Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: vishuonline on April 23, 2012, 10:26:37 pm

Title: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: vishuonline on April 23, 2012, 10:26:37 pm
Hello folks,

I am looking to pick up my enfield in the coming week. Its a NEW 2010 G5 deluxe.
Given the experience of the community .. is there something that anyone would suggest I should look for particularly before thumping out of the dealership or call up the dealer and have them do something (mechanical / electrical..) before picking it up?

Or simply pay the damage and thump off and start the romance..?

best regards
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 23, 2012, 10:34:55 pm
Are you handy?  The best thing to do is go over every nut and bolt you see and make sure they are all tight.  Do it again when you get home.  And at least once or twice a week until 1500 miles.

Make sure the oil and brake fluid are good and that the tire pressurs is right.  I'm a C5 owner.  G5 people, what's the right front/back pressure for a stock G5?

And welcome aboard!

Scott
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: barenekd on April 23, 2012, 10:57:24 pm
I use Front 24 and Rear 28 on my G5. Could go higher, but the ride gets pretty rough.

Bare
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Arizoni on April 23, 2012, 11:08:25 pm
Front tire = 18-22 psi.
Rear tire = 24-28 psi

My G5 was very stable with higher tire pressures like 26 psi front/ 30 rear but it rode a little hard and the tires seemed to be a little skittish.

At the lower pressures it rides smoother and the steering response is excellent.

The only negative I can think of concerning the 2010 models is the lack of a kick starter.
I seldom use mine on my 2011 but if I were buying one I would try to use the kickstarters absence as a good reason to lower the price.

 Since vishuonline says it's NEW, he should know that the new Royal Enfields come with a spare inner tube, throttle cables and clutch cable plus a can of black spray paint.

Also, being a new motorcycle it should come with the 2 year unconditional warranty.
 (The dealers memory might need to be jogged to remember these things).  ;D

Its also a good idea to ask for a new oil filter because as we all know, their special and will need to be changed at 300 miles.

I guess I was lucky because my dealer also made a copy of the UCE Service Manual and the Parts List Manual on a couple of DVD's.  He had these as a PDF files so it was just a matter of a minute for him to make them.
(I know there are a lot of dealers who won't do this so it forces the owners who want them to buy them from our host but it's worth asking about anyway.)
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Jack Leis on April 23, 2012, 11:19:38 pm
    Dont for get to use BLUE LOCKTITE on all the threads. Everything rattles when its new. And welcome to the forum !
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: hocko on April 23, 2012, 11:27:05 pm
Welcome, the 2010 G5 has got a kick starter, it was the C5 that didn't.

Regards  :)
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: MegaMoo on April 23, 2012, 11:40:30 pm
Make sure that you're getting a decent discount. If it's only a matter of a couple of hundred dollars compared to a 2012 I'd be tempted to buy a later model as RE tend to make several nice little upgrades every year that could save you quite a bit of time and money in the long run.

Steve

Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: indyogb on April 24, 2012, 12:39:02 am
I must've been lucky - I haven't found a loose bolt yet, and I'm at 1500 miles.  Maybe my dealer was a cut above?   Or, maybe, the other shoe is still waiting to fall :D.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ayers Garage on April 24, 2012, 12:51:57 am
No loose bolts on my heap either. But I did notice most all of the nuts are nylock self locking ones.

I am prepared though...big bottle

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk33/Adventure-rider/Royal%20Enfield%20Project/9d623eea.jpg)
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Arizoni on April 24, 2012, 02:21:42 am
So far I've only found one loose bolt on my 2011 G5.

It was a small bolt/nut that was down behind the rear downtube and it held the  plastic mud deflector in place.

