Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: ssg on December 25, 2013, 01:14:13 am

Title: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: ssg on December 25, 2013, 01:14:13 am
I wish to know what's the average life of UCE engines?
Does there any difference between 350 and 500 cc engine longevity?
What are the best practices  to enhance this?
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Craig McClure on December 25, 2013, 03:38:05 am
Use of synthetic motor oil is a good place to start. Scientific tests have PROVED synthetics better lubrication & longevity. I like Mobil 1
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Arizoni on December 25, 2013, 05:10:06 am
What's "the average life of UCE engines?" 

It's much too soon to tell.  They've only been around sense 2009.

Being a member of only 3 web sites that discuss a lot about the new Royal Enfields gives me a limited perspective but for the most part I haven't heard of very many problems with the UCE engines or their fuel injection.
The RE's made after the 2009 models seem to have resolved the starter sprag clutch issues for the most part although I do appreciate having the kick starter 'just in case'.

I only have about 12,600 miles (20,323 km) on my 2011 500cc RE and I know there are others with more mileage than that but I have not had any real problem except with the chain which I replaced long ago.

So far, I'm a happy camper. :)
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: ssg on December 25, 2013, 07:39:47 am
Thanks.
My bull has clocked 22,600 kms and I changed the chain (with sprocket of course) and the battery.
I wish to know is it logical to switch over to Synthetic oil after 22,600 kms?will it work?Till now I have been using the company recommended Motul 15W50.
Yesterday I had a chat with a mechanic he told me that at 30,000-35,000 kms the engine needs overhauling.That made me sad,I think there is no such time scheduled matter and all depends upon the periodic maintenance,driving habits and most crucial thing would be the engine oil.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: GSS on December 25, 2013, 02:45:37 pm
There is no downside to changing to synthetic oil. Given the traffic and running at low rpms in India, it probably makes sense that the cylinder head and piston may need the traditional Indian "decarbonization". I wouldn't let them "overhaul" the engine if everything is running well.....30K seems a bit early and I doubt if the entire engine needs a routine overhaul.

GSS
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Ducati Scotty on December 25, 2013, 06:04:32 pm
+1 to the above.  Synthetic, decarbonize if needed, don't rebuild for no reason.  I believe singhg5 has gone well over 20,000 miles with no major problems.

Scott
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: barenekd on December 25, 2013, 06:27:33 pm
Singhg5 and Jack Leis had well over 20,000 miles on theirs, but that certainly doesn't equate any "average life" of the engine. That has yet to be determined.
There are many gasoline additive products available that will clean out carbon. You have to behead the engine any more to accomplish the deed! Some gasolines already have such stuff in the gas. That's something that really was taken care off 30 or 40 years ago. It's not an issue any more, unless you are really running crap gas and oil. In th US, it certainly shouldn't be a problem. 
Bare
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Royalista on December 25, 2013, 08:39:34 pm
Thanks.
My bull has clocked 22,600 kms and I changed the chain (with sprocket of course) and the battery.
I wish to know is it logical to switch over to Synthetic oil after 22,600 kms?will it work?Till now I have been using the company recommended Motul 15W50.
Yesterday I had a chat with a mechanic he told me that at 30,000-35,000 kms the engine needs overhauling.That made me sad,I think there is no such time scheduled matter and all depends upon the periodic maintenance,driving habits and most crucial thing would be the engine oil.

Silly mechanic.  ;D
Needs an inspection for carbon at 30000 km; then repeat schedule from manual.
Do so as long as decent gasoline will be available.

Imagine. While there are bullets about from the fifties climbing up and down the Hima's, why would these young ones fall apart after a measly 30000 km?  :o
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Roeland on December 26, 2013, 07:31:29 am
I was told that Harleys need a engine rebuild at 50000km. so it would make sense that a RE will need a rebuild a bit sooner than that - 35000 km seems realistic.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: JVS on December 26, 2013, 07:40:12 am
I was told that Harleys need a engine rebuild at 50000km. so it would make sense that a RE will need a rebuild a bit sooner than that - 35000 km seems realistic.

Can't be true. A full rebuild? Something is surely wrong here.  :-X  :-\
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: GSS on December 26, 2013, 01:38:33 pm
Sounds like the mechanic is looking at drumming up some UCE business since not much goes wrong with these engines!
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: tooseevee on December 26, 2013, 01:47:42 pm
I was told that Harleys need a engine rebuild at 50000km. so it would make sense that a RE will need a rebuild a bit sooner than that - 35000 km seems realistic.

