Time Consuming Projects

These K Model tappet covers need to slide together easily (no binding) to function properly.  They must be almost perfect.  These were "far from perfect."  The smallest dent can render them sticky, almost useless.  The threads must be perfect too.  The smooth, inside covers are installed under the valve guide flanges, with a fiber gasket between the cover and the cylinder.  I've got a few hours in these.  They are nice.  Painted with a light coating of Hi-Heat H-D Barrel Paint Silver.  I prefer the original H-D parts.  It's worth it to repair them.  Aftermarket covers would probably need to be worked to fit anyway . . . so just use the real deal.

Panhead Dreams

360+ Miles of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin

I didn't have a whole lot of time to take my hands off the handlebars . . . but, I had a great ride.  After blowin' through the Canadian fire smoke on Saturday morning (near Kenyon, MN), the sky cleared off and I made it to White Bear Lake and hooked up with a couple old panheads for a river run.

Dave had to tighten one bolt . . . then lunch near Diamond Bluff.

Pat & Rebecca(Did I spell it right?) gave me the grand tour . . . 

we rode into the night.

Over winding blacktops, through the woods, down dirt roads . . . 

even over sidewalks !

We kept it movin' . . .

We came rippin' into Bellechester . . . fashionably late.

The Chubs rocked it . . . bottles passed around.

Was I worried?  Nah, my tent was out back.

Me & Whitey shut it down . . . Where'd that Crown go ?
The crazy kids even met me for breakfast in Zumbro Falls,
 makin' sure I was ready for the ride back . . .
Thanks for the fun . . . see you soon.  -Noot

 PS. Mac's is a neat place (unless the dam breaks)

Bubba Shobert

Shobert let his riding ability do the talkin' . . . Texas-style.  One of the fastest, most versatile professional motorcycle racers ever.  Always a fan favorite, Bubba can still be spotted signing autographs and greeting old fans at the track.

Chopper Dave's Hooded Sweatshirt

My favorite sweatshirt:  It's kept me warm and dry through this shitty Iowa spring.  Washed about 3 or 4 times . . . it's usually covered with cat hairs.  It's been splatted with gasoline, parts solvent, brake kleen, carb cleaner and bugs.  It still looks great.  The zipper has never failed or jammed (put wax on 'em).  "They Forced Me To Hate" on the front . . . not really sure what all the hate is about (I assumed all the big tire, fake crap bikes I guess - I could always just ask him) - but, I really like the sweatshirt !

75 & Sunny Today !

I just really dig my Andrews No.1 Series Camshaft.  It's got torque, response . . . and gets going.  I also went with the Yost Powertube.  Standard compression.  Great combination.  Jockey jammin' with pipes at the sky . . .Old bikes are just in my blood - I just love old iron. 

20 Years on this Ironhead

I registered this motorcycle in the late Summer of 1996 . . and it's been my main ride ever since.  The last (2)years I rode a panhead on long trips, and the trusty '64 saw a couple 700+ miles trips, but mostly it just sat under a sheet.  Originally built from swap meet parts, backroom parts and a few NOS goodies . . . it was great to be back in the saddle of the Black Sportster last weekend.

I prefer the Delco points (with fiber bushing)

and the Blue Streak condensers

I run the 18" Metzeler ME77 Perfect on stock Borrani Aluminum Rim with stainless spokes.  Just check them periodically and keep them tight. I like the 13 1/2" FLH shocks . . . gets it low for windbreak, and they're heavy-duty for carrying heavy loads for traveling.  

The early staggered mufflers sound great . . . and it's an easy exhaust system to service or remove when out on the road.

I modified a Super B air cleaner backing plate - to fit my Super E.  The air cleaner is thinner (more leg room) and it works well.  I prefer the standard, foam UNI-type filters.  Wash it and spray it down with a lil' filter oil. They are a bit lighter too.  This ironhead has the early 4 gallon (H-Tank) fuel tank for 140+ mile runs.  A Pingel fuel valve keeps fuel flowing for those 80+ mph semi-trailer passing lane bursts of speed.  Lead, Follow or Get-The-F&%K Out of The Way Moves . . .