A drop of Loc-Tite, a few turns of the wrench and all is well. :)
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 24, 2012, 06:53:03 am
[quote author=Arizoni link=topic=14178.msg150742#m

 Since vishuonline says it's NEW, he should know that the new Royal Enfields come with a spare inner tube, throttle cables and clutch cable plus a can of black spray paint.


my NEW 11 b5 owners manual on page 54 says tools and spare kit.
says it should come with
1. speedo cable
2. clutch cable
3. Pneumatic tube for the tire

if this is true i didnt get them!  should i call the dealer and inform him of this?
or is it no longer policy,i dont wanna be a fool ???
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 24, 2012, 08:30:49 am
They do, but I bet a lot of dealers just put them on the shelf since riders here may not be as handy as those in India.  I have heard of a few bikes missing tool kits and not all come with spray paint.  Cal and ask.

Scott
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: vishuonline on April 24, 2012, 02:11:58 pm
I am mentally prepared for my handiness to be challenged and with an RE I am sure I will not be disappointed and I am sure at times I will feel overwhelmed. But I know I am standing on the shoulders of giants here.. so no fear.

But yet the nuts/bolts and filter check, spare goodies  and kits.. all the valuable minutiae. Thanks a bunch for all the input.

By the way, for handling oil change, etc.. any special tooling etc will come handy.. should I have them already purchased or as long as the tool kit that comes stock is there..I am OK? I have no more than the standard hammer-nail-spanner kinda  kit of the domestic needs now/then.

Also, I read something about having auto-decompression lever adjusted by the dealer on the forum.. does this apply to 2010 G5 ..?

Are you handy?  The best thing to do is go over every nut and bolt you see and make sure they are all tight.  Do it again when you get home.  And at least once or twice a week until 1500 miles.

Make sure the oil and brake fluid are good and that the tire pressurs is right.  I'm a C5 owner.  G5 people, what's the right front/back pressure for a stock G5?

And welcome aboard!

Scott
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: vishuonline on April 24, 2012, 02:14:47 pm
This is a valuable one. My dealer is an old timer and have to check-make sure his memory is tight on that warranty thing. Anything in particular to watch out with stock tires..?

Front tire = 18-22 psi.
Rear tire = 24-28 psi

My G5 was very stable with higher tire pressures like 26 psi front/ 30 rear but it rode a little hard and the tires seemed to be a little skittish.

At the lower pressures it rides smoother and the steering response is excellent.

The only negative I can think of concerning the 2010 models is the lack of a kick starter.
I seldom use mine on my 2011 but if I were buying one I would try to use the kickstarters absence as a good reason to lower the price.

 Since vishuonline says it's NEW, he should know that the new Royal Enfields come with a spare inner tube, throttle cables and clutch cable plus a can of black spray paint.

Also, being a new motorcycle it should come with the 2 year unconditional warranty.
 (The dealers memory might need to be jogged to remember these things).  ;D

Its also a good idea to ask for a new oil filter because as we all know, their special and will need to be changed at 300 miles.

I guess I was lucky because my dealer also made a copy of the UCE Service Manual and the Parts List Manual on a couple of DVD's.  He had these as a PDF files so it was just a matter of a minute for him to make them.
(I know there are a lot of dealers who won't do this so it forces the owners who want them to buy them from our host but it's worth asking about anyway.)
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Maturin on April 24, 2012, 02:39:53 pm
Welcome vishuonline! The stock tires are ok, but there are better ones out there. There are some remarks about that in the tech-tip section.
I've got a 2010 G5 too, and unfortunately the wiring is causing trouble if not taken care of. I recommend working through it once, as it's a job for trained apes and can be done in an hour. You'll find lots of info if you search the forum for "chaffed wiring" or similar.
Best regards
Maturin
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Hobbydad on April 24, 2012, 04:15:31 pm
My 2011 C5 came with front & rear tubes, brake/clutch/throttle cables (4 total), can of touch up paint, and a wrench (?), all in an enfield box. The tool kit was installed on the bike already. I know my owners manual actually has a page listing these items, telling me to make sure my dealer included them. If you have a new bike and they wheren't included I'd ask for them, you're going to need all of them at some point, no sense in paying for them twice.

