American iron garage march april 2017

Page 1

SAVE MONEY! Real World Tech & Upgrades

Step-by-Step DIY

Your Garage Builds

March/April 2017

American Iron Garage US $6.99

On Sale Until 4/11/17

New Products, Tech Tips & Tricks

It’s the surge when you hit the throttle — the wind, the adrenaline, the thrill. Riding is a passion, an addiction, a

150,000+ ITEMS FROM 900+ BRANDS IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP TODAY

lifestyle. It’s not just what you do, it’s who you are. And we understand this.

Since 1969, Dennis Kirk has been the industry leader and one-stop-shop for aftermarket motorsports parts, accessories and riding apparel. We stock

SAME DAY SHIPPING ON ORDERS RECEIVED BY 8:00 PM CENTRAL TIME

FREE SHIPPING

ON ORDERS OVER $89 We pay for ground delivery via UPS on Orders over $89 to the contiguous United States only. A $7.99 shipping charge is applied to orders under $89. Non-standard item fees may apply. See denniskirk.com for more information.

over 150,000 unique items that are ready to ship today, and our No-Hassle 90-Day

FREE RETURN SHIPPING ON HELMETS AND APPAREL

Return Policy allows you to buy with conidence.

Experienced Customer Service and Technical Support teams are ready to assist you at denniskirk.com — everything you need to keep your ride on the road and enhance your riding experience.

90-DAY SATISFACTION

GUARANTEE RETURNS ACCEPTED FOR EXCHANGE OR REFUND WITH NO RESTOCKING FEE

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE TOP-RATED BY CUSTOMERS AT BIZRATE.COM

WE SHIP TODAY!

Best Website and Mobile Site in the business, with a customer experience that is second to none.

denniskirk.com 800-564-1822

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Old-school Deluxe p. 22

Q GARAGE BUILT BIKES

Q THEORY

50 Twin Power Brake

Upgrade 16 Barnyard Build Working ’til the cows come home, and then some

22 Vintage Vibe Joe Greco’s old-school Deluxe

28 With One Foot “On The Pegs” 18-year-old Jake York crafts his first bobber

40 All About Screwdrivers There’s way more to them than just Phillips or flat!

34 1947 Harley Model U A melting pot of parts from the past

Q MAINTENANCE 46 Rollin’ In Style

Young-gun bobber, p. 28

Sport Chrome & Pirelli make old, ratty wheels better than new!

Vintage tech, p. 54

4 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

Part I: Front brake overhaul 54 Panhead Clutch

Adjustment Taking the mystery out of handclutch & mousetrap adjustment

E-Z chrome wheel upgrade, p. 46

There’s one in every pack. The born leader. The one who naturally carves the path for everyone else to follow. It has nothing to do with attitude or flashiness. On an Indian Chieftain®, their actions speak louder than words. And with the new Indian Motorcycle® Ride Command™ system, they prove once again they lead the charge. And leave no doubt.

©2016 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear your helmet. Never drink and ride. Shown with optional accessories.

Proudly published & printed in the USA

Klock & Kuryakyn p. 58 Q INSTALLS 58 Girl Scout Part I: Klock Werks handlebar & Kuryakyn accessories

64 Ultimate Passenger Comfort H-D passenger footboards & Road Zeppelin seat

H-D Footboards & Road Zeppelin seat p. 64 67 Arc Audio Amp And Speakers A stereo upgrade with lots of quality sound

70 Open Sesame! Flash2Pass makes life easy & saves marriages

74 The Anti-Sissybar There’s nothing sissy about Ginz Choppers’ sissybars

1947 Harley Model U p. 34

6 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

Arc Audio stereo upgrade p. 67

Flash2Pass p. 70

Q REVIEWS

Q DEPARTMENTS

78 Meguiar’s Detailing Products

Staff Box Milwaukee Brewings Safety Alert Letters Widgets Snapshots Ad Index Last Word

Get your bike ready for the season the right way

78 WD-40 Specialist Chemicals Yes, WD-40 makes more than just WD-40

8 10 12 14 79 80 81 82

Editor In Chief Buzz Kanter Executive Editor Steve Lita Editor Tyler Greenblatt Art Director Matt Kopec Assistant Editor Stephen Long Online Editor Bryan Harley Copy Editor Keith Blair Powell Contributing Writers Jim Babchak, Eric Ellis, John Frank, Steve “BrewDude” Garn, “Panhead Jim” Mahaney, Chris Maida, Walter Witosky, Steven Wyman-Blackburn Contributing Photographers John Frank, George Kiser, “Panhead Jim” Mahaney, Chris Maida, Mischa Shewchuk, Mark Velazquez, Walter Witosky

President/Publisher Buzz Kanter Senior VP/Associate Publisher Gail Kanter Chief Operating Oicer Terry O’Brien Chief Financial Oicer Frank Thiel Creative Director Tricia Szulewski Senior Staf Accountant Claudia Garavito Staf Accountant Kathy Greco Administrative Assistant Rosemary Cafarelli

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT 203/425-8777 • FAX 203/325-2254

SUBSCRIBE NOW

VP Advertising Terry O’Brien 203/425-8777, ext. 112 TerryO@TAMcommunications.com Sales Ken McCurdy 203/425-8777, ext. 108 KenM@TAMcommunications.com Ad Coordinator Nicole Hart 203/425-8777, ext. 116 NicoleH@AmericanIronMag.com

1 Year $19.97 AIMag.com/Garage

877/204-0774

AMERICAN IRON GARAGE is associated with AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE. SUBMISSIONS: AMERICAN IRON GARAGE welcomes unsolicited material, but cannot be held responsible for its return unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. All submissions are subject to editing. All letters will be considered as unconditionally assigned for publication and are subject to editing. Garage@AmericanIronMag.com. PERMISSIONS: Material printed in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. Requests should be directed to Buzz Kanter at Garage@AmericanIronMag.com. AMERICAN IRON GARAGE is published by TAM Communications, Inc., 1010 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905. 203/425-8777, FAX 203/425-8775. This magazine is published with the understanding that the information presented is compiled from many sources and that there is no warranty or responsibility on the part of TAM Communications Inc., the publisher, staff, or contributors of AMERICAN IRON GARAGE as to the legality, completeness, or accuracy of said information.

8

AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH /APRIL 2017

TURNING HEADS AT 60 MPH. RALLY SERIES

HD NIKI

FEATURES

HD POLLY

ANSI Rated

Hand-Crafted

Italian Design

On the Bike Use

HD RANDI

Rally Series sunglasses aren’t just a thing of beauty; they’re a thing of strength. Hand-crafted in Italy, studded stones and chic colors adorn ANSI rated shatterproof lenses and frames for head-turning, on-the-bike riding shades.

H - D SUN G LA S S ES B YW ILEYX.C OM Harley-Davidson, H-D and the Bar and Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2016. H-D. All Rights Reserved. Manufactured by Wiley X under license from Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

@TylerGreenblatt

MILWAUKEE BREWINGS • By Tyler Greenblatt

Small Business Shout-Out

I

HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE RECENTLY WITH A SHOP THAT’S BEEN TURNING OUT

FXVWRP EXLOW VLVV\EDUV IRU RYHU D GHFDGH QRZ *LQ] &KRSSHUV ZKLFK \RX FDQ VHH EHLQJ LQVWDOOHG RQ SDJH 6HYHUDO DVSHFWV PDGH ZRUNLQJ ZLWK *LQ] D SRVLWLYH H[SHULHQFH DQG , WKLQN LQGLFDWLYH RI PDQ\ PDQXIDFWXUHUV LQ WKH $PHULFDQ 9 WZLQ LQGXVWU\ )LUVW WKH VLVV\ EDU ZDV LQVDQHO\ HDV\ WR LQVWDOO ,W ZDV REYLRXV WKDW WKH\ KDG GRQH WKHLU KRPHZRUN WR HQVXUH WKH SURSHU Ã&#x;WPHQW IRU P\ VSHFLÃ&#x;F ELNH 7KH VHFRQG LV WKDW HDFK VLVV\EDU LV KDQG IDEULFDWHG WR WKH EX\HUÖV VSHFV WKHUH DUHQÖW KXQGUHGV RI WKH H[DFW VDPH WKLQJ VLWWLQJ RQ D ZDUH

Several aspects made working with Ginz a positive experience, and I think indicative of many manufacturers in the American V-twin industry. KRXVH VKHOI DQG ,ÖP XQOLNHO\ WR SDUN QH[W WR VRPHRQH ZLWK P\ H[DFW VHWXS $QG ODVWO\ RZQHU *LQ FRQWDFWHG PH DURXQG WKH WLPH P\ VLVV\EDU ZDV VXS SRVHG WR DUULYH VD\LQJ WKDW KH KDG WR UH SRZGHUFRDW D FRXSOH EDWFKHV RI RUGHUV EHFDXVH WKH TXDOLW\ ZDVQÖW XS WR KLV VWDQGDUGV ,W ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ HDV\ IRU KLP MXVW WR VHQG RXW WKH RUGHUV RQ WLPH DQG KRSH QRERG\ ZRXOG QRWLFH ,QVWHDG KH WRRN XS KLV RZQ YDOXDEOH WLPH DQG ULVNHG XSVHW FXVWRPHUV RYHU D ODWH VKLS GDWH WR HQVXUH WKDW KLV SURGXFW ZLWK KLV QDPH RQ LW ZDV WKH KLJKHVW SRVVLEOH TXDOLW\ $QG LW GHÃ&#x;QLWHO\ VKRZV *X\V OLNH *LQ DUHQÖW H[DFWO\ UDUH LQ WKLV LQGXVWU\ , NQRZ PDQ\ EXVLQHVV RZQHUV WKDW ZRXOG GR WKH H[DFW VDPH WKLQJ EXW ,ÖP DOZD\V KHDULQJ VWRULHV IURP UHSXWDEOH VKRSV DERXW VXSSRV HGO\ EROW RQ SDUWV QRW Ã&#x;WWLQJ ULJKW RU D SDUW ORRNLQJ JUHDW LQ SLFWXUHV EXW EHLQJ SRRU TXDOLW\ LQ SHUVRQ 3URIHVVLRQDO VKRSV KDYH WKH DGYDQWDJH RI H[SHULHQFH WR KHOS WKHLU FXVWRPHUV ZHHG WKURXJK WKH PDVVLYH DPRXQW RI SDUWV DYDLODEOH WRGD\ EXW KRPH EXLOGHUV GRQÖW <RXÖUH XVXDOO\ VDIH ZLWK WKH ZHOO NQRZQ LFRQV RI WKH DIWHUPDUNHW PDQ\ RI ZKLFK FDQ EH IRXQG LQ WKHVH SDJHV EXW QDYLJDW

10 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

LQJ WKH VPDOOHU PDQXIDFWXUHUV FDQ EH WULFN\ 'R SOHQW\ RI UHVHDUFK DQG GRQÖW EH DIUDLG WR FDOO XS D FRPSDQ\ DQG WDON WR D WHFK H[SHUW +LV MRE LV WR JLYH \RX DQ\ DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ WKDW PLJKW QRW EH SULQWHG RQ WKH ZHEVLWH VXFK DV LI PRGLÃ&#x;FDWLRQV DUH QHFHVVDU\ IRU D QRQ VWRFN Ã&#x;WPHQW RU LI DQ\ DGGLWLRQDO SDUWV RU KDUGZDUH DUH UHTXLUHG

AIG Online 1RZ WKDW American Iron Garage has been EXPSHG XS WR VL[ LVVXHV SHU \HDU ZLWK VXEVFULSWLRQV RIIHUHG ZH Ã&#x;JXUHG LW ZDV DERXW WLPH WR GHYHORS RXU RZQ RQOLQH DQG VRFLDO PHGLD SUHVHQFH <RX FDQ now interact with AIG RQ )DFHERRN DQG ,QVWDJUDP DV ZHOO DV RQ RXU RZQ ZHEVLWH $,0DJ FRP *DUDJH :HÖOO EH SRVWLQJ UHJXODU XQLTXH FRQWHQW WR DOO RXWOHWV DQG WKH\ DOVR VHUYH DV D JUHDW FRPPXQLFDWLRQV JDWHZD\ ZKHUH UHDG HUV FDQ VKRZ RII WKHLU ELNHV DQG WDON DERXW LVVXHV WKDW UHODWH WR JDUDJH EXLOG HUV DQG ',< LQVWDOOHUV

stepped into that role (and his sweet FRUQHU RIÃ&#x;FH 5HSODFLQJ 7ULFLD KHUH DW AIG is Matt Kopec who has been the FRPSDQ\ÖV RQOLQH PDQDJHU DQG JUDSKLF GHVLJQHU /LNH 7ULFLD DQG MXVW DERXW HYHU\RQH ZKR ZRUNV KHUH 0DWWÖV D ORQJ WLPH PRWRUF\FOH HQWKXVLDVW DQG FXUUHQWO\ KDV VHYHUDO UHEXLOG SURMHFWV JRLQJ RQ LQ KLV RZQ VKRS

Shameless Plug , KDYH WR GR LW 7KLV LV WKH RIÃ&#x;FLDO DQ QRXQFHPHQW RI D ERRN SURMHFW WKDW ,ÖYH EHHQ ZRUNLQJ RQ IRU WKH ODVW PRQWKV that I hope American Iron readers and DOO +DUOH\ ULGHUV ZLOO HQMR\ 7KH ERRN is called American Iron Magazine Presents 1,001 Harley-Davidson Facts DQG LWÖV DYDLODEOH DW PRVW ERRNVWRUHV $PD]RQ FRP %DUQHV 1REOH DQG P\ RZQ ZHEVLWH 7\OHU*UHHQEODWW FRP 7KH ERRN FRYHUV HYHU\WKLQJ +DUOH\ UHODWHG IURP WKURXJK LQFOXGLQJ WKH FRPSDQ\ LWVHOI WKH PRWRUF\FOHV SRS FXOWXUH DQG UDFLQJ PLOLWDU\ DQG SROLFH XVH ,I \RX FKRRVH WR EX\ LW , VLQFHUHO\ EHOLHYH \RX ZLOO HQMR\ LW DQG , ORRN IRUZDUG WR KHDULQJ ZKDW \RX WKLQN

Welcome, Matt! :LWK American Iron $UW 'LUHFWRU &KXFN 4XHHQHU KDYLQJ UHWLUHG HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU AIG $UW 'LUHFWRU 7ULFLD 6]XOHZVNL

Tyler Greenblatt Editor

CAREY HART

There are unlimited ways to customize the look of your bike. But only one option for getting superior performan ce everytime you open it up. Bel-Ray lubricants. Getting the job done since 1946.

Visit belray.com to learn more.

