Let’s hit the highlights. I’m fortunate to have a young, talented fabricator/builder who I’m sharing ideas and resources with. Kent from Lucky Devil Metal Works in Houston is on the phone daily for tips and knowledge sharing. It’s damn healthy to have someone who is in the trenches daily to assist. In fact I have a couple of crucial metallurgy question this morning, but let’s hit what I accomplished.
A crucial aspect of building any bike is planning. That’s not to say all my eggs are in a row. We’ll see, but the more you can accommodate, the less redo’s will be necessary. Also, don’t throw anything away. The junk part might be a critical bracket tomorrow. I dug through my partially organized pipe bin and found a set of old glass pack, shorty muffler shot gun pipes. I could use the rear one. I decided, since noise issues are a concern and performance issue are a constant priority, I would build a set of shorty mufflers with Bandit tuned baffles. Then I spotted the fishtips in the pile and my consideration changed. I dug further. Kenny Price from Samson allowed me to dig through his warranty bin when I was looking for stanchions for my Bikernet office railing. I remembered touring mufflers with fish tips, I kept digging. Sure enough I had a set and in quick moves I sliced them into chunks. You know me, I’m a gambler. I cut them with no methodology in mind passed the size and looks, but I came up lucky. Samson designed a baffle system with a cone at the front to guide exhaust pulses into the baffle and it seems to be working for touring applications. I cut off that portion and discarded the majority of the baffle. But there was still 2 inches of baffle and a standard donut in the rear of the muffler. That’s where fate moved it’s evil hand over Richard Kimball again. Or in other words I rolled the dice.
I spoke to Kendall Johnson recently and he told me about performance stepped exhaust systems and reversion cones used to tune systems at the rear of the pipe. I couldn’t make this donut move up and back, but I had the makings of a reversion cone at the stern. With a torch I cut out the remaining baffle, then after speaking with the HOT BIKE staff and Craig Murrow, for a reversion cone description I knockout out the remaining baffle, then with various cutting and grinding cones I formed and smooth departure for the exhaust pulses. Then I had to remove the old touring mounts with a die-grinder and they were ready to weld.
The rear pipe was comparatively easy since the pipe was already made except for the muffler and brackets. Shovelheads are notorious for louse exhaust manifold connections and tearing out the single stud, so I wanted to mount them in the front and rear for a solid, secure connection. The only port for the connection at the front was the oil bag, and I’m still not sure about that half-baked choice. I had to make sure the pipe could be removed with the tabs on the bottom, then I spaced the tabs apart with a heat sink material. I may use Teflon, then the notion that the oil bag is rubbermounted floated to the surface. What bearing would that have on this coupling? Hell the frame will vibrate like a mad dog. I’m still questions that link, but we’ll see, maybe a spring between the tabs?
There was one other pipe design consideration–the length. I try to keep the pipes somewhat equal and between 32 and 38 inches. Buster’s Sportster runs sharp and crisp with his hand made 38-inches from the Bikernet Headquarters, as seen in Street Chopper. So I designed this pipe to be 38-inches and not protrude past the tire. My goal was to make the front pipe curve out the other side and be of equal length.
At the end of Friday night, one pipe was complete, tools were scattered all over the shop and I had a couple of Hooker Header chunks of 1 3/4 pipes segments cut and was fooling with the front header. The front was tricky as hell. I wanted to scoop out the left side of the bike, which added length. I also had a bitchin Rohm Performance Machine in Yuba City, CA (530) 647-9123 or rohmperformance.com or rohmpm@succeed.net, oil filter/cooler system that mounts to the front motor mounts and aim the filter at the ground for ease or removal and draining. The piped had to clear it significantly. This puppy was a lifesaver. I planned to run a oil cooler (Shovelheads run hot) and filter, for a lasting driveline and more oil capacity. My original plan called for old school mounting on either side of the oil bag, this eliminated all of that and the plumbing for two elements was reduced to one hot looking job.
Let’s hit the news, then I’ll finish up the filter mount, the let side exhaust, the seat and the thoughts behind the bars:
Police Relations
A cop stops his patrol car when he sees a couple sitting on the curb. The guy is lying on his side with his pants pulled down, the girl has her finger in his asshole, and she’s reaming away with a vengeance.
The cop says, “What the hell is going on here?”
The girl says, “This is my date. When I told him I wouldn’t spend the night with him, he started pouring down the booze. Now, he’s too drunk to drive me home, so I’m trying to sober him up by making him puke.”
