Motorcycles

[Pat Riot]

6 hours ago, Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494 said:

  Ascot Park June, 1967.  1959 HD KR factory ride for Joe Leonard.  I was 3rd owner after it was released from the factory stable.  In '67 it was still competitive in the Amateur class.  A real thrill for a 23 year old.  Ron Lacher of San Diego behind me.

An hour after this photo was taken a goober fell off in front of me and launched me and machine into the air.  First thing to land was my knee against the crash wall.  Since it was built to withstand auto crashes, it didn't give an inch.  My femur did, though.  Came out through my leathers.  68 days in traction, 2 months in body cast, 2 months with groin to ankle leg cast, and a year before I walked without crutches.....

 

I used to go to Ascot in the 80’s for the dirt track races. At that same time period I was an avid “Canyon Bomber”. Fun times.

[bgavin]

I’ve owned five that didn’t leak.  1957XL, 77 shovel and 3 sportsters.

[Cypress Sun]

On 8/21/2023 at 9:29 PM, Major E A Sterner #12916 said:

My Grandfathers Henderson, sorry it's sideways.

 

That's not him on the bike I hope!

If it is though, I bet it got interesting when a squirrel ran out in front of him.

[Major E A Sterner #12916]

2 hours ago, Cypress Sun said:

 

That's not him on the bike I hope!

If it is though, I bet it got interesting when a squirrel ran out in front of him.

No, it was his dog, he had an interesting sense of humor from what I've been told. He passed away before I was born.

[Subdeacon Joe]

On 8/20/2023 at 10:40 AM, Subdeacon Joe said:

Therapy is expensive.
Wind is free. 
Look at this beauty, wonder how it sounds.

 #i #fkin #love #vintage #motorcycles #indianmotorcycles

 

 

I got a phone call this morning, after sending emails to various departments.

 

The guy couldn't say more than it's from the 1907-1915 era because in 1916 the way the rear wheel is attached changed.  Also that it likely was stripped down for flat track racing and had shrouds added to the heads to protect the cooling fins.  Records are scanty because of the number of times the company has changed hands, and it's over 100 years ago.  He had tried enlarging and sharpening in Photoshop so he could read the tank, but because of the graininess of the photo he couldn't read it.

 

 

 

[sassnetguy50]

Thank you for investing for us.  That makes sense, you can almost see fins at the top of the cylinder.

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

The tank reads:

 

Indian

Hendee Mfg. Co.

Springfield, Mass.

 

This model is a 1908

[El Chapo]

On 8/23/2023 at 4:51 AM, Rooster Ron Wayne said:

Not if they are put together correctly 

What most people don't understand is you have Cast Iron cylinders and Aluminum heads and cases. 

So the heat and expansion is different. 

So you MUST allow the engine to warm up before you take off for a ride .

I would dare to ride my Shovelhead anywhere with out worry .

But all Shovelheads are not taken care of like mine lol

 

I would love to have any antique American motorcycle someday.  I enjoy them from a distance.  Perhaps when I retire.

[Pat Riot]

6 minutes ago, El Chapo said:

 

I would love to have any antique American motorcycle someday.  I enjoy them from a distance.  Perhaps when I retire.

You probably know this but before you buy make sure you can get parts for it. 

[El Chapo]

38 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

You probably know this but before you buy make sure you can get parts for it. 

 

I don't think there's a Harley-Davidson on earth that you can't get parts for.  I'm sure it gets much harder as you go back in generation, but there is an abundant aftermarket for pretty much all of the bikes that have been made in my father's lifetime.

 

That said, just like driving a 50 year old car, there's a certain masochistic tendency you have to have to drive an old car/bike.  It's not like getting in your new car and hitting the key...these ancient clunkers remind you of old times every time you get in them.

[Blackwater 53393]

On 8/22/2023 at 8:52 PM, El Chapo said:

 

That's a really nice looking ride.

 

Is the joke about Shovelheads true, about be worried if they're not leaking, because they're out of oil?

The last rebuild of my old Shovelhead was in 2000!  It has about 70,000 miles on it since that complete overhaul with new cases, (the old cases cracked when the primary chain broke during a trip on the interstate at around 70mph) and new cylinders. 
 

Since that time it has never leaked a drop of any fluid. We replaced the original transmission with a six speed and updated the primary system with a closed, fluid filled EVO clutch assembly.

