Strange Bumps: Andrews No. 1
I run a Sifton 412 with about 60+ overlap in a 1952 74" motor. It comes on a bit late. Upon further research I've calculated my gearing, compression, carb diameter and exhaust length. This cam's specifications should improve throttle response, torque and overall performance at a lower engine rpm. But, when I opened the box and looked at the lobes? Huh? That's different. Looks like a mini version of a Leineweber with those tall ramps and flat tops.
Say it like you're from Boston . . .
"Dis cobb iz toe tynee . . . "
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Story for you . . .
I get off work, it's a nice day, so I make a loop down a local blacktop and circle around to the freeway outside town. I accelerate up the on-ramp . . . checkin' over my shoulder for semi trucks and speeding vehicles already up to (and over) highway speeds, and prepare to get this '61CH up-to-speed and get in line, ready to merge. A big, Honda Goldwing bagger is right where I want to be, so I let up a bit, allow this moving train of cars (with Goldwing leading) to go ahead - then I accelerate onto the freeway. I hook on to the back of this draft of vehicles, with a tail wind - and the baby CH just starts to rev and pull in top gear. Away I go. This is the first real time I've been at this speed with this "fresh motor" and new MC pistons. I lay down on the tank and just let it accelerate, rolling out in the left lane - and proceed to draft pass everyone. About 6 cars, a semi, and the Wing. I must be close to 90mph ? . . this chassis is rock solid. Smooth as silk. It feels fast, but I run out of rpms and my speed levels off. Needs more fuel. All 883cc's workin' like they should. I run about 2 miles at this speed - and take the next off ramp. Slowly braking and downshifting to a sure stop at the ramp bottom. It's down to my nice 1200rpm idle I like, I look down at the motor - checking for leaks, blown seals, bolts loose or missing etc. Nothing. Clean motor. All is good. Then the dude on the wing pulls up next to me . . . "Hey, nice Sportster . . . When you went by, my GPS screen went all buzzy, never did that before." I said, "Beautiful day for a ride, but I'd better take this thing back to the barn . . . " He agreed, and waved as he went back on the freeway - He had just stopped to chat and see my bike . . . Nice fella. Ride safe everyone.
1975 XLH - 1st Fire-Up
This initial start-up of a new engine is always a little nerve racking. Got juice, got fuel, got oil (most important) and it sounds nice and quiet - Started right up. Nice Bike.
Grass Shoulder
I just rode over 100 miles of Illinois blacktop with grass right up to the edge - no shoulder. Passing trucks, getting passed by a couple locals in speeding cars (and a few sportbikes). A milk truck about blew me off the road. Mostly runnin' 65 in 55 zones on my '64 ironhead with minimal brakes and wiggly handling. It was a tripout - Trying to pay attention to the road - My hands gripping the bars and nerves crawlin' up my spine at times. Mature oak trees growing right near the edge of the highway. Some larger trees had big, bare spot scars - barren of tree bark - like where a 1955 Chevy Wagon struck, changing lives forever.
Read, Attempt, Build, Ride, Repeat
Late night indexing cam timing. Trying to get our old system rigged up to check the cam timing on a mismatched set of KHK cams. I have Tom Sifton notes to advance the intakes 2-teeth for an extra 4-5 horsepower? On the first check, it appeared I had about .650 lift? What? Then we realized the dial indicator we are using was in millimeters. Then we realized Bake must have the degree wheel? We'll figure it it out later - I got all winter.
I've been riding my digger lately. For a stroker motor with an L-Series . . . it starts nice, and really gets you around town quick. It was a beautiful Iowa night, 10:30pm with lightning flashing, but no rain. I went out on a blacktop and ran it thru the gears - with lightning in the night sky ! Kinda surreal . . .
The next morning, I switched bikes - took the long way around, through a park, down a trail . . . and off to morning coffee. Fun to ride . . . but, "You Can't Go Far On An XR" What a little animal this thing is. It's like riding a wild cat. You just want to twist the throttle and rev it . . . make it snarl.
I've been riding my digger lately. For a stroker motor with an L-Series . . . it starts nice, and really gets you around town quick. It was a beautiful Iowa night, 10:30pm with lightning flashing, but no rain. I went out on a blacktop and ran it thru the gears - with lightning in the night sky ! Kinda surreal . . .
The next morning, I switched bikes - took the long way around, through a park, down a trail . . . and off to morning coffee. Fun to ride . . . but, "You Can't Go Far On An XR" What a little animal this thing is. It's like riding a wild cat. You just want to twist the throttle and rev it . . . make it snarl.
Paint: Chad Clapper
Motor: Rick & Noot
Parts: Gordy, the Benassi Bros., John Penner
Swap Meet Randy, Biltwell, Sudco, Corso, Joe Hunt, H-D oem
Tech Advice: Jeff Wiley & Carl Patrick
Inspiration: Mert, Cal, Markel and E.K.
Tech Advice: Jeff Wiley & Carl Patrick
Inspiration: Mert, Cal, Markel and E.K.
Mantorville Car Show @ Marigold Days
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A 427 Biscayne !
Mike's K
This bike had some different stuff, more than an ordinary K Model. Race inspired. You could tell he rides it, where some of the bikes were just for show mostly.
Cool Bike Mike !
Huh ? I'd say, Jimmy'd
This race ID was so out-of-round . . . It couldn't be lapped. Didn't know what the deal was until it was pressed out of the case ( it didn't have much press fit ). Someone had welded it all up trying build up the OD - and save it from spinning. This may be one of the motors that came from that big sale in South America?
The Rolling Thunder Show
THREE National Flat Track RECORDs at Springfield
FIRST TIME IN THE 75+ Year History of the Sport:
FIRST MARRIED COUPLE IN A NATIONAL:
- Jared Mees and Nichole Mees
FIRST BROTHER AND SISTER IN A NATIONAL
- Cory Texter and Shayna Texter
FIRST TIME (2) WOMEN MAKE NATIONAL FINAL SAME RACE
- Nichole Mees and Shayna Texter
All in the 25 Lap Main GNC1 Springfield 2 - Sept 6th, 2015
Congratulations !
FIRST MARRIED COUPLE IN A NATIONAL:
- Jared Mees and Nichole Mees
FIRST BROTHER AND SISTER IN A NATIONAL
- Cory Texter and Shayna Texter
FIRST TIME (2) WOMEN MAKE NATIONAL FINAL SAME RACE
- Nichole Mees and Shayna Texter
All in the 25 Lap Main GNC1 Springfield 2 - Sept 6th, 2015
Congratulations !
Markel's Iron Short Rod
Bart Markel's Iron XR race bike, now owned by Bob Butler.
The spark plug in the center (like a Hemi motor) is actually a good idea since it may allow the flame travel an easier route to ignite all the fuel, make a bigger explosion, thus more power - or more efficient power. This is why "dual plug heads" benefit the ironheads, with their high-dome pistons. The piston dome can block the flame travel. It's what I've read, and it makes sense.
The spark plug in the center (like a Hemi motor) is actually a good idea since it may allow the flame travel an easier route to ignite all the fuel, make a bigger explosion, thus more power - or more efficient power. This is why "dual plug heads" benefit the ironheads, with their high-dome pistons. The piston dome can block the flame travel. It's what I've read, and it makes sense.
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