The cop says, “That’s not gonna make him puke.”
She says, “Yeah? Wait till I put this finger in his mouth.”
–from Ken Miller
The Gangster Chopper Tease
I haven’t forgot to send you pictures of our bikes, Greg Friend w/ Street Chopper Magazine has one bike we built, completely photographed and he said it’ll run in the May issue. I do have a bike we’re finishing the fabrication work on. The bike is going out for paint next week. I am going to give the bike to you to feature where you want. It’s a pretty radical rigid frame chopper, and no doubt will make a big splash when it’s shown. The bike features more one off parts than any previous bike we’ve built and that is saying alot.
I will send pictures to you after all the fabrication work is completed, look for them next week sometime. Attached is a single picture of “TOXXIC” the bike Greg Friend has.
Thanks,
John Dodson aka Head Gangster
Swede’s Mistery Ride
I spoke with Swede and he hasn?t heard back from you. Please let me know if you get this, attached is a camera phone picture of the finished bike.
Please give him a call so you can set something up before the bike gets to dirty.
Thanks
CLASSIC ART DECO BREATHER FROM LICK’S CYCLES
Looking for something truly unique to handle YOUR SCOOTER’S air filtration? If so, the GOODSON LITTLE BREATHER offered by Lick’s Cycles has you covered. Featuring Timeless “Bird Deflector” lines, GOODSON breathers are 100% hand crafted in the USA from casting to highly polished finish. Flowing lines provide an unforgettable Art Deco appearance while Goodson’s patented cast aluminum backing plate and Unifilter element provide exceptional filtration and performance.
Offered in a variety of styles to fit a total of 22 carburetor and FI applications, Lick’s GOODSON BREATHER assemblies offer an unmistakable touch of American craftsmanship, quality and performance to any style machine. LITTLE BREATHER measures 6 1?2″ x 3 1?2″, retail for $199.00 and can be ordered with a red or black Unifilter low restriction element. For complete details on breather styles and specific applications, call Lick’s Cycles direct at 888-522-8191 or visit them on the web at www.lickscycles.com
Bikernet History Lesson – Swallow Sidecars
Swallow Sidecar Company was formed in Blackpool by William Lyons, on his 21st Birthday on the 4th September 1922, with the nine year older William Walmsley as his equal partner. The company was formed with a bank overdraft of ?1000 guaranteed by their respective fathers. The company was to produce sidecars for motorcycles, a follow-on of Walmsleys previous line of reconditoned war-surplus Triumph motorcycles and fitting of sidecars.
In spite of the economic stagnation of the early 20’s the company bloomed and had their first stand at the 1923 Motorcycle Show. In 1926 the growth was sufficient to enable the company to move into larger premises at Cocker Street and change the name of the company to Swallow Sidecar and Coachbuilding company.
In 1927 the company announced the Austin Swallow Two-seater, a rebodied version of the seven-horsepower Austin Seven. Lyons quickly gained orders for close to 500 of the cars.
–from Dr. Nuttboy
Bandit Update
Hey Bandit, hope you are doing okay out there? Cold and snowing here in Kansas. I thought that when you quit Easyriders you started Bikernet.com and that was a pretty good gig. So I thought you were doing ok with something like that, but someone told me that you are with Hotbike mag or something and I picked up a mag and you are with them. Way to go.
I think that just Bikernet wouldn’t pay all the bills, right? Anyway, how long you been at the top with this rag? Is it better that Easyriders? Don’t have to tell me a thing, but was fun finding your name back in the magazine business. My daughter is still very proud that you sent her an e-mail and stuff, and says that she knows more old harley riders than most people around here.
Keep up the good work, and do you think I should get the HotBike mag for awhile? Is it any good?
Take care bro, Mo
It’s the best, or will be, or I wouldn’t be there. Bikernet does pay the bills, but when a brother needs help and calls me, I come runnin’. Besides, you’re only afforded so many adventures in life. Gotta make the best of every one of ’em. Thanks, Bandit.
Bikernet Gardening Lesson
An old man lived alone in New Mexico. He wanted to spade his chili garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, Francisco, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:
Oye Francisco,
I feeling pretty bat cuz I do not think I will be able to plant my chili gardenzzz this year. I just getting too viejo to dig a garden, but if you wazzzzz here, all my problemas wood be over.
I know you would dig the plot for me.
