Old timer HD mechanic
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,644
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From: So-Cal
Old timer HD mechanic
I pulled into a gas station this afternoon, and old timer is putting gas in his Caddy. He must be pushing 85 or more,and he walks over me and asks what kind of bike I am riding. I tell him there is only bike in this world and he says well it's gotta be a Harley.
He chuckles and then tells me that he used to work at a dealership in the 40s or 50s as a mechanic. Says the old Harleys were crap from the factory, out of balance, leaked, and sputtered. Well before his dealership sold any bike they tore down the motor and rebalanced the crank. He goes on to say that Harley has gotten it right now. Don't know what dealership, forgot to ask.
Told me to keep the rubber side down and ride her hard - not kidding!. I saw a nice twinkle in his eye as he walked away.
He chuckles and then tells me that he used to work at a dealership in the 40s or 50s as a mechanic. Says the old Harleys were crap from the factory, out of balance, leaked, and sputtered. Well before his dealership sold any bike they tore down the motor and rebalanced the crank. He goes on to say that Harley has gotten it right now. Don't know what dealership, forgot to ask.
Told me to keep the rubber side down and ride her hard - not kidding!. I saw a nice twinkle in his eye as he walked away.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
Nice to put a twinkle in an old mech's eye. They were barely paid enough to keep body and soul together back "in the day." But don't believe everything they tell you, either. 
If a dealer had to rebuild an engine, especially balancing the crank, on most, let alone all, bikes they sold, they wouldn't last through the riding season at the North Pole.
If a dealer had to rebuild an engine, especially balancing the crank, on most, let alone all, bikes they sold, they wouldn't last through the riding season at the North Pole.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
I used to visit the then young/old mechanics back in the 50's and 60's.At that time there was no mention of tearing a new bike apart.They would have never made any profit doing that.We accepted the Harleys just as they were,and some proud doing it.I really miss seeing to boys jumping on kickstarters!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
I love to make the connection with elders.
The things they have seen and been through........
I too see the twinkle in their eyes.......hopefully some day when I'm an old coot a rider will take the time to listen to me when I walk over to them to talk about the "old days"
The things they have seen and been through........
I too see the twinkle in their eyes.......hopefully some day when I'm an old coot a rider will take the time to listen to me when I walk over to them to talk about the "old days"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, Washington
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
I had to smile last night. Was on the way to a meeting and as the weather was really nice, I was riding the King. Just had her washed and cleaned up (we'd been on a couple of longer rides in the rain), so you know how purdy a bike can look. Any rate, I'm at the intersection getting ready to wheel right and this elderly gentleman slowly walks across. Rather than charge ahead, I just sit there on idle and look his way, letting him know "hey you got my respect. I can wait to turn until you get across the road." He gets closer to me and I nod and say, "Hows it going?" He looks and me and smiles and says, "nice ride you got there youngster." I laughed as I was turning right when he walked by me. At 58, I've not been called "youngster" too many times.
I love talking to those folks--they have some really great perspectives. And sense of humor.
I love talking to those folks--they have some really great perspectives. And sense of humor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
If we all would pay a little more attention to these "old timers" we could hear some interesting things.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,592
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From:
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
ORIGINAL: HTRAUD
Just relating a story; maybe they were race type motors, maybe the old guy was suffering alzheimers. Nonetheless, it was good talking to the guy.
Just relating a story; maybe they were race type motors, maybe the old guy was suffering alzheimers. Nonetheless, it was good talking to the guy.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
RE: Old timer HD mechanic
ORIGINAL: HTRAUD
I pulled into a gas station this afternoon, and old timer is putting gas in his Caddy. He must be pushing 85 or more,and he walks over me and asks what kind of bike I am riding. I tell him there is only bike in this world and he says well it's gotta be a Harley.
He chuckles and then tells me that he used to work at a dealership in the 40s or 50s as a mechanic. Says the old Harleys were crap from the factory, out of balance, leaked, and sputtered. Well before his dealership sold any bike they tore down the motor and rebalanced the crank. He goes on to say that Harley has gotten it right now. Don't know what dealership, forgot to ask.
Told me to keep the rubber side down and ride her hard - not kidding!. I saw a nice twinkle in his eye as he walked away.
I pulled into a gas station this afternoon, and old timer is putting gas in his Caddy. He must be pushing 85 or more,and he walks over me and asks what kind of bike I am riding. I tell him there is only bike in this world and he says well it's gotta be a Harley.
He chuckles and then tells me that he used to work at a dealership in the 40s or 50s as a mechanic. Says the old Harleys were crap from the factory, out of balance, leaked, and sputtered. Well before his dealership sold any bike they tore down the motor and rebalanced the crank. He goes on to say that Harley has gotten it right now. Don't know what dealership, forgot to ask.
Told me to keep the rubber side down and ride her hard - not kidding!. I saw a nice twinkle in his eye as he walked away.
