Panhead Transmission - Broken & Cracked

I bought the broken & cracked (date coded) case and the broken & cracked hog nose kicker cover from Les in February.  We rounded up a broken & cracked ratchet top - and Pat Lehmann welded up all the broken & cracked bits.  Then McFarland machined everything.  Then McFarland's kid, Randy did some more work for me.  Then Benassi's and a couple other people sold me a box of gears which I went through and tossed all the junk.  Then I bought stuff on Ebay and at a couple more swap meets this last spring.  Then dad rounded up a bunch more small parts he had stashed . . . and Finally I got it all together, and it shifts and everything ! 

Even though I've done about a dozens of these transmissions now, you still learn a lot about mechanics with each build.  Things come up, problems and road blocks during assembly.  It keeps your mind sharp and I feel it's somewhat more constructive than watching television or playing on a phone.

Morty says . . .

" Your rear fender looks fine, now turn out the lights, I'm sleepy. "

Off my rocker . . .

I worked on these '57 rocker boxes yesterday.  Played around with carburetor adapters and a DC Linkert.  Then I drank a bit of Grain Belt (tasted terrible) so I went to McCoy's for a good beer and catch up on local gossip, Sturgis, etc . . . a full non-productive day (which I need every once in awhile).

VL Pinion Oiling

A Harley-Davidson Model VL has a threaded plug, spring and a seal (from the outside of the cover) where the pinion shaft gets oil to the connecting rods.  It's that threaded boss you see in the center of the cover. 

Cool Pipes

I like the pinch-pipe on the front (so you don't have that big, ugly loop around the frame) Maybe some little, short OEM XLCH mufflers, slightly staggered.  Can you buy pipes like this for a panhead?  What are they called exactly?  It would be easier . . .

The Undisputed KING of Peoria

Henry Wiles No. 17

Henry Wiles dominates the Peoria TT National event like no other racer.  Yes, there was Chris Carr.  But Wiles really smokes the competition.  Nobody really ever comes close.  A few will hang on his tail for a few laps, but as the race goes on . . . Wiles just starts pulling away.  Hammerin' Hank is a true master of this legendary racing venue - still the oldest, continuously "club run" national on the circuit.  Next year I guess they'll run twins only again here . . . and I'm sure it may make a difference . . . probably the only way they got a prayer - to dethrone The King of Peoria.  

The Pusher

" I said God damn . . . God damn the pusher man. "

( airplane spiral dive sounds now )

If the trip's not far . . .

Don't take the car . . .

Ride the XR !

1966 XLCH for Kurpius

Startin' to look like something . . .

1975 Sportster XLH Custom Stocker

High Gloss Black (by Clapper Restoration)

Aluminum Rims

Stock Seat

Buckhorns

Chrome here and there . . .

Goodyear All-Traction - Straight Rib too

Bendix !

NOS Cycle Shacks

Did I mention Gloss Black?

VLD Cylinders

I bored these .030 over, with 60 degree cross-hatch.  I slow my honing rpms down at the end - and move the hone(up and down) at a faster rate to achieve the desired final degree finish.  Wiley gave me a "honing tip" to just slightly relieve my final stone pressure at the end . . . this will facilitate a smooth, final finish. 
Then I clean out the bores with solvent, brake kleen, hot soap and water - then coat and rub down liberally with WD-40 until I'm ready for installation. 

Vetter Fairings are the shit . . .

A construction road stop, near Wanblee, SD in Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  He was riding a mid 70s Guzzi with a stark white Vetter fairing . . . nice fella.  (photo by: Rattlecan)

My Panhead Chopper: Tested and Passed

This was my first real chopper build.  It's made this Rally trip for the 3rd year in a row - and taken me on many over-nite trips.  I don't physically look like a hard-core chopper rider - but I am now.  I've done it.  It's never stranded me yet (knock on wood) and always makes it back on it's own power.  The motor is smooth and that helps to eliminate broken bolts and cracked fenders.  The frame is holding up, and I've hit the biggest potholes, bumps and ruts (hey, this is Iowa).  I keep up with all required maintenance - and when wiping it off, I find leaks and tweaks . . . and fix them as I go.  It's a blend of man and machine.  When you build something all yourself - and then put it to the test, there's a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that takes over - the best feeling.

Story:  It was the hottest day of the rally, and I like the Pizza Hut on Lazelle ($8 buck buffet) then I sit outside and watch the swimsuit girls, strut their hot little bodies for the bike wash: "Dirty Girls, Clean Bikes !" . . . when a simple lookin' gent (in a car) pulls up next to my bike, as I sprawl out on the concrete with a diminishing hangover, and a full belly . . .His wife is with him.  "You know, it's been awhile since I've seen one of these . . . is this your motorcycle?"  I get up - and we go around with small talk - and as he walks away - tells his gal, "You know, it's not just anybody who can ride one of those things, (pointing at my jockey shift), especially through these hills."  It made me feel kinda cool.  Little does he know, this chopper craze has gone crazy . . . and there's dudes riding these jockey-jammers all over again - but, it made me feel like a badass none-the-less . . . and it sure is fun.  Except for the 10% down grades, uphill stop-lights, 20mph hairpins, and long 70mph sweepers . . . holy shit, my nerves tight, heart rate outta control, sweat, jitters . . . then I need an FXR all of a sudden.

