Where are all the Old Schoolers
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 2
From: WA - The State
I hear ya Bernie. In the old days, even if the part, like an oil tank, was ordered from Jammer, Custom Chrome, etc. it still needed to be re-worked to fit. Of course before all that the old schooler's had to make their own stuff from scratch.
There are still people doing that you just need to know where to look. Places away from bike shops or places like Cuba where they haven't gotten a new HD part since the 60's but still manage to keep the old iron rolling.
This forum is more mainstream but have you checked out the Club Chopper forum. Mostly younger guys doin' it the old school way. Not always but a lot of 'em.
There are still people doing that you just need to know where to look. Places away from bike shops or places like Cuba where they haven't gotten a new HD part since the 60's but still manage to keep the old iron rolling.
This forum is more mainstream but have you checked out the Club Chopper forum. Mostly younger guys doin' it the old school way. Not always but a lot of 'em.
The thing about asking odd stuff here is sometimes it's hard to tell someone how to make something fit without being there. Unless there's a lot of pics sometimes it's hard to get it across on how to do something, or even what's needed.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 33
From: Illinois
I don't know if I'm "old school" or not, but I'm 42 and got my first HD 27 years ago (14 Harleys ago now) and just recently parted with my last Shovel.
I remember it getting "fashionable" to be riding Harleys in the late 80's around these parts, but those first few years I was riding, I remember people wouldn't even give a guy on an old Shovel the time of day lol.
Things sure have changed.
I remember it getting "fashionable" to be riding Harleys in the late 80's around these parts, but those first few years I was riding, I remember people wouldn't even give a guy on an old Shovel the time of day lol.
Things sure have changed.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Just wait. It will get worse. I read an article that the average child (age 7-12 or something like that) spends 8 hours a day in front of a communication device (computer, MP3 player, TV, etc). With that much time that sure doesn't leave a lot of wrenching to be had to learn how to wrench.
I think you have a few reasons why things are different in the mean time:
1) Harleys run better these days. I don't wonder if my 2008 Cross Bones is going to start. If it doesn't I am gonna be pissed! Back in the old days it was simply not that way. The necessity to learn every piece of my machine doesn't exist.
2) People don't have enough time to do the things they once did. I love my Harley, but have other passions (Deer hunting, golf, fishing, family, etc). I don't have as much time as I would like to have and can't have my bike sitting in pieces while I fabricate a part.
The world is different now. Fast food joints are on every block. Automated voice systems abound. Hell, I haven't been inside a bank in a few years. Welcome to the future.
I think you have a few reasons why things are different in the mean time:
1) Harleys run better these days. I don't wonder if my 2008 Cross Bones is going to start. If it doesn't I am gonna be pissed! Back in the old days it was simply not that way. The necessity to learn every piece of my machine doesn't exist.
2) People don't have enough time to do the things they once did. I love my Harley, but have other passions (Deer hunting, golf, fishing, family, etc). I don't have as much time as I would like to have and can't have my bike sitting in pieces while I fabricate a part.
The world is different now. Fast food joints are on every block. Automated voice systems abound. Hell, I haven't been inside a bank in a few years. Welcome to the future.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 12
What he said. I love my 2009. Its smooth, easy, and starts every time. I'm 45 and I rode my first harley (my Dads) when I was 12. I rode it around our circle driveway at least 400,000 times(haha) He had to catch me when I stopped because I couldn't touch the ground.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 13
From: Northern UTARD
There are a few of us out there that worship the old school. I've got a gigantic stack of old sleasy ride rags I read all the time. I bought a welder just to learn how to build stuff. My parents were bikers since before I was born, I think that kind of rubs off on some younger people. Its kinda underground but the old school I think is due for a big resurgance. This is my first build and I think I'm doing it right rigid, kick only, jockey shift. I know if I wanna ride it I gotta work on it. Thanks to the old schoolers, billet barges suck.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
From: Malvern, Pa
I'm don't know that i'm "old school" but nothing beats getting an idea in your head that keeps you up at night and all you can do is think about it. Then when you get in the garage and that idea becomes a reality after hrs of hard work, man nothing beats that feeling. My son will turn 3 on Feb. 9th and over the weekend we were in the garage and i asked him to take the rear break caliper off for me and he went rite to the bench grabbed the right tool and had it off and on the ground! The bolts were loose already! He watches is cartoons and plays his games but never skips an opportunity to work in the garage or come to m shop and run the dozer with me.
