Royal Enfield with a difference

In this episode, a RARE Enfield surfaces and frustration takes hold.
Let us know your views?
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[@flannelmeister]

Apologies if this is wrong but you appeared to be trying to start it with the decompressor on. Without compression you will never start it in a month of Sundays! The decompressor is only there to make it easy to ease the piston just over top dead centre but you need full compression to then actually kick it through and start it.

[@sanjeevdm]

Absolutely right......there is a technique to start these bikes and just a gentle kick can get them going if properly done, unless of course this bike has a basic fault somewhere.....

[@Maddpunx]

Exactly right how does he expect to start a bike with the decompressor on, then blames the bike.

[@stephendigby4684]

10 out of 10 for your persistence and never say die attitude. So entertaining and so many laughs watching you and Jamie trying everything to start the bike. Looking forward to part 2, if you can start it. Perhaps you should add a electric start 😀👍

[@donrice8440]

Hi, I all ways start my 500 Enfield with the cluch in! Regards, Englishman in Germany

[@chriserskine585]

I've been welding all day in 25 degrees and was totally fecked off by knocking off time........that vid has lifted my spirits 😅 cheers mate, I love my interceptors lecky start sooooo much👍

[@memnewb]

I can identify with your approach , “ if struggling have a brew and try again 20mins later.” 😎Great video. Already looking forwards to the follow up of it actually running.

[@j4zzx297]

I don't know why it was more entertaining to watch you try to start it, than watching a first ride review

[@paulcollins6197]

Mine starts first kick 90% of the time. I did say hi to you the other day when I popped in on my Bullet to get a can of chain lube. I'll pop by the shop Monday and get that bacon roll. 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Turn ignition on, Use choke if cold, Press and hold decompressor, Ease engine over with kick start till you see the ammeter needle deflect left and return to centre, at that point release decompressor and give the kickstarter a good follow through kick and the bike will start mostly first time every time. Had one and rode it for 10,000 miles

[@kellyjune1931]

Yes,don't try and kicking likeatwo stroke. If you've checked the fuel is getting through and you have a spark, on a hot day you shouldn't need choke, you'll flood it. Starting and, I'm talking old Triumph here, turn fuel on, pump the starter slowly until it's felt to just go over tdc, sometimes it pays to do a couple of SLOW kicks, when you try to start, hold your foot on the starter, and in one straight through kick, more than just kick at it, push it hard through to the bottom of the stroke hard. If you keep kicking at it, it'll just kill you! If you feel it's flooded, hold the throttle wide open and give it a hefty kick. Don't keep kicking at it like a little 2 stroke, you'll wear yourself out. And don't just use your leg to kick it over, rest your foot on the kick start and use your whole body to slam down on the starter - kind of stand on the starter and thrust your whole weight down on it, don't keep using your leg muscles you'll be knackered! I really felt for the two of you, wish I could have had a go - the bustard probably would start for me too! Good luck.

[@peterbennett4948]

Had a couple of Enfields and there are no problem to start unless something is amiss. And don't kick it like a two stroke it doesn't work like you found out. Look at the carb and many change the original for something like an Amal. Also check the timing and valve clearances. May be you would have been better off with the new Royal Enfield 350 Classic, it's electric start only 🙂

[@Diger65Line]

🤣Just to say thanks for the video, I haven't laughed so much for ages, memories of my younger days when I didn't know what I was doing either. Keep up the good work. P.s It'll start lovely when it's set up properly, put it on the center stand when its cold, don't stab the kick start, a nice full swing. And to improve it in the future fit an Amal carb. Thanks again.

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

I enjoyed the video a lot. I know what that sufferance is. I had a Yamaha XT 350 in the 80,s. Thats the reason why nowadays I own a 2018 euro4 Royal Enfield Classic 500; it's to have similar pleasures.

[@santifresnel2320]

It must be the ECU. In my dealings with old thumper bikes i have always applied the CSF principle. Compression, spark, fuel. First 2 easy to check, if plug is wet let dry or full throttle on start, if plug is dry not enough fuel, dont forget to tickle carb if there is a tickler on it if it works well fuel will spill out a bit, sure sign its getting there.

