TECH: Harley 4 Speed Main Drive Gear Spacer O-Ring Leak Fix

McFarland made a .050 wide carbide cutter, indicated the spacer in . . . and cut a .093 groove for a #029 O-Ring . . . and we'll see if this stops leaks.  I might still jam some sealer into the splines before we install the sprocket.  Make sure the sprocket nut stays tight, so torque that left hand thread nut good and tight to keep the sprocket and spacer up against each other.  Tape the gear threads with black electrical tape before you install the spacer so you don't nick your new o-ring.  The best way to install it is: Have the spacer lubed inside the seal, and press(or carefully drive it) in as a unit with cork in the bottom . . . but, you probably knew that already?  You can send me your spacer, or I could probably get a new spacer and do it for you - about $20 yours - $45 with new spacer + mail.  If it stops the leak - it's worth it.

Me & Willie G: This month in Easyriders

Willie told me he liked how I built my bike . . . "Like they rode them, a little wild, but build to ride.  You still had to get to where you're going."   Nice pic(via Michael Lichter) of my bro Steve Davis & myself (all old lookin') checkin' out my rocker clutch stop set-up.  That was a fun weekend.  Mama Tried.

Jay Springsteen

Worthy of fine art . . .
(looks like Sacramento Mile)

Dennis Schoenfeldt

I talked to Dennis Schoenfeldt today . . . the legendary professional racer and current tuner of flat track, road racing (he raced at Daytona) and an all-knowing resource of all things motorcycle racing - especially Harley-Davidson race engines.  A privilege for me to talk with him, ask questions and hear some racing stories . . . My hand was writing so fast . . . notes, notes.  Totally cool.

Early & Late Parts: H-D 4 Speed

Lapped the Main Drive Gear race for .0004 oversize rollers.  This aftermarket (Motor Shop) case looks really good if anyone wants to know?  The Jim's main race was already installed, but it was way out-of-round, the reason I had to lap it.  Also installed new right side ball bearing.  The counter shaft cluster gear is the "new style" fitted with needle bearings (instead of loose rollers and thrust washers) - They were removed, and new bearings pressed in very carefully to avoid crushing the bearing (and set them just below the surface of shaft).  Proper end play was achieved with a thin thrust washer on counter shaft.  I replaced main seal, cork, counter shaft o-ring  . . . and a new main shaft snap ring.  Hard part is over . . .

Get up early ( 5:30am in the garage )

 . . . work 'til 9 or 10pm to get stuff done. 

Branch Drag Bike

The obsession these brave men had with the Sportster is just crazy.  Totally obsessed with making that motor faster and faster.  Check out the remote Linkert bowls with those extensions welded up to increase the volume of the (nitro) . . . to get as much air and fuel in that thing - to produce the most power - to actually sit on the seat for the shortest possible time - with the greatest feeling of acceleration. 

Dave will be OK ! Whew !

I ask you, "How can you run into Chopper Dave?"   I mean, you always think the worst when you hear "motorcycle accident."  I have no idea what it's like to ride in LA.  Dangerous comes to mind.  But, when it's someone you know, someone you look up to, somebody that you follow, sorta one of your idols . . . I mean, if you've ever met the guy, it's like you've already known him.  He is a sincere fella, and a genuine really nice individual, despite he looks so radical, and rides some of the baddest motorcycles - and is a super genius with building bikes . . . and on and on.  But, you almost know he had his helmet on (due to his helmet advocacy) and Dave's articles on safety are a big reason I always wear mine (especially on the highway).  When you have something like this happen to you - You kinda get to hear and read all these nice things people will say about you when you pass away someday . . . but, Dave's still here for all his family and friends who love him - and it's good when you get another chance, another chance to keep on - and it comes to mind one very important question . . .
Hope it wasn't his kicker leg?
Dave, Good Luck for a Speedy Recovery !
 -Noot

Grab my girls and hit the road . . .

Iron Invasion this weekend . . . get off the porch !

Hot for a cold day . .

I don't know what this was? - but, I couldn't stop eating it !

Terry Noth(RIP) Ironhead Sportster Legend

I heard Terry passed away.  What sad news.  He was a walking encyclopedia of Harley-Davidson Model K, KH, KHK, KR, XL, XLH, XLCH, XLR. . . . he knew it.  It was great for a guy like me to know him and pick his brain about all things Sportster.  We are both addicted to one of the greatest engines ever made for a motorcycle.  Terry had his own style - I called it "Noth Style" . . . Early Ironhead 900, Low, Stroker, maybe struts, thin, drag bars, staggered duals, cut down, fast, slick  . . . and cool.  Terry knew I was a Sportster nut - so he'd give me little things, books, small parts, advice . . . and many stories.  Conversations overheard from innocent bystanders might include words, names and figures like Trock, Payne, Dytch, Reiman, 3 13/16, 4 5/8, 1 9/32, Branch, GBL . . . people would stare at us . . . what the hell?  I didn't see him at Davenport this year.  I'd usually see his long white hair and beard - moving slowly, but still filled with enthusiasm to talk tech about ironhead Sportsters.  I should have called him to see where he was at.  I do have his new phone number you know . . . I should just call and leave a voice-mail.  Hey, Terry - "When you build GOD's stroker motor, 4 5/8 stroke with 3" bore will be plenty fast for him."  We'll all miss you.
Respectfully,
-Noot's Kid (Rick)