I will say, it is nice to have a friendly, honest dealer. Makes owning the bike that much more enjoyable.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Arizoni on April 24, 2012, 07:29:58 pm
vishuonline

To do an oil and filter change you will need a 8mm and a 19*mm wrench.
The 8mm should be in your tool kit but the 19*mm is lacking.

While talking about tools, now would be a good time for you to invest in some of the basic ones and because you will need a 19*mm wrench you should consider buying at least a set of open end/box end metric wrenches.
This should include sizes from 10mm to 19mm and will probably cost about $20 if you have a Harbor Freight around.
A 8" adjustable wrench is also very handy to have.

A little write up I did about changing your oil is in this link
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,10782.0.html

There was a time that the new UCE engines oil filter some loose spring loaded pieces under the cover and when the cover was removed a large brass washer, a O Ring between the washer and the filter and the spring would pop out as individual pieces.
Your 2010 might have this older design so watch for flying pieces.
If your bike has the revised filter cover, the brass washer and spring will be retained inside the filter cover which makes getting it back together much easier.

As for sorting out your electrical system, have a look at this post.  It deals with protecting some of your wiring from sharp metal edges and IMO everyone who owns a Royal Enfield should make these fixes.
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,11088.0.html

You will undoubtedly find that opening the boxes on the sides of your motorcycle will seem to be impossible.
You will insert the key and try to turn it and nothing will happen.
The trick here is to press the cover right next to the key slot towards the bike.

Under the cover at the lock there is a VERY stiff piece of rubber that is there to keep the door or cover from rattling and until it is compressed the key won't turn.
After getting the cover off I applied some grease to the little arm that engages the frames tab and it helps to make unlocking the cover easier but even so a little profanity is often needed.

* edit- 19mm was 17mm
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: barenekd on April 24, 2012, 07:43:56 pm
Quote
Anything in particular to watch out with stock tires..?

They ain't called Skid Masters for nuttin'. They will put you down if you try to go very fast. Be careful, or replace them with K70s. The front wheel would lock up under reasonably hard braking and push or wash out on those mountain road curves of which we have a few around here.

The chain is another short-lived item. Keep an eye on it and keep it lubed and adjusted. Don't let it destroy your sprockets. You might get 6000 miles out of it.

The rest of the bike is actually quite decent. Spray it down with some ACF-50 an anti corrosion coating. The bike tends to have some light coats of paint and chrome here and there. This stuff will stop the rust.

And lube your cables before you go too far. I use Dri-SLide with a little touch of grease on the ends. I haven't needed the freebies yet.

Bare
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Hobbydad on April 24, 2012, 09:39:14 pm
The Avon Road Riders that came on my C5 are great. I understand the Speed Masters giving more of a vintage look to the bikes, but I'm glad I don't have to deal with their performance/saftey issues.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 25, 2012, 05:21:06 am
My 2011 C5 came with front & rear tubes, brake/clutch/throttle cables (4 total), can of touch up paint, and a wrench (?), all in an enfield box. The tool kit was installed on the bike already. I know my owners manual actually has a page listing these items, telling me to make sure my dealer included them. If you have a new bike and they wheren't included I'd ask for them, you're going to need all of them at some point, no sense in paying for them twice.

I will say, it is nice to have a friendly, honest dealer. Makes owning the bike that much more enjoyable.



well i called him (dealer) he acted like he never heard of such a thing. he said he will check on it. do these spares come with the bike in the crate??  i was more then fair on the final price so its not like i nickle and dime'd him.

btw arizoni my oil drain takes a 19mm sense it goes with this tread. they must of changed it.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Hobbydad on April 25, 2012, 05:55:11 am
Everything I listed was in a small cardboard box, with Enfield insignias all over it. I was surprised when they handed it to me, they told me they're spares that come with every bike, and they pass them on to the buyers. Later, when I read thru my owners manual, there was a page that listed all the spares, and said to make sure they where included with the bike. I would assume that they're packaged in the crate with the bike. There where also a handful of stick on reflectors in there. They said they leave it up to the customer if they'd like them installed. I had them leave them off.