Siempre, tu poppy
A few days later he received a letter from his son.
Dear Poppy,
Por favor, no, don’t dig up the garden, that’s where I Buried the BODIES.
Love, Francisco
At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police showed up and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies! They apologized to the old man and left.
That same day the old man received another letter from his son.
Dear Dad,
Go ahead and plant the chili now. It’s the best I could do under the circumstances.
Love, Francisco
–from Buckshot
The new Booth Hill Saloon
–from Rogue
Active Performance Exhaust Kit
The best of both worlds. This street-legal exhaust system provides the horsepower and torque characteristics of Screamin’ Eagle? Pro Race-Use Mufflers while maintaining EPA and CARB approved sound and emission levels. The catalyst-equipped exhaust system utilizes an electronic servo-controlled butterfly valve to alter the gas path between the left and right muffler.
The integrated on-board computer measures operating conditions, and limits the exhaust flow to the left muffler to optimize performance, sound and emissions. The results are enhanced torque and horsepower throughout the operating range, and the rich, pleasing exhaust note you expect from a Harley-Davidson.
The complete system includes left and right catalyst-equipped mufflers, servo motor, cable-operated butterfly valve, plug-in on board computer with service diagnostic capabilities, left-hand heat shield, and all necessary installation hardware.
Fits ’05 EFI Touring models (except CVO). Requires separate purchase of Screamin’ Eagle Stage I Air Cleaner Kit P/N 29773-02B and two Muffler End Caps. ECM calibration is required, and dealer installation is recommended. 50 state street legal when used with stock 1450cc Twin Cam engine and Screamin’ Eagle Stage I Air Cleaner Kit P/N 29773-02B.
price: US $699.95
She was Soooooooo Blonde
* She thought a quarterback was a refund.
* She thought General Motors was in the army.
* She thought Meow Mix was a CD for cats.
* She thought Boyz II Men was a day care center.
* At the bottom of an application where it says “Sign here:” she wrote “Sagittarius.”
She Was Soooooooooooooo Blonde…
* She took the ruler to bed to see how long she slept.
* She sent a fax with a stamp on it.
* Under “education” on her job application, she put “Hooked On Phonics.”
She was Sooooooooooooooooo Blonde…
* She tripped over a cordless phone.
* She spent 20 minutes looking at the orange juice can because it said “Concentrate.”
* She told me to meet her at the corner of “WALK” and “DON’T WALK.”
* She tried to put M&M’s in alphabetical order.
She was Soooooooooooooooooooo Blonde…
* She studied for a blood test.
* She sold the car for gas money.
* When she missed bus #44 she took bus #22 twice instead.
* When she went to the airport and saw a sign that said, “Airport Left,” she turned around and went home.
She Was Sooooooooooooooooooooo Blonde…
* When she heard that 90% of all crimes occur around the home, she moved.
* She thought if she spoke her mind, she’d be speechless.
* She thought that she could not use her AM radio in the evening.
* She had a shirt that said “TGIF,” which she thought stood for “This Goes In Front.”
AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE:
She is sooooooooooooooooo Blonde…
She thinks Taco Bell is the Mexican phone company.
Doobie Brother Down
Sadly I inform you that Harley Davidson aficionado and Doobie Brothers drummer Keith Knudsen died Tuesday at the Kentfield Rehabilitation Hospital in San Francisco after a month-long battle with pneumonia. He was 56 years young and made his home in Sonoma County’s wine country in California.
Keith, along with Doobies bandmate John McFee, was also a founding member of the country rock group Southern Pacific, which released four albums and had several hits.
Keith began drumming in eighth grade in his hometown of Princeton, IL and played area teen bands including one whose claim to fame was being the local opening act for Paul Revere & the Raiders in LaSalle. Keith joined the Doobie Brothers in 1974 and played with the Doobies until the band’s 1982 hiatus. The band reformed in 1989 and Keith rejoined the band full-time in 1993.
Surviving bandmates Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston, Michael Hossack and John McFee, along with manager Bruce Cohn, in their grief have issued the following statement: “Keith epitomized what a Doobie Brother was: a great musician and drummer, great singer, great songwriter and great guy.” They added, “Keith’s are awfully big shoes to fill. This is a sad day for the band and our fans.”
The Doobies are well-known for incorporating a myriad of musical stylings into popular “good-time” music and are highly-revered for their exciting live performances. During Keith’s tenure with the band they penned mega-hits hits including China Grove, Taking it to the Streets, Black Water, Listen to the Music and Jesus is Just Alright.