            Not to blow harley's horn at all, but this is rediculous.

            "You were told"?

            By who?  Show me history. Show me statistics. Show me facts.

            There are over a hundred years of both harleys AND Royal Enfields & many different engines for both to discuss as far as reliability is concerned. Some of them are trashed long before 50,000 km (30,000 miles) & others go on forever.

            Your statement is meaningless in the great scheme of things no matter who said it.  It's like saying "I was told everybody needs heart surgery at 40."
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Roeland on December 26, 2013, 03:39:00 pm
I never had a Harley - I was told by a mechanic who works on Harleys - he was obviously referring to the older models as the newer ones would be serviced by the dealership. Saying this most Harley guys out here only go for a Sunday ride and probably cover only 5000 to 10000 km a year - so that would be an engine re-build every 5 to 10 years. And yes some bikes go forever but also bear in mind that in the 70's and 80's 100000km on a multi cylinder car was regarded as high mileage?
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: azcatfan on December 26, 2013, 04:09:53 pm
Regular Maintenance, Ride till it breaks, Replace parts with better ones...
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: barenekd on December 26, 2013, 05:24:16 pm
Quote
Yesterday I had a chat with a mechanic he told me that at 30,000-35,000 kms the engine needs overhauling.That made me sad,I think there is no such time scheduled matter and all depends upon the periodic maintenance,driving habits and most crucial thing would be the engine oil.

That's only 20,000 miles. I don't know what idiot told you that, but it's just totally untrue. I don't know what he based the comment on other than some Hardley pipe dream he's into. There is certainly no real data out there that would even remotely support that figure
Please the that many of the mileage checks and such in the owners manual came straight out of the iron barrel manual and simply don't apply to the UCEs. The breakin procedure should be the first thing to tip you off. The UCE is basically unrideable following the procedure in the book! The decarbonizing at 18,000 which is a long way from being a total overhaul is also something that has been left in the books since the '50s. With modern gas and oils it just ain't necessary! You guys have to read RE publications with a grain of salt.
Unfortunately, new guys with no knowledge of old English bikes won't recognize the differences, so we will forever getting questions about some of the procedures. It is a poor show that RE is doing with the manuals.
Maybe the Continental GT will be updated to today's requirements...but don't hold your breath.
Bare
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: AussieDave on December 26, 2013, 10:08:47 pm
Bare , I beg to differ about the de carb . If you look at the state of my piston and cylinder I think you'd agree, notwithstanding any de carb additives I may have failed to use!
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: gremlin on December 27, 2013, 12:30:41 am
Regular Maintenance, Ride till it breaks, Replace parts with better ones...

+1
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Ducati Scotty on December 27, 2013, 01:21:56 am
Might the decarb still apply in India?
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Gypsyjon on December 27, 2013, 01:38:17 am
I never had a Harley - I was told by a mechanic who works on Harleys - he was obviously referring to the older models as the newer ones would be serviced by the dealership. Saying this most Harley guys out here only go for a Sunday ride and probably cover only 5000 to 10000 km a year - so that would be an engine re-build every 5 to 10 years. And yes some bikes go forever but also bear in mind that in the 70's and 80's 100000km on a multi cylinder car was regarded as high mileage?

