[max96]

New member, luv this forum and all the information shared by everyone.   

Grabbed an ’06 Electra X with 1200 miles on it from my buddy in August, he grabbed it with 600 miles on it back in April.  Bike appears to have sat outside most of its life yet its not in bad shape.  Have been sorting out all the small stuff, so far so good. 

Have many bikes in the stable from big Harleys to old Honda twins.  There is something about this Enfield that has me riding the local backroads often with a grin. 

[AzCal Retred]

Welcome to The Hoard of the Archaic!

You likely have the best of the best there, 5-speed, disc brake, gear driven oil pump, crank triggered ignition, electric start. Enjoy your trip back to 1935 era motorcycling!

These fuel tanks are prone to internal rust, so a 10 micron inline fuel filter keeps the red dust out of the carburettor, a cheap pre-emptive strike.

[Paul W]

Looks like a very nice bike. I always prefer to buy “last of the line” models because they are often very good machines and undervalued by the followers of fashion.

My 350 iron barrelled Bullet Electra home market model is a good example, although initially it did have some issues, such as a soft exhaust valve seat.

[Adrian II]

Looks like a stock bike, unmodified. Are you keeping it that way or do you have plans?

A.

[max96]

Ahh... red dust, seen it when cleaning the petcock while I was patching rust holes in bottom of tank.  Yep, fuel filter is on there, no issues so far. 

Bike is staying bone stock, its just fine for me the way it is with the leaking head gasket, false neutral shifts, etc.    Only thing I want to change is the seat, after 30 min or so it hurts, maybe a sheepskin pad or similar may help. 

[Paul W]

I’ve been thinking about a more comfortable seat for mine. I occasionally needed to give my rear end a rest by standing on the footrests today, during my 120 mile ride.

[max96]

Ended up grabbing another Enfield, 2010 Classic, nice bike, runs great and looks pretty.  Rides just fine but is missing the feel, the "magic" that the "06 has. If was forced to only keep one it would be the '06.   

[Paul W]

I understand your sentiment. My bike is a 2004 iron barrel 350. I have looked at the new RE bikes but think that although they are probably easier to deal with on a day to day basis, they lack the raw character that my bike has. If I had to rely on one for daily transport, my opinion might change.

[Raymond]

Similar feelings. On another forum I visit - XS650.com - discussing bikes we have owned one correspondent says about a Suzuki cruiser 'Another fine example of motorcycle engineering. Never had a hint of trouble, and never bonded with it. Tried to relive the love I had for my old Shadow, but never got there. Cheesy ghost flames on the tank, and too many plastic parts didn't help. I wanted something super reliable, but I found the fuel injection, water cooled, sensor for everything kinda ruined the fun.'

I'm in a similar dilemma at the moment. Recently bought a superb 2019 Interceptor 650, less than 2000 miles, beautiful with a chrome tank, been sooo well looked after, I would even dare to say immaculate. The idea was to sell my 1978 XS650 - and possibly the 2013 W800 too - but now I'm already thinking it's the Interceptor that will have to go.