[@domnickjacob6392]

What a scene to watch even i have a 500cc Royal enfield just get the points checked and kick like u love her so much

[@andrewshields5322]

I needed to clean my phone screen after watching this...I had a mouth full of coffee at the time😂

[@drakakaka]

This is entertaining and makes me realize just how old I am. I used to ride one of these 20 years ago but I knew how to start it. Turn the engine with decomp to the right position and then kick it. If anything with a carb is flooded it's choke off and then a couple of kicks with full throttle. Sounds counter inttuítive but that means it gets a lot of air with little fuel.

[@williamgregory6684]

Gas on, key OFF, flood the carberetter, kick over twice, turn key ON and kick over. Most British bikes will start this way .This is painful to watch! Please get rid of that ugly box!

[@chrisgraham5186]

Some of us grew up with old 50's singles when they were just 'old bikes'… in my case a Matchless. The trick to using a decompressor, or valve lifter as mine had, is to take it up to compression using the kicker, then ease it over compression using the lifter. Close the decompressor/lifter again, bring the kickstart to the top of its stroke and swing it to spin the flywheels taking the motor over compression again and firing it up using the momentum of the flywheels. It's unlikely to spring into life with the decompressor 'decompressed' as they're also used to stop the engine (in the magneto only days)… but removing necessary compression 🙄

[@abdulrahmanfarooqi2293]

put that on center stand, ensure the piston travel by pumping the kicker, and kick it fully down without fearing backfire but expecting it.

[@captainlockheed]

I am blessed I grew up in a time when most people repaired their own bikes and cars and the knowledge and 'Basic checks' along with all the skills I have now are thanks to those people I watched and learnt from when I was a kid and through my youth. I don't blame younger people for not having those skills because they didn't grow up having to fix vehicles that became more reliable as well as more complicated but it's embarrassing when you have to explain simple mechanics too them and you realise a little they know, about anything mechanical.

[@dogphlap6749]

This video brings to mind the 350cc AJS single cylinder bike I had in the nineteen sixties (I think it was made in 57). Drum brakes, no electric start, decompression lever etc (but mine always started easily for whatever reason).

[@chrisgraham5186]

Because, back then, we knew how to start singles… the art has been lost.

[@thinlaygyatso290]

Pls make sure the amp meter is moving when you decompress as it should be in the Center when you fire it up. And also don’t forget to check the kill switch on the right hand side of the handle bar.

[@motorsforthemasses]

I don't think it has a kill switch

[@anthonyprice5596]

Without sounding like a know it all, if I can't get a 500 enfield running by second kick there's something wrong. Have you got a spark? Have the points closed up? Is the battery up to 12+volts? And you seem to have 2 fuel taps? Have you got fuel? Not sure where you are but I'd have it running.

[@bazthejazz]

Hilarious! Those of us of a certain age have experienced exactly the same frustration with old bikes (not with the same tolerance as you, mind). My process of elimination was always (1) check for spark at plug (2) check fuel is actually getting to the carb (3) ask an expert.

[@loki1066]

Love that back tyre - takes me right back.

[@neilneil60nb]

Have you checked the points for dirt,? Have you even a spark?

[@ewan53]

Ok, fuel on, if its a warm day it shouldn't need choke. Ignition on, ease the engine over until you feel the compression pull the decompressor and ease it past tdc, let go of the decompressor, now give it a long slow kick the full arc of the kick start no throttle unless it fires then open the throttle just a little. Perfect every time.

[@davidmitchell4899]

Oh yeah. Make sure the battery is well charged as well. Once sorted you will love it out on the country lanes👍🏻.

[@grahamallison6704]

There’s a knack and once mastered no problems, like others say set the piston with decom and then a nice steady swing. Can be done in slippers.

[@ChackraTantra]

The nut that connects the handle bar to the seat is very loose here ... lol 😆

[@zoydpatterson1817]

Please give us a follow-up. That was hilarious 😅. You didn't give up and lose your humour. The sound of the bike is really amazing.

