Sturgis 2016

Finally got to ride with another vintage bike this year.  Me and Rattlecan loaded up the panheads and hit the road to Sturgis.  3rd year in a row for my '52 motor and tranny.  A great trip.  Here's more . . .

Stopped in Alton, Iowa where my grandfather is buried.  I've now outlived him.  Never met him, but I will someday.  Damn, where'd that gray come from ?????

The nerves were gone now - Chad started having some fun.  This was his first time out to the rally - he needed a break from the riff-raff.

 Crossing the Missouri . . . 

Badlands pit stop . . .

Of all places . . . it was 55 degrees with cold drops of rain through the Badlands.  I've rode through there about 15 times - and never this cold.  It was weird.

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The FXR Show on Sunday was very well received.  

Met up with Hux & Jessi . . . Darrel's FXRT is as good a rider or show bike as any at the show.  It's one of my favorites.  Now it was time to party a little . . . Yee Haa !

 I stopped at the sight of the old Full Throttle Saloon.  I knew that place in-and-out.  Even though many kinda make fun of that place, I had some of the best times there.  The Horse Chopper Shows, concerts from Shooter, The Reverend, KWS, Cinderella, Heart . . . and the first Jackyl show, backstage with Goldberg, drinkin' with McCoy and Kike on the bridge, Me, Spina and Lil' Joe hangin' out, the School Bus Bar, servicing bikes with Bacon, storms, hail, VIP, all things fun - all at the FTS.  It made me sad - and I can't believe how hot a fire can get.  Even the semi tractors way up high had their big 10 ply tires burnt completely off !

Michael Lichter Show was fun, from what I remember ?

Update for a VLD Sprocket Shaft Seal

The "reverse thread" sprocket shaft seals are designed to continually force escaping oil back-into-the-engine.
A few racers have told me this method also can force dust and dirt into your engine a little bit.  My new "junior machinist" Randy, turned me a step inside the oem steel seal . . . so we can lightly press-in the updated Colony lip-type seal. 

This seal fits in the left case (from the inside) and locates on that small dowel pin to keep it from spinning.  The actual Left Case Race presses against this seal (the small slot to lube the seal).  I found a sleeve that just fit inside our new counterbore, heated the steel a bit, and lightly pressed in the seal (with the seal spring out, towards the oil) . . . and then dropped the whole business in some cool water, so I didn't melt the rubber seal. 

Now it won't leak so bad . . . and it'll help keep out the dirt. 

1912 Motorbike Wheels

Did they call 'em motorcycles back then?  In 1912 it was maybe just a "fad" many thought wouldn't last long, but it sure did.  1912 wheels for a Henderson or Indian or Sears, can't remember.  A new stainless spoke kit, and I'll have to do some hole modification on the hubs and rims (I have the rear too) . . . It will be a cross 3 pattern, inside spokes opposite directions . . . I hate having to think too hard - use my brain.  It's easier to just sit, drink beer and look at the walls, but that gets you no glory . . .

New Skid Lid: Bell Vortec

I've now tested this helmet in all types of weather.  Hot sun, cold, wind and rain.  I really like it.

The Positive:

- Air vents actually work !

- Provision for headphones, etc.

- "Arai-type" interior liner

- Webbing on top keeps air flowing over your head

- Secure strap Thru 2 - Back Thru 1 ring-type neck strap.

(no weird restraint method like some helmets)

- Tear-Off Posts on dark smoke shield (not too dark either)

- Tough outside graphic and paint job

(I dropped it and the scratches wiped right off)

- Fits your size - Accurate sizing.

The Negative: 

- Kinda noisy (so I stuffed dense foam in the I-Pod ear ports)

- Physically big (I look a bit like a cartoon character as

it makes my head look even bigger, I wear a 61mm XL) 

Possibly due to it's ability to

meet the Snell, etc. ratings for safety . . ?

Bugs wipe off easy !

Looks even better with some COC, FTW & SM stickies . . .

A view of courage . . .

You can see the differential (pumpkin) is offset to the right . . . so his right leg is kinked over it.  Then I wondered if the engines had a special oil pump (or baffle/sump) system to keep oil in the high-side of the blocks and heads ????  Those tires - up in smoke big time !  Chris Karamesines "The Golden Greek"

Chopper Challenges

I took a gallon milk jug and filled it with water.  I poured it into this stainless water container, and it left about 1 1/2" in the jug.  It holds a bit less than a gallon of fuel. I've had to use it a couple times.  Tiny Tank Club.

What to bring ?

1. Tools (most important) 

2. Spares (2nd most important)

3. Leather Jacket

4. Sleeping Bag & Tent

5. Rain Suit

6. Creature Comforts (last)

Chopper Travel is an adventure.  It's one of the more challenging methods of travel next to hiking, or long range bicycling.  Very little suspension.  No wind-breaks.  No rain protection.

Foot clutch.  Hand shift.  Minimal fuel range. 

65+ year old engine and transmission design.  

Steel footpegs.  Solid mount handlebars.

50+ year old rider getting physically (and mentally) prepared for a 1600+ mile trip.
Wish you were going with me . . .

It's really a lot of fun !

High above city park . . .

Photo by: Lil' Joe

It can happen . . .

If they look like these ?

I'll take 'em  . . .

Nelson-Rigg

This Nelson-Rigg bag works great for short trips.  They hold their shape (round) and include a rain cover to keep off rain, bugs, etc.  This bag has hooks and loops that adapt it to the taller sissy bar travel bag.

Steel, Magnesium, Aluminum, Protons & Neutrons

One reason they call them "The Meltdown Drags" is because there's a giant plume directly at the end of the drag strip from the nuclear power plant.  This place is epic.

To Hell and back . . .

Tryin' to make these flywheels work that have been apart and back together a thousand times.  Sometimes you wonder if it's better to get some T&O wheels, Jim's or Eastern Shafts . . . rebuild the rods again and again . . . but, then you're dealing with aftermarket parts that don't fit either.  You still end up spending all your time fartin' around with these, when you could be on Snap Chat with Taylor Swift . . . or doin' some really fun video game walking around town - hypnotized by your phones like lost zombies.

The Brandon, Josh & Bill Show

Worked on (3) ironheads last night.  Brandon's '76 top end is on . . . with std. bore cylinders, P Cams, rebuilt oil pump, advanced weights have been fitted.  There were issues and tweaks along the way, but it's good now.
Josh's early gear cover has never been on this set of cases before.  It's kinda "binding" and fits really tight.  It's one of those things you mess with for hours, and finally get everything to turn smoothly and work correctly.
Bill's motor needs the front cylinder base stud holes modified to fit the cases (with no binding).  The cylinders should fit nicely on the studs, with just a little wiggle room.  If you have to force things, it's not a good idea since it may warp your bore or have a base gasket leak.  Take your time, do it right is always your best chance at success.
I rode my '61 CH last night - then, after work I terrorized the town and went home as the sun was down with a beautiful full moon lighting my way !

Drew's Life