American Iron Magazine - Issue 316.bak

ISSUE 316
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Contents Issue #316
54 Major Changes
Enter
To Win!
YEARS
FOUNDED
1989
See page 128
I HOTTEST
CUSTOM IRON
54 MAJOR CHANGES
Chemical Candy
Customs calling card
I RIDDEN & I NUTS & BOLTS 121 HOG HELPLINE:
REVIEWED STARTER BANGS, 66 LO AND BEHOLD
38 HOW IT WORKS: EXHAUST POPS & As usual, Nick D. brings
62 2015 H-D STAYING WOBBLING big dreams to life
ROAD GLIDE CONNECTED WHEELS
SPECIAL How to disassemble
On the road again H-Ds various wiring
harness connectors
78 2015 INDIAN 84 Old And New
SCOUT 48 TECHLINE: Bobber In Blue
Indian puts on its BASIC
war paint CARBURETOR
TUNING
Part III: Component
I DEPARTMENTS location and operation
STAFF BOX 14, 16
SHIFTING GEARS 18
104 ROAD KING
TAKING AIM 20
UPGRADES
QUOTED & NOTED 22
Part IV: Saddlebags
SAFETY SKILLS 26
PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS 28
112 SOFTAIL FRONT
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE GIRL 30
BRAKE PAD SWAP
LETTERS 32
DP Brakes ensure
SNAPS 123
safe, clean, and quiet
WIDGETS 126
stopping power
CYCLEMART 142
AD INDEX 144
MEMORIES 146
8 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE ISSUE #316 AIMag.com

78 2015 Indian Scout
Contents
Page 48 Page 104 Page 112 Page 118
I HOT XL I HANDBOOK
84 OLD AND NEW, 72 RIDING COASTAL

BOBBER IN BLUE NEW ENGLAND
Dave Perewitzs 69 XLH Part 1: Connecticut to
Sportster Cape Cod
118 BURLY BRAND 90 SWEET 16:

SLAMMER 2015 VICTORY
SHOCKS MOTORCYCLES
We drop a Sportster as Victory marches, not
low as it can go stumbles, in the wake of
its after-party 100 74TH ANNUAL STURGIS
I CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE RALLY
AMERICAN IRON 96 2014 ROSS KIWI Rock concerts, machine guns, and oh, yeah,
TOMAS MEMORIAL a motorcycle rally!
136 WHEELS KICKSTART
THROUGH TIME CLASSIC
ANNUAL RAFFLE Over 100 classics Sell American Iron Magazine in your store
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R
E DITOR -I N -C HIEF Buzz Kanter
E DITOR Chris Maida

ChrisM@AmericanIronMag.com
A RT D IRECTOR Charles W. Queener
M ANAGING E DITOR Joe Knezevic
A SSOCIATE E DITOR Tyler Greenblatt
A SSISTANT E DITOR Steven Wyman-Blackburn
H OLE U P Sam Whitehead
C LASSICS E DITOR Jim Babchak
W OMEN S POV E DITOR Cris Sommer Simmons
S ENIOR C OPY E DITOR Keith Blair Powell
C OPY E DITOR Jennifer Hanses
C ONTRIBUTING John Frank, Dain Gingerelli,

W RITERS Don Gomo, Jeff Hennie,
Panhead Jim Mahoney,
Donny Petersen, Alex Scott,
Wayne Scraba, Cris Sommer
Simmons, Greg Williams
C ONTRIBUTING Jim Dohms, Dain Gingerelli,

P HOTOGRAPHERS Indian Motorcycle, Company,
Dino Petrocelli, Pam Proctor
D ESIGNERS Matt Kopec

Tricia Szulewski
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SHIFTING GEARS
More American Iron

