Shovelhead front end update
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: S.E.PA
RE: Shovelhead front end update
ORIGINAL: Rodney
you did a great job!! [8D] [8D]
you did a great job!! [8D] [8D]
"Rodney"
"you did a great job!!"
thanks Rodney, but I only paid, that was easy : - ))) there was no-way I could have done this in time for the Lake George, NY trip in June, not with work an all, my bud we both help each other out just got another home, he is tied up with it, in fact two days I was helping him out ripping out old paneling so it would have been just me, so it’s done just in time and I mean just in time : - ) I’m telling you the more miles I get into it, the better them RK bars feel and that is a surprise, came a long way in just 100+ miles, from, I got to put these on e-bay, to hay better handling !
Well one more full day then I take off, I can’t wait to put her through those fine mountain roads in the Adirondacks, the roads up there are in great condition all over NY,VT, NH even in Canada ! that and friends keep me going back year after year ! wow went off there : - )) ……….
Take care Rodney if I am not on tomorrow see you in a week, been a long day !
cj
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: S.E.PA
RE: Shovelhead front end update
 \\;
The final test ride !
 \\;
Well I mention I have new bars to go with the new front end, I got a chubby 1.25" dia RK bars, they were the closest thing in dimension wise (hand grip tip to tip to the buckhorns (28.5" to 31"), but the RK bars came way back to me and almost flat, my first impression was well after the trip to lake george I’ll put them on e-bay ! didn’t really like them, but talking to others some with those bars, I will give then a chance on the trip.
 \\;
Great, after zeroing the trip set to 999 I looked down a few miles out and it was still 999 ! WTF is going on, ? just kept go going, just stop at the places I stopped on the way up for years, it worked out.
 \\;
The ride up was solo, I had saddle bag take offs (when I get there, I took them off) a couple of rolls besides, after topping off gas in NJ just before jumping on I287 in NJ, I pulled over on the access road good place to check the bags and tie-ons, as I started the bike I was looking down (right front) notice my peg for my forward controls was vibrating ? WTF is this ? these things have been on since ’02, I look at my watch then got my tool roll, within 5 mins I am on the road, checking so often that right front peg (stayed tight) screwed without that peg, nowhere to put my right leg besides the frame rail and exhxust pipe !
 \\;
I couldn’t believe the light traffic this is a major hiway, intersects I70 and I80 and near NYC, man gas prices is helping the traffic load big time.
 \\;
I like the way it handles at high speed the front end is tight the bars seem very easy to counter steer, too soon for a final call on the RK bars, but the ride is going very easy !!!
 \\;
Before I knew I was on I87 in NY headed to Albany and the Northway ! 50 miles up is lake george, got off the second exit for the village the cops most likely are at the first checking pipes (been there, done that) pulled into the motel, looked down saw 5 of my friends, arms go up a return, then check-in, out to eat at Mario’s man it’s great to be back ! partyed till 2 am the first night.
 \\;
Next day out for breakfast and a 200 mile ride, the bike is really handling great on these mountain roads, I am getting impress, next day cloudy but no rain, only 120 mile run we check out some venders outside the main event space is cheaper : )
 \\;
Now the real test ride 9N along the 25 miles of lake george great twisties hundreds of bike coming at you on the other side of the 2 lane road, lets not forget the rockets passing on curves : - ) I am taking up the tail (new front end, still not there yet) and here comes the 2 mile drop, the signs, use low gear, I have a camera looped around my neck just hanging there, been filming with it a day or two, start to gear down 3rd, first turn camera up in the left, counter steering with the right grip, dropping all the time, turn after turn, hay this is the best ride down here ever ! before I knew it the side overlook was coming up ! that ride made me a believer in that front end and bars, I was never on a better handling hd ever !
 \\;
I brought just a few things up there, I got a tip about these gel gloves ? called Qwi, nerve protection MC gloves (right off the package) http://www.qwinerveprotector.com/ I got the shorty fingerless, they have two gel strips in the palm, do they work, yes big time, no high speed buz or numbness, I guess I will save the pig skin shortys for local runs, also pick up ear plugs, since I work sometimes in a plant I have access to quick ear plugs, but the problem is they stick out a bit, these are made for wearing under a lid, they are flush and work so well you think your in a car ! blocks out all sounds, that to me is the one problem you can’t hear cars along side you or trucks for that matter coming up on you ! I will only wear these on high-speed interstate hiways, forget local riding, they worked, no 3+ hrs of ringing when you get back off a 6 or 7 hr run, also the other benny I was told about, that I had to see for myself was "the trip goes faster" they were right, no wind noise, with my half lid, both items were no doubt worth it, best return trip I ever had !
