I finally pieced in the missing link !
- Thread starter I74
- Start date
Buffalo Springfield,, yea,, I met them once, years ago,, when they played a Bar, up by Aspen Co.
I'am forever proud,, to say that I'am a ''Boomer'', ''the coolest Generation''.
I
I'am forever proud,, to say that I'am a ''Boomer'', ''the coolest Generation''.
I
New addition to the Bike .
Couldn't stand that black plastic coil cover, so I modded a chrome one for a Shovelhead.
Made the spacers out of bronze sleeve bushing,, & then cut & finished the front opening for the plug wires with a Dremel ,, plus drilled the 2 holes for the 1/4 stainless screws.
Think it turned out pretty slick,, & also,, ''after the fact'',, I realized that I also made a functional channeling air scoop,, to channel air back behind the rear head,, & also the rear head pipe,, & then exit the right side of the bike,, in front of the Batt. cover.
Definitely notice the difference of the back head & head pipe running cooler,, & am guessing @ least around 10*f cooler.
I
Couldn't stand that black plastic coil cover, so I modded a chrome one for a Shovelhead.
Made the spacers out of bronze sleeve bushing,, & then cut & finished the front opening for the plug wires with a Dremel ,, plus drilled the 2 holes for the 1/4 stainless screws.
Think it turned out pretty slick,, & also,, ''after the fact'',, I realized that I also made a functional channeling air scoop,, to channel air back behind the rear head,, & also the rear head pipe,, & then exit the right side of the bike,, in front of the Batt. cover.
Definitely notice the difference of the back head & head pipe running cooler,, & am guessing @ least around 10*f cooler.
I
Decent latest shots of the seat, pipes,, & coil cover ...
I also installed 2- 1/2 ID, by 1 1/2 OD,, by 3/4 tall riser base spacers,, that I got out of MI,, that are made out of 6160 Alum.,, & are basically for race car motor mount spacings.
With those,, I also stacked 2- 3/32 ,, stainless 1/2 ID by 1 1/4 washers,, between each alum riser spacer,, & the top caps for the riser bushings,, in the top trees,, to get even a bit more height,, & to also keep the big spacers from potentially rubbing on the triple tree...
All that,, gave me almost 1 inch more rise,, & also more kick back. ..
The riser bolts,, I replaced the 1/2 by 2- 3/4 grade 5 ones,, with 1/2 by 3 1/2,, quality ''stainless'' ones,, & also stainless lock washers.
A lot more comfortable now,, & my elbows are more bent,, & I'am also more kicked back ..
Also don't feel like I'am hanging on for dear life,, when going over 60,, & feel like I have more leverage. ..
Am still figuring the Ape conversion this winter,, & already got bars from HD,, but will be returning them,,ASAP,, as the cut out holes @ the switch housings,, are ''way'' to cut out,, & also go into the radius bends of the top of the bars,, which also makes the bars ''weak'' right there @ the top bends !!
Really frigg'n stupid design part there,, & those openings wouldn't even be completely covered with the housings,, & also,, the housings would also be clamping to the first parts of the radius bends !!
Those openings should of been made about 1/2 as much,, as the bottom center one is ,, between the risers.
Handlebars,, are basically ''holding onto your life'' in your hands,, & you don't want to ''F'' around with that $#it !!
Lastly,,
Those bars were special order from HD,, & I will be taking them back Tues., to the Dealer here,, & hope they will make it right with me in returning them,, & not charge me the B.S. 30% restocking fee on special orders..
They are still sealed in the plastic wrap ect, also.
Bottom line is,, those bars are weak,, & dangerous,, & should be pulled out of inventory,, period. !!
I
I also installed 2- 1/2 ID, by 1 1/2 OD,, by 3/4 tall riser base spacers,, that I got out of MI,, that are made out of 6160 Alum.,, & are basically for race car motor mount spacings.
With those,, I also stacked 2- 3/32 ,, stainless 1/2 ID by 1 1/4 washers,, between each alum riser spacer,, & the top caps for the riser bushings,, in the top trees,, to get even a bit more height,, & to also keep the big spacers from potentially rubbing on the triple tree...
All that,, gave me almost 1 inch more rise,, & also more kick back. ..
