You Tube Video of Jeff Wright @Yokohama

If you go to: 21st Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show (on You Tube) . . . maybe you can find the video of all the rods and bikes coming into the show hall.  You can see Jeff in his big, red shirt ride in.  I was really happy to see him ride in since he didn't really get much of a chance to test and tune before the shipper came to get his motorcycle for the show.  I know he worked really hard on it . . . and it was cool to see him roll on in . . . made me feel kinda happy for him. (and all the USA entrants).  I've heard it's an righteous event.

(Above: A special award Jeff created to present for his "build of choice" of the Yokohama Show 2012.)

Tech Tip

Always make sure all your gears fit the pinion before you install them in the cases.  I've found an abundance of aftermarket parts that run a bit out of tolerance.(what else is new?)  On early engines, these gears are designed to "float" on the shaft, with the movement of the flywheels on acceleration and deceleration.
Big Noot uses an "old donor pinion shaft" to apply valve lapping compound and work the gears off and on to give the gear ID the correct fit on the new shaft.  Why didn't I think of that????

Can we still get Twinkies?

Name that movie _______________________.

Gordy's other other '38 Knuckle

Looks real nice . . . cylinder heads by Lee's Speed Shop.
Nickle plated M5
4 Fins
61 Cubic Inches of Glory !

Panhead Performance ?

Panheads are for cruisin' . . . Sportsters are for racing !

No Way


15 years and 10,000 miles . . .




Big Noot's Panhead
Fixed the tranny leak (maybe? )
Adjusted the rear brake . . .
One new spoke . . .
New rear rubber & tube . . . balanced . . .
Dave T. helped out. . .
Where shall we go ????

The Story goes like this . . .

"Biker Bob" tried telling "Skid" that the 11mm X 2" belt was not the way to go . . . 
but, Skid just wouldn't listen.

Office Jobs . . .


Morehead, Springsteen and Roberts

 . . . and Miss Camel Pro Lynn Griffiths.

Dad & Kid . . . (guy trip)



















Not every ol' man with a son gets to do a real life road trip with his kid.  I try to do at least one a year.  His wife always lets him go . . . so, she must think I'm harmless????  When we travel (no "corporate chain" motels, food, etc)  All mom & pop local stuff.  We meet the greatest people and like to chat with the locals.  Arizona is a grand state.  The land of Buddy Stubbs.  Jerome, Arizona is a kick ass place.  Williams is cool too.  I met a bar-fly chic who graduated from Plainview, Minnesota High named "Cricket" . . . maybe Ted or Pat knows her? 

Loud, Louder, Loudest . . .



Last winter Jeremiah wanted me to listen to his pan/shovel and see if I could tell what was making noise.  The noise wasn't loud enough.  I couldn't tell where it was coming from (sounded just a bit loose).  I said it would have to get louder before I could pinpoint the problem.  Well, it got louder !   This engine had multiple problems . . . so he wants to strip off the shovel top - and restore it to full Panhead . . . ! 

To Jack (who's not good on his computer)

Dear Jack, 
    The Rear Chain Oiler can be shut off by bottoming out the screw.  You may also want to attach a short hose and plug the end, just in case of leakage.  Plug the Primary Oil Return.  The Crankcase Vent is where you plug in your fancy $75 Krank Vent (one-way valve).  Make certain you install the Krank Vent on the proper direction (as per our conversation). 

Don's Sporty

Ironhead Sportster Drag Bike !

Beware of Import Clutch Pushrods . . .




I scratched my head so much I had a raw spot and had to keep my hands in my pockets.  I could not figure out why my clutch pushrod was eating up between the adjusting screw and the rod (pressure plate side).  I took it to work and conducted a Rockwell Hardness Test (C-15) too soft.  So, we made a new one to the exact specs of the "import" rod I had - and heat treated the ends (C-50).  It did it again - not as bad since it was harder - but still not right.  Then with a keen eye, my buddy Bake noticed the throw-out bearing end of the rod was a bit too long and it was hitting the stationary (outside) portion on the throw-out bearing . . .(going thru too far) and locking up the rod when it should be spinning.  I didn't have a stock HD rod to compare - hell, I didn't know. 

NOTE: You can see on photos 2 and 3 the shorter rod should only fit into the movable side.  It was touching the stationary(notched) portion of the bearing previously.

Brick streets . . .

I live in one of those "historic" neighborhoods where all the homes have weird architecture and leaky pipes.  They are fixin' up my street with permeable brick paving.  Now, when I ride my WLA down the street it will remind me of the first Harley's riding through Berlin after the fall and defeat of Nazi Germany.

Kitschy Belt Buckle

"kitchy" is the term my wife uses for all the goofy, weird, clicky crap I like to buy.  I'm drawn right towards this stuff.  I frequent a variety of antique shops . . . and this one particular lady knows what I like.  She's says, "Hey you, bike dude . . . maybe you'd like this belt buckle?"  SOLD !

Buy it - Ship It - Show It

? ? ? ? Is this what happened here ?   Cool bike - just so rad. But then there's always that "gitch" I call it in your side that kinda eats at you.  Like, that's not yours.  Give it back.  I don't know the history of this motorcycle, but that's what the situation looks like.  You have to say, it makes you feel proud to come from a culture that even those across the pond thought was so cool - they want a part of it.  I go back and forth.  You have to admit some of the best custom choppers come from Japan.  No question about it.  Gak can make a bike look like it came right outta the barn . . .
(photo by Motoyan and Co.)