 \\;
the PM brake are night and day to the stock twins I had.
was it worth it ? just like the motor and 6 speed OD, every penny : - )
remember if I just had hd, stock brakes off a ’84 shovel, I wouldn’t have put these PM brakes on ! that’s when hd got a clue on brakes !
later….
 \\;
2 pics one of the motel view of lake george and one, cloudy day riding in Adirondacks, mountains, hundreds of miles like that along lakes.
 \\;
cj
 \\;
 \\;
[IMG]local://upfiles/16813/5BD5208F9FAC450A9F922BE384B08DFF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/16813/5A72FEBEF8D94B7282AE311FC09E0C01.jpg[/IMG]
The final test ride !
 \\;
Well I mention I have new bars to go with the new front end, I got a chubby 1.25" dia RK bars, they were the closest thing in dimension wise (hand grip tip to tip to the buckhorns (28.5" to 31"), but the RK bars came way back to me and almost flat, my first impression was well after the trip to lake george I’ll put them on e-bay ! didn’t really like them, but talking to others some with those bars, I will give then a chance on the trip.
 \\;
Great, after zeroing the trip set to 999 I looked down a few miles out and it was still 999 ! WTF is going on, ? just kept go going, just stop at the places I stopped on the way up for years, it worked out.
 \\;
The ride up was solo, I had saddle bag take offs (when I get there, I took them off) a couple of rolls besides, after topping off gas in NJ just before jumping on I287 in NJ, I pulled over on the access road good place to check the bags and tie-ons, as I started the bike I was looking down (right front) notice my peg for my forward controls was vibrating ? WTF is this ? these things have been on since ’02, I look at my watch then got my tool roll, within 5 mins I am on the road, checking so often that right front peg (stayed tight) screwed without that peg, nowhere to put my right leg besides the frame rail and exhxust pipe !
 \\;
I couldn’t believe the light traffic this is a major hiway, intersects I70 and I80 and near NYC, man gas prices is helping the traffic load big time.
 \\;
I like the way it handles at high speed the front end is tight the bars seem very easy to counter steer, too soon for a final call on the RK bars, but the ride is going very easy !!!
 \\;
Before I knew I was on I87 in NY headed to Albany and the Northway ! 50 miles up is lake george, got off the second exit for the village the cops most likely are at the first checking pipes (been there, done that) pulled into the motel, looked down saw 5 of my friends, arms go up a return, then check-in, out to eat at Mario’s man it’s great to be back ! partyed till 2 am the first night.
 \\;
Next day out for breakfast and a 200 mile ride, the bike is really handling great on these mountain roads, I am getting impress, next day cloudy but no rain, only 120 mile run we check out some venders outside the main event space is cheaper : )
 \\;
Now the real test ride 9N along the 25 miles of lake george great twisties hundreds of bike coming at you on the other side of the 2 lane road, lets not forget the rockets passing on curves : - ) I am taking up the tail (new front end, still not there yet) and here comes the 2 mile drop, the signs, use low gear, I have a camera looped around my neck just hanging there, been filming with it a day or two, start to gear down 3rd, first turn camera up in the left, counter steering with the right grip, dropping all the time, turn after turn, hay this is the best ride down here ever ! before I knew it the side overlook was coming up ! that ride made me a believer in that front end and bars, I was never on a better handling hd ever !
 \\;
I brought just a few things up there, I got a tip about these gel gloves ? called Qwi, nerve protection MC gloves (right off the package) http://www.qwinerveprotector.com/ I got the shorty fingerless, they have two gel strips in the palm, do they work, yes big time, no high speed buz or numbness, I guess I will save the pig skin shortys for local runs, also pick up ear plugs, since I work sometimes in a plant I have access to quick ear plugs, but the problem is they stick out a bit, these are made for wearing under a lid, they are flush and work so well you think your in a car ! blocks out all sounds, that to me is the one problem you can’t hear cars along side you or trucks for that matter coming up on you ! I will only wear these on high-speed interstate hiways, forget local riding, they worked, no 3+ hrs of ringing when you get back off a 6 or 7 hr run, also the other benny I was told about, that I had to see for myself was "the trip goes faster" they were right, no wind noise, with my half lid, both items were no doubt worth it, best return trip I ever had !
 \\;
the PM brake are night and day to the stock twins I had.
was it worth it ? just like the motor and 6 speed OD, every penny : - )
remember if I just had hd, stock brakes off a ’84 shovel, I wouldn’t have put these PM brakes on ! that’s when hd got a clue on brakes !
later….