[@dogshome7110]

I never used the decompression on the XT500. Stand on the kickstart with ignition off and ease it over TDC. Ignition on, and stand up on the kickstart like you mean it. None of this swilling it about whilst seated. The guy I bought it off could never start it properly and had hurt his leg several times. It got me whilst poncing about like it was a 2 stroke for a day or two. I used to start Triumph 750s for friends when they were feeling weak / scared / thought it might be funny if I couldn't start it. Same technique, never failed 🙂 Something is wrong though......

[@MrRourk]

This and a good spray of starting fluid.

[@billconnor103]

I would try new spark plug points and just give it a little choke if. cold otherwise no choke if it's warm weather love the program am a avid follower of motor's for the masses keep up the good work and don't get hurt with that Kickstarter bill near durham

[@davidmitchell4899]

My 2007 Bullet was like this. Difficult to start. Until I saw a KZbin video by HooHooHoblin about setting the timing properly. Followed it to the letter and it’s been brilliant ever since. Couple of times when it didn’t start it turned out to be the kill switch.

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

You can convert the point's to modern electrics with kits from Hitchcocks, Doghouse customs has a great channel for Enfield custom builds.

[@philipgibbs2211]

hold de-compressor on for 2 kicks, bring to TDC, holding de-compressor on take it over TDC then release de-compressor and kick. should start easy then.

[@2Thumbs0402]

There's a reason bikes like these in the 40's/50's never had ignition switches (other than vehicle theft being rare), only the owner could get them started. I'm happy to relieve you of it for it's original India RRP... ;)

[@jujuUK68]

There's a reason this guy and andy Parsons are never seen in the same room at the same time! The comedy fro 20 mins in - summoning your inner Basil Fawlty... hilarious.

[@motorsforthemasses]

HAHAHA, I'll take that.

[@davidbesant]

Blood brother with your bike. A true biker. Something about this bike really appeals, but not certain what.

[@shaunelliott9290]

Haha the very definition of madness.Trying the same thing over and over again an expecting a different result. We've all done it at some point.Very amusing video.

[@sagartattur1112]

Hi sir saintly bend down to right side put chuck on and blowing inside the fuel tank fully pressure and put back tank cap . Then try kick Once engine get heated no one can beat . Or or or if not then last option use down going road sit on the bike put 3rd gear and start pushing down. And suddenly realise clutch don't let go acceleration keep little bit acceleration. I think it's working 💪 99%

[@GramophonicReevolution]

🤣🤣🤣 that was hilarious. Thank you 🤣👍🍻

[@Anuj10_01]

It requires cold start. Turn the ignition off. Hold decompression and kick at least 5 times(full kicks). Turn the ignition on and see if the amp meter needle is in the middle. If it is kick it without using decompression. If it’s not in the middle use decompression and kick it to bring the needle in the middle and then kick it. It will definitely start.c

[@andrewmcpoland9040]

Mine has never started (or even run) with the choke engaged. Also, you might find it easier to kick-start on the main stand, standing alongside. Great video! I feel your pain....

[@milkomonaco109]

Right !why not on the main stand? Personally I would never make it sitting on it!

[@stevendavies8496]

This takes me back,,,,40 years,,,shit I feel old now ,,,,thanks ,,,,,,,but this has good side ,,,it's not mine lol...............bump it

[@tonygreenbank8611]

The valve lifter is to get it over TDC, then you give a good firm kick. Then with luck it fires into life. If the bike is running and you hold the valve lifter in, the engine stops. It will never start with the valve lifter in!!

[@davidrochow9382]

This why the Japanese bikes took over in the 70s. They had an electric start and a kick starter in case of a flat battery or the electric starter packed up.

[@GurungAmrit]

I am on 14th minute of the video and i feel like i should come there and start that beauty for u. I cant even wait till the video end to comment. I used to own one of those not the 500 but the 300. And i seriously loved it. I love the neutral bar. Just press it and it is neutral thats brilliant. And may be because i have spent ao much time with this and this haveing the gear and brake in the opposite side i have learned to put my right foot down rather than my left when in stop. I think what u r doing wrong is u r doing a lot of choke. Most probably u have already overflowed the carburator by now. Dont use a choke right away. Squeeze the compressor and then soft kick. Make sure u have the needle balanced on the centre. Let go the compressor and give a good kick. That should start. Choke is only needed if it is cold weather. And i dont know about the red knob but there is a silver knob just under the tank and i think that is the fuel. But i am not a pro. I owned these back in ard 2004-2008. So thats how i used to start. These machine can be very hectic because of small things. But they are easy to fix if u know what u r doing. Good luck.

