Query Moved and Approved.

This was not supposed to be a "Help" thread.. still if the mods thinks so..

I think you paid too much money for the bike. I sold a year old 5000kms Thunderbird (2007) for 60,000.

The engine runs hot because it is a Lean-Burn aluminum engine. Shouldn't be too worrisome but normally you cannot feel the heat unless you get very close to the fins. If you are experiencing anything more than that - something might be wrong. Check the oil levels.

The engine is also a noisy S.O.B - I sold mine because it made all the wrong noises for a cruiser and barely crossed 90kph without sounding like all the internals were going to be blasted out the tail-pipe in a cloud of smoke. I hated the bike. Bought a 500LB instead...(eventually sold that for a Zma and I won't have anything to do with Enfield's hereafter).

MAN O MAN you paid 45k for 2005 model
i sold my TB 2004 model in 2006 for 45k
and sold my TB 2005 model in 2008 for 42k
currently i have 2007 model TB

TB engine lasts for atleast 60k km, but timing gears and tappet valve needs replacement very frequently( this cost 4500) and dont go for any other after market tire buy genuine stock one.
In my 2005 model crank bearing was worn out thats why i sold it.
AVL engines ask for lots and lots of care regarding crank bearing and timing gears.
TIK TIK TIK sound will always be there you cant help it.
call me if you have any query

You have paid atleast Rs 10K more. Plus why would you want to buy a bike which has gone engine overhaul and more so just recently - How are you sure they did not screw the engine during overhaul (its only two weeks).. Plus the sound should be minimal post overhaul and not more... the sound could be because of bearings but that should have been resolved during overhaul..

I bought 2004 TB two years ago for 38K (13K Km running) and sold it this year for 28K (28K Km running)...

You may feel I am being very blunt but I think you shd have used the forum better before buying...

Hi all.. thanks a lot for your inputs. Yea, it might sound a bit high. But i dont know wots happening in Kerala. Royal Enfield, Yezdi, and Yamaha RX owners seek atrocious prices over here. A decent roadking costs anywhere between 35-40k here. Can you believe that? My only option was a 2007 model TB for which the owner asked 67k. That was beyond my budget. So, picked this one up. It was a single owner bike used by brother's friend. Used to see the bike regularly. So, i was sure that hes not lying.. he he..

Yea, i think i'll have to replace my timing gears. I know its an inherent issue with AVL TBs. Hmm.. will have to live with it for the time being. But, truely, i enjoy the ride. Its a great machine for sure with loads of comfort.

i dont know why everyone has faced such issues with the t-bird, my bike is running strong still after 70,000 kms done.

The vibrations and sounds are more because of the construction of the engine. Cast iron will muffle the sounds more than the aluminium construction.

Old model AVL engines were plagued with valves not seated properly, timing gears and rockers wearing out like no body's business.

mate you did pay a hefty sum, but do the following checks before changing anything.

1 ) check the oil pump, and make sure the helical threads are not cut, and that its pumping oil properly. This can be verified by opening the head covers and making sure adequate amount of oil is being pumped to the rockers.

2) check the timing gears for wear, and also the pushrod faces. if they have to be changed, then its better to get them changed together.

3) also the rockers have to be checked for play, when you are getting the head opened, remove the valves, check for play, and proper valve seating on the head. This will help reduce a lot of vibrations and improve the compression of the engine.

4) Check the primary drive ( on the left side ) inside the clutch case, if the tensioner has been loosened to its limit, it might need replacement.



- Riding tips that i follow for the t-bird -

Its a high revving engine, say free revving actually. And it does not like gear shift low in the range ( read early upshifts ) .

keep her in the rev range of 2500-3500 rpm on the tacho, and you are good to go. Shift around 3,000 rpm, and you will stress the engine to a minimum.

Rather than going dhug dhug dhug like the Cast iron bullets, give it a lil brrrr...

lemme know if any more queries.

That was some nice info. Thanks. Here is a pic of my Bull