 \\;
2 pics one of the motel view of lake george and one, cloudy day riding in Adirondacks, mountains, hundreds of miles like that along lakes.
 \\;
cj
 \\;
 \\;
[IMG]local://upfiles/16813/5BD5208F9FAC450A9F922BE384B08DFF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/16813/5A72FEBEF8D94B7282AE311FC09E0C01.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
RE: Shovelhead front end update
cj_slowdown,
Glad you made it back safe and sound. The pics are appreciated.
I took your que regarding the All ***** starter and Odyssey PC-535 battery. I haven't finished the install because I discovered a crack in my oil tank leaking onto the trans. I welded it up but I'm not happy with the result. Oh well, I'm stuck with it for now. I'm looking forward to the engine starting easier...
Glad you made it back safe and sound. The pics are appreciated.
I took your que regarding the All ***** starter and Odyssey PC-535 battery. I haven't finished the install because I discovered a crack in my oil tank leaking onto the trans. I welded it up but I'm not happy with the result. Oh well, I'm stuck with it for now. I'm looking forward to the engine starting easier...
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: S.E.PA
RE: Shovelhead front end update
ORIGINAL: megawatt
cj_slowdown,
Glad you made it back safe and sound. The pics are appreciated.
I took your que regarding the All ***** starter and Odyssey PC-535 battery. I haven't finished the install because I discovered a crack in my oil tank leaking onto the trans. I welded it up but I'm not happy with the result. Oh well, I'm stuck with it for now. I'm looking forward to the engine starting easier...
cj_slowdown,
Glad you made it back safe and sound. The pics are appreciated.
I took your que regarding the All ***** starter and Odyssey PC-535 battery. I haven't finished the install because I discovered a crack in my oil tank leaking onto the trans. I welded it up but I'm not happy with the result. Oh well, I'm stuck with it for now. I'm looking forward to the engine starting easier...
"megawatt"
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
"Glad you made it back safe and sound. The pics are appreciated. "
"I took your que regarding the All ***** starter and Odyssey PC-535 battery."
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
Thanks Man, that area is so great the roads are in great shape for being a northeast winter state ! and the thing I most like is the curve signs in NY, if it reads 50mph it’s no big deal doing a little over, if it states 25 mph better not try too much over, way better than PA curve signs, all curves in PA are 25 mph !!! : - ) I am telling you bud that combo seems like it really kicks butt starting the ride, I am crazy with that battery, it has so much punch from the start ! and I hope it lasts for 5 years : - )
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
"I haven't finished the install because I discovered a crack in my oil tank leaking onto the trans. I welded it up but I'm not happy with the result. Oh well, I'm stuck with it for now. I'm looking forward to the engine starting easier..."
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
Your oil tank had a crack ? when hd was doing the first overhaul on the shovel mid eighties the wrench told me hay you need a oil tank, what ? yeah, your tanks neck is holding on by the rust !! he was right so I got a new one at the time, hay that looks like a HD defect ? it is, but don’t look for a recall : - ) so here I am getting new pistons and most need it, harder valves and seals to run that crap w/o lead : - ) buying a oil tank !
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
I wish you luck with the tank, if it holds the oil never mind how it looks : - ) I am still running mine !
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
The latest now is I am trying to get S&\\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;S super stock ignition system software program working to read the info in the ign ! dam freakin thing, COM /LPT ports problems, program can’t see the module etc. !! funny this is why I didn’t want to buy a new hd, this kind of bs with computers !!! joke is on me : - ))))
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
later,
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
cj
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
 \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
 \\;
Can 't re-post picture new pic or next post  \\;
 \\;
 \\;
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
RE: Shovelhead front end update
I am not very computer savvy myself. I can barely email stuff and post here on the Forum. I wish you luck doing whatever it is you are trying to do with your ignition. Ya just cannot avoid computers if you want to get stuff done these days.
I cranked my engine over last night with the plug wires grounded just to see what it would do. It had a hard time getting past the first compression stroke then took off like I have never heard it crank before. This starter really spins the engine! I read in the instructions that if the engine cranks slowly past that first compression stroke and the terminals on the solenoid are hot (they were VERY hot), that I need to install the little metal button that came with the starter motor into the solenoid to make sure there is a solid electrical contact inside it. I have a new solenoid so I installed it with the button thing and I am now waiting for the silicon sealer on the gasket for the solenoid to set up. I am running a sealed, wet primary and that ATF gets everywhere and it will leak out from the solenoid if I do not seal it.
