This Ain't the Same Place!

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Aug 1, 2019 | 08:12 PM

#21

pococj

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 11,068

Likes: 1,478

From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sierra Nate

I found the HD forums when I was searching for information on DIY customizing and maintenance. (Snip some) So share some pics...give me something to think about.

You'll do. Here ya go-

1972 XLCH - built in 1974-1975

E1978 FLH, 3 speed w/reverse, rocker clutch/hand shift.

Same '78 FLH, relocated front caliper, relocated swing arm shock mounts. Taken in 1993. Bike has about 220,000 miles on it here.

1987 FLST, '99 crate motor, Baker tranny w/N1 shift top, LaBriola suicide clutch/jockey shift, belt primary, '87 Sporty rear wheel, handmade license/light mount, handmade ss bars, electric box from a WW2 Navy aircraft (courtesy of my Dad, a WW2 vet)

2006 Fat Boy, 95" kit, QD batwing fairing, QD bags, QD sissy bar, Thunderheader, TC Bros air cleaner, extended footboards

Have an '07 Nightster, too. Can't find the pics, but swapped the 3 gal tank for a 2 gal tank off of a club brother's 72 XL model, painted tanks and fenders with 2007 Jeep burnt orange color outta rattlecans. Had a suicide/jockey on it, but swapped back so THE MAMA and older son could ride it.

Aug 1, 2019 | 08:59 PM

#22

M8USA

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 757

Likes: 443

From: Baltimore, MD

Back then, married with 3 kids, no such thing as credit cards, just making it week to week. You learned quickly to DIY. Today I do all my own construction, electrical, plumbing and fix my vehicles, except for oil changes and exhaust systems. My back isn't what it used to be.
Today its a lot easier to charge it and not learn how to fix it. Its a different generation that don't want to get their hands dirty.
Maybe thats why you don't see as many DIY.

Aug 1, 2019 | 09:32 PM

#23

Hey Man

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Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 10,298

Likes: 7,779

From: West Central FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by pococj

And that ain't necessarily a bad thing. Times change, technology changes, some of us get old(er), blah, blah, blah.

There doesn't seem to be as many who roll their own when it comes to maintenance, modifications, etc, though. Part of that is the newer bikes' design changes (government and less expensive assembly), and part is probably because society just doesn't get as deep into that as in the past. To use a very over-used and trite statement - It is what it is.

Ah well, back to the day-to-day of being retired and broke! Heading up the hill to start stripping down the '87 Sloptail back end and get it set up to install a lever "solenoid" and relay system.

Fewer people build and do their own maintenance because for the most part they're mechanically clueless. That's what happens when you grow up sitting in your room watching TV and playing video games instead of working on bicycles, mini bikes and go carts. You may know a byte from a bit but you sure as hell don't know a ratchet from a ring gear.

BTW. You're gonna love that manual solenoid. I put one on my Shovelhead years ago. Most expensive starter switch I ever bought but it is definitely the cat's ***.Just wait until the clueless start coming up and saying, " wow, that's a cool suicide shift."

.

Last edited by Hey Man; Aug 1, 2019 at 09:36 PM.

Aug 1, 2019 | 09:43 PM

#24

OLD 96

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 5,151

Likes: 2,975

From: WACO

In 1972 when I started riding there was no such thing as a computer. Self taught. You needed the passion to learn how to work on that old iron. The only reason I joined HDF was because of that damn 2007 Ultra I bought. I needed some help with this 21st century technology. Thanks to all for the help spending my money on the new technology.

Aug 1, 2019 | 09:48 PM

#25

pococj

Thread Starter

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Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 11,068

Likes: 1,478

From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Man

BTW. You're gonna love that manual solenoid. I put one on my Shovelhead years ago. Most expensive starter switch I ever bought but it is definitely the cat's ***.Just wait until the clueless start coming up and saying, " wow, that's a cool suicide shift."

.

I'll really confuse them because the bike already is suicide/jockey, LOL!

And I wish there was some other name besides "manual solenoid"! I've been an electrician/electronics/instrumentation guy all my life. A dang solenoid is an electrical coil! But "manual solenoid" rolls off the tongue; "manual Bendix", or "manual ring gear engagement device" - well, they ain't gonna win any wordsmith contests! And too many don't even know what a Bendix is...

Aug 1, 2019 | 09:51 PM

#26

OLD 96

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 5,151

Likes: 2,975

From: WACO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Man

We would use a piece of spring steel. Bolt it to the longer stud. Run the rubber boot. Push on it with your finger. But. You better have your scoot in good tune. Or the piece of spring steel could get stuck.

Aug 1, 2019 | 09:53 PM

#27

Ron750

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 28,844

Likes: 16,583

From: Wisconsin, USA

I learned a lot on here. But I don't come on much since some losers threatened my family, or job for political reasons. Not worth it.

Aug 1, 2019 | 09:57 PM

#28

hardheaded

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 11,228

Likes: 3,052

From: St.Louis Mo.

Been riding for 52 years and have always done mine own wrenching. This is by far the greatest forum on the planet ! While i live for the tech stuff the stories told here are great as well.

I've always liked the old school stuff, Not to many jockey shifted ridged hardtails out there anymore. What happened to them all ? Last week we were out and only saw 1 shovelhead all day. Very rarely see a pan out anymore. Hell, even Evo's are becoming less. Someone must have them all hid in their garages is the only answer i can come up with.