/belraycompany

@bel_ray

@bel_raycompany

#belray

SAFETY ALERT • By Steve “Brewdudeâ€? Garn

Just In Case

O

VER MANY YEARS OF RIDING, RACING, WRENCHING, AND GOING TO PRWRUF\FOH HYHQWV ,Ă–YH OHDUQHG WKDW VRPHWLPHV WKH XQH[SHFWHG KDSSHQV $FFLGHQWV KDSSHQ ZKHWKHU \RXĂ–UH RQ WKH URDG DW D ELNH VKRZ RU LQ \RXU JDUDJH DQG \RX PD\ QHHG PHGLFDO DWWHQWLRQ DQG WR KDYH VRPHRQH QRWLI\ D ORYHG RQH ,W FDQ HYHQ EH VRPHWKLQJ QRQPRWRUF\FOH UHODWHG VXFK DV DQ DOOHUJLF UHDFWLRQ ,Q DQ\ FDVH \RXĂ–OO QHHG D TXLFN UHVSRQVH E\ WKRVH DURXQG \RX DV LW PD\ VDYH \RXU OLIH

Accidents happen, whether you’re on the road, at a bike show, or working in your garage 2K \RX VD\ WKDW ZRQÖW KDSSHQ" +RSHIXOO\ LW ZDVQÖW EXW LWÖV EHVW WR EH SUHSDUHG -XVW ,Q &DVH /HW PH WHOO \RX DERXW ZKDW KDSSHQHG WR PH , ZDV OXFN\ EHFDXVH , ZDV DEOH WR JHW XS DQG JHW PHGLFDO DWWHQWLRQ EXW LW JRW PH WKLQNLQJ , NQHZ EHWWHU ,ÖYH WROG RWKHUV ZKDW WR GR EXW , ZDV OD[ DQG SXW RII ZKDW , DP JRLQJ WR WHOO \RX ,W ZDV WKH VXPPHU RI DQG , ZDQWHG WR JR ULGH LQ DQ DFUH QHZ RII URDG ULGLQJ DUHD KHUH LQ WKH PRXQWDLQV , KDG MXVW JRWWHQ D QHZ KHOPHW DQG GLG QRW SXW P\ , & ( ,Q &DVH RI (PHUJHQF\ VWLFNHU RQ LW , ULGH KDUG DQG XVXDOO\ ZLOO KDYH D FRXSOH RI JHW RIIV VR , DOVR WKRXJKW LW ZRXOG EH D JRRG LGHD WR NHHS P\ SKRQH ORFNHG XS LQVLGH RI P\ SLFNXS WUXFN VR LW

12 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

ZRXOGQĂ–W JHW GDPDJHG $OO ZDV JRLQJ ZHOO XQWLO P\ IURQW ZKHHO KLW D IHZ ELJ ORRVH URFNV DQG GRZQ , ZHQW $V , ZDV JRLQJ GRZQ , NQHZ WKLV ZDV JRLQJ WR KXUW , KLW P\ KHDG RQ D KXJH URFN DQG P\ ULEV KLW DQRWKHU 1RW VXUH KRZ ORQJ , ZDV RXW EXW DIWHU D IHZ PLQXWHV GHFLGHG ,Ă–G EHWWHU JHW WKH ELNH RII PH DQG Ă&#x;QG KHOS <RX VHH , ZDV E\ P\VHOI RQ DQ XQPDUNHG WUDLO ZLWK QR ,' ZKDWVRHYHU DQG QRERG\ NQHZ ZKHUH , ZDV /RQJ VWRU\ EXW LQ WKH HQG , VXIIHUHG DQRWKHU FRQFXVVLRQ DQG WZR EURNHQ ULEV , ZDV IRUWXQDWH EXW , WKRXJKW ZKDW LI I were unable to get back on the bike DQG KDG WR ZDLW IRU VRPHRQH WR Ă&#x;QG PH" 7KHUH DUH VR PDQ\ DUHDV RI RXU OLYHV ZKHUH ZH VKRXOG KDYH WKH SURSHU LQIR RQ XV 1RW MXVW ZKHQ ZH ULGH RXU PRWRUF\FOHV but in everyday circumVWDQFHV +DYLQJ WKLV information handy and HDVLO\ DFFHVVLEOH FDQ HYHQ KHOS LI \RXĂ–UH ZRUNLQJ in your home garage or ZRUNVKRS DQG KDYH DQ DFFLGHQW 7KH Ă&#x;UVW SHUVRQ WR DVVLVW \RX PD\ MXVW EH D VWUDQJHU ZDONLQJ E\

and the information on your I.C.E. card ZLOO JLYH Ă&#x;UVW UHVSRQGHUV WKH LQIRUPDtion they need to treat you quickly and effectively. So what info do you need? 1 - Your full name 2 - Date of birth 3 - Blood type 4 - Address 5 - Home phone number 6 - Medications and allergies 7 - Physician 8 - Emergency contact

1RZ ZKHUH VKRXOG \RX KDYH WKLV LQIR" 7KH REYLRXV SODFH LV D FDUG LQ \RXU ZDOOHW %H VXUH WR KDYH LW ODPLQDWHG WR EH UHDGDEOH LQ DOO ZHDWKHU FRQGLWLRQV , DOVR KDYH DQ DEEUHYLDWHG YHUVLRQ , KDYH SULQWHG RQ YLQ\O ODEHOV DQG DWWDFK WR P\ FHOO SKRQH DQG KHOPHWV 7DNH WKH WLPH WR PDNH , & ( FDUGV DQG VWLFNHUV QRZ GRQĂ–W ZDLW OLNH , GLG +RSH \RX KDYH D VDIH ULGLQJ VHDVRQ AIG Brewdude owns Brew Bikes LLC, a fullservice machine and fabrication shop in Creston, North Carolina, where he builds award-winning custom motorcycles and one-off parts. BrewRacingFrames.com.

LETTERS • Garage@AmericanIronMagazine.com

READER SERVICES • On Line: AIMag.com/Garage • Address Letters For Publication Letters, American Iron Garage, 1010 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905 Fax 203/425-8775 E-mail Garage@AmericanIronMag.com Include name and address. Letters may be edited. • Back Issues (Digital & Print) Back Issues, American Iron Garage, 1010 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905 Call 203/425-8777, ext. 114 fax; 203/425-8775, or buy directly from GreaseRag.com • Reprints & Permissions Publisher, American Iron Garage, 1010 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905 Fax 203/425-8775

Night And Day This salvaged 2007 Harley Nightster received a facelift. I DOZD\V ZDQWHG WR GR D SDUWLDO UHEXLOG RI D +DUOH\ 'DYLGVRQ DQG , Ă&#x;QDOO\ JRW WKH chance. When I found this salvaged bike, the story was that it had been laid down and sustained substantial damage, though it was in good mechanical condition. Check your local state regulations for paperwork involved in titling a salvaged bike. In most cases, it is proving purchase/ownership and general repair proof that major components did not come from stolen motorcycles. In my rebuild, I replaced the top clamp/speedo with a top clamp from Joker Machine, Ryca Motors clubman handlebars, Russ Wernimont Designs (RWD) mirrors, Arlen Ness grips and pegs, Saddlemen solo leather seat. I also extended the radius of the rear fender by having a portion of the rear fender welded to a 1200 Custom fender. I used a 100th Anniversary Sportster tank to replace the damaged tank. The fenders and tank then got approximately 30 thin coats of epoxy primer, urethane VLOYHU EDVH PHWDO Ă DNH 6XQULVH &DQG\ DQG FOHDUFRDW ,Q WHUPV RI SHUIRUPDQFH XSJUDGHV , LQVWDOOHG D )XHOSDN $UOHQ 1HVV %LJ 6XFNHU Ă&#x;OWHU DQG &REUD LQWR exhaust. I would like to send a special thanks to Bob at Fat Bottom Bikes in Oakdale, New York, and Dennis at East Coast Super Bikes in West Babylon, New York, for their expertise and welcome to the V-twin world. Kevin Carrara Oakdale, NY More reader’s rides continued on page 80

Send us your photos and story We welcome letters on any subject, whether we agree with the writers or not. Electronic letters, both with and without photos, can be e-mailed to Garage@AmericanIronMag.com. Photos should be high-resolution, JPEG images (at least 300 dpi at 4" x 6"). Please also include your name, address, and a brief description of each photo. And although we reserve the right to edit, shorten, or change your letters so they make no sense at all, we do promise not to mess with your images. That means no phony mustaches, tutus, etc. (However, we may slip an issue of American Iron Garage into the photo somewhere.)

14 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

• Privacy Policy American Iron Garage may allow others to use its mailing list. If you do not want your name included, please contact Subscription Services by mail, e-mail, or fax. • Advertising Call 203/425-8777, ext. 108, 112, and 116

Excellence Guaranteed! If your copy has a signiďŹ cant production aw, send it to us within three months of the on-sale date. We will replace it and give you a FREE 1-year subscription (or extension) to American Iron Garage. Send your defective magazine with your name and address to: American Iron Garage, 1010 Summer St. Stamford, CT 06905

GAR AGE BUILT • by Stephen Long • Photos by George Kiser

Barnyard

Build

Working ’til the cows come home, and then some

M

UCH IS MADE OF THE HOME MECHANIC— hell, you’re holding a whole magazine dedicated to it—and there’s good reason for that. As the home builders go, so too does the growth of the sport we’re so passionate about. Availability of resources, budget, creative direction, taste, climate—these are just some of the multitude of factors that shape a build. Ultimately, it comes GRZQ WR WKH VKHHU ZLOO WR JHW WKH GDPQHG WKLQJ Ă&#x;QLVKHG Often times, this calls for improvisation and invention, something garage wrenches know all about, and George Kiser’s 6SRUWVWHU H[HPSOLĂ&#x;HV ERWK WKH KDUG ZRUN DQG WKH VDWLVI\LQJ results of a garage build. Or, as George remarks, “not even a garage build. This is a woodshed build.â€? Hailing from Virginia, in the backwoods where sometimes miles can separate neighbors, George proclaims himself a farm boy through and through. That explains some of the ingenious machinations with which he worked to make this ELNH WKH Ă&#x;UVW KHĂ–V HYHU EXLOW KHĂ–V built three more since), a fully functional cruiser. He incorporated some wholly unique parts on this bike, which represents another endearing element of garage or wood shed builds such as George’s—motorcycles ripe with personality. The motor started life in a stock 1987 Sportster, a basket case that George bought from a dealer for “dirt.â€? Things got off to an inauspiFLRXV VWDUW :LWK WKLV EHLQJ KLV Ă&#x;UVW build, he didn’t really know where to start. First and foremost, everything came off the stock bike. He stripped it completely and tore down the mo-

16 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

tor; it was completely trashed. He mined through it, noting everything WKDW KH QHHGHG WR Ă&#x;[ RU FKDQJH 7KH Ă&#x;UVW WRS HQG KH LQVWDOOHG ORRNHG JUHDW DQG Ă&#x;W SHUIHFWO\ LQWR WKH .UDIW 7HFK frame. “It was perfect,â€? he says. “But, man, when it was running it sounded like there was a jackhammer banging around in there.â€? He tore it back down and took it to a mechanic who WROG KLP HYHU\WKLQJ ZDV Ă&#x;QH %XW

WKHUH ZDV GHÃ&#x;QLWHO\ VRPHWKLQJ ZURQJ +H KDG DQ WRS HQG O\LQJ DURXQG DOPRVW HYHU\WKLQJ RQ WKLV ELNH ØZDV MXVW O\LQJ DURXQGÙ DQG WKDW ZRUNHG ZHOO EXW LW GLGQÖW SURGXFH WKH SRZHU KH ZDQWHG 6R KH WUDGHG WKH WRS HQG WKDW VXSSRVHGO\ ZRUNHG DQG WKH WRS HQG IRU D EUDQG QHZ NLW $QG \HW KH VWLOO KDG SUREOHPV 6R KH HQGHG XS WUDGLQJ D +RQGD &% IRU ØDQ ROG 9 7ZLQ WRS HQG VRPHWKLQJ OLNH D NLW Ù $QG WKH ELNH UDQ OLNH QHZ +H ZRUNHG RQ WKH ELNH EHIRUH ZRUN DQG DIWHU ZRUNÔKH FRXOGQÖW VWRS +H VWDUWHG WKLV EXLOG LQ )HEUXDU\ DQG LWÖV QR ZRQGHU WKDW WKUHH ELNHV KDYH IROORZHG 7KRVH DUH

67' FDVHV IRU ZKLFK *HRUJH KDG WR PRGLI\ WKH IUDPH DQ HDV\ WDVN IRU VRPHRQH ZKR LV D IDEULFDWRU E\ WUDGH 7KH EDFNERQH QHHGHG WR EH FRQWRXUHG WR DFFRPPRGDWH IRU WKH VOLJKWO\ ODUJHU KHLJKW DQG WKH EDFNSODWH QHHGHG D VKDYH 7KH RLO UHVHUYRLU ZDV PDGH IURP OHIW RYHU VWHHO WKDW *HRUJHÖV ERVV WROG KLP KH FRXOG KDYH DQG KH XVHG EUDFNHWV GHVLJQHG IRU D +RQGD FDU WR KROG WKH WDQN LQ SODFH DV WKH IUDPH ZDV GHVLJQHG WR DFFHSW D KRUVHVKRH VKDSHG WDQN EXW KH ZDQWHG D URXQG RQH +H KDQGPDGH WKH KDQGOHEDUV IURP VWHHO WXELQJ EXW WKH VLVV\EDU UHTXLUHG VRPH FUHDWLYH QXDQFH 'HVLULQJ D Ö V ORRN KH DQG KLV IDWKHU ZKHHOHG MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

17

out the tractor, welded the metal to the front bucket, and welded a bar across the other end. His father used a blowtorch, to heat the metal enough IRU *HRUJH WR WZLVW LW +H DOVR XVHG this twisted metal for two crossbars on the handlebars. The winding corkscrew effect positively elicits memories of old-school choppers, and the work *HRUJH SXW LQWR LW PDNHV WKH Ă&#x;QLVKHG product all the better. You might have noticed two particular oddities at the front and the rear

18 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

of the Sporty. Firstly, what are those brass lamps? Lighting duties are handled by something you’d more closely associate with saliva. That’s a spittoon, VSHFLĂ&#x;FDOO\ WKH VSLWWRRQ WKDW *HRUJHĂ–V father would use to spit his chewing tobacco juice into. (We’re quite sure that it was thoroughly cleaned out, though it gives a new meaning to giving the lamp some juice!) “I don’t like just going out to buy something that somebody else made, so I asked P\ GDG IRU KLV VSLWWRRQ Ă™ VD\V *HRUJH

“He asked what I wanted it for, and I told him I wanted to make a headlight out of it. He said, ‘Man, you can’t make lights out of that.’ Few days later I showed the lights to my father.� It’s not just the headlight. The taillight is also a spittoon, a rare heirloom that George’s mother had in the house (spit-free). He saw that people always come up and ask him about the light combo. “This build comes from the heart,� he says. He matches the spittoons with brass-beaded hoses. Each

of these pieces makes the bike a desirable ride, but carries with them the weight of his heritage. Look closely at those pipes—those are tractor exKDXVW Ă DSV 7R FRQVWUXFW WKH HQWLUH H[KDXVW FRQĂ&#x;JXUDWLRQ George welded and wrapped together several different SLHFHV RI PHWDO $V D Ă&#x;QLVKLQJ WRXFK KH GHFLGHG WR SD\ homage to his pastoral background. Since he grew up around tractors and farm equipment, he likes to play around with metal, and he likes to challenge himself to PDNH WKLQJV GLIIHUHQWO\ 7UDFWRU Ă DSV RQ D PRWRUF\FOH DUH RQH RI WKH PRUH LQWHUHVWLQJ H[KDXVW FRQĂ&#x;JXUDWLRQV \RXĂ–UH bound to see. And once again his heart is on his sleeve, proud of the farm boy that he is. Drop your eyes a few inches, and you’ll notice what appears to be a knife. No, George isn’t in the business of selling scalps. That’s actually an old dipstick, something his daughter decided to wrap in leather. George decided to stick it in a knife sheath, and he always gets the same question. All things told, George estimates that the build (excluding purchasing the bike) cost about $800. He traded for a lot of the pieces you see here, or he made them himself. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • 19

TECH SHEET Owner Builder Year/model Time to build Chromer Polisher Powdercoater Painter Color

George Kiser George Kiser 1987 Sportster Four months George Kiser George Kiser George Kiser George Kiser Candy Red over raw steel

POWERPLANT Engine Builder Displacement Cases Cylinders Pistons Heads Pushrods Carb Air cleaner Exhaust Ignition Coils Wires Transmission Case Clutch Primary drive Final drive

1987 Sportster H-D/George Kiser 1250cc STD V-Twin 1250 Wiseco 1100 H-D S&S Cycle CV S&S Cycle/H-D George Kiser HI-4 HI-4 Screamin’ Eagle 1987 four-speed STD Barrett Chain Chain

CHASSIS

The only things he didn’t make are the wheels (though he did lace the spokes and modify the rotors), the Kraft/Tech frame (though we cover the cutting and adjustments he made), the gold springs beneath the saddle (the 10-gauge steel seat was hand-tooled by George’s friend Gary “Tool” Chapman), and the gas tank. He did not make the forks, either, but he had to machine them in order to make the sliders from his ’87 play nice. It was Dremel tool

20 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

all the way. The points cover on the engine wears a badge from the AMF days, another piece that George was handed and found good use for. How’s it to ride? He takes his time around his area in Virginia. “If I put the hammer down, I’ll slide back on the fender,” he says. “But I don’t do burnouts, I don’t ride my bikes to the ground. I treat them with respect.” When I remark that this is a true garage build, that’s when he laughs and

Frame Rake Front forks Front wheel Rear wheel Front brake Rear brake Front tire Rear tire Rear fender

2014 Kraft/Tech 30 degrees 35mm Stock H-D 19" Stock H-D 16" Disc Disc Avon Speedmaster 3.25-19" Dunlop K81 130/90-16" George Kiser

ACCESSORIES Headlight Taillight Fuel tank Oil tank Handlebars Seat Pegs License bracket Hand controls Foot controls Levers

Old brass spittoon Old brass spittoon Paughco George Kiser George Kiser Gary “Tool” Chapman Old-school switch blades 16-gauge steel, by owner Vintage Performance Machine Modified Ironhead Performance Machine

calls it a woodshed build. His farm has open sheds, parts scattered about, and all the basic tools any home mechanic needs. Nothing fancy. Nothing expensive. Straight from the heart. AIG

GAR AGE BUILT • By Eric Ellis • Photos by Mark Velazquez

Vintage

Vibe

Joe Greco’s old-school Deluxe

W

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCED the world to the Softail frame in 1984, it immediately caught the attention of vintage bike fans. It was a nod to a simpler time, before H-D incorporated rear suspension into its bikes. With its hidden rear suspension and unique frame, the Softail was designed to mimic the OLQHV RI WKH 0R&RÖV ßUVW ULJLG PRWRUF\FOHV 6LQFH LWV LQWURduction, the Softail has garnered a huge following not only because of its classic-looking chassis but because it’s such a versatile platform that can be customized into just about any style. The Softail really shines, however, when done up in a classic, old-school style. This is especially true when the HEN