The riser bolts,, I replaced the 1/2 by 2- 3/4 grade 5 ones,, with 1/2 by 3 1/2,, quality ''stainless'' ones,, & also stainless lock washers.
A lot more comfortable now,, & my elbows are more bent,, & I'am also more kicked back ..
Also don't feel like I'am hanging on for dear life,, when going over 60,, & feel like I have more leverage. ..
Am still figuring the Ape conversion this winter,, & already got bars from HD,, but will be returning them,,ASAP,, as the cut out holes @ the switch housings,, are ''way'' to cut out,, & also go into the radius bends of the top of the bars,, which also makes the bars ''weak'' right there @ the top bends !!
Really frigg'n stupid design part there,, & those openings wouldn't even be completely covered with the housings,, & also,, the housings would also be clamping to the first parts of the radius bends !!
Those openings should of been made about 1/2 as much,, as the bottom center one is ,, between the risers.
Handlebars,, are basically ''holding onto your life'' in your hands,, & you don't want to ''F'' around with that $#it !!
Lastly,,
Those bars were special order from HD,, & I will be taking them back Tues., to the Dealer here,, & hope they will make it right with me in returning them,, & not charge me the B.S. 30% restocking fee on special orders..
They are still sealed in the plastic wrap ect, also.
Bottom line is,, those bars are weak,, & dangerous,, & should be pulled out of inventory,, period. !!
I
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Yea,, these are real special Bikes,, & the last series of the ''true'' - ''Made in the USA'' - HD factory Choppers,, & also Willie G Davidson's last design effort,, before he retired in 2012,, which is also the year this is.
The flame job on the tanks,, I just found out, is an exact ''pattern'' replica,, of the flames on the first Wide glide model in 1980,, which the Wide Glides,, were always pretty much Willie G's baby.
Think he just stuck around long enough,, to see this ''first year'' 103 version, with the '''very limited'' - ''Big blue pearl'' flames,, hit the show room floors,, which also,, a lot of Dealers,, only got like around 1.
it's a frigg'n ''beast'', & getting better & better,, each time I work on it,, & ride it !
Been Mink oiling the seat,, in strategic places where I want the seat to break in, & to soften those areas,, especially the binding edges that I sit on,, which are still pretty stiff..
Wifey's part of the seat,, have been softening the binding edges on that as well,, for when I get the other sissy bar on,, & she starts riding with me next month,, after I get some more practice time in,, & also get things settled in more. ..
I
The flame job on the tanks,, I just found out, is an exact ''pattern'' replica,, of the flames on the first Wide glide model in 1980,, which the Wide Glides,, were always pretty much Willie G's baby.
Think he just stuck around long enough,, to see this ''first year'' 103 version, with the '''very limited'' - ''Big blue pearl'' flames,, hit the show room floors,, which also,, a lot of Dealers,, only got like around 1.
it's a frigg'n ''beast'', & getting better & better,, each time I work on it,, & ride it !
Been Mink oiling the seat,, in strategic places where I want the seat to break in, & to soften those areas,, especially the binding edges that I sit on,, which are still pretty stiff..
Wifey's part of the seat,, have been softening the binding edges on that as well,, for when I get the other sissy bar on,, & she starts riding with me next month,, after I get some more practice time in,, & also get things settled in more. ..
I
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Got the Ape conversion done,, plus a bunch of other stuff !!
Whole different now ''a lot better'',, & really has the look & feel essence of my old Shovel !!
Have put on around 500 miles ,, & take most my rides out to the Airport,, to watch the Planes,, plus get my prem. fuel @ a station close to it.
I'am ''finally'' back home !
I
Whole different now ''a lot better'',, & really has the look & feel essence of my old Shovel !!
Have put on around 500 miles ,, & take most my rides out to the Airport,, to watch the Planes,, plus get my prem. fuel @ a station close to it.
I'am ''finally'' back home !
I
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Yea,, It's taken me these two months,, with working on it & riding it,, to get adequate muscles & strength back..
The Ape bar set up though,, makes riding it a ''whole lot'' easier,, & a $#it load more comfortable as well...
It's basically ''velvet touch'' steering now,, pretty much like the Shovel was.
The riser/ top tree bushings,, I replaced those with ''very stout'' Urethane ones also.
