[imbue]

Sankar, thanks for enlightening us.

Can you share where can I find and purchase the axle for this fork? (i believe it's type 2) -

[Sankar]

Try contacting these fellows
1) India's leading distributor of motorcycle parts. Specialists in Royal Enfield spares and accessories.
2) eBay India Store - ashenfield:

They may be able to help you out.

[Rennjit]

^ thats the regular Std350/500 type fork. Newer fork with drums were on Machismo/ T'bird models for some short period & so axles might be rare to find since most bikes were sold with disc.

Originally Posted by imbue

... i'm hoping to increase hp and performance for touring purposes with a pillion behind. looks like i don't have much options. what's next?

I agree drum brake has that 'look' but if going for performance increase its safer to have some stopping power too. Again, for touring reliability & comfort is what matters so the 500 conversion is out. It may have to be validated for all this before you could go touring with peace of mind. Have you checked availability of a complete LB 500 engine? A transplant & some mods can give the most you want.

.. How does one determine if it's CDI or TCI? RR (meaning rectifier and regulator) i take it... i'll have to go check.

Tci models have that bulbous primary case with allen bolts all around holding the cover. Not sure about export models so you can post a pic? These can run bigger battery with a few component changes but for the rest its mostly trick works.

hitchcock advised against the 400++ upgrades as the gains are not worth the effort according to them.

Why?
I think its because they don't have/ tried any similar options & as most are 500's there. Whats the specific big effort other than locating a suitable piston & re-sleeving a barrel? rest tuning etc is there with any sort upgrades.

[imbue]

Hey guys (especially Sankar and whoever who are experience mechanically),

Can you share what would be the best option and fit for my AVL 350 Machismo? (Cylinder & piston upgrade) - I have my eye on the 535 and would like to confirm on the right options to purchase as well as standard upgrade procedure after hearing Gordon and yourself out.

You said it's a relatively straightforward job. I hope so too.

Do I need to purchase any gaskets for this?

Hitchcocks Motorcycles - Cylinder

1. 200074C // BIG BORE KIT (BIG BORE KIT, (INDIAN made ALI BARREL)+FORGED 8.5:1 PISTON) OR CAN A IRON BARREL BE MIXED (IS THIS ADVISABLE - PROS / CONS
1a. 200074A BIG BORE KIT, (IRON BARREL) with forged 8.5:1 piston

2. OR CAN THE ELECTRA BIG BORE KIT AND FORGED PISTON FIT?

3. OR DO I NEED TO PURCHASE SEPARATE CYLINDER AND PISTON AND SEPARATE PARTS? (If yes, pls advice)

Thanks and looking forward to your insights and help.

[Sankar]

imbue, the options listed in that page will not fit the AVL 350 engine. Only for AVL part in that page is "ELECTRA BIG BORE KIT AND FORGED PISTON", but that is for the AVL500.

Rest of all the parts apart from "535 PISTON FOR EFI MODELS" is for the cast iron engine.

Even installing a AVL500 block on the AVL350 is not simple feat let alone 535, it needs widening of the crankcase mouth which involves adding metal and making new holes.

[Rennjit]

@ Imbue, 500 mod involves replacement of too many parts, esp cyl head too. Its not worth ruining your otherwise good 350 engine, so see if you can get spare/ used crank cases of 500/350 and build one around it. Almost all those riding 350's would have at some point of time thought of a 500 conversion but not many go ahead. Wish you all luck.

@Sankar, i believe adding metal is about compensating for reduction in side wall thickness. Hope i'm not going too but would a car piston & liner do good for big bore 350 job? I've read of one CI running 74mm esteem piston. we've bigger options.

[imbue]

Thanks for sharing Sankar & Renjit.

Sankar, I read in one of your threads that you introduce stoppers & brake liners from bus and trucks for your drum brakes. Care to share where to find them online? I'm opting for the twin leading drum brakes and fork.

Renjit, when you take about crank cases, u're talking about complete crank case with gearbox (many available have right shifting)? Know where can I find them? Been looking on ebay, etc.

On a separate note, I'm cross ref my discussion over at the indian forum for comparison - Hitchcocks Motorcycles -


Btw guys, I'm looking for accurate part and technical specs for my 350 AVL Machismo. Do you know where can I find them? We don't seem to have much info on it here at our end. Stuff like, grade of fork oil to use, engine oil grade and capacity, gearbox oil grade and volume, etc... Pls share if you have the info.

[Sankar]

Originally Posted by Rennjit

@Sankar, i believe adding metal is about compensating for reduction in side wall thickness.

The addition of metal is to relocate the bore studs to the outside to make way for the sleeve of the 500cc barrel.

Originally Posted by imbue

Sankar, I read in one of your threads that you introduce stoppers & brake liners from bus and trucks for your drum brakes. Care to share where to find them online? I'm opting for the twin leading drum brakes and fork.

I got the brake shoes lined by a guy who does this for a living. I'm not sure where you can find this online, but places where they do truck brake overhauling would be a good option.

[Rennjit]

Just need both halves of the Crankcase to start with. Rest parts can be of your choice, factory or after market. Many 350 parts can be reused. No changes to gearbox & clutch other than an additional plate set. Being outside India, have you checked for any local RE dealer/ parts source for new set? Used 350's c/cases might be available with breakers, never seen 500's.

See these threads for a ref.
1
2 cast iron mod

[sahil_mohile]

Originally Posted by Sankar

AVL500cc block will not sit in the 350cc crankcase as the mouth is not large enough, it will take machining and welding job to make it fit.

Hello sir,firstly please forgive my ignorance regarding this,there is much I have to learn yet but I have recently acquired an AVL Thunderbird,2006 model & was planning on changing a few things in it. I came across a thread on an Electra being restored where they changed the cylinder head & bore to a twinspark-
I've copy pasted a section from that thread here:

So, below is the list of upgrades he has in his mind and has purchased some parts for the same.
1) Fuel sender in the tank + Fuel gauge in place of Ammeter
2) Tachometer in place of the ign switch
3) Twinspark in place of de-compressor + Machismo type De-comp if there is a need. His bike has a self start
4) Mudguards & seats of classic 350
5) Illuminated switch console of P-220 + BCU + Indicator cutoff with sensor + wiring
6) Complete painting + chrome + Aluminium buffing
7) BS29 CV carburetor
8) Oval resonator Classic style


LINK:http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...-upgrades.html (Royal Enfield 350 Electra: Restoration & Upgrades)

I was wondering if the same sort of cylinder modification would be possible for an AVL engine if I fitted the carbureted twinspark head & bore. Would it work?? I was also thinking of installing a starter motor kit, K&N filter with a BS29 carb. Would like your views please.

Regards & thanks