RE Machismo 500LB Starter issue

[djworx]

Hey Guys,

I've been having a strange issue in my 2009 RE Machismo 500LB for a couple of days now. The bike is about 10 months old and has done about 6250kms.

In the morning, If I use the starter, I can hear the motor turn but it does not engage and turn the crankshaft. But for some reason after the bike has sufficiently warmed up, it fires up perfectly. I've noticed that I have almost no issues during the afternoon. I have similar issues once the weather cools down in the evening.

I'm gonna leave the bike with my mechanic on monday so that he can check it out. Any thing I should be aware of???

Thanks in advance for your help....

[Gordon]

Mechanic? Your bike is still under warranty, isn't it? Why not get it serviced/repaired at the RE Service Center then?

[hollywoodhogan]

a sticky sprag clutch, look like. take it to an a.s.s immediately so that you may not lose out on any warranty. however remember, warranty is valid only if you have carried out the 4 free services at any a.s.s in the 9 months since purchase.

[Puffdamgcdragon]

This is the most common problem of the Lb 500. I've had my starter bearing replaced under warranty. Otherwise it would have costed close to 3 grands. Unfortunately, the second one's also started giving problems now.

U better take it immediately to the RE service centre and insist that they replace the sprag clutch/ starter bearings. Bad news is- the problem is gonna resurface sooner or later.

Just try not using the self as much as possible and never when the bike is cold. Also if it doesn't start in two tries, don't push it. Just kick start the bike. U'll only worsen the problem.

[crazy4s]

Originally Posted by djworx

Hey Guys,

I've been having a strange issue in my 2009 RE Machismo 500LB for a couple of days now. The bike is about 10 months old and has done about 6250kms.

In the morning, If I use the starter, I can hear the motor turn but it does not engage and turn the crankshaft. But for some reason after the bike has sufficiently warmed up, it fires up perfectly. I've noticed that I have almost no issues during the afternoon. I have similar issues once the weather cools down in the evening.

I'm gonna leave the bike with my mechanic on monday so that he can check it out. Any thing I should be aware of???

Thanks in advance for your help....

visit your local RE service centre, dont show it to any local mechanic, he can make your starter work till your warranty period, you would be helpless after warranty. make it check thoroughly at RE workshop, i think starter relay has to be replaced

thanks

[chintan15]

Originally Posted by Puffdamgcdragon

This is the most common problem of the Lb 500. I've had my starter bearing replaced under warranty. Otherwise it would have costed close to 3 grands. Unfortunately, the second one's also started giving problems now.

U better take it immediately to the RE service centre and insist that they replace the sprag clutch/ starter bearings. Bad news is- the problem is gonna resurface sooner or later.

Just try not using the self as much as possible and never when the bike is cold. Also if it doesn't start in two tries, don't push it. Just kick start the bike. U'll only worsen the problem.

I absolutely agree with this, I am new to the 500s too as i have just bought my self a Machismo 500 07 model, the first owner had replaced the Bearing/sprag clutch thrice so i decided to let go of the idea of replacing it yet again and get used to kick start the beast..

Its been 2 weeks now and i am fine with kick starting..

[phamilyman]

Boss - you've got the regular bugbear. Take out the starter motor completely and kick the 500 like its meant to be.

if u want more insights, contact anshuman biswal (?) of RTMC - who sold his LB500 for a R15(?) after this issue - or PM me - another friend of mine got a refund from RE after almost 5-6 replacements of the sprag clutch

[Gordon]

Always learn how to start an Enfield with the kick lever. Its good, because if the starter fails you wont be stranded and embarassed at the side of the road or worse in middle of traffic.

Also do remember, never to apply pressure on the decomp lever/cable. The Decompressor on the LB and CI are quite different. To use the decompressor, as you apply a little pressure on the decomp lever also apply pressure on the kick lever. Eventually the decomp lever will become more free as you take the kick lever down. Do this once or twice to release the compression. Leave the decomp lever, and give a full-kick to start.

Its far more easier to start a CI compared to a LB.

[desideep]

The sprag clucth has been a major issue with the 500. i got a chance to ride a 500 the other day. that thing is heavy and the kick was not as easy as a 350 i dont know about the AVL 350. but i am sure its not a mission to start it without the Self start. i know a man who took off the starter motor and the whole assembly after facing the problems for 2 times and now he is one of the most happy 500 owners

[navpreet318]

Well today finally i learnt the "art" of kick starting the bullet finally after innumerable tries.and not first time i try the technique and she starts up.press the decomp.give it two light kicks.leave the decomp and give half a kick and it starts.

i find the 500 kick very very easy and soft as i had a high compression cbz on which i used to stand up and yet it never came down.lol.my mechanic actually used to call me to start it as only i could use my weight and force to kick start it.
So in comparison to that its a baby kick.lol.


On the issue at hand i thought that they had solved this issue by replacing a bearing permanently in the newer models. I had no idea that it still was a problem.

[djworx]

Wow!!! Never expected this many replies...

Thanks a lot guys... Since the problem surfaced, I've only been kickstarting the bike. Gotten used to that and in fact, prefer it. So now I guess I'll just take it to the Enfield Guys and see what they have to say abt it.... I've noted down each of your suggestions..

Thanks again!!

Cheers...

[djworx]

Got the Sprag Clutch replaced under warranty..... I don't plan to use the Electric Start much, now that I've gotten used to Kick starting the bike...

Btw, this might be some helpful advice.... The Owner of the Service Station says the right way to start the bike using Electric start is to hold the button till the engine fires up and starts spinning at an RPM faster than the Starter motor. This is when the Sprag Clutch disengages completely. If you just get the starter to crank a bit, and then open throttle, the sprag clutch does not disengage completely and gets damaged when the engine spins up. I am guilty of starting the bike this way, many a times!

I need someone to clarify this theory for me please. IMO, it seems to be a pretty sensible explanation.....

Thanks again for all your help!

Note from the Team-BHP Support Team : Please take the time to use proper punctuation as per Team-BHP rules. Avoid...typing...like...this. Thanks.

[Gordon]

For any in-depth technical help, I think its best if you post your query on the Royal Enfield Yahoo Groups. Mr Pete Snidal himself and other very helpful guys will be able to guide you.

royalenfield : Enfield motorcycle enthusiasts

Attached an excerpt from the Pete Snidal Royal Enfield Manual.