22 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

23

starting point of the project is a Softail Deluxe. That brings us to Joe Greco and his custom Deluxe you see here. Born and raised on Long Island, Joe has been riding motorcycles for decades. As a kid, he often found beat-up scooters and mopeds and would rebuild them and get them running like new again. His passion for two wheels followed him well into adulthood. However, in 2001 he was in an accident that resulted in some pretty serious injuries. The accident took a toll on Joe, and he stopped riding for quite some time. Then, after being away from motorcycles for several years, the itch to twist a throttle came back. Not only was Joe determined to get back in the saddle,

24 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

he wanted to build himself a custom bike. “I decided that I wanted to build a bike that was inspired by old-school hardtail bobbers,” Joe says. So Joe took a trip to the local Harley dealership and studied the lineup of bikes that were available. When Joe spotted the Softail Deluxe, with its classic lines, full fenders, thick front end, and chunky tires, he knew he could build his dream ride. With a brand-new 2012 Deluxe in his possession, Joe began to envision exactly how he wanted his old-school bobber to look. He started by purchasing a set of Ride Wright Fat Daddy spoked wheels, a 21" front and 16" rear. The cool thing about the Fat Daddy wheels is that they can

be customized in a variety of ways. For Joe, there was only one suitable customization for his Softail, and that was bright red rims with matching hubs and highly polished spokes. The addition of a pair of whitewall tires set the tone for the retro look Joe ZDV DIWHU DQG VWXIÃ&#x;QJ WKH PXFK WDOOHU 21" wheel between the fork legs really KHOSHG Ã&#x;OO XS WKH )/ VW\OH 'HOX[H fender. The only problem with the 21" front wheel was that it changed the

MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

25

TECH SHEET Owner Builder Year/model Time to build Color

Joe Greco Joe Greco 2012 H-D Softail Deluxe Four years Vivid Black

POWERPLANT Engine Displacement Horsepower Cams Air cleaner Exhaust Wires Cam cover Primary cover Transmission

2012 H-D Twin Cam 103" 89 hp Screamin’ Eagle 255 Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Samson True Dual 39" Cholos Hot Fire H-D, Chrome H-D, Chrome Cruise Drive six-speed

CHASSIS Frame Rake Front forks Shocks Front wheel Rear wheel Front tire Rear tire

2012 H-D FLSTN Softail 32 degrees H-D, chrome Progressive monotube, lowered 1-1/2" Ride Wright FAT 50 21" Ride Wright FAT 50 16" Avon Cobra Whitewall 120/70-21" Metzler 150/80-16"

ACCESSORIES

VWDQFH RI WKH ELNH 7R JHW WKH SURÃ&#x;OH EDFN LQ OLQH DQG WKH ORZHU IUDPH UDLOV SDUDOOHO WR WKH JURXQG RQFH PRUH -RH LQVWDOOHG D 3URJUHVVLYH 6XVSHQVLRQ ORZHULQJ NLW WKDW GURSSHG WKH IURQW HQG DERXW 1RW VDWLVÃ&#x;HG ZLWK WKH VWRFN KDQGOHEDUV -RH VZDSSHG WKHP RXW IRU VRPH &KXEE\ $SHV IURP :LOG 7R FRPSOHPHQW WKH FKURPH EDUV DQG IURQW HQG -RH DGGHG VWHHO EUDLGHG OLQHV DQG FKURPH + ' KDQG FRQWUROV 'RZQ EHORZ WKH VWRFN IRRWERDUGV ZHUH GLWFKHG LQ IDYRU RI D VHW RI $UOHQ 1HVV 5HWUR à RRUERDUGV -RH FKDQJHG XS WKH OLJKWLQJ D ELW E\ LQVWDOOLQJ DQ LURQ FURVV KHDGOLJKW XS IURQW DQG D &XVWRP '\QDPLFV WRPEVWRQH WDLOOLJKW RQ WKH UHDU IHQGHU 7KH VWRFN VDGGOH VHDW GLGQÖW TXLWH Ã&#x;W ZLWK WKH ORRN -RH ZDV JRLQJ IRU VR KH SLFNHG XS D 'DQQ\ *UD\ 6ROR %XWW &UDFN VHDW 7KH QHZ

26 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

VHDW KDV D PXFK ORZHU SURÃ&#x;OH DQG à RZV SHUIHFWO\ ZLWK WKH OLQHV RI WKH ELNH :KLOH KH FKRVH WR VWLFN ZLWK WKH VWRFN GLVSODFHPHQW LQ KLV 7ZLQ &DP -RH GLG JLYH WKH ELNH D ELW RI D ERRVW LQ WKH SRZHU GHSDUWPHQW E\ XSJUDGLQJ WKH FDPV ZLWK D VHW RI 6FUHDPLQÖ (DJOH V -RH LQVWDOOHG D 6FUHDPLQÖ (DJOH +HDY\ %UHDWKHU LQWDNH NLW WR KHOS IHHG D KHDY\ GRVH RI IUHVK DLU WR WKH HQJLQH 7KH HOERZ EUHDWKHU DGGV D ELW RI KRW URG VW\OH DQG HYHQ PRUH H\H FDQG\ WR WKH KHDUW RI WKH ELNH ZLWK LWV PLUURU FKURPH Ã&#x;QLVK 6SHDNLQJ RI PLUURU FKURPH \RXÖOO Ã&#x;QG SOHQW\ RI LW RQ WKH H[KDXVW V\VWHP -RH ZHQW ZLWK WUXH GXDO KHDGHUV FDSSHG ZLWK D SDLU RI Ù ORQJ 6DPVRQ &KROR VOLS RQ PXIà HUV 7KH Ã&#x;VKWDLO WLSV RQ WKH PXIà HUV DGG YLQWDJH VW\OLQJ DQG KHOS JLYH WKH 6RIWDLO D PXFK ORXGHU DQG GLVWLQFWLYH EDUN :KLOH -RH LV VWLOO PDNLQJ FKDQJHV

Headlight Taillight Handlebars Risers Mods Seat Footboards Chainguard License bracket Hand controls

Iron Cross Custom Dynamics LED Wild 1 Chubby 16" Roland Sands Nostalgia 4 Bolt Steel braided lines Danny Gray Solo Buttcrack Arlen Ness Retro H-D, chrome Kuryakyn H-D, chrome

WR KLV 'HOX[H VR IDU KHÖV SLHFHG WRJHWKHU DOO WKH ULJKW SDUWV DQG KDV RQH FOHDQ ULGH ZLWK D GLVWLQFWLYH UHWUR YLEH ,Q IDFW -RH VD\V KHÖV IRROHG D IHZ SHRSOH ZKR WKRXJKW LW ZDV DQ DFWXDO YLQWDJH ELNH Ø3HRSOH UHVSRQG WR WKLV ELNH ZLWK WKH IDPRXV TXHVWLRQ Õ:KDW \HDU LV WKDW ELNH"Ö 0RVW RI WKH WLPH SHRSOH DUH DVNLQJ EHFDXVH WKH\ DUH XQGHU WKH LPSUHVVLRQ WKDW WKLV LV D YLQWDJH ELNH WKDW ZDV UHVWRUHG WR QHZ EHFDXVH RI WKH UHG ZKHHOV ZKLWHZDOOV Ã&#x;VKWDLOV DQG DSHV Ù -RH VD\V Ø7KDW ZDV WKH ORRN , ZDV JRLQJ IRU DQG IHHO VDWLVÃ&#x;HG ZKHQ SHRSOH DVN WKDW TXHV WLRQ :KHQ , WHOO WKHP LWÖV D PRVW SHRSOH DUH VXUSULVHG WKDW LWÖV WKDW QHZ RI D ELNH Ù AIG

Order Your Bundles Online Today! Bargain Bundle

Code

Pack Size

Cost

AIM Huge Bundle (1989-1999)............. AIM8999 ..........................50 AIMs & 1 Special...................................................................... $39.95 AIM Huge Bundle (1999-2007) ............ AIM9907 ..........................50 AIMs & 1 Special...................................................................... $39.95 AIM Huge Bundle (2007-2016) ............ AIM0716 ...........................50 AIMs & 1 Special...................................................................... $39.95 Harley Anniversary Bundle ................... HABUN.............................4 Great Harley Anniv. Issues .......................................................$14.95 Garage Big Bundle ................................. AIGBIG .............................9 AI Garage, 1 Weekend, 1 Tuner & 1 AI Glory............................ $39.95 Garage Big Bundle ................................. AIGSM ..............................5 AI Garage, 1 Weekend, 1 Tuner & 1 AI Glory ............................ $29.95 Custom Bundle ....................................... CUSBUN ...........................2 Chopper issues, 1 Tuner, 1 AI Glory........................................... $11.95 Motorcycle Bagger Bundle .................... MBBUN ............................20 Motorcycle Bagger, 1 AI Glory ................................................$19.95 All Harley BIG Blow Out ......................... AHDBIG ............................50 mixed Harley-oriented magazines ...................................... $39.95 All Harley SMALL Blow Out .................... AHDSM.............................20 mixed Harley-oriented magazines .......................................$19.95 Indian Bundle ......................................... INDBUB ............................9 Indian mags, Collector Cards & Indian book .........................$49.95 Harley/Indian Book Bundle .................. HDINBUN .........................Indian book, Indian vs HD book, HD Rider comic .................... $29.95 American Iron Salute ............................. AIS16 ................................Single collector copy.....................................................................$6.99

GAR AGE BUILT • Steven Wyman-Blackburn • Photos by Mischa Shewchuk

With One Foot “On The Pegs� 18-year-old Jake York crafts his first bobber

Y

ES, YOU READ THE TITLE OF THIS STORY correctly. Jake York was 18 when he started building this 2006 Titan bobber about three years ago. He wasn’t even of legal drinking age! (He’s 21 now.) Before you hear the whole story about Jake’s childhood DQG ZKDW KLV OLIH ZDV OLNH JURZLQJ XS WKH Ă&#x;UVW SDUW RI KLV WDOH will probably make you think that he was predestined to customize his own Harley before hitting his 20s. You probably wouldn’t have been surprised if he started before his teens. But that’s not the case. In fact, after hearing everything from VWDUW WR Ă&#x;QLVK ZH EHW WKDW KH ZRXOGĂ–YH VWDUWHG EXLOGLQJ PXFK earlier than 18 if things had been different. The story revolves around Jake’s late father. Jake’s dad

had his own Harley, a 1975 Shovelhead, when Jake was just a kid. But his father didn’t just ride it. Jake remembers that he built a lot. “My dad had an interest in cars and trucks as well,â€? Jake recalls, “but he mostly liked bikes.â€? As for Jake’s mom, even WKRXJK VKH QHYHU RIĂ&#x;FLDOO\ JRW EHKLQG the handlebars, she loved riding as a passenger. With Jake’s dad being such an avid builder (and his mom enjoying riding

28 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

pillion), it was only a matter of time before Jake would pick up the wrench himself and start doing some serious work. And as you probably gathered, it didn’t take that much time. “I did a lot of mechanical work in my life growing up,� Jake begins. “I was always rebuilding dirt bikes, sleds, quads. It just came naturally to me. I love to customize anything with a motor that will turn heads.� When Jake wasn’t building, instead of watching cartoons like most kids his age (including this writer), Jake actually tuned in to cool

shows that many of us probably still watch. For example, his favorite was Biker Build-Off. Jake also remembers loving Monster Garage, too. “I liked things that went fast and had motors,â€? Jake says. “It really interested me as a kid.â€? Wow! Jake was basically the dream child of any rider. Oh, and here’s something else you might Ă&#x;QG LQWHUHVWLQJ -DNH GHVFULEHV KLV WLPH watching shows like Biker Build-Off growing XS DV D Ă˜IDPLO\ DIIDLU Ă™ +H FODULĂ&#x;HV E\ VD\LQJ “We all watched them together.â€? MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

29

Yah, we weren’t kidding when we said you’d think that it was basically written in the stars that Jake would one day not only ride, but wrench. But, like we said, that wasn’t really the case. See, when you’ve ridden for years (heck, even decades), you know the inherent risk that’s involved when you get behind those bars. And it appears as though Jake’s dad must’ve had his own intense tales to share during his heyday; he didn’t want his son to experience them for himself. “My dad always told me I could never have a Harley,” Jake remembers. “He thought I would hurt myself.”

30 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

TECH SHEET Owner Builder Year/model Time to build Polisher Powdercoater Painter Colors

Jake York, Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada Jake York 2006 Titan Motorcycle Two years Jake York PWM Steel, Lloydminster All-Nu Autobody Ltd, Lloydminster, Canada Black and Red

POWERPLANT

After Jake’s father passed away, the then 18-year-old builder found himself looking for his own bike to customize. “I knew when I was old enough, I needed to start a build,â€? he says. “I ended up getting a bike kit from a company called Titan Motorcycle in 2012. Then I took it from there.â€? And take it from there, he did. $IWHU Ă&#x;QGLQJ DQ DIWHUPDUNHW H[KDXVW system from eBay, the mods just kept piling up. Jake refers to the whole process as “one giant headache,â€? but it seems as though he had some Tylenol on him at all times, because it doesn’t look like he had any major problems.

Jake didn’t just install parts, either. He did some fabricating. These parts include the handlebar mounts and rear fender. (He also took apart the front fender.) Luckily, everything turned out just the way he’d hoped. “I don’t have any parts on my bike I don’t like,â€? Jake says. “I was fortunate enough to know how to make most of the parts for the build myself. If I didn’t, I got them custom-made for me.â€? When all of the components you see here were installed, Jake turned to PWM Steel to spruce up the already spruced bobber. “I had everything powdercoated along with bars and controls,â€? Jake says. Meanwhile, the paint was applied by All-Nu Autobody. Even though this is one sick bobEHU -DNH GRHV ZDQW D IXOO Ă HGJHG Harley at some point. He’s thinking of purchasing either a Street Glide or +HULWDJH 6RIWDLO 'HOX[H (LWKHU ZD\ LI he plans on customizing them, they’ll surely look rad as all heck. As a side note, Jake’s mother has also been keeping herself busy in a similar way. After her husband passed away, she decided that she not only wanted to keep his bikes, but wanted to do some tinkering on them. So, yes, the 1975 Shovelhead has gotten some work done to it. Awesome! As for Jake’s dad, even though he didn’t want his son to get a Harley,

Engine Builder Displacement Horsepower Torque Flywheels Connecting rods Cylinders Pistons Heads Cams Valves Rockers Lifters Pushrods Carb Air cleaner Exhaust Cam cover Transmission

S&S Cycle V2 S&S Cycle 96� 112 hp 89.2 ft-lbs. S&S Cycle 4-5/8" S&S Cycle 3-5/8" S&S Cycle flat top forged 9.5:1 S&S Cycle Super Stock S&S Cycle S&S Cycle S&S Cycle S&S Cycle S&S Cycle S&S Cycle Shorty S&S Cycle Super Stock eBay find S&S Cycle 2006 BAKER five-speed

CHASSIS Frame Front forks Swingarm Front wheel Rear wheel Front tire Rear tire Rear fender Fender struts

Titan Motorcycle Titan Motorcycle Titan Motorcycle Titan Motorcycle 21" Titan Motorcycle 18" 120/70-21" 260/40-18" Jake York Jake York

ACCESSORIES Headlight Taillight Oil tank Handlebars Seat Chainguard License bracket Hand controls Foot controls

Titan Motorcycle LED license plate light Titan Motorcycle JSR Custom Custom alligator skin Titan Motorcycle Modified by Jake York Aftermarket Titan Motorcycle

Jake believes his father would’ve loved this bobber. “He probably would think it looked like a rough ride,â€? Jake says. “But he would be proud of me for building it.â€? AIG MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

31

denniskirk.com/exhaust Pipes are one of the most distinctive features of any ride and swapping out the stock exhaust is a simple modiication to give your bike your look and sound. However, there are many options — Chrome, Black, 2-into-1, 2-into-2 — and you want to choose the one that expresses the look, the sound and mostly the performance you want. Dennis Kirk makes inding the right exhaust a breeze with our comprehensive EXHAUST FINDER. Just log on to denniskirk.com/exhaust and search by make-model-year, exhaust type, or brand — inding your new exhaust has never been easier. And as always, we have the top brands at the best prices. Log on today and make a sound choice!

DISCLAIMER: The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) does not permit the use of aftermarket emission-related part(s) that alter the performance of OEM emission-related devices unless CARB has issued an Executive Order, other than on racing vehicles on closed courses. Check your local laws and manufacturer’s information.

