Can't afford a Cycle Electric ?

This is still basically a "one-wire" set up.  The little Bosch can be adjusted to suit your output needs by bending (some have adjuster screws) the contacts slightly.  Too much can boil your small chopper battery, so tune it down to 12.8-13 volts.  This type of regulator bracket can be spun around, etc . . . with extra holes to help get your regulator where you want it.  Up front like this, it catches air and keeps everything cool.  Unhook a single wire(hot BAT wire), and generator can be easily removed for service.

Mike Wilson Panhead Flat Tracker

These photos were sent to me by Jeff Wiley . . . of the late Mike Wilson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  I suppose this was a normal scene in the 74" class . . . but, it would take a strong man (Wilson had a small build) to handle a machine like this on a 1/2 mile or scrambles coarse.  Mike was known to have a fast machine too, so this thing ain't no stocker . . . and here he is . . . all throttle !  Awesome photo.  Mike's legendary history lives on . . .

Progress ?

This giant hole is where many memories took place over the years in my town.  The Union House Hotel foundation is uncovered after almost 100 years.  Ray's Pastime was here.  Nockel's Shoe Store.  Cowell's Tap.  Ma's Place.  Tom's Tavern.  and now Aroma's Parkade . . . all gone.  It was vacant the last 20 years until the city decided to sell the land (it was home of our July 4th celebration refreshment tent and dance). Now, we'll have McQuillen Place which seems to be some rich guys pipe dream to honor his relative who doesn't even have a street named after him here.  A klunky sounding name too.  Does the guy building it even live here?  I've never see him at morning coffee?  It will house a bunch of (most likely) expensive apartments, and it better not have a coffee shop.  We already have vacant buildings on Main Street we can't fill.  Nobody's really saying much about it, I don't feel any excitement in the air among the civic minded. I'm one to preserve heritage, save old stuff, offer more incentives to start a business in a current location.  Higher taxes to owners of unoccupied buildings on Main Street. Get a business in there, or you pay more, period.  Don't want to be a Debbie Downer here, but I just hope it brings something to offer our city, other than a fake looking facade with an overpriced product - and more empty business spaces. 

Betor Front End: Made-In-Spain

I'll have to do some stem and axle modifications for my KHK project, but this is the front end I've chosen to use.  After working with stock, vintage Harley-Davidson front ends for years . . . this Betor is true precision.  First, it's light as a feather.  Everything fits so perfect.  It was really dirty and grungy, and took hours to clean, and parts are kinda expensive, but it will add to the performance and style of this build. 

Andres

Jim Davis is the flagman !

1949 FL

Finished this up: NOS pistons, original heads(flanges repaired), Kibblewhite valves, updated pump(with plate), timed, lifters set for break-in, Peek manifold seals . . .

1975 XLH Stocker

Cutting the 46 . . .

. . . and a 60 to narrow up the seat.

Today's Gas . . . Textbook Plug Color

Everyone talks about "today's fuel" etc . . . It's hard to get your spark plugs to chalk up nice without lead and octane . . . But folks . . . this is about as good as it gets - This is pretty sweet.  I could, however, straighten out my right plug ground electrode . . .  '52 pan plug check   Munched fingernail is coming back !

Incorrect Information

Ricky got me an issue of Digger Magazine I didn't have . . . and it's full of old AEE ads, neat bikes, how-to articles . . . It's really an excellent magazine for reference and reading.  I did find a mistake in a tech article:  The ridge goes OUT according to H-D Factory Service Manuals.  I see these mistakes all the time, or worse yet they leave out key information(and tricks) that everyone knows, but it ain't in no manual.

See Fig. 4B-8

 

I'm not really sure what difference it makes, but they just don't want that step rubbing on your basket while it's spinning with the clutch disengaged.  Always put the step "OUT" and that's an order from Noot.

Vintage Torque

It was a perfect couple days for Torquefest this year, much deserved by all those who like to attend this event.  No cold, no bad rain, no snow . . . mostly just sun and cool rods, trucks & bikes.  Always a professionally run show, with lots to do & see.  I like how they allow the "later model" stuff to come too . . . those 60's Pontiacs and Buicks are growing on me . . .

Josh got his bike goin' again.  I'll bet he feels great being back on a machine that has taken him so many places.  He just bolted in a different engine to soak up the vibes of that mystical rollin' chassis !
Always neat watching men ready themselves for the ride home . . . directions, planning, tensions and relief when you finally hit the road again . . . 

It was cool to see Scott and Jeremy still painting up a storm and working on their craft.  Both just keep getting better and better.  Pete had Ol' Yellar runnin' sweet, and it made the trip without a glitch.  Hans had all his Cycle Goods on display, and I heard he even went around the track a few laps !  Go Hans ! My tranny appears to have stopped leaking, appears nothing fell off . . . but, I always throw the bike on the lift after every run to check it out.  This thing just runs so good - fortunate to have a good bike to ride and a place to go.  Life is short - go do some stuff.  -Til next time.