1948 - Fresh Again

This 1948 FL is a done deal. Real bad shape when it came in many moons ago, but now it should be a runner !  Runs a stock "H" grind Victory camshaft with fresh lower end, cylinders and heads.  In 1948, they didn't have pan cover D-rings or nothing.  Just these screws !  All pretty correct 1948 parts.  The 1st year of the Panhead for the motor company.

May as well do the transmission while yer at it, right?

Correct date code case.

One-piece kick arm (don't break a spring)

Super Nut !  Check your clutch hub fitment.  Needs an 11T speedo drive.  I leave the top loose so the owner can pour some oil over the gears.  I recommend Bel-Ray Hypoid 85w-140.

For the clutch hub nut: I pressed in a new rubber seal, then put the old-style washers, 

spring and snap ring on top to keep it original looking . . . Still runs '48 style oem pushrod with throw-out bearing.  The tank-shift-rod-lever was welded up and redrilled proper diameter.

'52-'53 K Model Flywheel Assembly

I bought these (all rusty and locked up) at the Sturgis Swap Meet years ago.  I carried them all the way on my bike - restored them with new shafts, etc.  I tried to sell them, nobody wanted 'em . . . so I just found a set of cases (that need some welding) . . . so I may as well build a little motor.  I got cylinders, heads, transmission parts, all the special parts that are 52-53 only, like clutch hub clutch basket, kicker shaft and gear, transmission shafts . . . on and on.  There's hardly one part that will fit on a 52-53 K Model AND an ironhead Sportster.  The cylinder base nuts !  That's about it . . .

Wait:  The connecting rods are the same, wrist pins and clips.  If you think of something else, let me know and I'll explain why it won't work.

Wiley: No. 70

Yes, that's #70 at Bonneville Speed Week in 1970.  Jeff Wiley (not pictured) was attempting a record run.  I believe he went over 150mph - (too fast for me !)  Ironheads Forever !

750cc It's All You Need . . .

Warmer days are ahead . . hopefully???  These past pics I remember well.  Racing around town on an iron XR with no lights - but the local authorities know me well enough to not worry about me.  When you get so old, with a bit of gray hair - you don't drink and ride - and you have proof-of-insurance...they've got bigger fish to fry.

This thing rips pretty hard...and it'll pull the front wheel kinda easy.  The smooth-bend straight pipes really echo between the buildings.  Race bike on the street !

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The ol' 1952 K has pretty much the same chassis - with 1/2 the power.  It's my favorite motorcycle.  The K and KH were only made a few years for street use - but H-D pumped out the KRs all the way through 1969.  The KRs were successful 'cause the flat power band kept the rear tire from spinning.  They stayed hooked up and moving forward.  

The Delorto "Pumper" carbs work great on side-valves . . .

Firestone (Coker) repop tire with stock muffler and shocks.  Early XLCH rims.