WE SHIP TODAY! 800-564-1822

GAR AGE BUILT • by Jim Babchak

1947 Harley Model U

34 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

A melting pot of parts from the past

MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • 35

I

F YOU WERE A HARLEY-DAVIDSON motorcycle enthusiast in the mid1930s through the later 1940s, you KDG WZR NLOOHU + ' PRWRUF\FOH models to choose from when you walked into a dealership, cash deposit LQ KDQG ,I \RX OLNHG RYHUKHDG YDOYHV DQG EHOLHYHG LQ WKDW WHFKQRORJ\ \RX ZHUH DQ (/ RU )/ .QXFNOHKHDG JX\ LI \RX ZHUH PRUH WUDGLWLRQDO DQG OLNHG VLGH YDOYHV RU Ã DWKHDGV \RX ZHUH D 8 8/ RU 8/+ JX\ %RWK RSWLRQV VKDUHG VHYHUDO WUDLWV LQFOXGing the frame, springer front end, handlebars, sheet metal IRU WKH PRVW SDUW DQG DFFHVVRULHV %XW LW ZDV ZKDW OLYHG EHWZHHQ WKH GRZQWXEHV WKDW VHSDUDWHG WKH WZR 7KH Ã DWKHDG

36 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

was a proven design that powered everything from automobiles to farm tractors— $PHULFD ORYHG WKH à DWKHDG 7KH 8 DQG 8/ PRGHOV FDPH LQ FF DQG WKH 8/+ KDG DQ GLVSODFHPHQW WKH 8/+ LV RIWHQ referred to as Big Flatty, an endearing term XVHG WR GLIIHUHQWLDWH LW IURP WKH à DWKHDGV ZLWK D GLVSODFHPHQW RI FF $OO à DWKHDGV ZHUH and are real work-horses, and their simple technology and straight-forward mechanics have endeared them WR PDQ\ JHQHUDWLRQV RI +DUOH\ HQWKXVLDVWV 'XULQJ WKH SRVW ZDU \HDUV +DUOH\ 'DYLGVRQ H[FHOOHG and wise management decisions positioned them to outpace Indian and lay claim to being the number one motorcycle

company in America. One of those strategic decisions, outOLQHG LQ -HUU\ +DWÃ&#x;HOGÖV JUHDW ERRN Inside Harley-Davidson, was to invest $1,263,904 during the war years into tooling and overall factory improvements, thus positioning Harley for post-war success, at a time that Harley foresaw a rise in GHPDQG DQG WKH QHFHVVLW\ RI VXSSO\ ,QGLDQ IDLOHG WR PDNH VXFK LQYHVWPHQWV DQG DV ZH NQRZ QRZ LW SDLG WKH SULFH HYHQWXDOO\ GLVDSSHDULQJ IURP WKH PDUNHW E\ What you see here is one of those wonderful post-war Big Flatties, a 1947 Harley Davidson Model U owned E\ 'XDQH 2OVRQ 'XDQH LV RQH RI WKRVH JX\V ZKR ORYHV à DWKHDGV DQG KDV D ULGHU WR SDLU ZLWK WKLV PDFKLQH DQG KH VZHDUV E\ HDFK RQHÖV UHOLDELOLW\ DQG ULGDELOLW\ +LV LQVSLUDWLRQ FDPH IURP D à DW KHDG RZQHG E\ KLV EURWKHU

Jim, and he fell in love with that style years ago. By way of JRRG IRUWXQH WKLV ELNH FDPH WR 'XDQH DV D EDVNHW FDVH +H MXVW KDSSHQHG WR EH KRPH IURP ZRUN HDUO\ RQH GD\ ZKHQ his phone rang, and on the other end of the line was a young PDQ ZKR ZRUNHG WKH FRXQWHU DW D ORFDO + ' GHDOHUVKLS DQG NQHZ RI 'XDQHÖV ORYH RI à DWKHDG +DUOH\V ,W VHHPV D FXVWRPHU KDG EURXJKW LQ D SLOH RI SDUWV WR VHOO ZKLFK LQFOXGHG a 1947 U motor, a 1948 Harley frame, a title, and a few misFHOODQHRXV SDUWV DQG WKDWÖV ZKHQ KH WKRXJKW RI 'XDQH WKH RQO\ JX\ ZKR PHVVHV ZLWK WKHVH ROG à DWWLHV 'XDQH JUDEEHG KLV FKHFNERRN DQG VSHG WR WKH VKRS $ GHDO ZDV VWUXFN DQG WKH DGYHQWXUH EHJDQ (YHQ ZD\ EDFN LQ H%D\ ZDV WKH JR WR SODFH WR Ã&#x;QG DOO WKH PLVVLQJ SDUWV DQG 'XDQH FRPSOHPHQWHG KLV MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

37

online habits with trips to swap meets, spreading the word all along the way that he was in the market for anything Harley U related. He collected as many original parts as possible, and supplemented those with reproduction parts when originals seemed out of reach. The frame was original 1948 H-D, but it had been chopperized somewhere in its life, so the initial task was to return it to stock. The good news was the neck had been left alone, so the restoration and replacement of the side car loops, rewelding of the tank and speedo mounts, rear stand mounts, cross over brake shaft, foot-board mounts, etc. required most of the focus. He even restored the key lock mechanism on the neck, a highly visible (and necessary) feature. Hours and hours were spent with a dremmel smoothing everything out, making sure that everything was correct and the frame was back to stock condition. A stock 1947 frame is a straight leg frame,

38 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

but in 1948 Harley switched over to a wishbone style, but that didn’t bother Duane as he built this beautiful machine to ride! He acquired a stock 1947 transmission case to build into a four-speed,

and located a stock springer front end, wheels, brakes, gathered sheet metal, and anything else needed to complete the project. Kyle Oanes of Precision American Cycle in Ettrick, Wisconsin, rebuilt the motor and transmission to stock specs, and Duane is happy to report it runs àDZOHVVO\ 7KH PRWRU EUHDWKHV WKURXJK a stock Linkert M51 carburetor and a stock cloth wiring harness, and 12-volt electrics keep the gremlins at bay. Avon Mark II black-wall tires mounted on 5.00-16" wheels and rims have handled the 3,300 miles put on the bike already, and we should expect many more miles to come. The bike is a foot clutch/handshift set up and a blast to ride. It took Duane six years to get it to this point, and he likes to say it’s still a work in progress. When I ask Duane about his future plans for the bike, he says, “The plan is to paint it H-D Skyway Blue and keep on riding it.” Now that’s a plan we can all get behind! AIG

HOW IT WORKS • By John Frank

All About Screwdrivers There’s way more to them than just Phillips or flat!

S

CREWDRIVERS ARE OFTEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED

because they seem so simple. Trust me, a lot of thought goes into screws and the tools used to tighten and loosen them. Use the wrong screwdriver for a particular fastener and you may damage the tool, the fastener, or other parts. Use the right tool for the job and both the tool and the bike will last longer and function better. Different schools and different catalogs may use different terms for screwdrivers. I’ll be using the terms handle, blade, and tip in this article.

Basic Screwdrivers

Slotted screwdrivers are sized according to the width of the tip and the length of the blade.

One of the more common types of screwdrivers may be called VORWWHG EHFDXVH LW Ă&#x;WV VFUHZV ZLWK D VLQJOH VORW LQ WKH KHDG ,W may also be called Ă DW VWUDLJKW, or VWDQGDUG because it’s been around so long. This tool has its size indicated by tip width and blade length. The size is often indicated on the handle of WKH WRRO RU RQ RQH RI WKH Ă DWV LI \RX DUH XVLQJ ELWV WKDW Ă&#x;W WKH handle on a tool with interchangeable bits. If you see a number with no fraction bar followed by a larger number, this indicates it’s a metric screwdriver or bit. It may seem obvious, but the width of the screwdriver’s tip should closely match the diameter of the screw’s head. A

narrow screwdriver in a large diameter head may damage the screwdriver. A wide tip in a small diameter screw head may damage the head of the screw or gouge adjacent metal if the screwdriver slips out of the screw’s head. The Phillips head screw with its two partial slots at right angles is one of the more commonly used fasteners in many industries. Phillips screwdrivers are sized with numbers instead of measurements. A #1 Phillips screwdriver may be the smallest in some toolkits with #4 being the largest.

Some screwdrivers have their size imprinted on the handle.

The markings on the top bit in this photo represent the width in inches. The bottom bit is labeled in millimeters.

40 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

what to look for. The tip on a JIS screwdriver comes to a much sharper point than the tip of a comparably sized Phillips screwdriver. You don’t need to own JIS screwdrivers unless you work on Japanese motorcycles, cars, appliances, or electronic equipment.

Advanced Screwdrivers In 1999, I attended a service seminar intended to familiarize people with the Twin Cam B engine and its balance shafts. The instructor stressed the importance of using Torx drivers and bits when working on this new engine and told the students that using an Allen wrench (also called a hex key) would ruin the head of a Torx fastener. If you look Phillips screwdrivers are numbered by tip size with larger numbers representing larger sizes. at the head of a Torx fastener it looks like a sixpointed star with all six points carefully rounded off. One of the advantages of Phillips head screws and Torx drivers are numbered according to size with smaller screwdrivers is that the tool is self-centering in the head of the screw, and torque is applied at four spots, not two. Another advantage is that the proper size screwdriver is not likely to slip off the head of the screw. However, if the wrong size screwdriver is used, it can rise up out of the head of the screw in what is termed cam-out. This results in damage to the head of the screw and excess wear on the tip of the screwdriver. Pozidriv is a fastener and screwdriver system that can cause confusion because of its similarity to Phillips screws and screwdrivers. Pozidriv bits have a small ridge between HDFK RI WKH IRXU DUPV 7KH DGYDQWDJH LV D PRUH VHFXUH ßW when used in the Pozidriv screw. Phillips and Pozidriv tools are not interchangeable and are likely to cause damage to either the fastener or the tool if you try to use the wrong tool in the wrong fastener. Torx drivers are numbered by tip size. If you ride a Twin Cam-era Harley, you need Torx drivers.

The upper bit is a #2 Phillips. The lower bit is a #2 Pozidriv as evidenced by the extra ridges. They are not interchangeable. Another tool that can be mistaken for a Phillips screwdriver is the JIS screwdriver. JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standard and is the type of fastener used on vehicles, appliances, and electronic equipment made in Japan. JIS screwdrivers are similar to Phillips screwdrivers, DQG LWÖV GLIßFXOW WR WHOO WKHP DSDUW XQOHVV \RX NQRZ SUHFLVHO\

numbers representing smaller sizes. A typical set of Torx drivers might include sizes from T10 through T30. When buying a set of Torx drivers or bits, make sure the set includes a T27 if you will be working on a Harley made after the Evolution era. Torx is a registered trademark, and a few tool vendors may sell “star tools” to avoid trademark troubles. Hex drivers are used on socket head screws and buttonhead screws. Many people use the terms hex key or Allen wrench IRU WRROV WKDW ßW WKHVH IDVWHQHUV +H[ LV VKRUW IRU KH[DJRQDO because the tip of the tool is hexagonal in shape and its size LV PHDVXUHG DFURVV RSSRVLWH àDWV RQ WKH WRRO +H[ GULYHUV DUH often T-shaped to allow the user to apply more torque than might be possible with a handle shaped like a conventional VFUHZGULYHU +H[ ELWV DUH DYDLODEOH WR ßW VFUHZGULYHUV WKDW XVH interchangeable bits. Years ago, I was working in a shop where the manager provided each technician with a ratcheting screwdriver handle. This was not a case of great generosity; it was an inexpensive way of increasing productivity. The advantages of a ratcheting screwdriver are that the user doesn’t need to MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

41

reposition the tip of the tool on the head of the screw while installing or removing it, and the user doesn’t need to reposition his hand on the tool’s handle. A ratcheting screwdriver may be in the form of a T-handle or may be shaped like a traditional screwdriver.

Screw-Holding Screwdrivers Once in awhile you may encounter a screw in a recessed area. This is where a screw-holding screwdriver is the right tool for the job. One type of screw-holding screwdriver uses D SDLU RI PHWDO Ã&#x;QJHUV WR KROG WKH VFUHZ RQ WKH WLS 6OLGH WKH Ã&#x;QJHUV GRZQ DQG SODFH WKH VFUHZ RQ WKH WRROÖV WLS ,I \RX VOLGH WKH Ã&#x;QJHUV XS WKH\ KROG WKH VFUHZ RQ WKH WRROÖV WLS After the screw is partially threaded in position, release the Ã&#x;QJHUV EHIRUH WLJKWHQLQJ WKH VFUHZ 7KLV W\SH RI WRRO LV DYDLOable for slotted and Phillips screws in several different sizes.

Ratcheting screwdrivers can be real time-savers. Some have built-in bit storage and adjustable length blades. 6FUHZGULYHUV ZLWK LQWHUFKDQJHDEOH WLSV RIWHQ FDOOHG ELWV seem to be a trend to make tools more versatile. The concept LV VLPSOH ,QVWHDG RI KDYLQJ LQGLYLGXDO VFUHZGULYHUV IRU PDQ\ different types of screws, there is one handle with an attached blade and numerous bits that are held in a 1/4" hex drive by a small magnet. Bits are available for slotted, Phillips, and Torx fasteners as well as specialized fasteners such as Pozidriv and tamper-resistant Torx. The four-way screwdriver has become popular in recent years because it allows the user to work with four common screw sizes in one compact tool. The blade can be completely removed from the handle. The blade LV KROORZ DQG FRQWDLQV WZR GRXEOH HQGHG ELWV , FDUU\ DQ interchangeable bit screwdriver and eight bits in the tool roll that travels with me in my bike’s saddlebag. This makes the tool roll smaller and lightens the load in the saddlebag. This four-way screwdriver has two doubleended bits that fit into the removable blade.

This screwdriver carries its bits in a chamber at the end of the handle. A magnet at the end of the blade holds the bits in place during use.

42 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

Screw-holding screwdrivers may use metal fingers, a split-wedge blade, or a magnetized tip to hold screws to the tip. The split-blade screwdriver uses a two-piece blade and D VOLGLQJ WXEH WR KROG VFUHZV 6OLGH WKH WXEH WRZDUGV WKH KDQGOH DQG SODFH WKH VFUHZ RQ WKH HQG RI WKH EODGH 6OLGH the tube towards the screw and the wedge-shaped parts of WKH EODGH PRYH WR KROG WKH VFUHZ 7KH Ã&#x;QDO WLJKWHQLQJ RI WKH screw should be done with an ordinary screwdriver because the split blade isn’t very strong. Magnetic screwdrivers avoid adding moving parts by using magnetism to hold the screw on the tip. The disadvantage to the magnetic screwdriver is that it won’t work with EUDVV VFUHZV ,I \RXÖG OLNH WR PDJQHWL]H D VFUHZGULYHU LW FDQ easily be done with a magnetizing/demagnetizing gadget available from some hardware stores or big box home improvement centers. A specialist screwholding screwdriver that works well for installing screws in recessed areas is available from K-D WRROV ,W XVHV D spring-loaded mechanism to hold the center of the slot on slotted screws, but it won’t work with Phillips head screws. Screwdriver tips can be magnetized or demagnetized with a gadget like this.

This screw-holding screwdriver from K-D Tools uses a spring-loaded mechanism to hold the screw.

risk of some parts rattling around prior to falling off. If the screws are too tight, the housing could crack or the screws could be damaged. Read the shop manual for your bike to OHDUQ WKH WRUTXH VSHFLĂ&#x;FDWLRQV IRU VPDOO VFUHZV DQG IROORZ the instructions for the torque-limiting screwdriver to avoid problems down the road.

Torque Screwdrivers Some screwdrivers may have a metal bolster at the top of the blade or the end of the handle. Placing a wrench on the bolster allows you to exert extra torque on stubborn screws. Other screwdrivers may have a bolster hole in the handle. In addition to making it easy to hang the screwdriver from a pegboard hook over your workbench, the bolster hole allows you to insert a metal rod through the hole for those tasks which require a bit more torque. Don’t drill holes in screwdriver handles thinking you have just made a bolster hole. This tactic weakens the handle and may cause it to break when you use a metal rod for more leverage. Or the handle may slip on the blade and render the tool useless. One of the specialized tools in my toolbox is a torquelimiting screwdriver. This tool is quite expensive. But if you spin tools for a living or are a perfectionist when it comes to working on your own bike, it can prevent you from causing damage to small screws. A good example of where to use this tool is the switch housings on your bike’s handlebars. If the screws are too loose, you run the

A torque-limiting screwdriver is pricey but prevents twisting the heads off small fasteners when used properly.

Alternative Screwdrivers If you need to remove screws from some improbably tight VSRW ZKHUH HYHQ D VWXEE\ VFUHZGULYHU ZRQĂ–W Ă&#x;W \RX PLJKW try a right-angle screwdriver. This tool is also known as the RIIVHW VFUHZGULYHU 'LIIHUHQW FRQĂ&#x;JXUDWLRQV RI WKLV WRRO PD\ have a Phillips tip at each end, a slotted tip at each end, or a Phillips at one end and a slotted tip at the other end. My preference is for the reversible ratcheting right-angle drive that uses 1/4" hex drive bits. Cordless screwdrivers have limited applications when working on motorcycles. For one thing, they are generally a lot bulkier than other types of screwdrivers. The only time I’ve used a cordless screwdriver while working on a motorcycle is removing the Torx head fasteners on the primary chaincase cover when I was feeling a bit lazy.

These screwdrivers feature a bolster at the top of the blade. Be careful when using a wrench on the bolster to avoid damage to a stubborn screw.

The bolster hole on this screwdriver allows the user to insert a metal rod through the hole to provide more torque when working with stubborn screws.