I
The Ape bar set up though,, makes riding it a ''whole lot'' easier,, & a $#it load more comfortable as well...
It's basically ''velvet touch'' steering now,, pretty much like the Shovel was.
The riser/ top tree bushings,, I replaced those with ''very stout'' Urethane ones also.
I
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Update,, 10/19/25 ..
Got 1,150 miles on my Bike now ,, & am liking it even more & more,, each time I ride it !!
One thing I'am going to change on it in the spring though,, is to get the widest tire that you can put on my 21'' HD - OEM front wheel,, & also clear the fender.
Wouldn't want wider anyways,, with that rim width,, as it would cause the tire to potentially ''roll'' laterly .
Always really liked Metzeler ''ME'' series tires,, & had those on the Shovel.
They now make a 90/90/21 - 'ME-333''-''Laser tech'' front tire,, which is 10mm wider than the stock 80/90/21.
The first numbers are the width,, & most say,, that the ride & stability ,, is noticeably ''way'' better,, with the 10mm wider width.
Riding 70+ mph down the highways,, with rain sipe grooves in the concrete,, gets a bit spooky sometimes,, with that narrow front tire,,trying to run in those grooves,, especially bridges that are curved ..
The rear OEM 180 - Michelin/HD - Scorcher 31 tire though,, I really like ''a lot'',, & will prob. always run those on it.
That tire design is ''Bad @$$'', & also really nice ''deep'' tread,, & should last ''many'' moons,, & is also''way'' better ''V'''' rated,, compared to the OEM front,, which is only ''H'' rated..
It's about twice the price of the Metzelers,, but think it should prob. out last 2 -1 over those ME- 888 rears,, which in the long run,, prob. save some bread anyways,, kind'a like buying a really good pr. of Red wing/'' Vibram sole'' boots ..
Been to my old stomp'n grounds town twice already,, which is about 70 miles from me,, & ''re'' hooked up with my best Bro there,, which we always wanted to ride Harley's together,, since late teens,, but never got to do it,, for timing reasons,, ect. ect.,,, until now ..
It's glorious riding with him ''finally'',, & better ''late than never'' !!
His Bike's a 99' Fat Boy,, which is the last of the Evo's,, & also a 5 speed,, & even has Metzelers !!
It run's real well,, & keeps up with me just fine,, unless I really get on it,, plus also have 1 more gear ..
Here's a pic of us ..
I
Got 1,150 miles on my Bike now ,, & am liking it even more & more,, each time I ride it !!
One thing I'am going to change on it in the spring though,, is to get the widest tire that you can put on my 21'' HD - OEM front wheel,, & also clear the fender.
Wouldn't want wider anyways,, with that rim width,, as it would cause the tire to potentially ''roll'' laterly .
Always really liked Metzeler ''ME'' series tires,, & had those on the Shovel.
They now make a 90/90/21 - 'ME-333''-''Laser tech'' front tire,, which is 10mm wider than the stock 80/90/21.
The first numbers are the width,, & most say,, that the ride & stability ,, is noticeably ''way'' better,, with the 10mm wider width.
Riding 70+ mph down the highways,, with rain sipe grooves in the concrete,, gets a bit spooky sometimes,, with that narrow front tire,,trying to run in those grooves,, especially bridges that are curved ..
The rear OEM 180 - Michelin/HD - Scorcher 31 tire though,, I really like ''a lot'',, & will prob. always run those on it.
That tire design is ''Bad @$$'', & also really nice ''deep'' tread,, & should last ''many'' moons,, & is also''way'' better ''V'''' rated,, compared to the OEM front,, which is only ''H'' rated..
It's about twice the price of the Metzelers,, but think it should prob. out last 2 -1 over those ME- 888 rears,, which in the long run,, prob. save some bread anyways,, kind'a like buying a really good pr. of Red wing/'' Vibram sole'' boots ..
Been to my old stomp'n grounds town twice already,, which is about 70 miles from me,, & ''re'' hooked up with my best Bro there,, which we always wanted to ride Harley's together,, since late teens,, but never got to do it,, for timing reasons,, ect. ect.,,, until now ..
It's glorious riding with him ''finally'',, & better ''late than never'' !!
His Bike's a 99' Fat Boy,, which is the last of the Evo's,, & also a 5 speed,, & even has Metzelers !!