 

A 19" Borrani with my preferred Avon 3.50 leads the way.  I've never had any issues with the Avon Speedmaster tires.  I can change it easily with common tire tools.  I can carry (1)ea 19" tube with metal center valve (which could work on the rear too).  Cycle Electric generator and Lockhart oil cooler(with cover for temps under 75 degrees F) keeps things safe and reliable.  I run Autolite 4316 plugs almost exclusively.  Many miles I've gone on my ironhead Sportster.  I just love this thing.  It's a testament to H-D engineers, H-D service manuals . . and American-Made motorcycle parts of the 1960s. For short trips, bar hoppin' or traveling . . . it's a great combination.

The Big, Wet Freeze-Out . . .

Me & Hux (FXRT) rode down in the freezing cold wind.  We camped with Pete & Matt & The '32 on the hill . . .

Always a great selection of activities at Vintage Torquefest.  Flat track motorcycles, hot rods, great music . . . decent food & drink prices.  If the weather gets bad - go inside.  More stuff awaits !

 Minnesota gang . . . Keokuk gang . . . and don't forget the Wisconsin gang . . . party on . . .

Michael split the scene . . . " in my Chevy Van and that's alright with me . . . "

Nashty . . . described the weekend.

Call in sick tomorrow on your way to Vintage Torque . . .APRIL 29-30

 " . . . . Uhhhh, (in a quiet, raspy voice, talking through a shop towel) this is Robert.  Uh, I don't feel real good today - started last nite. (fake cough)  I think I'm stayin' home today, thank you.  See you Monday."  Then shut the flip-fone and crank the throttle to Vintage Torquefest in Dubuque, Iowa for 2 days of hot rods, custom vintage choppers, flakes, flames, pin-up chics, dirt track rods and bikes, chain racing, swap meet . . . and this eclectic array of killer tunes on multiple stages . . . all for the price of big order of Micky Dees drive up . . . so, skip Mickeys and hit the Dubuque Fairgrounds and have yourself a ball !

Hux's FXRT

Darrel builds some nice FXRs.  Stock with a modified flare . . .

Atomic Trent's Panhead

I like this bike !  I'd have to move the seat back a bit, or maybe one of those older, flat (with a nose) dual seats you see ?  I like the pipes too.  I want to build something like this for long trips.  Maybe run an older hydraulic front end, with no tins, just a headlight.  I have some 4 1/2" S&S flywheels.  I have a Super B.  A stock lookin' kinda bobbed, with a little stroker, 16" wheels . . . just use up some of the parts I have, and maybe some classic H-D do-dads here and there.  Maybe an old, crusty windshield?  Leather bags . . . I'd fit right in with all this gray hair I'm accumulating !

Police

How many years did police motorcycles have black lower front fork legs after 1949 ?

1941 ?

Betor

 . . . on for good.  Just add oil.  These front-ends are kinda cool.  The 7/8" bars need a Gunner Gasser and maybe a pair of real Italian Natural Rubber Grips for creature comforts ?  Frame and rear loop powder-coated satin black with all threaded holes and splines left bare steel (Thanks Woody).  Looks great and it's very durable.

Carlisle Treads . . .

For sandy tracks.  This tire is a FULL BORE (dated 1960s).  We'll see if the knobs fly off?

Vintage Pirelli MT

My new Dunlop DT2 was too fat . .  shit.  Well, we'll just run this Pirelli.  Looks better and pushin' the front will keep your attention !

Takes a lot of my time . . .

 . . . but, what else do I have to do ? 

Torquefest Dubuque: On My List

Friday, April 29th

5:00pm  Flat Track Motorcycles (Minnesota)

8:30pm  Superchief - Heavy Rock-n-Roll

9:45pm  Koffin Kats - High Energy Psycho

Saturday, April 30th

9:30am  Vintage Flat Track Motorcycles (practice session)

12.45pm  Vintage Flat Track Motorcycles

4:00pm  Dallas Moore Band - Good 'ol Rock (for whiskey drinkin')

750cc

The first Harley-Davidson with rear suspension . . .

Gilles Villeneuve

Testing:

It's always interesting to see drivers in the cockpit with body work removed, parts disassembled, the car basically in a non-operational condition . . . with driver in the seat.  Most likely indicating the driver is testing pedal movement, gearbox, steering . .  or just getting the "feel" of a new chassis or innovation.  What is that big box in the front (or the appearing insulated) canisters?   A battery? 

They were tearin' the garage down . . .