These screwdrivers feature a bolster at the top of the blade. Be careful when using a wrench on the bolster to avoid damage to a stubborn screw. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

43

Cordless screwdrivers are bulky but may save you some effort. The only time I use a cordless screwdriver is when I’m removing multiple screws that are all the same size. One type of screwdriver you don’t need when working on motorcycles is the insulated electrician’s screwdriver. The insulation on the blade and handle aren’t necessary until there are a lot of electric motorcycles on the road. The screwdrivers in the Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman tools, and Gerber Multi-Pliers are of limited usefulness for many roadside repairs. But I still carry a Swiss Army Knife if I ever need to channel my inner MacGyver.

How To Maintain Screwdrivers An article about screwdrivers would be incomplete without mentioning buying

The insulated blades identify these tools as electrician’s screwdrivers. You may not need these unless you work on electric motorcycles.

On a few occasions I’ve needed to make roadside repairs with a Swiss Army Knife. A

I

G

GE

MARCH /APRIL 2017

and caring for screwdrivers. Lesson One: good tools aren’t cheap, and they don’t come from discount department stores or gas station mini-marts. Lesson Two: good tools have a lifetime warranty and come from a retailer or tool company that will stand behind that warranty. Cheap tools may seem like a bargain until they corrode, wear out quickly, or damage fasteners because WKH\ DUH D SRRU ßW LQ WKH KHDG RI WKH screw. Good tools may last decades and be handed down from one generation to the next. For example, my nephew uses screwdrivers he inherited from his grandfather.

The printing on this tool clearly indicates what it should not be used for. Tool catalogs sometimes caution customers that screwdrivers must never be used as pry bars, chisels, punches, or gasket scrapers. Some of the best screwdrivers I own have these precautions marked on the handles. In the event you chip the tip of a slotted screwdriver, you have two options for reconditioning it. The ßUVW LV WR KHDG IRU WKH EHQFK grinder and grind away enough metal to get the tip back to its RULJLQDO ZLGWK DQG SURßOH 7KH disadvantage to this approach is that the heat generated by the grinding process may affect the hardness of the tip. The other reconditioning technique involves clamping the screwdriver in the EHQFK YLVH DQG FDUHIXOO\ ßOLQJ the tip back to its original dimensions RI ZLGWK DQG WKLFNQHVV 8VLQJ D ßOH LV more time-consuming but may yield better results if done carefully. Using the right tool for the job generally results in a better repair and is less likely to damage fasteners or tools. It’s the people who jam a hex key into a T-27 Torx fastener, then wonder why it won’t ßW SURSHUO\ DQG WKH KHDG LV JRXJHG RXW to the shape of a ragged circle. These are the people who have challenging do-ityourself experiences. AIG

MAI NTENANCE • By Tyler Greenblatt

Rollin’ In Style

Sport Chrome and Pirelli make old, ratty wheels better than new!

T

HERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF WHEEL OPTIONS OUT there for Harleys these days, and everything up to a 32-incher is fair game if your pockets are deep enough. When American Iron Garage ad salesman Ken McCurdy did a complete teardown and build-up of his 2006 Road King this year, he wanted to take a different approach. Not only does he put a ton of mileage on his King every year, but he commutes to work on some pretty precarious roads in a state that was ranked dead last in terms of road quality. On top of that, he loved the look of his stock nine-spoke mags. With that in mind, Ken decided to send his old, gritty, black and machined nine-spokes out to Sport Chrome in Westminster, California, for a complete show chrome plating. Ken took advantage of Sport Chrome’s Exchange Advance program, which is perfect for DIYers who don’t want to give up any valuable riding time. He was able to order a set of identical nine-spokes that were in stock for $649 plus a $400 core

46 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

FKDUJH 7KH QHZ VKRZ FKURPH Ă&#x;QLVKHG wheels showed up in a custom-designed ER[ ZLWK IRUP Ă&#x;WWLQJ IRDP LQMHFWHG packaging. This made it super easy for him to replace one wheel at a time, then put his old wheels back in the same box and ship them safely back to Sport Chrome! The core charge was then quickly returned once his undamaged wheels were received. His bike was only out of action for a few hours while he did the swap. You can also send \RXU ZKHHOV LQ Ă&#x;UVW DQG ZDLW IRU D QHZ set without paying the core charge, and E\ WKDW VDPH ORJLF \RX FDQ DOVR MXVW order a new set of wheels and not send anything back, which would be the case if you had spoked wheels. We like the Exchange Advance option the best. Ken also ordered a set of mirror polished custom spoke front brake discs from Sport Chrome ($89.95 each, no exchange core needed). The mirror polish mates up nicely with the newly chromed front wheel; he kept the stock disc on the rear wheel since it’s barely visible around the saddlebag anyway. He also went with a Sport Chrome’s chrome brake disc hardware set for 2000-13 Touring front wheels ($15 each side, no exchange core needed). Kind of a no-brainer there, and that set includes hardware for both discs. Lastly, to make this install as easy as possible, and to provide the best performance out on the road, Ken ordered a complete front and rear wheel bearing and installation kit

Photo by Mark Velazquez

($134.95, without ABS). who want insane grip The kit includes front and while still getting the rear valve stems, bearnecessary high mileage ings, inner bearing sleeves, that these bikes are and a Dyna-Bead kit with made for. Additionapplicator. Dyna-Bead is ally, Pirelli had just a product that goes inside launched its new Night the tire and balances the Dragon GT rear tire wheel from within, so which takes the origiyou don’t have to clamp nal high-performance ugly weights to your attributes of the Night newly chromed or custom Dragon, and gives it SOURCES wheels. a 20 percent mileage For those going for a darker look improvement. The GT uses an adPirelli Tire LLC on their ride, Sport Chrome also does vanced Full Carbon Black compound Pirelli.com powdercoating. And if you need multiand features a stiffer carcass thanks Sport Chrome ple parts on your bike chromed, they’ll to higher belt tension and structure 714/799-9900 chrome just about anything, so you can stiffening techniques. Since rear tires SportChrome.com get everything done at the same shop, on these bikes tend to need replacing with the same top-notch quality. well before the fronts, this is a great +DYH \RX WDNHQ D SHHN DW WKH SLFWXUH RI .HQĂ–V Ă&#x;QLVKHG combination for the enthusiast seeking high performance and bike yet? Not bad, right? But before reinstalling the Sport high mileage. &KURPH ZKHHOV ZH KDG WR Ă&#x;W WKHP ZLWK D WLUH WKDW ZRXOG Now, Ken’s custom King looks amazing from fender tip match the newly custom King’s look and performance. That to fender tip, and you’d be hard pressed to guess those are choice was another easy one thanks to Pirelli and its Night his 10-year-old stock wheels thanks to the show chrome Dragon line of cruiser tires. Not only do they look fast, but Ă&#x;QLVK IURP 6SRUW &KURPH DQG WKH KLJK SHUIRUPDQFH WLUHV WKH\Ă–UH PDGH VSHFLĂ&#x;FDOO\ IRU KLJK SHUIRUPDQFH 9 WZLQ ULGHUV from Pirelli. AIG

MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

47

MAINTAIN W E

H A V E

T H E

P A R T S

F O R

E V E R Y

The heart-and-soul of any ride are the fluids, ilters and hard-parts that keep it hummin’. And you’ll ind them all at Dennis Kirk, along with the tools needed to maintain and improve your bike’s performance. Oil change to overhaul, OEM style or enhancement, we’ve got you covered.

WE SHIP TODAY!

N E E D

MODIFY denniskirk.com | 800-564-1822

MAI NTENANCE • By Tyler Greenblatt

Twin Power Brake Upgrade Part I: Front brake overhaul

U

HARLEY’S BRAKES CAN EASILY be one of the best and most effective upgrades you can make. When using the right parts, both performance and looks will be noticeably enhanced. That’s our goal over the course of the next few issues with Ron’s 2011 Super Glide. The Dyna is a formidable motorcycle to begin with, and this one has been well cared for since new, but a new brake package will make it perform and look better than new. For this type of upgrade, we turned to Twin Power, which makes everything necessary to completely overhaul Harley brakes while retaining the stock caliper and TOOLS NEEDED master cylinder. Everything else gets replaced • 10mm 12-point socket with high-performance components. Twin • 5/16" Allen 3RZHU VXSSOLHG LWV à RDWLQJ URWRU LQ VLOYHU • 15/16" socket (#666822/$184.95), which gives the bike a • Blue threadlocker high-performance look coupled with actual • Brake cleaner performance to back it up. The carriers are • Screwdriver CNC-machined out of billet while the rotors are • T40 Torx specially ground to prevent warping and lasercut to exact tolerances. To bite effectively into the new rotors, we also ordered up a pair of Twin Power organic brake pads (#592364/$21.95). The PGRADING YOUR

Ron’s 2011 Dyna Super Glide has its front wheel and caliper removed and the original brake fluid is draining into a container. We also removed the stock rotor from the wheel.

SDGV DUH PDGH IURP DQ $UDPLG Ă&#x;EHU braking material and are designed to meet or exceed OEM brake pads. One of the biggest improvements to our Dyna’s front brake package comes in the form of a Twin Power stainless braided brake line kit (#035884/$54.95). Even though Ron’s Dyna has a single stainless line, earlier Twin Cams and Sportsters don’t, and a serious amount of braking force can be added with just the line alone. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t improvements on Ron’s bike, however. The Twin Power line comes with built-in FKURPH EDQMR Ă&#x;WWLQJV DQG QHZ FKURPH banjo bolts and washers. The throughway on the Twin Power bolts is considerably larger than the stock bolts, ZKLFK PHDQV PRUH EUDNH Ă XLG FDQ Ă RZ

2 1

50 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

After dabbing some blue threadlocker on the stock bolts, mount the new Twin Power brake rotor to the wheel using a T40 Torx. Torque to 16-24 ft-lbs. in a star pattern.

9

3 Use a 10mm 12-point socket to remove the brake bridge bolt, or pad pin, from the caliper.

6 Insert the stock brake bridge bolt back into the caliper and through the brake pad locators. Tighten the bolt with a 10mm 12-point socket.

4 Pop out the stock brake pads. They’re held in by little clips to the pistons.

7 Apply a small amount of axle grease to the axle.

After tapping the axle all the way through, tighten the axle nut (with washer) with a 15/16" socket while securing the other side of the axle with a screwdriver. Torque to 70-75 ft-lbs.

10 Tighten the fork axle pinch bolts with a 5mm Allen. Torque to 132-180 in-lbs.

8 5 Snap the new Twin Power brake pads into the stock caliper clips.

Slide the axle through the wheel and both spacers with the grooved ends of the spacers on the inside. Lift it into place, slide the axle all the way through the caliper-side fork lower, then replace the right-side fork axle pinch bolt bracket by hand.

11 Spin the wheel to check for trueness. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

51

12 Use a 10mm 12-point socket to reinstall the caliper using the stock bolts. The long bolt goes in the top mount, and the short bolt goes in the bottom mount. Torque to 28-38 ft-lbs.

through them, equaling faster and more FRQÃ&#x;GHQW VWRSV 7R Ã&#x;QLVK XS WKH SURMHFW ZHÖUH Ã&#x;OOLQJ WKH V\VWHP ZLWK %LNH0DVWHU '27 EUDNH à XLG ,W FRPHV LQ DQ HLJKW RXQFH ERWWOH VR ZHÖOO KDYH HQRXJK WR GR WKH IURQW DQG UHDU EUDNHV RQ WKH 6XSHU *OLGH 7KLV XSJUDGH LV D GHÃ&#x;QLWH ',< SURMHFW WKDW FDQ HDVLO\ EH GRQH LQ D FRXSOH RI KRXUV ZLWK RQO\ D KDQGIXO RI WRROV (YHQ WKRXJK LWÖV QRW GLIÃ&#x;FXOW EH VXUH WR XVH H[WUD FDXWLRQ ZKHQ ZRUNLQJ RQ EUDNHV DQG WHVW WKHP D IHZ WLPHV RQ the road before needing them for real! $V \RX FDQ VHH LWÖV HDV\ HQRXJK WKDW ZH FDQ GR LW LQ 5RQÖV EDVHPHQW GXULQJ D :LVFRQVLQ ZLQWHU ,Q WKH QH[W LVVXH ZHÖOO XSJUDGH WKH UHDU EUDNH LQ WKH VDPH IDVKLRQ VLQFH UHPRYLQJ WKH UHDU ZKHHO LV D OLWWOH PRUH LQYROYHG KRZHYHU ZHÖOO VKRZ WKDW HQWLUH SURFHVV

17 Pour some BikeMaster brake fluid into the master cylinder. Be especially careful not to spill any. Placing a towel or t-shirt over the gas tank and fender is a good idea.

13 Once the original brake fluid is finished draining, remove the stock master cylinder banjo bolt using an 11mm 12-point socket.

15

18

Reuse the stock top triple tree retaining bracket (arrow) to secure the throttle cables and new Twin Power brake line. Bolt it down with a 5/16" wrench, and don’t forget to secure the stock ground wire.

To gravity- feed the system, remove the rubber dust cover off the caliper bleeder bolt and open the bleeder a quarter turn. Refill the master cylinder as necessary until only clean fluid comes out of the system, then close the bleeder.

14 Install the new Twin Power stainless braided brake line using the supplied chrome hardware. The thinner banjo bolt and bent banjo fitting go to the caliper. Place a supplied (small) copper washer on either side of the banjo bolt. Tighten with a 9/16" wrench and torque to 17-22 ft-lbs. Do not overtighten, as it is easy to break hollow bolts. Do the same at the master cylinder, but use the larger copper washers.

52 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

16 Reinstall the stock bottom triple tree retaining bracket.

19 With the master cylinder full, reinstall the cover using a Phillips screwdriver and torque to 6-8 in-lbs.

22 The new Twin Power performance brake rotor, pads, and stainless line not only look great on this Super Glide Custom, but they’ll make it a safer, better performing machine out on the road! AIG

20 With the bike on its sidestand, apply pressure to the brake lever and then open the bleeder a quarter turn to push any remaining air out of the system. This step might have to be repeated several times until no air remains. Close the bleeder while pressure is still on the brake lever. Remember to refill the master cylinder as necessary and top it off at the end of the process.

SOURCES

21 As is the case anytime you install new rotors, clean the new brake rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it down.

Twin Power 800/347-7070 TwinPower-USA.com

M

MAI NTENANCE • By “Panhead Jim” Mahaney

Panhead Clutch Adjustment Taking the mystery out of handclutch & mousetrap adjustment

C

1967 and earlier Harley-Davidson Big Twins has always been a tricky procedure thanks to the large hand clutch booster spring, commonly known as a mousetrap. During the late 1950s and early ’60s, Harley transitioned away from hand-shifted transmissions to the standard footshift arrangement. The clutch booster spring was added to make actuatTOOLS NEEDED ing the clutch via hand lever easier. While the • 3/8" wrench arrangement works well, it adds quite a few • 7/16" wrench extra steps to the clutch adjustment procedure. • 1/2" wrench Clutch adjustment is a necessary part of • 9/16" wrench standard maintenance and should be performed • 6" ruler if the clutch starts to slip under load or drag • Flathead screwdriver when the clutch lever is released. Only ba• Straight-edge sic hand tools are required to perform these ORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE CLUTCH ON

1 Before you can adjust the actuating lever, you must loosen the clutch lever rod so that there is no tension on the actuating lever. To do this, undo the locknut located at the front of the rod with a 3/8" open-end wrench and then turn the rod counter clockwise.

54 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

First, adjust the clutch actuating lever located just above the transmission on the left side of the motorcycle. This TIPS & lever disengages the TRICKS clutch plates, so it’s important to set it correctly to allow for enough throw to fully separate the clutch plates. Q

adjustments, and the motorcycle can be parked on its sidestand or centerstand (if you have the optional one installed). This is something that can easily be accomplished in a garage. This month I will be adjusting the clutch on a 1964 Duo-Glide. This was the last year for the kick-only Big Twin, so there are slight differences to the procedure for 1965 and later models due to the addition of an electric starter.

2 You’ll want about 1/2" of play at the actuating lever, so continue to unscrew the lever rod from the clevis until the opposite end of the lever rod sticks out the rear of the actuating lever by 1/2".

3 Using a ruler, determine if your actuating lever is positioned correctly. On 1964 and earlier models, the distance between the footshifter housing and the outer edge of the chamfered slot on the rod should be 4-1/4". On 1965 and later models, take a measurement between the chain housing and the lever, which should be 1/4".

9 6

Loosen the locknut on the bell crank adjusting screw using a 7/16" open-end wrench.

When adjusting the actuating lever, make sure to push the lever toward the front of the motorcycle to take out all the slack before taking measurements. Once the lever is in the correct position, retighten the locknut on the pushrod adjusting screw, but do not reinstall the clutch cover or chain housing cover yet.

10

4

Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the bell crank adjusting screw so that the bell crank (arrow) is 1/8" past dead center, angled towards the front of the motorcycle. Use a straight edge to determine the location of dead center by lining it up with the threaded portion of the booster spring tension adjuster.

To change the position of the actuating lever, access the pushrod adjusting screw by either removing the clutch cover (’64 and earlier) or chain housing cover (’65 and later) with a flathead screwdriver.