It run's real well,, & keeps up with me just fine,, unless I really get on it,, plus also have 1 more gear ..
Here's a pic of us ..
I
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Update,, 10/19/25 ..
Got 1,150 miles on my Bike now ,, & am liking it even more & more,, each time I ride it !!
One thing I'am going to change on it in the spring though,, is to get the widest tire that you can put on 21'' HD front wheel.
Always really liked Metzeler ''ME'' series tires,, & had those on the Shovel.
They now make a 90/90/21 - 'ME-333''-''Laser tech'' front tire,, which is 10mm wider than the stock 80/90/21.
The first numbers are the width,, & most say,, that the ride & stability ,, is noticeably ''way'' better,, with the 10mm wider width.
Riding 70+ mph down the highways,, with rain sipe grooves in the concrete,, gets a bit spooky sometimes,, with that narrow front tire,,trying to run in those grooves,, especially bridges that are curved ..
The rear OEM 180 - Michelin/HD - Scorcher 31 tire though,, I really like ''a lot'',, & will prob. always run those on it.
That tire design is ''Bad @$$'', & also really nice ''deep'' tread,, & should last ''many'' moons,, & is also''way'' better ''Z'' rated,, compared to the OEM front,, which is only ''H'' rated..
It's about twice the price of the Metzelers,, but think it should prob. out last 2 -1 over those ME- 888 rears,, which in the long run,, prob. save some bread anyways,, kind'a like buying a really good pr. of Red wing/'' Vibram sole'' boots ..
Been to my old stomp'n grounds town twice already,, which is about 70 miles from me,, & ''re'' hooked up with my best Bro there,, which we always wanted to Harley's together,, since late teens,, but never got to do it,, for timing reasons,, ect. ect.,,, until now ..
It's glorious riding with him ''finally'',, & better ''late than never'' !!
His Bike's a 99' Fat Boy,, which is the last of the Evo's,, & also a 5 speed,, & even has Metzelers !!
It run's real well,, & keeps up with me just fine,, unless I get on it ..
Here's a pic of us ..
I
View attachment 325066
Got 1,150 miles on my Bike now ,, & am liking it even more & more,, each time I ride it !!
One thing I'am going to change on it in the spring though,, is to get the widest tire that you can put on 21'' HD front wheel.
Always really liked Metzeler ''ME'' series tires,, & had those on the Shovel.
They now make a 90/90/21 - 'ME-333''-''Laser tech'' front tire,, which is 10mm wider than the stock 80/90/21.
The first numbers are the width,, & most say,, that the ride & stability ,, is noticeably ''way'' better,, with the 10mm wider width.
Riding 70+ mph down the highways,, with rain sipe grooves in the concrete,, gets a bit spooky sometimes,, with that narrow front tire,,trying to run in those grooves,, especially bridges that are curved ..
The rear OEM 180 - Michelin/HD - Scorcher 31 tire though,, I really like ''a lot'',, & will prob. always run those on it.
That tire design is ''Bad @$$'', & also really nice ''deep'' tread,, & should last ''many'' moons,, & is also''way'' better ''Z'' rated,, compared to the OEM front,, which is only ''H'' rated..
It's about twice the price of the Metzelers,, but think it should prob. out last 2 -1 over those ME- 888 rears,, which in the long run,, prob. save some bread anyways,, kind'a like buying a really good pr. of Red wing/'' Vibram sole'' boots ..
Been to my old stomp'n grounds town twice already,, which is about 70 miles from me,, & ''re'' hooked up with my best Bro there,, which we always wanted to Harley's together,, since late teens,, but never got to do it,, for timing reasons,, ect. ect.,,, until now ..
It's glorious riding with him ''finally'',, & better ''late than never'' !!
His Bike's a 99' Fat Boy,, which is the last of the Evo's,, & also a 5 speed,, & even has Metzelers !!
It run's real well,, & keeps up with me just fine,, unless I get on it ..
Here's a pic of us ..
I
View attachment 325066
New front rim that I will be getting before next. riding season.
It's made in Cali,, with also stainless spokes,, triple chrome plated ,, & spokes also sealed for tubeless .