BRYAN SMITH: AMA Pro Flat Tracker

Bryan Smith kinda got screwed on the last race . . . but, I guess those are the rules - and if it went in his favor it would be a different story.  But, it didn't.  In the old days, motors puked oil, tracks were rougher, conditions and safety were less a subject.  The motorcycles are faster now - and we don't want anybody to die or get seriously hurt doing something they make a living at . . . If the cards fall in favor of Smith at the last race of this season in Pomona, California - he'll be the champion on his Kawasaki and the rest, my friends, will be history.

Motors I like . . .

Zach Ness built a '79 Sportster (bottom photo) that was real neato.  It was a good example how you can take a $1000 stock rat bike add some modern parts . . . spend the money on good stuff - and turn it into something with a sport bike/chop/race feel to it . . . real bad ass Zach !

Jammin'

Rattlecan knows . . .

 . . . how to braze cast, weld & repair forgings, fabricate steel . . . and he also knows where to get a great burger !  Most fun I've had on a Monday in a long time . . . Thanks again !

Ness

Minutes before he went over the fountains . . .

No Guts - No Glory

This is a great photo . . .

Worries?  No Worries ?  Just a way of life.

Mike's '36 Restoration

Noot & myself helped restore the engine in this 1936 EL.  Mike Willmott did a totally excellent restoration.  It's not everyday that a motor builder gets to restore a first-year knuckle.  I guess Mike started it for the owner, and it took right off . . . sounds awesome - and she really looks great (the bike).  A sweet girl.

Knee Hyperextension ( Injured PCL )

After 25 years of kickstart ironhead Sportsters - A guy is bound to injure his kicker knee eventually.  I initially injured my knee kicking the '52K in Kansas City in early May.  I was very careful to get it healed or I wasn't going to Sturgis on a kickstart panhead (which don't kick too bad) but anyway.  I re-injured my knee on this bike on Aug. 12th . . . and I've been doing my own therapy - and it's feeling better again.  The last few days I fixed (and tightened) up the kick start mechanism on this thing . . . and started the bike this morning for the ride the work day.  I replaced the clutch fibers with new Raybestos Dry Plates, and my new kicker gear has a nice tight spacer & bushing - honed to perfection.
I don't have an electric start motorcycle - but I can see the writing on the wall telling me I will need one someday.  A new motorcycle does nothing for me - so, the only motorcycle I will ever be able to own that's cool enough for my vintage ego is the 1965 FLH "Electrica-Glide."  Until I get the one I want, I'll just start learning to kick with my Left Leg . . .

Really Cool Bike

I think this is Patrick's(from U.K.) . . . and he's probably got the brake hooked up, a chain on it . . . and just terrorizing the streets with this total weapon-of-a-vintage-iron-XLR-Street Dominator !  With the proper XLR engine tuned to perfection . . . just try keepin' up with this thing down side streets, through alley-ways, down the dirt, over the bridge, through the field, up the grass hill, through the tunnel, under the tree limb . . . back on the street - sliding up to the pub.  Bloody dangerous in the hands of a capable pilot.
Love those base nuts and front mounts . . .probably 13 sec 1/4 mile - top speed of 120 - uneffected by road conditions, pot holes, ruts or loose sand . . . I give it a GREEN LIGHT.

Cool Bike

1969 XLCH Engine FOR SALE

A new chrome kicker cover now too . . .

$2500 or reasonable offer / will deal with / without magneto, etc.

The 54 year old Sportster Motor . . .

Transmission race lapped for oversize rollers, all gears shimmed, pawl disassembled, springs checked, good forks, real nice gears . . . new main bearing.  All buttoned up and ready.  Shifts like it should.  Cylinders are ready for the new pistons . . .

What did you do with your day ? 

Long Pushrod = Front Exhaust

Gettin' Steve's pan together.  Finding good parts is a challenge.  We line up the heads, intake and carb kinda as all one unit - and get everything fitted - no binding or pulling.  A washer between the carb bracket and the case on the center bolt.  These heads have upgrade o-ring replacement inserts, but I think the "intake leak" he's experiencing is from his worn throttle bushings in the Linkert 74B.  We'll get it figured out.  I need to make a small spacer for a slight lift - up under the flange of his magneto shaft, since the magneto head touches the case when you cinch it down.  It will help the mag drive gear ride more in the center of the timing bevel gear too.  It's the little things that make a difference.