HALLOWEEN IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, BUT customizer. My advice for people in the market for a new
ride? Go to the dealer and look at the machines that catch
looking at the latest issue of American Iron Magazine, your fancy. Sit on them in the showroom and see how they
I dont feel we have a trick or treat deal going on. feel. Read all you can about the particular model and ask if
you can take a test ride (some dealers encourage this).
I cant think of any specific trick in the motorcycle I love a big sign I saw at one dealer that read Your wife
called and said its okay to buy it.
world, but lots of treats. I dont know if the quality and
Lets start with the growing as- quantity of new bike choices will
sortment of terrific American-made ever get better. And if it does, you
motorcycles hitting the market. can always trade in or trade up.
Harley is still offering plenty of the So whats keeping you from pulling
traditional air-cooled, pushrod, the trigger on a shiny new bike?
V-twin motorcycles in all shapes
and sizes, plus V-Rods, and the new Florida Sunshine
Street 750 and 500. And who knows OCTOBER IN NEW ENGLAND CAN BE
about the electric motorcycles The dicey for us. It might be perfect rid-
Motor Company has been teasing ing weather or it might be terrible.
us with this year? Victory continues Its the same in most of the northern
to expand its line of motorcycles to regions and Canada. So a great way
include three baggers, two all-out to finish the traditional riding season
touring models, and four cruisers. is to aim your headlight south and
Indian has added a top-of-the-line roll your bike down to Florida.
touring Roadmaster and an exciting Why? Well, I can think of a couple
new Scout to the three existing excellent reasons (other than the ter-
Chief models. And EBR (Erik Buell Lets start with the rific riding weather). They are Bike-
Racing) is also expanding its offer- toberfest in sunny Daytona Beach,
ings to three models, including the
terrific American-made and the trade and consumer AIM-
new, lower-cost (under $17,000) motorcycles hitting Expo in nearby Orlando. Both run
1190SX American street tearer. the market from October 16 to 19, and both are
So, what does all this mean to worth checking out.
those of us who prefer to ride
American motorcycle brands? Well, lets start with the Congrats To Mr. & Mrs. Walksler
obvious: (1) competition is heating up here. And healthy ID LIKE EVERYONE TO JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING MY
competition benefits consumers with greater choices and friend Matt Walksler (of Wheels Through Time and Whats
improved products. (2) No matter what your style or In The Barn? fame) for convincing the lovely Hailey
tastes, there is something for everyone going into 2015. MacDonald, one of the greatest young ladies in Maggie
Entry-level Street 500 and 750, muscle cruisers like the Valley, North Carolina, to marry him.
Indian Scout, Victory Gunner, and Harley V-Rods, stan-
dards like the Harley Softail, Indian Chief, and Victory Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.
Hammer 8-Ball; racers include any of the EBR machines,
or long-distance tourers like the Harley Ultra, Indian
Roadmaster, or Victory Cross Country Tour (I still cant
get used to the Victory Visions radical look). Lets not
forget Harley Sportsters and Dynas, the other Indian
Chiefs, and more.
So, even before you start pulling out the manufacturer BUZZ KANTER
and aftermarket parts catalogs to figure out how to person- Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, American Iron Magazine
alize your new motorcycle, the choices are already a bit
overwhelming. Even to the longtime rider/builder/ Buzz Kanter @BuzzKanter

Keep it real.
You love what you do, we love what we do. J&P Cycles is a home
grown, red, white & blue, American-made company built by riders just
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the bottom line. Huge selection, free technical support and the greatest
service possible is what we offer. Its simple, our bottom line is you.
J&P Cycles, a real company, for real riders.
Call or order online 855-515-7080

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).#534/-%23%26)#%s&2%%!##%334/%80%244%#(.)#)!.3s7/2,$3,!2'%343%,%#4)/.