7 Remove the chrome booster spring cover using a 7/16" wrench to gain access to the booster spring. It’s attached with two bolts (one on the upper left side and one in the middle of the front side).

5 The pushrod adjusting screw is located in the center of the clutch assembly and can be adjusted with a flathead screwdriver once the locknut is loosened. Turning the screw clockwise moves the actuating lever towards the rear of the motorcycle and turning it counter clockwise moves the actuating lever towards the front.

11 8 Loosen the clutch cable locknut with a 1/2" open-end wrench and turn the adjusting sleeve all the way into the booster spring bracket to add at least 1" of free play in the clutch lever.

Move the bell crank back and forth by hand to make sure that the bell crank is stopping at the aforementioned location (1/8" past dead center). The bell crank adjuster screw should be in contact with the bell crank when it is in the forward position. Once correct, tighten the bell crank adjusting screw locknut with a 7/16" open-end wrench. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

55

15

12 Go back to the clutch lever rod and turn it clockwise until there is 1/16" of play left in the rod. This end-play is important, as it ensures that there is not constant pressure on the clutch while riding. Once adjusted, tighten the clutch lever rod locknut with a 3/8" openend wrench.

Loosen the top nut on the booster spring tension adjuster (arrow) with a 1/2", and then tighten the bottom nut with a 1/2" until the hand lever stays in place when depressed. In other words, tighten the spring until the clutch stays disengaged without having to hold the lever. Be sure to keep an eye on the booster spring during this process, as you will find out why it’s nicknamed a mousetrap if you're not careful.

18 Turn the engine over using the kickstarter to verify that the clutch is not slipping. If it is still slipping, and you’re sure you’ve made all the adjustments correctly, then you may need to increase the pressure on the clutch plates by tightening the clutch spring guide stud nuts. Stock machines will have three nuts, but five-nut upgrades (as shown here) are also common. In order to keep pressure equal tighten each nut a 1/2" turn with a 9/16" wrench, and retest. If they’re tightened too much, the clutch plates will not be able to separate.

13

16

There needs to be about 1/2" of play at the clutch lever. This is adjusted by turning the control cable adjusting sleeve counter clockwise until enough slack is removed from the cable to provide the correct amount of play at the end of the lever.

Slowly loosen the bottom nut on the booster spring tension adjuster with a 1/2" wrench until the bell crank snaps back into its forward position. You should be able to work the clutch lever in and out without the bell crank locking in either position.

19 Reinstall the clutch cover or chain housing cover using the stock hardware and a flathead screwdriver, and go out for a test ride. AIG BIO

14

17

When the correct end-play has been achieved at the clutch lever, tighten the control coil adjusting sleeve locknut with a 1/2" open-end wrench.

Tighten the top nut on the booster spring tension adjuster with a 1/2" wrench and reinstall the booster spring cover.

56 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

“Panhead Jim” is a leading expert on vintage Harley-Davidsons and military and police history. Not only does he restore vintage H-Ds, but he rides the hell out of them! Follow him on social media or visit his blog at RidingVintage.com. Q

MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

57

I NSTALL • By Tyler Greenblatt

Girl Scout Part I: Klock Werks handlebar & Kuryakyn accessories

W

HEN MY FRIEND

and fellow Wisconsinite Leah won the annual Garage Girls contest recently, a variety of sponsors stepped up to provide her with new riding gear and parts for her 2015 Indian Scout. Except there was one problem: she doesn’t have a garage or tools to install her new parts. The solution was an easy one; she brought her Scout down to the American Iron Garage shop to do the installs there. My only requirement was that she do the work herself, so she could learn how to do it and experience TOOLS NEEDED the joy of working on her own motorcycle. The part that kicked off this project was the • 3/16" Allen Klock Werks chrome 1" KlipHanger handlebars • 5mm Allen (#0601-3423/$459.95), which Brian and Laura • 6mm Allen • Adjustable wrench Klock generously provided as part of the Ga• Blue threadlocker rage Girls contest. Not only do the KlipHangers • Flathead screwdriver give the Scout an industrial, modern look, but (medium) they’re completely (and easily) adjustable to suit • Razor blade the rider’s individual needs. Leah ordered the • T25 Torx 10" version (they’re also available in a stouter • Wire cutter 5" size) so that she could rotate them back to • Zip-ties comfortably suit her 5'4" stature. Keeping in

58 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

mind that she’s a higher-mileage rider (her Scout has over 21,000 miles in just RYHU D \HDU RI RZQHUVKLS VKH GHĂ&#x;nitely needed something comfortable for those long hauls. The construction and hardware of the KlipHangers are top-of-the-line quality. Leah understandably didn’t want to put the same boring stock grips and mirrors back on her bike. And seeing as how tightly glued the stock grip was to the handlebar, it wouldn’t have been easy. She ordered a set of Kuryakyn Spear Grips (#5636/$89.99) in chrome. The Spear Grips are much thicker than the stock Grips, which will improve comfort, and the embedded EPDM rubber inserts will reduce what little vibration the Scout motor produces. For mirrors, she chose Kuryakyn’s teardrop mirrors in chrome (#1707/$99.99), which add a sleek visual improvement to match the new grips and handlebar. They’re easily adjustable by hand, another on-road convenience. Installing new mirrors requires the use of Kuryakyn mirror adapters for Indian (#1411/$10.99), which are also easy to install. In the next issue, we’ll complete the improved rider’s triangle on Leah’s Scout with new Kuryakyn footboards, DEI Ă H[LEOH KHDW VKLHOGV WR SURWHFW KHU QHZ riding boots!), and a Mustang seat.

1 Leah’s 2015 Scout is resting at a comfortable height on our Harbor Freight lift, ready to receive its new Klock Werks KlipHanger handlebars and Kuryakyn Spear Grips and teardrop mirrors. Before starting, place a towel or protective cover over the gas tank.

7 4 Use a wire cutter to cut the stock zip-ties that hold the wires and lines to the handlebars.

Separate the right-side switch housing halves and pull the throttle grip out. The left-side switch housing easily comes apart, and the left grip will likely be glued to the handlebar. That’s fine, we won’t be reusing either the bar or the grip.

5 Use a T25 Torx bit to remove the four bolts that hold the right-side switch housing.

8

2

Use a razor blade to slice down the center of the throttle grip to remove the stock grip from the throttle tube.

Use an adjustable wrench to unbolt the stock mirrors from their mounts. Spin them around to remove them from the switch housings.

6 Then use the T25 bit to remove the two bolts holding the left-side switch housing.

3 Use a 5mm Allen to remove the brake master cylinder and clutch brackets on either side.

The throttle grip is glued heavily to the throttle tube. Use a razor blade and screwdriver and whittle away at it slowly. It helps to cut all the way TIPS & down with the razor, TRICKS around the end, and back down the other side, then pull the two halves away from the tube using the screwdriver to wedge them free. Q

9 Use a 6mm Allen to remove the center riser clamp with the speedo. Remove the handlebar from the risers and slide the electronic throttle ring off as you go. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

59

14 Slide the bars into the Klamps until the end is flush.

18

10

Apply one tube of the Kuryakyn-supplied glue onto the sanded-down throttle tube. Slide the larger inner diameter Kuryakyn grip onto the throttle tube, rotating clockwise as you go.

With everything on the Scout removed, all the new parts can now go on.

11 Sand down the stock plastic throttle tube to remove all the ribs. It won’t fit inside the new Kuryakyn grip otherwise.

15 Secure the bars into the Klamps with a 3/16" Allen and the supplied hardware.

19 12 Slide the Klock Klamps onto either side of the U part of the handlebar with the channels facing the rider.

16

Squeeze some blue threadlocker onto the stock riser clamp bolts.

13

17

Secure the Klamps using a 3/16" Allen and the supplied hardware. Don’t worry about the positioning, we’ll tackle that later.

After placing the Klock handlebar into the triple tree risers, reinstall the top riser clamp with the stock bolts and a 6mm Allen.

60 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

Mount the clutch lever using the stock hardware and a 5mm Allen.

20 Mount the master cylinder using the stock hardware and a 5mm Allen.

24 21

After applying the supplied glue to the inside of the smaller inner diameter Kuryakyn grip and the handlebar, slide the grip on, matching it to the throttle side.

Slide the throttle grip onto the handlebar and into the switch housing until it connects with the electronic throttle control. The throttle should twist normally.

28 Choose the height and angle of the bars themselves. This is a nice added level of adjustability provided by the KlipHangers.

25 Screw the Kuryakyn mirror adapter bolts into the new Kuryakyn mirrors. Tighten them with an adjustable wrench, and then tighten the setscrew.

22 Use a T25 Torx and the four stock bolts to reattach the right-side switch housing.

29 26 Spin the mirrors into the switch housings and lock them down with an adjustable wrench.

Once everything is situated, dab some of the Klocksupplied glue onto the round end caps and fit them into the openings on top of the handlebar and at the ends of the bars. Quickly wipe off any excess that oozes out.

23 Use a T25 Torx and the two stock bolts to reattach the left-side switch housing. SOURCES Klock Werks 605/996-3700 GetKlocked.com Kuryakyn 715/247-2184 Kuryakyn.com

27 While sitting on the bike, have a friend adjust the risers to bring the handlebar closer to you or farther away.

30 The Kuryakyn Spear Grips and teardrop mirrors add comfort and style to Leah’s Scout. AIG MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

61

CHOOSING

THE RIGHT RUBBER Buying new tires for your motorcycle doesn’t need to be dificult if you know the answers to a few key questions: What type of riding do I typically do? Do I want the same tires that I currently have? Do I know what size tires I need? There are multiple tire size numbering systems, and it can get pretty confusing. Make sure to educate yourself on tire sizes and speed ratings before selecting your tires. The information on these pages is a great overview on all variables when selecting a tire. And when you are ready to make a purchase, log on to denniskirk.com/tires-and-wheels . THE TIRE FINDER will assist you in selecting the correct brands and options available for your ride.

TIRES 101 TIRE CROSS SECTION WIDTH The irst number or second letter in a tire size represents the nominal width. Width is measured in a straight line from the furthest point on one sidewall, across the tread, to the furthest point on the opposite sidewall. If there is any question whether or not a larger than OEM tire will it your bike, you’re encouraged to call Tech Service. The different size numbering systems specify widths in different measurements. You can view a width cross reference table on the next page.

ASPECT RATIO Aspect Ratios indicate a tires cross-sectional proile. The smaller the number, the lower the proile. It expresses the height to width ratio as a percent. A 90 aspect ratio means the tire’s cross sectional height is 90% of it’s width. The aspect ratio appears immediately after the width in the Metric, Alpha and Low Proile Inch numbering systems.

SPEED RATING Speed Ratings are internationally recognized maximum speeds at which the tire may be used with maximum load when the maximum listed inflation pressure is used. Maximum loads and inflation pressures are found on the sidewalls of the tires. Speed ratings are coded by a letter, which appears directly after the width, aspect ratio, or as part of a three digit Load/Speed Index, found on the tire directly after the complete size designation. The letters and their corresponding speeds are listed in the table below. CODE LETTER J K L M N P Q R S T U

MAX MPH 62 68 75 81 87 93 99 106 112 118 124

MAX KPH 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200

CODE LETTER H V220 V230 V or V240 V250 V260 W or V270 V280 V290 Y or V300 Z

MAX MPH 130 137 143 149 155 161 168 174 180 186 above 149

MAX KPH 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 above 240

Since Z-rated tires have no recognized speed ceiling, the rating simply means higher than 149mph.

TIRE CONSTRUCTION The Tire Construction, when included in the size numbering, is listed after the speed rating. The two options for tire construction are Belted (B) or Radial (R). A belted tire has iberglass, Kevlar®, or aramid iber belts for added strength and load capacity, however not all belted tires will have the B designation. If a tire does not have the Radial (R) designation, it is a bias-ply tire.

RIM DIAMETER Rim diameter is the diameter of the rim/wheel on which the tire will be mounted, in inches.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Some tires may have additional information in their size, for example WW, meaning it’s a white wall tire. If the size is followed by TT, it means that it is a tube type tire, which requires an inner air tube. TL means it’s a tubeless tire. Others may have M/C at the end of the size, which simply means it is a motorcycle tire.

TIRE SIZE NUMBERING SYSTEMS

TIRE WIDTH CROSS REFERENCE TABLE

There are four different motorcycle tire size systems currently in use. Understanding the differences will help you select the correct tires for your needs. The different systems are: Metric, Alpha, Standard Inch and Low Proile Inch.

The table below illustrates the relationship between different tire size systems. Use it to compare the various widths and determine possible replacement sizes. Motorcycle tires are manufactured all around the world using different size designations, therefore we cannot imply exact interchangeability. Do not use for tires with aspect ratios lower than 80.

METRIC Examples: 180/55ZR-17 · M130/80-18 · 130/80HB-18 · 130/80H-18 The Metric tire size system is the most common and also the most descriptive. Metric sized tires are used on just about every type of motorcycle, from the latest sport bikes to cruisers, touring bikes and everything in between. An “M” sometimes precedes a metric size when there is no speed rating used. It simply means that it is a motorcycle tire. Another letter is sometimes used after the speed rating to indicate belted (B) or radial (R) tire construction. In the irst example above, 180 is the width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio (cross-section height is 55% of the width), Z is the speed rating (149+ mph), R speciies it’s a radial construction tire, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches.

ALPHA Examples: MT90S-16 · MT90HB-16 The Alpha size designation is most often used for touring motorcycle tires. They can be belted even without the B designation, which can appear after the speed rating. In the irst example above, M states that it is a motorcycle tire. T is the width (see cross-reference chart here.) 90 is the aspect ratio (cross-section height is 90% of the width). S is the speed rating (112 mph) and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. Since there is no designation of construction after the speed rating, it is a bias-ply tire.

Permissible Rim Widths 1.60, 1.85 1.60, 1.85 1.85, 2.15 1.85, 2.15 2.15, 2.50 2.15, 2.50, 2.75 2.15, 2.50, 2.75 2.15, 2.50, 2.75 2.15, 2.50, 2.75 2.50, 2.75, 3.00 2.75, 3.00, 3.50 3.50, 4.00 4.00, 4.50

Metric 70 80 90 90 100 110 110 120 120 130 140 150 160

Alpha MG MH MJ ML MM MN MP MR MS MT MU MV -

Standard Inch 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.25 4.50 4.75 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.25

Low Proile Inch 3.60 3.60 4.10 4.10 4.60 4.25/85 4.25/85 5.10 5.10 -

STANDARD INCH Example: 3.25H-19 The Standard Inch systems are found on older motorcycles. Tires with these inch markings do not include an aspect ratio designation, which is 100%. It means the cross-section tire height is 100% of the width. Inch size tires are all bias-ply construction and not belted. They are no longer being itted on new motorcycles and are gradually being phased out of use. In the above size, 3.25 is the width, H is the speed rating, and 19 is the rim diameter in inches. The aspect ratio is not listed, but is 100% of the tire width.

LOW PROFILE INCH Examples: 4.25/85H-18 · 4.60S-16 This is also called the 82% Series Size System because the aspect ratio, when unspeciied, is 82%. The tire’s cross-section height is 82% of its width, except in cases where it’s listed as 85%, as in the irst example above. This system is limited to very few sizes and the motorcycle manufacturers are no longer using tires with this size system.

WE SHIP TODAY!

denniskirk.com/tires-and-wheels • 800-564-1822

INSTALL • by Tyler Greenblatt

Ultimate Passenger Comfort

H-D passenger footboards & Road Zeppelin seat

I

CAN’T SAY FOR CERTAIN WHAT PERCENTAGE OF

motorcyclists choose to carry a passenger, but I do know that on a nice Saturday afternoon, most bikes I see have two people on them. That’s why, for most of us, having a single-seat bike doesn’t make much sense. However, some of the best bikes in dealer showrooms don’t include passenger accommodations. And even the ones that do still require a better seat for long-range comfort. As is oftentimes the case in the Harley world, we can have our cake AND eat it, too, thanks to The Motor Company’s extensive P&A catalog. Take my 2015 Dyna Street Bob, for example. It’s a great-looking bike that also happens to be the least expensive Big Twin available. Naturally, it comes with a solo bobber seat and no passenger TOOLS NEEDED pegs. Yeah, that’s not going to work. Consider• 3/16" Allen ing my particular passenger isn’t usually com• 1/2â€? wrench IRUWDEOH RQ PRVW VWRFN VHWXSV LQ WKH Ă&#x;UVW SODFH , • 7/16â€? socket • 7/16â€? wrench • Flatbladed screwdriver (small) • Hammer • Phillips screwdriver • Pliers • Punch • T45 Torx

needed the ultimate in two-up touring comfort. There’s a reason why Harley’s big Touring models use footboards instead of pegs, and that’s because they’re generally more comfortable and allow for different foot placements on a long ride. Using H-D’s Passenger Footboard Support Kit (#4934907/$199.95), those same principles can be applied to the Dyna platform. The kit includes all mounting hardware for both sides of the bike and allows for the installation of a variety of different passenger footboards. In keeping with the Street Bob’s old-school feel, I went with the Half-Moon Passenger Footboard Pans and Inserts (#50810-08/$179.95). Not only do they look awesome on the bike, but the vibration-isolation rubber inserts will reduce some of the buzz felt through the swingarm-mounted supports. However, the vibration doesn’t get completely wiped away, this is still a Dyna, after all! To top off this two-up Street Bob project, we opted for the ultimate in

1 Use a 3/16" Allen to remove the forward belt guard bolt and washer. Set it aside for now.

64 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

comfortable seat technology, a H-D Road Zeppelin Air Adjustable Seat (#52000147/$550.01). The Air Zepplin uses two separate, adjustable air bladders (one for the passenger and one for the rider) to provide a comfortable, vibration- and shock-free riding experience. The air bladder system distributes body weight across the entire seating surface, doing away with the typical two pressure points. Thanks to the air bladder system, the seat is also able to PDLQWDLQ D ORZ SURßOH ORRN DV RSSRVHG to other seats that use additional padding to increase comfort. Riding over

1,600 miles to and from Sturgis on it produced no soreness at all, and I tend to get sore pretty quickly! Check out our simple step-by-step photos and captions to see how to turn a solo bobber into a luxurious, comfortable cruiser for you and your passenger.