[@MrRourk]

There is the secret way I used to start my old bike. You need to be at the top of a good size hill. Coast down and pop her into first

[@curlytheunacceptable.4298]

I have heard said that the Willow tree next to the river of tears in the valley of despair, is said to behold magical powers for such bikes, several limbs from such a mystical tree are be removed and held firmly in hand and at every full moon for two a month the offending machine should be struck soundly across the tank three times until it repents, if that fails there's always the river. Now me would have checked the points for gap and being clean, then drain the carb to see what antiques fly out, before replacing the plug I would have placed it on the cylinder to see it was sparking and yes I believe the amp meter could help, I used to own for many years a bike with points and condenser it was a 1977 Guzzi T3 Cali.

[@craigcraig2524]

dont decompres just one good full swing on center stand😊😊 ( Leave De Com Closed, Feel Comprerison on K/S and One Full Kick/Swing)

[@derekellams3988]

Save this till I'm having a bad it will cheer me up no end

[@sajinksaji3202]

What a ride mate !...

[@stevesanelli90]

Great old bike but bugger the kick start these days! My old Suzuki RG250 was an absolute breeze to start. Kick or run & start! Enjoy the older days😉

[@critterIMHO]

It was called an Enfield because Eicher Motors didn’t yet own the rights to the Royal Enfield name.

[@milkomonaco109]

Put it on the main stand mate! And you'll be all right!

[@silverback3926]

Cant wait to see how you got it started. Call the owner.

[@critterIMHO]

You really need to do a little research on how to start a Royal Enfield. Beyond that, there is a weird double hump on the cam that drives the points, and if you set your point gap on the wrong one, it will never start.

[@paolonoaro2308]

This is why I got myself a Benelli imperiale 🤣

[@macsclassicmotorcyclesclas2948]

I have an Indian import always starts 1st or 2nd kick I always get TdC on the kickstart and never use the decomposition lever!

[@davidslapp2742]

if it has the amp meter turn it over until the amp meter flicks, you are then on TDC, also check the basics checks, also the standard Mickcarb is crap

[@johnsshed995]

The new Enfield safety motorcycle , 100% accident free ,apart from skinned shins .lol

[@stevesanelli90]

What a funny episode! You are damn funny Mark!

[@siharries2014]

Off the white cliffs of Dover!!! 😉😂

[@leonwangls]

Weak battery. i have the same problem. once it started, and running, when you stopped. its can start right away. usually happen when you leave it till engine is cold. than it won't start

[@motorsforthemasses]

I did wonder if the battery was an issue but then with a kick start didn't think that mattered.

[@maximXX]

Dont need a battery connected to start these bikes

[@imochasingh6875]

What's the difference between Enfield imported from India and made for India.

[@ronoldcross8189]

Check your carburetor, though you did say you were getting fuel, Timing probably off. If all else fails, get it to about 15kph and pop the clutch. If that doesn't work and your electronics are ok, (are you getting a spark?), get an English language shop manual Hand it over to a competent mechanic, spin around three times and click your heels. And do remember children may be in ear shot. I would be serious, but my 500 was a 70ish Suzy 2 Stroke and was virtually trouble free. So I a⁵m of no help.

[@Coolman1tuga]

I found out the problem! Isn't this your 13th motorcycle? That's the problem right there it will never work right 😂

[@motorsforthemasses]

No, sold the KTM, so 11 lol

[@robedmunds7163]

I think the problem you have there is it won't start. Next time try with jacket and helmet on for the full effect.

[@J8526]

Hi there mate just wait for couple months then I be there to help you hopefully 😊

[@critterIMHO]

Ahm, I almost hate to ask this, but in reviewing your technique a little further, you are closing the switch located on the right switch gear, aren’t you?