 

It was done by myself and a great Harley specialist who has since passed on.  He built Panheads and Knucklheads with belt drive primaries so that he could close the “total loss” oiling systems.

 

Bikes that he built won many awards and trophies, including several overall wins at various Easy Rider shows. They didn’t leak either!

[Pat Riot]

12 hours ago, El Chapo said:

That said, just like driving a 50 year old car, there's a certain masochistic tendency you have to have to drive an old car/bike.  It's not like getting in your new car and hitting the key...these ancient clunkers remind you of old times every time you get in them.

You just reminded me of something. 
 

In the Spring of 2019 I was leaving Home Depot and I saw a guy, probably mid-60’s kick starting his old Harley. In the time it took me to walk to my truck and load everything from the cart into the bed that guy must have kicked that bike 40-50 times. 
I walked over and asked him if he needed any help. He snarled at me and I kid you not he said “Why don’t you mind your owned (blanking) business!”

My first thought was to clock the guy but then I remembered the parking lot cameras. 
I said “I will ***hole. By the way, it’s 85 degrees now. It’ll be 90 soon. Good luck.” And I walked away. 
I got home and realized I forgot the screws I needed and headed back to Home Depot. 
That guy was sitting sideways on his bike seat. Kickstand down. I walked over. He was sweating profusely. 
I asked again “Would you like some help?”

To my surprise he apologized for being a jerk and said he was letting it rest as it was flooded. He had pulled the plugs and was letting things dry. 
I went back into the store and got my screws and a couple of other things. 
When I walked out the guy was just getting ready to try again. It started on the second kick but when it did it coughed and that kick lever slammed that guys foot so hard I am sure it broke something. He let out a yell and kind of hopped about a bit after jumping off the bike. He leaned on the seat and started to pull his boot off and I yelled “Don’t do that. Your foot will swell up and you won’t get your boot back on.”
He acknowledged with a thumbs up, jumped on his bike and took off. 
 

Made me appreciate electric start. 
I have had my foot slammed with a Harley kick lever. Man, does that hurt. 

[El Chapo]

12 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

The last rebuild of my old Shovelhead was in 2000!  It has about 70,000 miles on it since that complete overhaul with new cases, (the old cases cracked when the primary chain broke during a trip on the interstate at around 70mph) and new cylinders. 
 

Since that time it has never leaked a drop of any fluid. We replaced the original transmission with a six speed and updated the primary system with a closed, fluid filled EVO clutch assembly.

 

It was done by myself and a great Harley specialist who has since passed on.  He built Panheads and Knucklheads with belt drive primaries so that he could close the “total loss” oiling systems.

 

Bikes that he built won many awards and trophies, including several overall wins at various Easy Rider shows. They didn’t leak either!

 

I'm pretty sure the guy who told me that just wanted me to buy a new motorcycle, but I'm perfectly content with the ones I have.

 

I've never owned one older than an Evo though.

[LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L]

It's good to be the King.  2017 HD Road King Classic.  

[Subdeacon Joe]

"A treat for all V-Twin Fans-  Indian PowerPlus Brooklands 1916 1000cc "

 

[Subdeacon Joe]

1930

 

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

When I was younger .

The faster my bike was.

I could ride her all day .

My front end was much longer .

Well that's what she said anyways ! 

 

 

[Pat Riot]

In 1983 I lived in Westchester, CA in an apartment near a retirement community. I had a 73 Suzuki 350 that I loved to clean and polish up. That bike had a lot of chrome. Anyway, this lady who I am guessing was in her late 80’s used to come by and talk to me about how she and her husband would get on his 1936 Harley Davidson and take trips all over Southern California. As she talked you could see a twinkle in her eyes and a look of joy on her face. Her husband had passed several years earlier. 
One day she asked me to come to her townhouse and see her husband’s old bike and to see if I could reassemble it for her. 
She literally lived 100 yards down the small street (alley) from my garage. 
I went the next day. In her garage was a red and black (my favorite color scheme) frame, fenders, black spoked wheels, and an oil drum that contained the engine / trans covered in oil. There were 2 small boxes that contained hardware and small parts. She had some guys from the Harley dealer preserve it for her. All the parts in clouding the frame were wrapped in cheesecloth and plastic. She had gotten someone to remove it all before I showed. 
As I was marveling over this treasure in pieces she asked me if I could reassemble it for her. I told her I could and that I had a friend that specialized in rebuilding old Harleys that could help me if I got stuck. 
Then she told me that she was so impressed with how well I took care of my “little motorcycle” that since I seemed confident that I could assemble her husband’s old motorcycle she was giving it to me. 
My heart about leaped out of my chest. 
She told me I could do the initial work in her garage but I would have to remove the engine in the drum of oil and and finish the bike in my apartment garage. She said “How about you start this coming weekend and that will give me a chance to find the title and paperwork for it?” I asked her if any of her family members might be upset as they might want it. She said that none of them rode a bike and none would appreciate it. She said something about them being spoiled selfish brats, then laughed. I told her I would be back Saturday morning and left. I was on cloud 9. 