7 Reinstall the stock belt guard on the rear using a 3/16" Allen, 1/2" wrench, and the stock hardware. Torque to 10-15 ft-lbs.

4 Pry the plastic inserts out of the right-side mounting locations with a small flatbladed screwdriver.

8 Use the stock bolt and a 3/16" Allen to secure the front belt guard mounting location to the new H-D footboard mount. Torque to 10-15 ft-lbs.

2 Use a 1/2" wrench and a 3/16" Allen to remove the rear belt guard bolt, washer, and nut. Remove the belt guard and set it aside.

5 3 Remove the front belt guard bracket with a T45 Torx. See Tips & Tricks. THE FRONT belt guard bracket is held in place with two bolts secured tightly to the swingarm. With the belt TIPS & and the frame in the TRICKS way, many Torx tools won’t be able to fit well enough to initially loosen the bolts. Use a penetrant if you have to, as well as the shortest combination of Torx bit and wrench you can find. I used a plain Torx bit held by a 5/16" socket to clear the belt and the frame. Q

After applying blue masking tape to the fender and frame as shown, install the right side H-D footboard mounting bracket with a T45 Torx and two supplied thread-cutting screws. The forward screw requires the short Torx setup used in step 4. Torque to 25-35 ft-lbs.

6 Install the left side H-D footboard mounting bracket with a T45 Torx and the remaining two thread-cutting screws. Put some masking tape on the frame just to be safe. The forward screw requires the short Torx setup as well. Torque to 25-35 ft-lbs.

9 To install the new H-D footboards, drop one of the included springs into the hole in the new mounting bracket and set one of the included black balls on top of the spring.

10 Place the new H-D footboard on the mounting bracket and insert the supplied metal rods through the mounting blocks from the inside out. A hammer and punch is necessary to get them through. Be careful not to lose the little black ball in the process! MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

65

11

15

19

After moistening the bottom beads on the rubber H-D footboard pad with soapy water, press it into place on top of the footboard. Pull the two nubs all the way through the metal footboard with a plier. Repeat steps 10-12 on the other side.

Keeping upward pressure on the seat nut with the ziptie, slide the supplied plastic retaining washer around the seat nut. Remove the zip-tie.

Here’s the new H-D Half Moon footboard on the Dyna’s left side. Passengers are sure to love the extra comfort and reduced vibration of a footboard instead of the standard peg. Plus, they look pretty cool on the blacked-out bike!

12

16

Install the seat’s included grab strap by inserting the supplied bolt and washer through the holes on both ends of the strap and the hole in the middle of the fender. Tighten with a 7/16" socket on the top and a 7/16" wrench underneath the fender.

Remove the stock rubber seat cushions by simply pulling them off.

20 To add air pressure to the H-D Air Zeppelin seat, press the left-side H-D logos individually for the rider and passenger. The seat is shipped empty, so the first fill requires a lot of pumping. Fill the seat until the air pockets are visible, then adjust as necessary. To release air pressure, press the black buttons on the left side.

17 13 Remove the rearmost stock plastic plug in the fender by pressing up on it from underneath the fender.

Install the new H-D Air Zeppelin seat by pulling the passenger pillion through the grab strap, and then inserting the front locking tab into its stock location underneath the gas tank.

21 Here’s the once bare-bones Street Bob with its new H-D Air Zeppelin seat and passenger footboards. AIG

14 Slide the supplied seat nut over the supplied plastic zip-tie then pull it up through the fender hole and seat it in its groove.

66 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

SOURCES

18 Using a Phillips screwdriver, secure the H-D Air Zeppelin seat using the stock seat screw.

Harley-Davidson Genuine Parts & Accessories H-D.com

I NSTALL • by Chris Maida

Arc Audio Amp And Speakers This stereo upgrade gives you lots of quality sound for your bagger!

B

ACK IN THE DAY, JUST BEFORE YOU WENT FOR A

long ride on your bagger (back then we called them dressers, as in full dressed) you would listen to your favorite song so you could easily keep it in mind as you rode since there were no radios on bikes. Now, the aftermarket sound system you can get for your bagger is better than the ones we had in our house! When it comes time to upgrade the sound system on your bike, one of the manufacturers that should be on your short list is Arc Audio. Arc offers a full line of high-quality, easy-to-install kits, as well as individual comTOOLS NEEDED ponents, for 1999-and-later Harley-Davidsons. • 1/8" Allen These components are designed for the some• #2 Phillips screwdriver times harsh environment of the open road. For • 10mm wrench our 2002 Electra Glide, we got an Arc Audio • Crimping pliers 0RWR DPSOLÃ&#x;HU WZR SDLUV RI $UFÖV 0RWR • Flat-bladed screwdriver 9 ORZ SURÃ&#x;OH VSHDNHUV DQG WKH WZR ZLU(small) LQJ KDUQHVVHV \RXÖOO QHHG WR PDNH LW DOO ZRUN • Wire stripper ZLWK \RXU ELNHÖV VWRFN UDGLR

1 Here’s our 2002 Electra Glide with its outer fairing, gas tank, and seat removed. The battery’s ground wire has also been disconnected.

7KH 0RWR DPSOLÃ&#x;HU is capable of delivering over 600 watts at four ohms to four or two channels. That gives you either 300 watts of clean, clear sound to two channels (bridged) or 150 watts to four channels, both options at two or four ohms. $QG WKDWÖV ZLWKRXW VWUDLQLQJ \RXU ELNHÖV stock charging system. The Moto 600.4 DPSOLÃ&#x;HU Ã&#x;WV ULJKW RQ WRS RI \RXU VWRFN radio inside the stock fairing without DQ\ PRGLÃ&#x;FDWLRQV QHHGHG WR WKH VWRFN VHWXS VR \RX GRQÖW ORVH DQ\ EDJ VSDFH or alter any stock components. This amp also has a built-in internal fan for additional cooling to ensure long life and a high signal-to-noise ratio without compromising power output. It also IHDWXUHV SUHFLVLRQ Ã&#x;OWHULQJ WKDW LVRODWHV the power supply to reduce interference in radio reception, as well as a number RI RWKHU LPSRUWDQW IHDWXUHV DXGLR DÃ&#x;cionados demand in a high-end sound system. :H DOVR JRW D SDLU RI $UFÖV 0RWR 9 ORZ SURÃ&#x;OH VSHDNHUV D SDLU ZKLFK IHDWXUH HQKDQFHG mid-bass and low-frequency response and a dynamically balanced midrange for natural, clear, and rich vocals. The PP FRPSRVLWH WUHDWHG PHWDO Ã&#x;OP dome tweeter provides a more detailed

2 Tom starts the amplifier and speaker swap by disconnecting the two wires from each of the two stock front speakers. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

67

7 Tom uses a small flat-bladed screwdriver to secure the speaker wires to their amplifier connections. The left speaker wires go into the CH 2 slots, right speaker to the CH 1.

3 Tom uses a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws that hold each of the stock speakers to the inner fairing. He then sets the stock speakers aside, as they will not be reused.

5 After he attaches the supplied hook-and-loop sheets onto the bottom of the Arc Audio amplifier and the top of the bike’s stock radio, Tom secures the amp to the radio with just hand pressure.

8 4 Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, Tom installs the new Arc Audio speakers in the same location as the stock speakers using the four stock screws. He then reconnects the stock speaker wires, which can only go onto their correct posts.

6 After measuring how long the not-supplied wire needs to be to connect the amp to the speakers and striping 1/2" of insulation off each end, Tom crimps on the two not-supplied blade connectors using crimping pliers.

When attaching the new Arc Audio amplifier to the top of the bike’s stock radio using the supplied fastening system, an easy way to get the amp into position is to put a piece of cardboard or thick TIPS & paper on top of the radio. Then slide the amp onto the top TRICKS of the radio. Once you have it properly positioned, just slip the cardboard/paper out of the way and press the amp down onto the radio to secure it. When connecting the left and right speaker wires to the amplifier, the speaker wire on each speaker that has the large blade connector goes to the positive (+) spot on the amplifier. A keyed-power wire is a wire that gets powered when the ignition switch is turned to the On position and is not powered when the switch is off. Q

68 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

After connecting all four speaker wires to the amp, Tom plugs in the supplied amp harness that has the RCA plugs on the other end, which we need for this stereo setup.

9 Tom now plugs the RCA male connectors into the stock head unit. You’ll have to find out what channels on the amp and head unit control the front and back, left and right speakers.

13 10 The orange with white stripe wire on the left was in the connector on the right with the black wire. The orange/white wire is a keyed-power wire from the stock harness, which is needed to power the amp.

11 Tom now uses a not-supplied butt connecter to join the orange/white keyed-power wire from the bike to the Arc Audio amp’s orange wire using crimping pliers.

Tom slips these two wires through the gap on the right side of the fairing and secures it to the stock main wiring harness, leaving enough slack in the harness so the front end can make a full swing from fork stop to fork stop.

14 After routing the Arc Audio harness along the frame and securing to the frame with the supplied wire-ties, Tom routes the harness into the battery compartment.

and higher resolution sound at upper frequencies than the stock speakers, even at highway speeds. The Moto 602 V2 speakers have a heavy-duty cast aluminum basket design; a hightemperature, precision wound, voice coil to increase durability and power handling for extended high-demand listening periods (long road trips); and a high-performance, high-output design that keeps sound quality and dynamic properties high even when the volume is cranked up, like when you’re listening to tunes on the highway. To connect it all together, we got an Arc Audio radio/speaker harness ($49) that was designed by the H-D factorytrained techs at Mitchell’s Modesto Harley-Davidson to work with all stock H-D stereo-equipped Harleys. However, don’t use the power harness included in this kit for the Moto 600.4 amp! You’ll need a power cable setup that can handle more power to run the 600.4! But the other cables in the NLW ZLOO ZRUN MXVW Ă&#x;QH DV \RXĂ–OO VHH LQ the accompanying photos. To power the Moto 600.4 amp, you need to also get Arc’s plug-and-play power harness ($49.99), which is made of quality 8-gauge OFC copper cable for superior corrosion resistance. This cable can handle up to 60 amps of continuous current draw and comes with an integrated/molded fuse setup, insulated high-current ring terminals, and a factory-type wire looming. As for who would do this installation for us, we went to our buddy Tom Rotz at Bullet Customs. Tom has done a number of these installs at his shop in nearby Shelton, Connecticut. However, don’t think you have to be a pro to install this system on your bike. Arc Audio designs all its kits to be easy to install, as you’ll see in the accompanying photos and captions as Tom walks us through the process. AIG SOURCES

12 Tom then uses a 1/8" Allen to secure the Arc Audiosupplied red power (12-volt) and black (ground) wires to the amp. The other end of these wires must now be routed to the battery.

15 Tom connects the Arc Audio harness to the battery terminals using a #2 Phillips screwdriver or 10mm wrench. Note that the positive wire has an in-line fuse.

Arc Audio 209/543-8706 ArcAudio.com Bullet Customs 203/339-5468 BulletCustoms.com MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

69

INSTALL • By Tyler Greenblatt

Open Sesame! Flash2Pass makes life easy and saves marriages

I

I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO FINDS IT A PAIN IN the ass to fumble around in my pocket with gloves on, FOXWFK SXOOHG LQ IRRW RQ WKH EUDNH WR Ă&#x;QG WKH JDUDJH door opener after a ride. I’ve heard of the “beep to openâ€? technique, where you get home and keep honking the horn until your spouse opens the door for you. I don’t know if I want to try that one! Flash To Open has riders covered with its Flash2Pass V\VWHP IRU PRWRUF\FOHV 6LPSO\ Ă DVK \RXU KLJK EHDP WZLFH RU KLW WKH Ă DVKHU EXWWRQ WZLFH RQ QHZHU &$1 PRGHOV DQG \RXU garage door will open or close. Flashing the beams is as easy as it gets, and you don’t even have to stop the bike to do it! This month we’re installing and testing the improved Flash2Pass complete garage door opening system for motorcycles ($129.95). This kit includes an opener button that replaces the wall button in your garage, a small transmitter that mounts on the motorcycle, and all necessary materials to mount everything. Flash To Open recently improved its system to work with even more garage door opener brands while enhancing range and reliability with new gold connections. The Flash2Pass kit will work with virtually TOOLS NEEDED any 12-volt vehicle and with most garage • 3/16" Allen door brands manufactured since 1982. You • Phillips screwdriver (small ) can also buy the transmitter ($49.95) sepa• Phillips screwdriver (large) rately, so that each of your bikes can get in • Wire cut/strip/crimp tool DQG RXW RI WKH JDUDJH HDVLO\ $ VLQJOH UHFHLYHU can support up to six transmitters, and all Flash2Pass products are made in the US! Depending on your motorcycle, the entire installation can take as little as 15 minutes. Bikes with large headlight QDFHOOHV VXFK DV )/ +DUOH\V FDQ HDVLO\ Ă&#x;W the transmitter right inside the headlight bucket. Owners of other motorcycles need to get a little more creative, however, to securely hide the transmitter. That’s the case on our Dyna, where we had to lengthen the transmitter wires and tuck the unit underneath the WDQN FRQVROH ZKHUH LW Ă&#x;WV perfectly! We’ll also take you step by step through installing the wall-mounted receiver in your garage, too. KNOW

70 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

1 Here’s the stock headlight on our 2015 Dyna. We’ll need to remove the beam from the housing in order to access the high beam wires. It’s a good idea to put a thick cloth on the front fender, just in case anything falls down.

2 Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the bottom screw on the headlight surround. Be careful, as the headlight itself will fall out once this trim piece is removed.

3 On FL models with freight train headlights, the transmitter will fit inside the headlight housing. No such luck on Dynas, Sportsters, and some Softails, so we’ll have to mount the transmitter inside the dash console. First, remove the seat with a Phillips screwdriver.

7

4

We need to lengthen the transmitter wires so that they can easily run to the headlight and not get pulled when turning. Cut two 2'-lengths of 14-guage black wire.

Remove the rear tank console bolt with a 3/16" Allen.

11 Place the transmitter back into position on the console plate and run the extended wires on the left side of the frame neck and up into the gap between the headlight housing and its mounting bracket. Leave plenty of slack outside the housing.

8 Cut the wires on the transmitter, leaving about 4" behind so that the connections can get tucked under the console.

5

12

Remove both front tank console bolts with a 3/16" Allen.

Using the supplied connectors, connect each of the transmitter wires to the headlight’s black and white wire. First, insert the headlight wire into the Posi-Tap cap.

9 Strip the six wire ends about 3/8".

6 With the console lifted up, test fit the transmitter underneath. Situated like this on top of the plate seems to be the best fit.

10

13

Crimp the new, longer wires onto the transmitter wires and wrap them up in electrical tape.

Then, screw the Posi-Tap body to the cap with the wire in it. MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

71

17 14

Using the supplied screws and a Phillips screwdriver, install the garage door opener backing plate with the mounting tongue on the bottom.

Insert one of the transmitter wires into the cap on the other side and tighten it onto the Posi-Tap body.

20 Give the bike’s high beam (or flasher button on CAN bikes) a double tap, and the garage door should immediately begin ascending or descending. Additional transmitters will need to be paired to the main opener unit.

18 Using a Phillips screwdriver, secure the correct color wires to their labeled spots on the back of the opener unit. Make sure the switch is in the N position.

21 With everything working as it should, it’s time to button the bike back up. Start with the two front console bolts and a 3/16" Allen.

15 This is what the wiring should look like inside the headlight housing. Before putting anything back together, we’re going to install the garage door opener and then test the entire system.

16

19

With the original garage door opener button removed, the standard red and white wires are visible.

Snap the opener unit onto the backing plate. The red light should be blinking.

72 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

22 Now tighten the rear console bolt with a 3/16" Allen.

23 Reinstall the seat by placing the front tongue in the groove under the gas tank and then securing the rear bracket with the stock screw and a Phillips screwdriver.