My last Harley had about 90,000 miles on when I sold it. The only repair it ever needed was an ignition switch. It burned no oil at all between changes. The guy I sold it to now has over 130,000 miles (Not kms), he reports no issues. He did put in new spark plugs at 100,000 miles.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Roeland on December 27, 2013, 09:40:32 am
OK - that sounds better - let's hope that the UCE engine proofs to be lasting that long too or at least half of the Harley's mileage. I covered so far about 24000 km, had a top end rebuild under guarantee around 4000km (alternator came loose - seized the piston and cracked the cylinder head), started using oil around 8000km and changed to the larger 535 piston at 11000km. Since it has been trouble free for 13000 km and requires absolutely not a drop of oil.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: ssg on December 27, 2013, 04:18:13 pm
I have talked to a senior RE mechanic,he told me that UCE engines have much longer life and can run happily for many thousand kms.Much relieved :)
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: meph1st0 on December 29, 2013, 04:11:59 pm
I have a UCE350 and completed 40000kms. Engine is still stock and can still hit the same top speed as before. I don't see any reason to open the engine. Don't believe these mechanics, maybe their business has gone down after the launch of UCE. I have seen/heard many mechanics spreading some unwanted rumours. FYI, I got fed up service centre and been doing the service and maintenance myself after the first year.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: ssg on December 30, 2013, 12:51:23 am
Absolutely:)...indeed their business has gone down due to UCE.So they are now trying to guinea pig the customers.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Sectorsteve on January 01, 2014, 09:23:11 pm
Im up to 40000kms now and im so happy that i can jump on my C5 and ride non stop for 650kms with no troubles. The only issues ive had is the dreaded cheap ass sprockets. gone through 2 in 6 months (20000kms) great bike, love it alot.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: trimleyman on January 05, 2014, 11:39:11 pm
Well , I have not enough time to spend in the saddle of my 2011 G5 . BUt at over 14,000 miles have had very few issues. Did have a problem keeping oil in as it would blow into the airfilter box and then spill all over the rear tyre (not very safe) which I rectified with some repiping and a couple of strategically placed filters. Sprockets, after changing up to 18 teeth front (sourced for the UK and UK made) and a standard rear straight from an Indian parts supplier (which looked like the braking surface might cause issues but actually greatly improved the rear brake) Have been no problem . Only two things ever stopped the bike . The kickstand cut-off switch (now dis-connected) and the HT (spark-plug) cap failed. With no cat converter (Indian short bottle silencer) and a K&N filter it is as quick as needed to keep with freeway traffic round the SF bay (65 to 75mph in the early morning) and does everything I ask of it. Comparing it to the bikes I had in the , 60s, 70s and 80s (with the sole exception of a 1978 Ducati 900GTES) it has been very reliable so far.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: caricabasso on March 18, 2014, 06:04:41 pm
My B5 has two years at the end of March and has traveled 29,000 kilometers.
I did not record failures of relief, I just replaced the starter relay and removed the decompressor.
The engine still has the initial power and there are no signs of wear, such as oil consumption.
I must say that it seems to have done the running just now
 The chain has been recorded only once in 3000 km and currently shows no elongation.
Seddo say that I put the spray grease every 400-500 miles.
I've known people who have traveled more than 50,000 km before it even needs to be revised engine.
I think that an appropriate use of the bike allows many way to go to overhaul the engine.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: suitcasejefferson on March 19, 2014, 02:27:11 am
Several members of another forum I belong to think my RE will blow up within the first few thousand miles. And I'm sure it would if you rode it like a new Japanese bike, cruising at 80 mph and using full throttle a lot. I don't intend to ride mine that way. I didn't get it for traveling around the country on interstates.

Many AMF Harleys needed rebuilding right off the showroom floor. The EVO fixed all that. It was a 100,000 mile engine easily. Unfortunately, Harley went backwards in reliability with the Twin Cam. The cam drive chain and tensioner have been known to fail at 30,000 miles or less, taking the rest of the engine with them. If you replace these parts ever so often you should be ok. An EVO Sportster engine will last forever if properly maintained.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Royalista on March 19, 2014, 01:38:08 pm
The way they are built they should go on forever, and then some more.
I see them going up and down the Himalaya's several times a year, under a tourist notably, and surviving. Wouldn't expect that from any other bike. Still for a bullet, just another ride in an ever growing chain.  ;)
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: mattsz on March 20, 2014, 12:06:32 am
The average life of a current, 5-year old design?  Who knows?

It's going up all the time...  8)
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: suitcasejefferson on March 20, 2014, 12:50:57 am
I have watched a bunch of those Enfield tours on Youtube. Seems they will go over, under, and through just about anything. But one thing I did notice is that they were all going fairly slow. I think a big part of making an Enfield engine last a long time is not to ride it really fast. There are many people out there cruising at full throttle on the freeways. I suspect those engines may not last very long. You should be able to ride around the world a few times if you just slow down.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: ace.cafe on March 20, 2014, 01:52:04 am
There are a couple ways of looking at this.
I use a general rule-of-thumb which says to use cruising speed limits which are no more than 75 percent than the maximum speed when desiring long engine life.
There is another and much older rule called the "Pomeroy Dictum" which states that 2500 feet per minute average piston speed is the limit to remain under for good longevity on a street vehicle. This goes back more than 60 years, but many road vehicles still operate within that limit.
For the stroke length of the Enfield, the rpm would be about 4300 rpm to remain under the limits of the Pomeroy Dictum. I think for the typical UCE gearing, it would equate to somewhere around 65mph in top gear.
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: gremlin on March 20, 2014, 04:21:20 am
.........It's going up all the time...  8)

+1  8)
Title: Re: What's the average life of a UCE engine?
Post by: Sectorsteve on March 20, 2014, 12:36:29 pm
Provin the naysayers wrong for sure. But more precise is matt and ace