She went into the hospital the next day and passed away that weekend. I never did find out what happened. Her neighbors weren’t sure. 
The next week I was riding my motorcycle down the alley where her garage was and her garage door was open. “Family” was in there assessing things. I stopped and shared my condolences. I decided to tell them about the motorcycle and that she was giving it to me. 
Well, that set off all 6 of the people in that garage. They looked like jackals snapping and snarling at a big cat. My first instinct was to lash out but my upbringing kicked in and I wished them all good luck and I left. I could see why she did not want them to have the bike. 
A few days later I saw a truck from Harbor City Harley Davidson loading up all the bike parts and the engine drum into it. I rode my bike down to find out the particulars. They bought the bike from the family for “a few hundred bucks”. I related the story that the lady offered it to me and was met with typical knuckle dragged derision. I gave them all a single finger salute and left. 
 

That was my brush with owning a truly classic motorcycle. 

[Perro Del Diablo]

17 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

In 1983 I lived in Westchester, CA in an apartment near a retirement community. I had a 73 Suzuki 350 that I loved to clean and polish up. That bike had a lot of chrome. Anyway, this lady who I am guessing was in her late 80’s used to come by and talk to me about how she and her husband would get on his 1936 Harley Davidson and take trips all over Southern California. As she talked you could see a twinkle in her eyes and a look of joy on her face. Her husband had passed several years earlier. 
One day she asked me to come to her townhouse and see her husband’s old bike and to see if I could reassemble it for her. 
She literally lived 100 yards down the small street (alley) from my garage. 
I went the next day. In her garage was a red and black (my favorite color scheme) frame, fenders, black spoked wheels, and an oil drum that contained the engine / trans covered in oil. There were 2 small boxes that contained hardware and small parts. She had some guys from the Harley dealer preserve it for her. All the parts in clouding the frame were wrapped in cheesecloth and plastic. She had gotten someone to remove it all before I showed. 
As I was marveling over this treasure in pieces she asked me if I could reassemble it for her. I told her I could and that I had a friend that specialized in rebuilding old Harleys that could help me if I got stuck. 
Then she told me that she was so impressed with how well I took care of my “little motorcycle” that since I seemed confident that I could assemble her husband’s old motorcycle she was giving it to me. 
My heart about leaped out of my chest. 
She told me I could do the initial work in her garage but I would have to remove the engine in the drum of oil and and finish the bike in my apartment garage. She said “How about you start this coming weekend and that will give me a chance to find the title and paperwork for it?” I asked her if any of her family members might be upset as they might want it. She said that none of them rode a bike and none would appreciate it. She said something about them being spoiled selfish brats, then laughed. I told her I would be back Saturday morning and left. I was on cloud 9. 

She went into the hospital the next day and passed away that weekend. I never did find out what happened. Her neighbors weren’t sure. 
The next week I was riding my motorcycle down the alley where her garage was and her garage door was open. “Family” was in there assessing things. I stopped and shared my condolences. I decided to tell them about the motorcycle and that she was giving it to me. 
Well, that set off all 6 of the people in that garage. They looked like jackals snapping and snarling at a big cat. My first instinct was to lash out but my upbringing kicked in and I wished them all good luck and I left. I could see why she did not want them to have the bike. 
A few days later I saw a truck from Harbor City Harley Davidson loading up all the bike parts and the engine drum into it. I rode my bike down to find out the particulars. They bought the bike from the family for “a few hundred bucks”. I related the story that the lady offered it to me and was met with typical knuckle dragged derision. I gave them all a single finger salute and left. 
 

That was my brush with owning a truly classic motorcycle. 