Yeah, that stinking oil tank cracked at one of the welds that attaches the plate for the lower mounts to the tank itself. I had to cut the welds and heat the plate so I could bend it away from the tank to get to the crack. Then, of course, reverse the process to put it back together. The damn sheet metal tank warped all over the place and I even burned a hole through it but I got it all buttoned back up...it looks like crap but being on the bottom of the tank, no one can see it. I will keep an eye out for a replacement tank on the cheap. I will find a used one somewhere.
I have a Accel rebuild kit for the old solenoid so I guess I will do that while I wait for the sealer to set up.
I cranked my engine over last night with the plug wires grounded just to see what it would do. It had a hard time getting past the first compression stroke then took off like I have never heard it crank before. This starter really spins the engine! I read in the instructions that if the engine cranks slowly past that first compression stroke and the terminals on the solenoid are hot (they were VERY hot), that I need to install the little metal button that came with the starter motor into the solenoid to make sure there is a solid electrical contact inside it. I have a new solenoid so I installed it with the button thing and I am now waiting for the silicon sealer on the gasket for the solenoid to set up. I am running a sealed, wet primary and that ATF gets everywhere and it will leak out from the solenoid if I do not seal it.
Yeah, that stinking oil tank cracked at one of the welds that attaches the plate for the lower mounts to the tank itself. I had to cut the welds and heat the plate so I could bend it away from the tank to get to the crack. Then, of course, reverse the process to put it back together. The damn sheet metal tank warped all over the place and I even burned a hole through it but I got it all buttoned back up...it looks like crap but being on the bottom of the tank, no one can see it. I will keep an eye out for a replacement tank on the cheap. I will find a used one somewhere.
I have a Accel rebuild kit for the old solenoid so I guess I will do that while I wait for the sealer to set up.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: S.E.PA
RE: Shovelhead front end update
ORIGINAL: megawatt
I am not very computer savvy myself. I can barely email stuff and post here on the Forum. I wish you luck doing whatever it is you are trying to do with your ignition. Ya just cannot avoid computers if you want to get stuff done these days.
I cranked my engine over last night with the plug wires grounded just to see what it would do. It had a hard time getting past the first compression stroke then took off like I have never heard it crank before. This starter really spins the engine! I read in the instructions that if the engine cranks slowly past that first compression stroke and the terminals on the solenoid are hot (they were VERY hot), that I need to install the little metal button that came with the starter motor into the solenoid to make sure there is a solid electrical contact inside it. I have a new solenoid so I installed it with the button thing and I am now waiting for the silicon sealer on the gasket for the solenoid to set up. I am running a sealed, wet primary and that ATF gets everywhere and it will leak out from the solenoid if I do not seal it.
Yeah, that stinking oil tank cracked at one of the welds that attaches the plate for the lower mounts to the tank itself. I had to cut the welds and heat the plate so I could bend it away from the tank to get to the crack. Then, of course, reverse the process to put it back together. The damn sheet metal tank warped all over the place and I even burned a hole through it but I got it all buttoned back up...it looks like crap but being on the bottom of the tank, no one can see it. I will keep an eye out for a replacement tank on the cheap. I will find a used one somewhere.
I have a Accel rebuild kit for the old solenoid so I guess I will do that while I wait for the sealer to set up.
I am not very computer savvy myself. I can barely email stuff and post here on the Forum. I wish you luck doing whatever it is you are trying to do with your ignition. Ya just cannot avoid computers if you want to get stuff done these days.
I cranked my engine over last night with the plug wires grounded just to see what it would do. It had a hard time getting past the first compression stroke then took off like I have never heard it crank before. This starter really spins the engine! I read in the instructions that if the engine cranks slowly past that first compression stroke and the terminals on the solenoid are hot (they were VERY hot), that I need to install the little metal button that came with the starter motor into the solenoid to make sure there is a solid electrical contact inside it. I have a new solenoid so I installed it with the button thing and I am now waiting for the silicon sealer on the gasket for the solenoid to set up. I am running a sealed, wet primary and that ATF gets everywhere and it will leak out from the solenoid if I do not seal it.
Yeah, that stinking oil tank cracked at one of the welds that attaches the plate for the lower mounts to the tank itself. I had to cut the welds and heat the plate so I could bend it away from the tank to get to the crack. Then, of course, reverse the process to put it back together. The damn sheet metal tank warped all over the place and I even burned a hole through it but I got it all buttoned back up...it looks like crap but being on the bottom of the tank, no one can see it. I will keep an eye out for a replacement tank on the cheap. I will find a used one somewhere.