24 Place the headlight into the housing and reinstall the trim ring using the stock screw, nut, and a Phillips screwdriver.

25 The new Flash2Pass system makes opening and closing a garage door or gate super easy. No more fumbling around or forgetting the garage door opener! AIG SOURCES Flash To Open 800/401-5584 FlashToOpen.com MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

73

I NSTALL • By Tyler Greenblatt

The AntiSissybar There’s nothing sissy about Ginz Choppers’ sissybars

S

ISSY BARS AND BACKRESTS CAN EITHER GIVE YOUR

bike the appearance of a lazy tourer or a badass barhopper, depending on which one you choose. I needed some passenger support and a luggage rack for long trips, but I didn’t want to lose the lean, mean Street Bob style I originally fell in love with. For the ultimate solution, I reached out to Gin of Ginz Choppers in Laguna Hills, California, for a custom sissy bar setup that would function as needed and look absolutely killer 100 percent of the time. Every Ginz sissybar is custom-built to order, and it can make any shape or design you want for your ride. Hop on the website to see what I mean! I loved the look of the Rolling Hell sissybar, which is part of the Elite series, and ordered it with a gloss black powdercoat in the Hardcore (20") size ($249.95). Ginz offers a variety of basic sizes from 10" Lowrider to 25" Extreme and different shades of black and chrome powdercoat. TOOLS NEEDED Mounting kits are available for most Harleys, • 3/8" Allen Indians, and Victorys. I opted for the Lo-Pro • 1/2" open-end wrench rigid-mount kit for my 2015 Street Bob • Blue threadlocker ($159.95). The Lo-Pro drops the sissybar closer • Phillips screwdriver to the fender than the standard mount and is • Torque wrench (ft-lbs.) mostly hidden by the fender struts. The mount• Towels ing kit comes with everything needed to easily

1 Our 2015 Dyna Street Bob is up on the Harbor Freight lift with its seat already removed.

74 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

install the Ginz sissybar. Detachable mounts are also available if you want to be able to remove the sissybar. Lastly, because I added an optional welded luggage rack, in the straight, old-school style ($169.95). The luggage rack gets seamlessly welded to the sissy bar right at the factory and sits at the perfect angle with the fender, bar, and JURXQG $ IXOO VL]H WUDYHOLQJ SDFN ßWV easily and securely, and the Ginz setup doesn’t rattle or cause an eyesore with the pack removed. The install is straightforward, and it’s made even easier by detailed instructions and diagrams. Just remember to put thick blankets or towels over the fender and gas tank, and put threadlocker on all the bolts. Since our bike has had the license plate and turn signals removed and saddlebag mounts installed, the install will be a little different than bikes with the stock turn signal location.

2 Remove the forward fender strut bolts.

TIPS & Let the bike sit for TRICKS 24 hours in order for the threadlocker to harden completely. Q

3 Apply some blue threadlocker to the Ginz-supplied bolts (or the saddlebag bracket bolt in this case) and reinstall them with the Ginz sissybar mounts using a supplied plastic washer between the bolt and the bracket, and a large supplied nylon spacer between the strut and fender. Then, with the brackets bolted into the front position only on both sides, insert the sissybar into the mounts and rest it on the gas tank (with a thick towel or blanket on it, of course).

6 Reinstall the rear turn signal bolt or saddlebag mount bolt. Remember to use blue threadlocker.

Spectro-Oils.com | 800-243-8645 @SpectroOils

7 Reinstall the seat.

4 Install the Ginz cap bolts up through the mounts and into the bottoms of the sissy bar using a 3/8" Allen and blue threadlocker. Torque to 50 ft-lbs.

8 The black powdercoat on the Ginz sissybar blends perfectly with the stock parts, and it looks completely custom! AIG

5 Rotate the assembly down so that the rear mounting bolt lines up with the rear turn signal bolt hole. Slide the Ginz-supplied nylon spacers in between the fender and mounting bracket.

SOURCES Ginz Choppers 949/916-5926 GinzChoppers.com MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

75

Bagger, Cruiser, Tall, Short, Slim, Fat, FixedMount or Detachable — DENNIS KIRK has the windshield or fairing to it your riding style. Log-on to denniskirk.com today to see all our wind-protection options from top brands.

WE SHIP TODAY!

denniskirk.com ∙ 800-564-1822

PRODUCT REVIEWS • By Tyler Greenblatt

Meguiar’s Detailing Products Get your bike ready for the season the right way W ITH SO MANY CLEANING AND DETAILING PRODUCTS ON THE market these days, it’s tough to separate the good ones from the bad. It’s a little easier when a reputable brand like Meguiar’s has its own line of motorcycle cleaning products, and it has everything needed to get your bike ready for Daytona or for a weekend cruise. First, start with Liquid Wax ($7.99), which cleans, polishes, and protects all painted surfaces in one step. All Metal Polish ($7.99) shines up the chrome and polished aluminum to make it really sparkle in the sun. Though there’s not a whole lot

WD-40 Specialist

Chemicals

Yes, WD-40 makes more than just WD-40 IN 2011, AFTER NEARLY 60 YEARS OF PRODUCING A SINGLE product, WD-40 announced a new Specialist line of chemiFDOV IRU VSHFLĂ&#x;F XVHV LQ WKH DXWRPRWLYH LQGXVWU\ PRVW RI which us garage junkies use all the time. The newest product in the Specialist line-up is Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant. It sprays on thick and accurately and doesn’t spread or drip with use. This makes it perfect for something like a garage door chain or hinges that could wind up sitting over your motorcycle! I’ve also applied it to the casters on my lift and toolbox, and the hinges on my truck’s tailgate and saw a noticeable improvement over cheap spray lube. I also tried out WD-40 Specialist’s Industrial-Strength Degreaser and Rust Release Penetrant. I brought them over to my friend’s auto

78 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

of plastic on Harley-Davidsons and Indians, Meguiar’s Plastic Cleaner/Polish is perfect for removing tiny scratches and blemishes on clear windshields and helmet visors. The Leather Cleaner & Conditioner ($6.99) works great on leather and vinyl and protect from fading or cracking. The best part about this leather cleaner is that it doesn’t leave the surface shiny or slippery like others often do. To ensure each of the products is applied as it was intended and tested, Meguiar’s also has a handy 6XSUHPH 6KLQH WKUHH SDFN RI PLFURĂ&#x;ber towels ($7.99). Rain, bugs, and bird crap can ruin a nice detail job. For these quick-clean needs, Meguiar’s Detailer Mist & Wipe DORQJ ZLWK D PLFURĂ&#x;EHU WRZHO LV WKH perfect touring companion. SOURCES Meguiar’s 800/347-5700 Meguiars.com

shop, to pit the WD-40 products against the cheaper competition as well as the high-end products he likes to use. The WD-40 products performed way better than the cheap stuff and on par with the top-of-the-line name brands relied upon in most professional shops. WD-40 products use the company’s Smart Straw, which features a permanently attached straw that can be folded down to utilize the standard sprayer. This makes storing the cans much, easier as those straws aren’t sticking out all over the place, and there’s no more worry about losing VWUDZV RU KDYLQJ WKHP à \ RXW ZKHQ you’re trying to gently spray something! Bottom line, I’m about to have a lot more room on my shelf as I upgrade WD-40 Specialist products. AIG SOURCES WD-40 888/324-7596 WD40.com

WIDGETS

Low And Behold

Be Clean, Be Cool '. &XVWRP 3URGXFWVÖ &1& RLO Ã&#x;OWHU UHORFDWLRQ NLW FRPHV ZLWK HYHU\WKLQJ QHHGHG WR UHORFDWH \RXU RLO Ã&#x;OWHU IRU HDV\ RLO FKDQJHV DQG FRROHU RLO RQ 6SRUWVWHU '\QD 6RIWDLO DQG 7RXULQJ +DUOH\ 'DYLGVRQ PRGHOV %\ UHORFDWLQJ WKH RLO Ã&#x;OWHU WKH Ã&#x;OWHU LV RXW LQ WKH ZLQG DQG LV HDV\ WR UHSODFH ZLWK QR PHVV 2LO QR ORQJHU FRPSURPLVHV WKH IURQW UXE EHU PRWRU PRXQW 7KH NLW LQFOXGHV D &1& ELOOHW RLO Ã&#x;OWHU PRXQW ZLWK EXLOW LQ GRZQWXEH FODPS D EODFN Ã&#x;QLVK HQJLQH DGDSWHU DQG KRVH FODPSV ,WÖV FRPSDWLEOH ZLWK RLO FRROHUV 2SWLRQDO DFFHVVRULHV OLNH EUDLGHG KRVH FODPSV DQG SHUPD QHQW Ã&#x;OWHU DUH DYDLODEOH ,WÖV DQ HDV\ EROW RQ LQVWDOO )URP ,QIR '. &XVWRP 3URGXFWV '.&XVWRP3URGXFWV FRP

/RZEURZ &XVWRPV VWDUWHG RXW GHVLJQLQJ ERWK D ULEEHG FKRSSHU VW\OH VSRRO KXE DQG D VPRRWK Ã DW WUDFN VW\OH VSRRO KXE ZKLFK ZHUH WKHQ PDFKLQHG RXW RI 7 DOXPLQXP 7KH KXEV DUH SDLUHG ZLWK D FKURPH VWHHO ULP DQG SROLVKHG VWDLQOHVV VWHHO VSRNHV DQG QLSSOHV 7KHVH ZKHHOV DUH ODFHG DQG WUXHG DQG FRPH ZLWK D FHQWHU VSDFHU DQG ZKHHO EHDULQJV IRU D D[OH $GG D WXEH DQG WLUH DQG WKLV ZKHHO LV UHDG\ WR PRXQW RQ \RXU PRWRUF\FOH 7KH 5LEEHG DQG )ODW 7UDFN VSRRO KXEV DUH DOVR DYDLODEOH IRU VDOH VHSDUDWHO\ VR \RX FDQ ODFH WKHP WR DQ\ VL]H DQG VW\OH ULP \RX ZRXOG OLNH 0DGH LQ WKH 86 ,QIR /RZEURZ &XVWRPV

Rock You Like A Hurricane 7KH QHZ 6FRUSLRQ FRPSOHWH FOXWFK DVVHPEOLHV IRU +DUOH\ 'DYLGVRQ %LJ 7ZLQV LQFOXGHV \RXU FKRLFH RI D 6FRUSLRQ ORZ SURÃ&#x;OH ORFN XS FOXWFK RU QRQORFN XS FOXWFK DQG WKH QHZ EROW RQ ELOOHW FOXWFK EDVNHW 6XSHULRU LQ TXDOLW\ DQG GXUDELOLW\ FRPSDUHG WR WKH VWRFN EDVNHW WKLV EDVNHW VLPSO\ EROWV RQ WR \RXU H[LVWLQJ ULQJ SULPDU\ JHDU :LWK WKH GXUDELOLW\ RI WKH &1& SUHFLVLRQ PDFKLQHG ELOOHW EDVNHW DQG WKH SURYHQ SHUIRUPDQFH RI WKH 6FRUSLRQ KLJK KRUVHSRZHU WRUTXH FDSDFLW\ FOXWFK WKHVH NLWV FRPH DVVHPEOHG ZLWK WKH EHDULQJ LQFOXGHG DQG LQVWDOOHG +\GUDXOLF YHUVLRQV DUH DOVR DYDLODEOH 7KLV SURGXFW LV PDGH LQ KRXVH DQG LQ WKH 86$ )URP ,QIR %DUQHWW &OXWFKHV &DEOHV %DUQHWW&OXWFKHV FRP

That’s Handy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Ã&#x;QLVK ,QIR +DQG\ +DQG\,QGXVWULHV FRP AIG MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

79

SNAPSHOTS

Garage@AmericanIronMag.com

American Iron Garage

@AmericanIronMag

Our American Iron Facebook and Instagram pages are booming with photos of your bikes. We love to share them so post yours and tag us @AmericanIronMag or email them to us at Garage@AmericanIronMag.com. Here are some of our favorites.

Here’s a look at Javier’s Wide Glide and Heritage, the latter he inherited from his father. He’s currently converting carbs and dressing ’em up to soak in the sunlight of nostalgia.

Another European-owned American V-twin. Here’s Lief Spangberg’s 150" S&Sequipped chopper mucking up the urban scenery in Sweden. He’s still bringing his tin lunch box to work, even after all these years!

Tina’s Softail stands out against the jagged edges of the clifs. Rumor has it they’re still crying from the thunderous boom from Tina’s exhaust.

Bobby loves his Super Low. His riding days have been put on pause, however, after he spent several years as second mate to Blue Beard on the high seas and lost his leg to gangrene. He prays every day for another chance to ride. Heal up, Bobby!

Willie and his woman stormed through Holywood Culture Night in County Down, Northern Ireland. We’d say the lads were mighty impressed when Willie showed up with a third wheel on the back of his trike!

80 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

Charlie’s wife treated him to a 2004 Sporty. Big mistake! He soon landed a 2011 Softail Deluxe, and now he’s hearing voices. Charlie tells us he rides when the bike speaks to him, “which is often.” We all whisper sweet nothings to our rides from time to time, but Charlie, boy, we think it’s time to seek some help!

ADVERTISER INDEX Please support our advertisers! They support us! Avon Grips Bel-Ray Oil Bike Barn Dennis Kirk

There go them bikers again, disturbing the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood. Paul’s ride stands out like a fox in the chicken coop, the backdrop of a picket fence and flowers really making it pop! AIG

Faarken Biker Stirrups Freedom Performance Geico Direct Harbor Freight Tools Headwinds HHI Indian Motorcycles LePera Enterprises Marlin Corp. Mid USA Motorcycle Parts S100 Spectro Oils True-Track Vibra-tite Victory Motorcycles Wiley X

800/334-7477 44 belray.com 11 604/521-6444 81 denniskirk.com C2-3, 32-33, 48-49, 62-63, 76-77, C4 508/210-2707 81 310/324-0415 7 800/442-9253 C3 HarborFreight.com 13 626/359-8044 75 877/442-5837 57 IndianMotorcycle.com 5 Lepera.com 8 800/777-5543 81 800/632-0024 73 s100.com 57 800/243-8645 75 818/623-0697 81 VC-3.com/motorcycle 53 VictoryMotorcycles.com 15 H-DSunglassesByWileyX.com 9

The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Iron Garage readers. American Iron Garage is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors in names, web sites, page, or phone numbers. If your company is not listed here, please contact Nicole Hart at 203/425-8777 ext. 116 to rectify.

MARCH /APRIL 2017 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE •

81

LAST WORD • By Walter Witosky

A Minnesotan In Oklahoma

L

I AM IN NO WAY a football fanatic, a theme bike geek, or even a mechanic. Most of my family being from Minnesota (minus a couple who are cheeseheads—Wisconsinites to you—which ZH ZRQÖW PHQWLRQ DQG KDYLQJ OLYHG WKHUH EULHà \ DV D NLG the purple and gold are in my veins! I started this project 2-1/2 years ago after playing in the punk rock band U.S.S.R. for 15 years, and I decided to put a bike together that would be just as fast and loud as the band. I am an electrician by trade for Grass Electric, so I knew that wiring and putting degrees on metal wouldn’t be as challenging for me as someone who types or sits at a desk all day (yes, please be offended!). I started with a Kraft/Tech American-made frame and bought a Hobart 130 welder. I purchased lots of DIY books and read lots of articles from this magazine to help me along the way. Seeing all those old and new chops with jockey shifts and foot clutch made that setup a must-have. Consciously, I wanted this to be my own as much as possible, not something for the sheep or picked because of a color or bad handlebar design. I started by ordering a seat pan, oil tank, and bungs on eBay from ET ME START BY SAYING THAT

82 • AMERICAN IRON GARAGE • MARCH/APRIL 2017

little shops around the country. I welded the oil tank three different times to get it to clear the inner primary and be as straight as possible. I hand-bent and welded the upper motor mounts and rear sissybar with a propane torch, hammer, and lots of Miller! The exhaust came in pieces in a box and using the old “brain juiceâ€? (Miller again), I cut and welded to get the shape that matched the look I desired. The gas tank was another eBay purchase, so I indented it with a mallet and used Red Kote to line it. For the foot clutch and shifter, I used a Viking cue ball that I drilled and tapped with a 3/8â€? stud and mounted using lots of red threadlocker. I also have a Miller tap handle that’s interchangeable. I had to cut and weld the shifter three times to get it to work. My boys, Damek and Talon, kept laughing at their dad, thinking I ZRXOG QHYHU Ă&#x;QLVK ,W ZDV FRPSOHWHO\ worth it and all the more satisfying to teach my kids not to give up and to Ă&#x;QLVK ZKDW \RX VWDUW AIG

>> All that’s missing is you, your bike and GEICO Motorcycle insurance.

geico.com | 1-800-442-9253 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle coverage is underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2017 GEICO

Week-long escape or workday commute, DENNIS KIRK has the luggage and storage gear to suit all your needs, in classic or modern styles. Log on to denniskirk.com today to see all we have to offer from top brands.

WE SHIP

denniskirk.com

TODAY!

800-564-1822

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.