 90 MPH on stock gearing! Quite an achievment, especially with what loooks like the stock lean-burn downpipe, although the classic muffler and flat slide carb must help a lot, More points too (in my book!) for the right-foot gear shift...

Another well customized Electra, more please!

Adrian

Nice job. However I prefer the sanitized version you previously showed me!
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: LotusSevenMan on February 05, 2008, 08:35:06 pm
I keep looking at the pic and probably because I'm so used to the 'normal' road going exhaust systems (or the purpose made high level ones on the trials bikes) this one here looks like it just got bent like that by accident!!!!

Sorry BH!!!
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: bob bezin on February 05, 2008, 09:24:44 pm
that mufler angle reminds me of a 1951 350 bullet
bob bezin
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on February 07, 2008, 05:23:53 am
The UK importers market trials versions of the classic and Electra models with a 20 degree bend in the exhuast, which allows the muffler to follow the line of the frame quite nicely.. See the link below, I haven't tried to show the picture here as it's quite large.

http://www.btinternet.com/~haywards.cambs/haywards/Electra_Trail4.jpg

I'm tempted to do something similar, but perhaps with a Supertrapp muffler?

Regards,

Adrian
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: LotusSevenMan on February 07, 2008, 07:28:47 am
Adrian.
This one @ Haywards I see as looking 'right' due to the fact that the silencer actually follows the frame line so looks like that is where it should be IMHO!  8)
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on February 07, 2008, 12:25:13 pm
If you have another look at the Harris Scrambler you'll see that by using a 10 degree exhaust bend he has been able to keep the pillion foot pegs. I don't think that would be possible with a 20 degree bend!
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: LotusSevenMan on February 07, 2008, 11:53:48 pm
With the Haywards one that 20* angled exhaust is not a worry as  it is fitted with that single saddle so unless the pillion likes sitting on the rack there's no problem here!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: sasquatch on February 08, 2008, 05:22:00 am
I thought after I bought my electra it would be a long long time before I would even be thinking about buying another bike (or be mentioning it to my wife anyway)... and then I saw the pics of that scrambler. Nice.  I especially like the exhaust up out of harms way, without risking unpleasant leg burns.

That would be pretty fun on the 100 acres of farmland I live on... garage is getting kind of cramped though, maybe the car will have to move back outside.
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Adrian on February 08, 2008, 01:33:50 pm
Sasquatch,

you could always customize your current Electra, or build a bigger garage if you have 100 acres!

I have run my Electra with a Woodsman exhaust pipe, very stylish and no burnt legs, but I was forever scraping melted and boot-top plastic off the pipe!  A simple chrome heat-shield is available to save boot tops and legs, however...

Regards,

Adrian
Title: Re: Cosmetic Electra X Mods
Post by: Kiwichick on February 08, 2008, 08:14:57 pm
Sasquatch - you keep your CAR in the garage?

Why??  Hasn't it got a roof??   ;)

Yep, my car sits outside - mind you, I only built the (rather small) garage once I got the Electra, and like the room in there to move around, to admire the bike from many angles!!

Biddy