BTW, my '11 C5 also has the larger oil drain plug. 19mm & 8mm where needed for the oil change.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Arizoni on April 25, 2012, 06:25:49 am
Any of you folks have a brown paper bag for me to put over my head?

Your right.  The main oil drain plug is a 19mm hex.  :-[

I'll go and revise my other posts.  :-[
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ayers Garage on April 25, 2012, 12:33:31 pm
Yep, mine came with extra front and rear tubes, all cables, even the speedo cable, touch up paint, a big wrench and the reflectors. All this is an Enfield cardboard box.

I joked that the bike must be a real turd if they feel the need to include so many spares. The guys at the dealership have no sense of humor and did not find it funny.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Hobbydad on April 25, 2012, 12:41:51 pm
Speedo cable, thats what the other cable is for. I couldn't picture it last night at work, but that's what it is. Yep, that too.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: foggy95 on April 25, 2012, 02:11:52 pm
"The chain is another short-lived item. Keep an eye on it and keep it lubed and adjusted. Don't let it destroy your sprockets. You might get 6000 miles out of it..."

I wonder if it would be a good idea to have the dealer install a quality x-ring or o-ring chain at time of initial prep, and if the proper size is even available. Still on the fence whether I want to commit to a new C5 or wait for the newly redesigned Guzzi V7, which won't be here in the States til late 2012 or early 2013....
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: barenekd on April 25, 2012, 05:48:26 pm
To install an Oring chain on a G5 requires going to an 18 tooth sprocket as the stock 17 doesn't give enough clearance around the bearing boss. However, better non-oring chains are available. I did the sprocket change on mine and installed a Tsubaki Oring chain on mine, after the stock chain was shot with 6500 miles on it. My sprockets were still OK, and I lubed that chain every 200 miles. I would suggest using the chain as is until it's worn out, but do keep it adjusted and lubed. When you get tired of that, then consider the options between changing the sprocket for an Oring chain and sprocket, or just using a good non-Oring chain. That one would take maybe a half hour to change. To change the sprocket takes a little longer.
You have to understand that the poor OEM chain quality is not a Enfield exclusive. Most OEM chains are crap. I got less than 10,000 miles on new Triumph chains, and not much more on Honda chains.
Go for the Enfield over the Guzzi. It's a much more pleasurable ride. And a far more rare and distinctive experience. It has an attraction both just looking at, and riding, than any other bike on the market has. It is a truly glorious bike.
Bare
 
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 25, 2012, 06:13:38 pm
"The chain is another short-lived item. Keep an eye on it and keep it lubed and adjusted. Don't let it destroy your sprockets. You might get 6000 miles out of it..."

I wonder if it would be a good idea to have the dealer install a quality x-ring or o-ring chain at time of initial prep, and if the proper size is even available. Still on the fence whether I want to commit to a new C5 or wait for the newly redesigned Guzzi V7, which won't be here in the States til late 2012 or early 2013....


why wait?  tomorrow is NEVER guaranteed!    stock is a standerd 530 chain with a clip master link very easy to install. a good oring type chain should last way past the 10k mark with 27hp :o  oh and quit waiting on the bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Jack Leis on April 25, 2012, 06:19:58 pm
   My 2011 G5 Classic came WITH A 530 CHAIN . Check your chain size before ordering another one. Might save you some grief.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 25, 2012, 06:22:33 pm
Yep, mine came with extra front and rear tubes, all cables, even the speedo cable, touch up paint, a big wrench and the reflectors. All this is an Enfield cardboard box.

I joked that the bike must be a real turd if they feel the need to include so many spares. The guys at the dealership have no sense of humor and did not find it funny.

boy if they come in the crate im really  >:(  its just wrong in everyway
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 25, 2012, 07:03:42 pm

stock is a standerd 520 chain with a clip master link very easy to install.


You meant 530 chain, no?