[@motorsforthemasses]

There isn't one.

[@critterIMHO]

@@motorsforthemasses That’s odd, but I guess you never know what’s been done. My 2001 looks exactly like yours and has one.

[@aidens04]

Haha! Great video! 😂

[@dogphlap6749]

For what it's worth the 650cc twin cylinder Royal Enfields of the same year (I've got one of those) had a lot of intermitant problems (including failure to start) due to the off-white grease plastered around the relay sockets and relay pins. This happened to me. Pulling the relays out, wiping away the grease and then replacing the relays into their sockets fixed my problem. Yours is a different bike so perhaps this is not relevant but worth a try.

[@jimt165]

no wrries. You'll figure out its mysterious ways with time. Stick with it.

[@harveyhuggins9052]

What’s up mate i’ve just watched your recent video about the road legal stomp, looks cool! I’ve just brought a new Stomp 110 pit bike as my first bike is it possible to get it road legal and if possible could you give me any info on how to? Very much appreciate your content!

[@motorsforthemasses]

Full MOT road legal you will need a headlight, horn, brake light, number plate (certificate of newness from manufacturer and DVSA paperwork completing and fee paying). However as pitbikes don't have the circuits for those electric bits you will need to either wire it all in, with switches, or a new harness. (As predominantly off-road vehicle, indicators not needed).

[@harveyhuggins9052]

@@motorsforthemasses Thank you so much, it’s been my dream to get this on the road is it possible to get a certificate of newness from stomp that’s the only problem i’ve been running into and if I can’t is there any way around this? Edit: Are road legal tyres necessary and is minimum/maximum ground clearance a thing?

[@grahamebradford1028]

Ha Ha. I'm the bloke from the 60's who would have that running it two kicks.😂😂

[@olddube]

An honest review of Royal Enfield ‘s crappy quality control back in the bad old days.

[@wilburburnside9623]

Aye , I remember it well . Those were the days . Well , not really ...

[@monman8183]

Too much Richard Hammond. I wondered if the KTM had gone. Onwards and upwards. Good honest start though👍 Wonder if the decompressor is out of adjustment.

[@1990-t1j]

A proper one.

[@iwarren4697]

I think after that long trying I’d start it with a piece of rag in the petrol tank and a match 🔥🤭

[@ronaldtubby6242]

let me get my diary and see which year I'm free to have a look lol

[@VinayKumar-db4qz]

I think this was before Eicher motors took over.

[@machien321]

Push it in second gear?

[@davidsargent8780]

And people wonder why Japanese bikes took over?

[@glowskulls100]

Made I laugh, been there done that.

[@Off-Road-4x4]

First you need some proper boots, knee high. Ho ho ho, that was funny. Try again next week when its cooler.

[@ilovemynewjacket1507]

Good bit of cgi at the end there.... With you riding... 😂

[@robertcrooks9275]

I have 2002 classic model with electric start, and that's the only way to start it the kickstart is useless.

[@johnstonstewart9683]

You're not doing it right, use the de-compressor to ease it over tdc then give it a good long swinging kick.

[@rajb5595]

As an Indian , having one for the last 20 years , i can say u are not attempting in thr correct way

[@vincentshellard1273]

Just ease over top dead ,no throttle no choke.,and then a nice long swing (not a jab).......should now start.if in good tune.

[@ronoldcross8189]

Just push start it. 😀

[@mlisunep]

You’re like my wife. I just don’t know what’s wrong with you!😹😹😹😹😹

[@CrapKerouac]

It's a pretty motorcycle...

[@Maddpunx]

Ease it over compression with the decompressor on, decompressor off and kick it, with choke and fuel on, blames the bike, so so infuriating.

[@neillawson4252]

Proof my arse that’s a different Enfield lol 👀

[@allenwilson1479]

tickle the carb to prime it

[@Paul-pb3vq]

You won't like it, it hasn't got a rev counter 😉

[@motorsforthemasses]

Haha

[@davidjones535]

Points are dirty get a new spark plug and set the gap right and clean the carb , your making this harder on your selves oh one more thing check the fuel line it self sounds to me like your getting air in the line .