I have a Accel rebuild kit for the old solenoid so I guess I will do that while I wait for the sealer to set up.
“megawattâ€
 \\;
“I am not very computer savvy myself. I can barely email stuff and post here on the Forum. I wish you luck doing whatever it is you are trying to do with your ignition. Ya just cannot avoid computers if you want to get stuff done these days. “
 \\;
I don’t want to say I am computer savvy, in light that I am having trouble getting this program to work : - ) (firmware problem) but I m on a computer most all day at work, I don’t want to come home and work on my bike for example change A/C or exhaust and screw with these so-called “maps†you must download into a \\; computer on the bike so it can run half way decent ! and these freaken maps are EPA certified ? which means “running lean = running HOT !!!†In fact a buddy from RI this year told me he added a power commander to his RK, after the screaming eagle cyl/piston cam kit was added last year, he didn’t think to ran all that good, so he tried the add on computer box, it helped big time, but the point was the guy (not a hd dealer) had an old map, not a new one seems the new one runs the bike a lot hotter ! now you got to know dates and versions of these maps and the dealer must use the latest one !  \\;that is the reason I didn’t buy a new ride last year !! but the ironic thing is here I am stuck on a computer program trying to read info off my ignition, I think that is a blast !!! : - )))))  \\;but the problem is not that I have to run it, only to change ign settings ! btw- I am going to edit my last post picture I want to add the pic of the CD program itself besides the wiring harness, if I can’t I will post it here.
 \\; \\;
“I cranked my engine over last night with the plug wires grounded just to see what it would do. It had a hard time getting past the first compression stroke then took off like I have never heard it crank before. This starter really spins the engine! I read in the instructions that if the engine cranks slowly past that first compression stroke and the terminals on the solenoid are hot (they were VERY hot), that I need to install the little metal button that came with the starter motor into the solenoid to make sure there is a solid electrical contact inside it. I have a new solenoid so I installed it with the button thing and I am now waiting for the silicon sealer on the gasket for the solenoid to set up.â€
 \\;
Good that you paid attention to the instructions ! that is nice how it spins and to think it can spin like that being smaller in dia and length from the standard hd type !
 \\;
“ I am running a sealed, wet primary and that ATF gets everywhere and it will leak out from the solenoid if I do not seal it.â€
 \\;
using ATF, I used hd silicone clutch fluid with my old setup when I changed mine into a wet primary, last year I replaced some of the plates and I switch to AMSOIL 10W-30 synthetic motor oil seems to work pretty well, I am a real believer in synthetic products my ride is total synthetic, from the fork tubes to the brake fluid and everything in-between, in fact my buddy who is a rider and a GM wrench for over 25 years doesn’t believe anything thing but OEM parts and dino oil changed every 3,000 miles, when I told him I was changing to AMSOIL syn in my car and expected to get 20,000 miles before oil change he thought I went nuts ! until I showed him the white paper towel I checked the oil stick level with, and not checking it after I put in a fresh qt of oil, that was the proof I need to show him, no amount of LAB testing a sample of drain oil could convince him of the merits of synthetic oil, but his eyes like silver dollars when he saw how clean that oil was, wiped on paper towel after 14,200 miles was worth more than any LAB test !! : - ))
 \\;
“Yeah, that stinking oil tank cracked at one of the welds that attaches the plate for the lower mounts to the tank itself. I had to cut the welds and heat the plate so I could bend it away from the tank to get to the crack. Then, of course, reverse the process to put it back together. The damn sheet metal tank warped all over the place and I even burned a hole through it but I got it all buttoned back up...it looks like crap but being on the bottom of the tank, no one can see it. I will keep an eye out for a replacement tank on the cheap. I will find a used one somewhere. “
 \\;
swap meets are great for that !
“I have a Accel rebuild kit for the old solenoid so I guess I will do that while I wait for the sealer to set up.â€
 \\;
megawatt, looks like your really getting there, doing all the right things that will make life a little more easy riding these shovels, and I love this shovel engine and my old one !! in fact one day this week or next some friends at work want to take a ride up to hd york, pa plant tour it and the museum, I been there back in the middle eighties was a nice tour saw one of the first hd bikes the one with the tomato sauce can for the carb bowl !! with leather belt drive no less : - )) I am planning wearing my S&\\;S Shovelhead, Proven Performance, t-shirts up there : - )) \\; \\;
 \\;
hay keep us informed on the progress you make !!
 \\;
ride safe,
 \\;
cj
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
 \\;
[IMG]local://upfiles/16813/3EAD26DB93C947A4B28E599AA874DCAE.jpg[/IMG]
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
