Morel Mushrooms

. . .  like candy !

Sunday River Run

Old motorcycles and wine in the saddlebags . . .

It was a blast bangin' down the back roads on the ol' Sporty again.  It was my only bike for years.  It runs some vintage XLR heads, pipes and PB cams.  I'm screamin' down the highway - and I opened it up.  It gets up on the cams and this little 883 starts gettin' with the program.  You can feel it start to pull.  You don't see old iron on the road much anymore, so you pull into a joint and everyone from full-blown enthusiasts to gray haired ladies ask you all types of questions.  You meet the most interesting people - and every now and then an old racer - and somebody who rode it out . . . just like you.  Plus, it's fun to do stuff with your dad and go ride around on scenic roads on your vintage machines.

4 5/8" Stroke

Got my baby stroker digger fired up for the year . . . dialed it in, turned some screws and it sounds crisp.  Livin' in a small town has it's advantages, like when you go screw your bike on when all da coppers at Subway.  It's the little things in life that make a difference.

Cast Iron: MADE IN USA



It might not mean a lot to people in other countries . . . but, in the USA, you don't see "Made In USA" cast in iron much anymore.  It's usually something old or antique.  A part that's 50, 100, 150 years old.  

Ass Ends . . .

Saturday is Armed Forces Day

Remember to fly your Stars & Stripes !
Note:  Flag Kits aren't expensive, 
and they can show your patriotic spirit - 
If you don't have one . . . go get one today !

Do the dishes . . .

Early Sportster pump parts . . .

Joe coming Friday . . .


1940 knucklehead cases

The flywheel scraper had been ground down previously.  It was about 5/16" away from the flywheel.  Most likely by an inexperienced builder in the past trying to put the larger 8 1/2" diameter flywheels in a 8 1/8" type case.  Early knuckle flywheels are smaller in diameter.  We had the scraper welded up - and we machined it back down to it's original position so it scrapes oil effectively feeding the oil pump cavity - and most of all . . . not dragging down our flywheels in excessive oil - reducing our power output. 
Or something like that . .  ?

The cases are washed in hot water, blow dry and painted - and paint is baked.  The fumes are gnarly.  This seals all the welding pores from previous welding and abuse - This Knuck will LIVE ON !

19" XLCH Front

I keep busy . . .
Wet sanded rim - and buffed (dangerous) 
Acid etched spokes & nuts - cadmium plated
Blasted, powdercoated and rebuilt hub
Spoked wheel and trued with proper offset

Wally's Knucklehead


My friend Wally wanted to stroke his knucklehead motor . . . and thought he'd try the Truett & Osborn Kit.  You get the flywheels(stroker), I-beam rods, quality cast stroker pistons, all assembled and balanced.  We stuck 'em in the truing stand to check 'em out - and they're nice and perfect.  I was impressed with the quality, fit and finish.  Jim's shafts. Nice package.

Nitrous Powered Shovelhead Motor

 For our bro Munchy !
Built to run . . . fastest shovel on the block . . .
Wiseco Pistons with ( special camshaft - undisclosed )
Fresh Bore - Fresh Lower
Fresher than Farmer's Market !



Scrambles



This type of racing would suit me better.  No jumps (at least not huge motocross jumps like they have now).  A fast, maybe a little rough track with grass run-off.  Small, twin shock bikes . . . light weight - and jet it to run with the day's conditions.  A good set o' tires. 

at Ricky's . . . Music and Metal




A lot of people know all about music . . . that's the easy, fun part.  To play an instrument takes commitment.  It ain't easy.  To play in a band, write your own tunes - that's another level.  More commitment.  An electric guitar in one hand - and an acetylene torch in the other hand - More commitment.  Ricky has talents that many of us don't have, or haven't committed ourselves like he has.  I look at all these builders as each of them having something special that is their "expertise."  It's hard to do it all - some more than others.  While everyone was still sleeping, I'm gazing around in Ricky's shop.  Man, his band (The Big Iron) has played with some righteous bands - on the same stage.  That's cool as fuck.  History you can't take back.  It's cool I got to meet this guy that few know about . . . credit where credit is due I guess? . . . and we're pretty cool friends now.   
Rock On !

Digger Mania





This Sportster is really super cool.  He worked really hard on it - and I wouldn't change a thing.  When fired up, it's got a nice bam bam bam rap out the pipe - and sounds solid and crisp.  A true custom digger - with a style that . . . never goes outta style.  Leaf by Bob Bond !

Ken Pressgrove of Topeka, Kansas

All Ken ever wanted to be was a champion motorcycle flat track racer.  It's all he ever knew - and he lives on (as seen in the movie) On Any Sunday . . .

Jammin'

Did the jambs on the '66 . . . which were covered in 40 years of over spray, nicks, scrapes and primer scale.
Knock it down with a purple scotch-brite . . . clean with wax & grease remover, tape it all off - then add your favorite Artesian Turquoise basecoat/clear to a can of reducer, shake & spray.  You can buy the clear (can form) right off the shelf at your local Car Quest.  Factory look - all done in your driveway.

Boondocks Truck Stop

This truck stop has great pie.  Always has - always will.  This Strawberry Rhubarb was so damn delicious with it's sugary crust.  I sat on the hood of the Dodge and savored every bite.  If you can picture this place (see photo above) - it's old.  Boondocks was "the stop" for travelers in the 1960s.  Dad gassed up his new Biscayne, mom used the restroom and powdered up, the kids got a toy.  The smell of fried chicken with mashed potatoes - or How about a hot beef sandwich ?  Truckers, travelers . . . and a lonely soul on a motorbike with a big pack on the back.  Boondocks was the oasis at Hwy 20 and I-35 freeway.  Today - it's still open.  Easily passed by high mpg vehicles.  A new truck stop, cleaner and more modern is on the opposite side of the freeway - but, it will never see my business - as long as Boondocks has the Come On In - We're OPEN ! 

Kansas City Vintage Iron: Day Deuce










You get out of your area . . . and you find some nice, old iron running around.  All the decals on the dual-carb knuckle were hand-air brushed That entire motorcycle was pretty neato.
How about a 1st year YZ ?