If I look from their side it might seem you just trying get it free. Her offer was only between you 2 since nothing in will or other kind of contract. I truly understand your side but I've seen vultures even with my own bloodlines. My mother had grandfather clock she had always promised me. She never told anyone else. After she passed I never heard who eventually tool it. 

[Pat Riot]

44 minutes ago, Perro Del Diablo said:

If I look from their side it might seem you just trying get it free. Her offer was only between you 2 since nothing in will or other kind of contract. I truly understand your side but I've seen vultures even with my own bloodlines. My mother had grandfather clock she had always promised me. She never told anyone else. After she passed I never heard who eventually tool it. 

I am sure you’re right. What was bizarre was how they immediately reacted as if I were Satan there to take their souls and their children. 
But there actions weren’t as if they were protecting the nice lady’s honor. It was as if it was all about greed. 
 

I have seen some of that in my family as well. When my grandmother died one of my aunts became a poor person version of Joan Collins (Alexis Carrington) on Dynasty. Man, what a classless act she was and maybe still is. I haven’t seen her in 40 years. She’s probably dead…making Hell hell for others. 
 

 

Back to cool bikes. 

 

[Eyesa Horg]

I've learned over the years, when a deal such as that comes up, get it loaded and removed now! What a bummer to lose out on that one. I once paid a guy for a pan head engine and waited til the weekend to pick it up. It was gone and he claimed he "knows" it was me that took it. Out the motor and the $500. Can't find em for that anymore!

[Perro Del Diablo]

Found picture of @Patriot

[bgavin]

My 1957XL and 1977 Shovelhead were both kick starters.
The ratchet in the 57 was worn, and it would slip occasionally... and introduce the inside of my thigh to the rear shock mount in a most unpleasant manner.

The 1977 had the factory carb, and started as easily as the one at Home Depot noted by Pat.
Then... I bought an S&S modified SU carb as a bolt-on replacement.

Night and day difference.
Roll it once to spit a bit of fuel, then the money shot on the 2nd kick, started every time.
The SU vacuum slide carb provided FAR better low RPM response.

I view Harley factor carbs the same as Lucas Carbs and electroncis:  best suited for the scrap pile.

[Blackwater 53393]

Back in the late sixties and early seventies, my cousin had an XLCH Sportster.  It was kickstart only and he weighed all of 125 lbs with a horseshoe in each back pocket.

 

He often called me to come over and start it for him on cold mornings.  On more than one occasion, he wound up sitting on the front fender when that old Iron Head kicked back and flipped him over the handlebars!  I told him more than a few times not to try to start it while straddling the bike, but nothing would convince him to start it from the side!

 

I finally got him to replace the old carburetor with an S&S Super B and it became much easier to start. Took several years get him to do that and not long after that he traded it for another bike with electric start. 

[Eyesa Horg]

My first Harley was a 68 XLCH chopper! Sometimes it started, sometimes it didn't .

[Crooked River Pete, SASS 43485]

Buddy of mine had a XLCH, that CH stood for "competition hot". Came out of a bar one night he couldn't get it to start, asked me to try, one kick it's running. Walked over to my bike some guy I didn't know looks at me and says " ever notice them guys with CHs like to ride with a fat friend? ''

[Pat Riot]

A friend of mine had a 1200 Sportster that was a kick start. It was one of those bikes made under AMF. It was also one of those Harleys that was always in need of something mechanical or electrical Every Single Time I went riding with him. I had a new ‘86 883 Sportster. His bike made me appreciate my bike very much. 
Anyway, his bike would get temperamental after being ridden for a while and just would not start. We had stopped at a gas station in Malibu and up to that point it had been a glorious day. That’s when his bowling pin bike decided it wouldn’t start. He kicked and he kicked. He cussed and he kicked. Finally, dripping with sweat, he asked if I wouldn’t mind giving it a go. I agreed. Anything to get back on the road. 
Now, I was wearing Reebok high top sneakers. I didn’t even think about it. On the third kick that son-of-a-b**** coughed and that kick pedal seemed to speed up on the downward stroke then came back up fast and hard. Pain went from my foot all the way up my right leg to my hip. My foot went numb. I did a bit of cussing of my own and decided the I was going to win. I kicked it again and the engine roared to life as if to say “See, I’m in charge of when I start.”