Riders

I caught these two burnin' around Sturgis . . . the long pan was 2-up and havin' a blast !  Maybe you know these cats ???

"Too much time on my hands . . .

This belt drive set-up required sealing up the transmission door.  Hydraulic Clutch.  All these up-grades and still running a cable rear brake and cheesy brake light switch ?  The pegs resemble side-car step ups.  I can appreciate the effort, but when things get clunky . . . Hmmmm . . . show bikes or go bikes? 

1980-81 XLH Sportster

This bone-stock 1000cc was gassin' up in Interior, SD . . .

Hux & Jess . . .

Chad (in back) head down, thumbs movin' . . .

Dungeon Bar, Sturgis, SD

Heavy Rain Primary Drain

Tin primaries tend to fill up with water in heavy rain.  I find the lowest point underneath, and mark it.  Then remove the outer primary cover, and use a ball-peen hammer to pound a small "water reservoir" and drill a drain hole.  Any water, condensation, etc. that happens to squeeze in . . . just runs right back out !
Slippery hand shifter and foot clutch to keeps you alert . . .

Barb's in Everly, Iowa

This place has great breakfast, lunch, ice cold beverages, a great bar hostess . . .  and it's all by itself on Hwy 18 in North Iowa.  A sure stop if I'm near there . . .

Spina in the Hills !

 I hadn't seen Uncle Bob in over a year . . . so I jammed it out to Creekside to hook up for some races, concerts and a whole lotta fun.  This year Bob had his own air-conditioned cabin.

Hittin the road to town for a big breakfast, check out the scene . . . and then flat-track for the afternoon.

 This Victory sportbike !  I could ride this (but I probably won't)

Victory Superbike ! for: Pikes Peak

Here it is - The FTR750 Scout

The future of flat track motorcycle racing . . .

Complete with Bill Tuman's #51 racing number.

 I ran into John Graff's crew (Colorado) at the races . . . they ride vintage exclusively.

After the races, we hooked up later for some crazy-ness at the new

Full Throttle Saloon and Pappy Hoel Campground for Ted Nugent !

This place is fucking huge !  20,000 bikers out there . . .

Totally nuts !

Nugent and Plan B rocked !

 Uncle Ted says, "America is the Greatest . . . and Fuck this, Fuck that . . ." But,  he's still one of the greatest guitarists and entertainers to ever step on the stage . . " I went to see the doctor and he gave me the cure . . . I think I got it some more . . . . Cat Scratch Fever . . . .

An incredible 2016 . . . The rally is strong as ever.  Always something new at Sturgis, and I'd do it all over again next week . . . as soon as I heal up a bit.  I rode home in one shot with Rattlecan, then dropped down and ran 2-laners through South Dakota hill country, across the James River, down Hwy 44, then back  through Western Iowa farmlands, small towns with diners and bars.  As the sun was setting on my back, my panhead glistened in the evening light.  The tone of my pipes was perfect.  One hand on the bars, one hand on my jockey shift . . . I rolled into my town . . . tired and so happy to be home again.  All the way back in one swoop on the ol' pan chopper.  12 gas stops. 11.8 hrs. 660 miles.  A good days run.  

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See ya soon Bob . . . .

Ride the Black Hills

After a ride to Whitewood for a hearty breakfast . . .  Al, Chad and myself went to beat-the-heat with a ride through Spearfish and Icebox Canyon, Cheyenne Crossing and a cool-off at Roughlock Falls.  The bikes were running sweet as we snaked our way to Nemo - then off to Boondocks Diner for onion rings.  Al had one of their famous "real" strawberry shakes . . . then back through Vanocker Canyon with winding roads and fast 10% downhill grades . . . whooeeee on a ridged chop with no front brakes !

 Nemo, SD Guest Ranch

One-Eyed Jacks

After the ride out, I took a hot shower, shined up my scoot . . . and went down to park on Main at One-Eyed Jacks . . . for rock and roll, check the hot chics and get all pissed up !

She remembered me from last year . . . is that a good thing?

Guild of Ages - They Rock !

He was lovin' it.

Sturgis 1/2 Mile Monday at the Fairgrounds

This race gets better every year.  Steve Nace puts on this race with Gypsie Vintage Cycle.  Brad "The Bullet" Baker checked out on the factory H-D 750 to win the main.  Halbert, Rob Pearson, Mees and Rich King all had great showings.  These guys were the fastest on the track, all on different motorcycles.  The groove was narrow, but . . . two and three wide in the corners was a common sight.

 Brad Baker pulled a big wheelie off every corner (turns 2 and 4) . . . that Harley was hookin' up !

Rich King's Rotax is the same motorcycle he "Won a national on . . . in I think '96 ?"  If I'm not mistaken, I believe he won the LaSalle, Illinois Short Track. 

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 Jared Mees just couldn't get to Baker . . . The Bullet got a great start and he was gone.  Mees settled into 2nd, but then Halbert (trying low and high lines, he was all over the place) finally caught Mees and passed him for 2nd place.  Halbert never gives up . . . the announcer said it was a battle between "The Slammer" and "The Jammer"