Keith contracted polio at age 5, which weakened his lungs. Keith briefly ceased touring with the Doobies to fight nasal cancer in 1995. His battle was successful although those closest to Keith said it left him weak and he never fully regained all his strength. Yet he rejoined the band in the studio and on tour the following year.
In 2003 Keith fell ill with pneumonia during a Doobie Brothers performance in North Carolina and had to be hospitalized just a month prior to the Doobie Brothers headlining Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. A life-long dream for any Harley riding musician, sadly Keith was still hospitalized and regretfully unable to perform for Harley’s centennial celebration.
The Doobie Brothers performed at a few Super Bowls during the last decade and Keith did get to watch the Patriots win last Sunday, which I’m sure evoked fond memories of his own Super Bowl performances. Friends said he was in good spirits during the game. He was weak, but he seemed okay. Keith did enjoy a fun time and he loved to laugh.
I first met Keith in 1993 when he rejoined the Doobie Brothers for a tour commencing in Warwick, RI. He was basically shy, but friendly with an infectious laugh and terrific sense of humor. He enjoyed children and seemed to hold special favor with my daughter Kimvi who was 11 years-old at that time. We remained friendly over the years and it was always nice to see Keith and enjoy a hug. He met most of my family over the years and was always gracious in his hospitality towards my family members and my friends in hotel lobbies, backstage commissaries and special events. Keith will always hold a special place with my family and I. We will miss him.
The Doobie Brothers recently released a new DVD of concerts and interviews entitled “Live at the Wolf Trap” and are also scheduled to release a new album this summer with brand new material. This will be an opportunity for Keith’s friend and fans to enjoy the final talents of a great musician doing what he loved most— making music with his dearest friends.
Keith is survived by his wife, Kate, and their daughter Dayna, his father, Charles, and three siblings. Keith spoke with his dad on the telephone the night before he died. His father stated, “The last things we said were, ‘I love you’ and ‘I love you’.”
Arrangements for a funeral and memorial service are still pending, but the family has requested that donations in Knudsen’s honors be made to his favorite charity, the National Veterans Foundation.
–Rogue
http://www.bikerrogue.com
Connecticut Attempts To Reinstate Helmet Law
Hartford, CT (2/7/05): The first hearing on the latest effort to mandate a helment law in CT was held at the Capitol in front of the Transportation Committee. The bill, SB 721, was introduced by Senator Nickerson.
Grass roots efforts marshaled a number of riders in opposition to the legislation. Anti helmet legislation supporters were able to get media involvement in an effort to get the word out.
–Richard Paukner
CMRA Legislative Director
VALENTINE’S DAY RIDERS CHOICE
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When He Should Be Working
Hey your site is great I’ve spent many hours on it when I should be working. But I had a question about a trailer that I saw for a movie called FTW. I also saw mention of it in one of Special Agent Zebras articles. I was just wondering if you know anything about this movie. Like where I can find it or if it is even out, or anything?
Thanks, Brad
If you can find a March HOT BIKE, it has the lastest update.–Bandit
Empire Needle Bearing Internal Throttle
I’ve been laughing out loud to myself about this off and on since you called today.
Had been speaking with a friend just yesterday, talking about how getting the biz going has been gut wrenching on a daily basis for a couple years now, like had the peanut butter but no bread and worse yet, no milk to wash it down, kinda thing.
Any way I was feelin fired up about this dude who (sits on the couch eating delivery pizza and wishin his life was better) told me how lucky I was cause I got to build bike parts and I smiled and said “yeah, I am” but thought to my self this dude don’t even have a clue what it’s been getting it up off the ground and he’s sittin there looking at me like it’s all fun and games with just bags of cash, cause hell, they do it on t.v. and they got it all! right?
So, I tell my friend who was kind enough to tolerate hearing it… that the next one that tells me how lucky I am is gonna get an earful o’shit about how hard I worked and starved and sold all my personal stuff, gave up any kind of life outside the shop just to get a heart beat going in this small company I called Empire (mostly named that to keep me positive, I think). But the kicker… man, don’t you tell me exactly those magic words “your so lucky” the first thing, once ya knew it was me on the phone.