I'd say you can keep the stock chain if you like but if you notice that it seems to need a lot of adjustment early on then ditch it and get a better one before it eats the sprockets.  A good non o-ring chain is about $35.

Scott
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 25, 2012, 07:26:13 pm
You meant 530 chain, no?

I'd say you can keep the stock chain if you like but if you notice that it seems to need a lot of adjustment early on then ditch it and get a better one before it eats the sprockets.  A good non o-ring chain is about $35.

Scott

oops yes 530
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 25, 2012, 07:28:21 pm
Any of you folks have a brown paper bag for me to put over my head?

Your right.  The main oil drain plug is a 19mm hex.  :-[

I'll go and revise my other posts.  :-[


 no need to worry about exact sizes a good pair of vise gripes is all you need to service and repair the bike ;D
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ice on April 25, 2012, 08:59:14 pm
Scottoiler.  ;)
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Arizoni on April 25, 2012, 11:01:59 pm
(Taking the brown paper bag off my head for a moment)

The G5 uses a 530, 101 link non sealed chain.  
Because it has 101 links (pitch) it has a half link in it making it almost impossible to find a direct replacement.

If the stock 17 tooth sprocket is changed to a 18 tooth sprocket the commonly available 102 link chain will fit leaving the rear wheel in about the same place as it comes from the factory.

I decided to leave the 17 tooth sprocket in place and to try installing a 102 link chain.  
It fit nicely and the only thing that had to change was to move the rear wheel back about 5/16" (7.92mm).  
The adjustment snails still have a bit of adjustment left in them for future chain tightening when it's needed.
Putting it another way, the 102 link chain will fit nicely so don't worry about trying to find a 101 link chain.
 
As a side note, I installed a Diamond brand chain (made in U.S.A.) and it now has 1300 miles on it and it still hasn't needed any adjustment at all.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 25, 2012, 11:57:08 pm
http://www.trialsbits.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1139
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: fzr400 on April 26, 2012, 04:08:04 am
it sure is the wimpiest 530 chain i ever did see :o just for fun pitch is the distance between pins on each link. i do remember that i think.
 
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: Arizoni on April 26, 2012, 04:40:59 am
Yup.

The 5 represents a distance between the pins or pitch of the sprocket teeth of 5/8 of an inch or .625" (15.875mm) and the 3 represents a width of the rollers of 3/8" or .375" (9.525mm).

Probably more information than anyone wanted to see.   :D
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: FiRE Comms on April 28, 2012, 02:22:04 am
That's actually some great gee whiz info, Thanks!
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: REpozer on April 28, 2012, 02:59:32 am
I have a duck bill oiler over my chain. it works pretty good.
Title: Re: Picking up a new UCE G5.. what to look for..?
Post by: dynamyt on April 28, 2012, 03:02:03 am
Hi all -  8)
Before I say anything, this bike is a blast and too much fun. it just needs a little help.

To add to the already plentiful advice in this thread - I just picked up my 2011 G5 about 3 weeks ago with a cozy sidecar attached. It's apart in the garage after 137 miles. No mishaps thank God, but the sidecar fender bolts came loose, then the main sidecar mount, etc, etc, so it's been quarantined until the whole thing has been "quality inspected". Big hitter: battery box should have a rubber mat around the battery. I also had to shim the mount plate out about .050" to get the right tension on the battery. Too tight is not a good thing. I am also going to try and find a sealed battery.
Loose bolts with no lock nuts, lock washers or locktite. Headlight misaligned, bad signal/stop bulbs in the side car. I actually replaced the sidecar brake light because it was junk. Spend a few minutes tucking/placing the wiring harness to move some pinch points. I will be replacing the Buss fuses with weather proof blade fuse holders very soon also and probably getting a new headlight or bulb.
Everything else is good so far, but it's just a baby. I'm being very cautious because my little guy is riding in the sidecar. Let's hope it stays that way and we keep up the forum with info.
Above all, don't forget to have fun!!!   :D