Can't stand that stock ''black'' rim anymore,, & also have a ''10mm wider'' Metzeler 90/90/21 Lasertech tire on the way,, but it's back ordered till Dec.,, but no big deal,, as riding season is about over for 2025.
Am also going to replace the stupid front ''floating'' stock rotor,, with a cool slotted ''polished stainless'' one. ,, which I also posted a pic of.
Will be selling that stock wheel, ''as an assy'',, with the Michelin/HD Scorcher 31,, & stock rotor..
That HD Scorcher, is a $300+ tire,, & was just put on last May,, with only 60 miles on it when I got the bike.
I'll be asking $450 for the whole ''Assy'' works,, & hope that it should pay ''a big chunk'' for most the new stuff.
Tomorrow aft. , 11/14/25,, is going to be around 68*f & sunny though,, & plan putting on another 50 miles,, before the temps got to shit.
That would make right @ around 1300 miles I put on the Bike since the beginning of July.
Update,,
For some reason,, those 2 pics off ''flea bay'',, won't load up on here,, as I think they are ''blocked here'' for some reason.
Pulled them off just like I always have,, & put them in my pics,, plus downloads,, but no luck loading them up here.,, but they will show up & load just fine,, to share on e-mails ect. ect.
I will try & work on it though,, & see if I can find the pics,, not linked to flea bay.
I
It's made in Cali,, with also stainless spokes,, triple chrome plated ,, & spokes also sealed for tubeless .
Can't stand that stock ''black'' rim anymore,, & also have a ''10mm wider'' Metzeler 90/90/21 Lasertech tire on the way,, but it's back ordered till Dec.,, but no big deal,, as riding season is about over for 2025.
Am also going to replace the stupid front ''floating'' stock rotor,, with a cool slotted ''polished stainless'' one. ,, which I also posted a pic of.
Will be selling that stock wheel, ''as an assy'',, with the Michelin/HD Scorcher 31,, & stock rotor..
That HD Scorcher, is a $300+ tire,, & was just put on last May,, with only 60 miles on it when I got the bike.
I'll be asking $450 for the whole ''Assy'' works,, & hope that it should pay ''a big chunk'' for most the new stuff.
Tomorrow aft. , 11/14/25,, is going to be around 68*f & sunny though,, & plan putting on another 50 miles,, before the temps got to shit.
That would make right @ around 1300 miles I put on the Bike since the beginning of July.
Update,,
For some reason,, those 2 pics off ''flea bay'',, won't load up on here,, as I think they are ''blocked here'' for some reason.
Pulled them off just like I always have,, & put them in my pics,, plus downloads,, but no luck loading them up here.,, but they will show up & load just fine,, to share on e-mails ect. ect.
I will try & work on it though,, & see if I can find the pics,, not linked to flea bay.
I
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Thanks !
I'am originally from N Cal. also,, & actually have my ''very old'' Dudley Perkins HD of S.F. ,, brass/enamel dealer coin emblem, on the triple tree center cap.
Had that stuck to the inside lid of my top tool box, for over 30 years,, & it took ''a lot'' of clean up, but think I brought it back pretty good.
Always said that if I got another bike,, it would be going on it.
Here's a pic of it..
Also,,
Just got back from my 53 mile ride.
It actually hit 70*f ,, here in E central Iowa this afternoon !
Tried loading the pics of the new front wheel & rotor again,, from the Google page,, but still with no luck.,, so I just took ''2'' - downloaded - ''crappy'' screen shots with my camera,, ''for now'',, to '' @ least'' ,, give you Guys an idea ..
I
I'am originally from N Cal. also,, & actually have my ''very old'' Dudley Perkins HD of S.F. ,, brass/enamel dealer coin emblem, on the triple tree center cap.
Had that stuck to the inside lid of my top tool box, for over 30 years,, & it took ''a lot'' of clean up, but think I brought it back pretty good.
Always said that if I got another bike,, it would be going on it.
Here's a pic of it..
Also,,
Just got back from my 53 mile ride.
It actually hit 70*f ,, here in E central Iowa this afternoon !
Tried loading the pics of the new front wheel & rotor again,, from the Google page,, but still with no luck.,, so I just took ''2'' - downloaded - ''crappy'' screen shots with my camera,, ''for now'',, to '' @ least'' ,, give you Guys an idea ..
I
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