Well Bandit, I wouldn’t have made up outta year one with out the help of some really good people, who for whatever reason thought enough of me and the stuff this little Empire makes to give us a chance and not just slam the door, although we had that and the jealous ones and thieves too but the boys and my enthusiasm and love for what we’re doin under this roof at 625 Ford blvd. Seemed to be a little bit infectious and has “luckily” spread to some real good people who seemed to understand and speak motorcycle most fluently.
God bless’em all, the good, the bad and the ugly ones too.
I am lucky. damn straight! I’m the luckiest man I know, and of the many valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way… here are two.
Even though ya need ’em to survive, ya don’t count wealth in dollars. And all the iron man wishes and bent tube dreams in the world don’t mean a thing, if ya don’t get your ass up off the couch!
So, true to my claim. the next dude got the ear full or close enough, eye full in this case. thanks for readin it. Thanks for the laughs and the chance to write for ya. I hope you like it when it’s done.
–Bill
Empire MFG, Inc.
(450) 692-2455
Empiremfginc.com
Cyril Huze In DAYTONA BIKE WEEK ’05
Cyril Huze New Location: Display Adjacent To International Speedway Blvd. Fan Walk Located At Nascar’s Turn 4
Cyril Huze.
Tel 561-392-5557
Fax 561-392-9923
http://www.cyrilhuze.com
Sunday Bike Deal Of The Weekend
Complete, running late model Sportster. Sheet metal is with the bike, just not on it. Price: $2025.00
–Lee
“Lee Clemens”
THAT’S A WRAP–Let’s get back to the Shovelhead. I spent all day long on Saturday, dodging the phone and working in the garage. I had all the tools and materials I needed, even two new sets of welding glasses, which came in damn handy. The trick was to line up the pipes, make all the right decisions, hope for the best and tack ’em. I did and with a level I constantly compared the pipe to the top of the lift. The spacing worked out fine.
I cleared the top of the bitchin’ oil cooler/filter mount hopefully by enough to allow the pipe slip down and out of the head. I tacked the tab with a spacer between the two for some jiggle room. And I made damn sure that the pipe tab was below the frame tab. At the back, the muffler was fabricated the same as the other one with a slight exception. I shaped the reversion cone the same, cut off the touring mounts and ground the tabs. Then I used a couple of V-blocks to hold it perfectly in line for tacking the halves together. Then I sliced off the crush tabs on the front of the Samson tapered muffler. They were wider and different than the other side, so I cut them off. You’ll notice the difference, if you check both side.
The front parts of the pipe were Hooter elements and they are smooth mandrel bent segments. I used another one for jogged straight piece between the muffler and the head. I took the 1 3/4-inch exhaust to my Muffler Master bender and bent it slightly one way then reversed the sucka and bent it the other way. It fit like a dream and looped out enough to pass the oil bag. I used Hooker header alignment sleeves to hold the front pieces in perfect alignment. Done deal, I tacked them, constantly comparing the level with the lift, the pipes then the muffler. After the tacking was secure, another tab welded to the frame, avoiding the oil bag (a Lucky Devil concern, since the oil bag is rubbermounted), then all elements were rechecked, I removed both pipes and MIG welded them as complete as possible.
I find that MIG welding is a pain and blows holes in pipes easily. I also discovered that after I MIG weld a pipe I can flow the weld easily with a torch and smooth out all the welds, fix holes and fill gaps. I actually found a piece of old steel rod not much bigger than a piece of wire. I usually use old coat hanger, but it pops and wheezes from the paint coating. After the pipes were welded, flowed and checked twice, I ground all the surfaces with an emery disc and painted them with whatever barbecue heat paint I had laying around. The lovely Layla is currently on her way back from Home Depot with some flat black heat paint. We’ll see how that works.
Kent from Devil hand fabricated the seat pan, brackets and bungs. I set them up and welded the parts in place. Then it was time to roll the bike off the lift and see how she fit and where I might need heat shields. I discovered a couple of things. Yes, the scoot would require left side heat shields and nothing on the right. I also tested my notion to sculpt claws out of brass, unsuccessfully.
I also found that the existing bars wouldn’t cut it. I grabbed the old ’48 Panhead TT-bars, narrowed them by 4 inches, and I sorta like them. Okay, so I grappled with the sculpting business for a couple of hours and discovered that I can’t control the brass like I can steel. I spoke to Kent from Lucky Devil and he recommended that I try TIG Silicon Bronze rod. I’ll try that next week. In the meantime, my first brass sculpting attempt ended up on the shop door. Let’s get the hell out of here.
Ride forever,
–Bandit