After our ride I went to the Urgent Care clinic to have them look at my foot. My foot was badly bruised and the X-rays showed I had fractures in a couple of my metatarsals and the tarsal bones were bruised. I hobbled for a week. 
I told my friend that this would be the last time I kicked his bike and the last time I would wait for him to fix that piece of crap taking time out of my riding day. 
A month later he took his skin flint arse to a Harley dealer and traded the bowling pin bike in for an 883 Sportster. 

[Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494]

  So many times, and in so many ways my feet were hurt,  Wore the lace-to-toe 10" logger's boots as a cast many times.  Cinch 'em up every couple of hours as the swelling reduced. 

[bgavin]

11 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

My first Harley was a 68 XLCH chopper! Sometimes it started, sometimes it didn't .

Magneto was hard to start, even worse with factory carb.

[sassnetguy50]

Question for yall:

Did you ever pop start or push start these kickers?  

 

If I couldn't tune a tempermental bike it would go down the road.  In the meantime it would be parked on a hill just in case or pushed by another bike then clutch out.  

[Injun Ryder, SASS #36201L]

15 minutes ago, sassnetguy50 said:

Question for yall:

Did you ever pop start or push start these kickers?  

 

If I couldn't tune a tempermental bike it would go down the road.  In the meantime it would be parked on a hill just in case or pushed by another bike then clutch out.  

 

Yes. I have done so with my Indian a number of times which is fun with a foot clutch.

[Subdeacon Joe]

I have no information beyond the photo:

[Blackwater 53393]

2 hours ago, Mercy Me said:

Looks great in all black.

The only “therapist” I know owns a Harley!

[Blackwater 53393]

9 hours ago, Pat Riot said:

A friend of mine had a 1200 Sportster that was a kick start. It was one of those bikes made under AMF. It was also one of those Harleys that was always in need of something mechanical or electrical Every Single Time I went riding with him. I had a new ‘86 883 Sportster. His bike made me appreciate my bike very much. 
Anyway, his bike would get temperamental after being ridden for a while and just would not start. We had stopped at a gas station in Malibu and up to that point it had been a glorious day. That’s when his bowling pin bike decided it wouldn’t start. He kicked and he kicked. He cussed and he kicked. Finally, dripping with sweat, he asked if I wouldn’t mind giving it a go. I agreed. Anything to get back on the road. 
Now, I was wearing Reebok high top sneakers. I didn’t even think about it. On the third kick that son-of-a-b**** coughed and that kick pedal seemed to speed up on the downward stroke then came back up fast and hard. Pain went from my foot all the way up my right leg to my hip. My foot went numb. I did a bit of cussing of my own and decided the I was going to win. I kicked it again and the engine roared to life as if to say “See, I’m in charge of when I start.”

After our ride I went to the Urgent Care clinic to have them look at my foot. My foot was badly bruised and the X-rays showed I had fractures in a couple of my metatarsals and the tarsal bones were bruised. I hobbled for a week. 
I told my friend that this would be the last time I kicked his bike and the last time I would wait for him to fix that piece of crap taking time out of my riding day. 
A month later he took his skin flint arse to a Harley dealer and traded the bowling pin bike in for an 883 Sportster. 

I used to hear a lot of crap about the AMF Harley Davidsons. There probably wouldn’t even be a Harley Davidson if not for AMF!!!

 

They purchased Harley when it was just short of folding. They made many improvements to the brand, including disc brakes, improved electrical systems, modern controls, and improved lighting. Many of the improvements that were made after the family bought the company back and took it public were planned and designed by AMF engineers!

 

The AMF bikes were fine for the time they were produced and if maintained properly, were perfectly reliable.  I rode mine in stock configuration for several years as my only source of transportation and as long as I kept it serviced and tuned, it got me to where I wanted to go.

 

It now has over a third of a million miles on it and while it’s now fully customized, the remaining AMF parts are doing just fine.

Edited September 4, 2023 by Blackwater 53393

[Subdeacon Joe]

One of my brothers, back in the '70s, had a BSA Victor B44.  Had a compression release lever.  
"You push down the kickstart lever so that it stops just before the compression stroke, pull in the compression release lever so that the kickstart lever moves again, EASE the engine over compression, release the compression release, let the kickstarter back to the top, and give it a good kick. "

 

My brother is a bit on the small side, I don't think he's ever been over about 140#, and I watched him be lifted off the ground by the kick starter if he didn't use the compression release.