Just wait. It will get worse. I read an article that the average child (age 7-12 or something like that) spends 8 hours a day in front of a communication device (computer, MP3 player, TV, etc). With that much time that sure doesn't leave a lot of wrenching to be had to learn how to wrench.
I think you have a few reasons why things are different in the mean time:
1) Harleys run better these days. I don't wonder if my 2008 Cross Bones is going to start. If it doesn't I am gonna be pissed! Back in the old days it was simply not that way. The necessity to learn every piece of my machine doesn't exist.
2) People don't have enough time to do the things they once did. I love my Harley, but have other passions (Deer hunting, golf, fishing, family, etc). I don't have as much time as I would like to have and can't have my bike sitting in pieces while I fabricate a part.
The world is different now. Fast food joints are on every block. Automated voice systems abound. Hell, I haven't been inside a bank in a few years. Welcome to the future.
I think you have a few reasons why things are different in the mean time:
1) Harleys run better these days. I don't wonder if my 2008 Cross Bones is going to start. If it doesn't I am gonna be pissed! Back in the old days it was simply not that way. The necessity to learn every piece of my machine doesn't exist.
2) People don't have enough time to do the things they once did. I love my Harley, but have other passions (Deer hunting, golf, fishing, family, etc). I don't have as much time as I would like to have and can't have my bike sitting in pieces while I fabricate a part.
The world is different now. Fast food joints are on every block. Automated voice systems abound. Hell, I haven't been inside a bank in a few years. Welcome to the future.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
I often come to this site when I have a question, but seems I never get an answer. I admit, my questions are always a bit off the normal trends, but wow have things changed that much. It seems that unless its an after market bolt on part or harley model distinct part noone wants to talk about it. Sorry but I think the best part of owning a harley is the opportunity to gather crowds around a parked bike and talk about how in the world you got that to work or where did you come up with that. Just seems the best values of owning a harley have been diminished. I enjoy opening the garage door and starting a new project, because it always draws a great group of onlookers wondering what your doin, not to mention some spare hands anxious to help. Maybe I'm just a product of northern climate, in need of a winter fix, but I know its the people of this culture that keep me interested, as much as the intrige of adding a new part that don't quite fit right till ya tweak on it a bit. I've learned over the years that like an old chevy, harley parts are significantly interchangable, and the infinate possibilities inspiring.
But on the opening the garage door thing, I find it a real pain when working on something and everybody has to come look. But like I said, I'm old.
Last edited by Northside; Jan 22, 2010 at 02:48 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
wow some great feedback. I couldn't turn a wrench at 3 yrs. old, (really cool) but started with minibikes and go karts. guess in todays world kids don't get the opportunity we had, heck I had more road miles on my minibike than my dad put on daily drivin a bread truck. back then the police would try to catch ya, and when they did give ya a good scolding, now adays they want to lock up your parents. well folks the times have changed, I still keep and old shovel around, and admit the evo changed everything, and the twin cam has worked out to be a great engine, and the bikes are getting faster and more reliable. in my 52 years I have seen alot of change. guess I'm just an old fart with alot of memories. I still ride a hardtail most of the time (even though I shouldn't) but its nice to sit on my old stroked evo dresser( now my brothers) once in awhile, or fire up the sporty when I need to unleash the beast. hopefully there will always be harleys and people who want to custom build, cause in my mind, it sure beats prozac. its all good!!
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 5,361
Likes: 117
From: auckland,new zealand
nice bike bernie!! well i no about improvising!! i have a deuce and nothin fits! lol,i am in the process of gettin a wheel that wouldnt fit to fit! nearly there,have to cut wheel spacer then hopefuly im good to go! changed hub etc,try to do most of my own wrenchin,not rolling in the cash so have to give it a go!the thing i love about harleys is they are all different in one way or another!