TA K I N G A I M

7QSSXLMI

Neglected Safety II
IN THE LAST ISSUE, I enough moisture to be-
wrote about how many come a problem. Water
owners routinely neglect inside the brake system
their bikes tires. This corrodes the brake lines
time around, well look and such from the in-
at the second important side and can cause a
area I see many owners failure even though
overlooking: their brake things look fine on the
systems. Checking the outside. Just for the
brake pads, brake lines,
and rotors takes only a
record, you can put
DOT 4 in a DOT 3
few minutes, since system, but dont put
theyre out in the open. DOT 3 in a DOT 4
Thankfully, these com- system. Also, DOT 5
ponents only need to be and DOT 5.1 are not
checked every 2,500 Checking the the same. Dont inter-
miles. However, if you change them!
ride less than 1,000
brake pads, Of course, while
miles a year, dont go by brake lines, and youre looking at the
the bikes mileage in rotors takes only brake system, which
*08SYVMRK regard to the brake also includes checking
lines, since time is the a few minutes, the brake fluid level,
enemy here as much as since theyre out you can also check the
mileage. Every six axle nuts, wheels, etc.,
months should be in the open but a long checklist is, I
sufficient.
To check the brake pads, look at
think, the main reason
most riders dont check anything. Per-
where both pads contact the rotor. If sonally, I recommend inspecting a few
the metal baseplate of the pad is close different items each time youre about
(under 1/16") to touching the rotor, to fire off the engine. This trip its the
change the pads. Inspect the rubber brake system, next time its the wheels
section of the brake lines for cracks, the and axle nuts, etc. Sure, the best way is
metal areas for rust. Needless to say, to check everything every time you
IRUPRUHLQIRFDOO you dont want to see either one. If you plan on going for a ride, but thats not
do, replace the lines. For the rotors, going to happen in most cases. If its all
look for bluing or grooves on either or nothing, its safer, in my opinion, to
side of the rotor. Slight grooves in the check a section of your bike each time
IRUPRUHVW\OHVJRWR rotor are normal, deep grooves are not. you plan on going for a ride. That said,
ZZZGIWWULNHVFRP Also make sure the bolts are tight. You
dont have to pull out a torque wrench
you should always check the tires
before each ride!
to check the hardware, just put a tool
on them and see if they move easily. If See you on the road.
they dont, theyre good to go.
The last brake maintenance item is a
bit more involved: changing the brake
fluid. This is the area I see neglected
the most. Thankfully, you only swap Chris Maida
out the brake fluid every two years if Editor
your bike uses DOT 3 or 4. Thats how
long it takes DOT 3 or 4 to absorb Chris Maida

AIMag.com
QUOTED & NOTED
AIM Sweepstakes Winners

AS PART OF OUR ONGOING 25TH
anniversary celebration, three lucky
new or current subscribers will be
chosen at random every issue to
receive a $1,000 Dennis Kirk gift
card, Fix My Hog DVD bundle, or
$100 Greaserag.com gift card.
Additional prizes such as a brand-
YEARS
FOUNDED
1989
new Indian motorcycle will be
announced at the end of the year. Wheres Wald Walter?
Tune in here every month to see
who the lucky winners are, and remember, subscribing automatically enters THE LAST KNOWN HARLEY-DAVIDSON 9G MOTOR-
cycle Truck, better known as a Forecar, is on tour, making
you in the sweepstakes. For more information, visit AIMag.com.
random appearances in its hometown of Milwaukee. Affec-
tionately named Walter, this rare 1913 motorcycle has been
$1,000 Dennis Kirk gift card receiving extra attention due to its spontaneous arrivals at
William Rude various motorcycle events, causing motoenthusiasts to adopt
Edgerton, WI the query most commonly directed toward a beloved cartoon
book character (Wheres Waldo?). Theyre now asking
Fix My Hog DVD bundle Wheres Walter? or Where will he turn up next? Walters
Walter Williamson helter-skelter appearances began after its current owner,
Oak Forest, IL Mike Schuster, decided to sell it. Since Mikes family has had
the Forecar for 90-plus years, it was therefore decided to
$100 Greaserag.com gift card share this Harley with as many motorcycle enthusiasts at as
many events as possible. Whats more, a documentary record-
Richard Hawley
ing Walters lifes story along with the history of the Model G
Marbledale, CT Forecars is currently in production called The Missing Link:
Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle by producer James Cutting
of The Edge Ltd. At the end of the film, the forthcoming sale
will be revealed! Who will be the lucky owner? For more in-
formation, go to the official Facebook page.
Lane Splitting Online Complaint
THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL (CHP) AND
other state government agencies were forced to remove in-
formation regarding how to safely perform lane splitting
from their respective web sites by the Office of Administra-
tive Law after a single complaint was received from Sacra-
mento resident,
Kenneth Mandler.
Lane splitting, a
riding technique
where two-
wheeled vehicles
AIMExpo 400-Plus Exhibitors
ride between lanes OVER 400 EXHIBITORS HAVE SIGNED UP TO SHOWCASE THEIR MOTORCYCLES
of stopped or slowly moving traffic, has been permitted in and moto-related products at the second installment of the American Inter-
California for decades because no statute prohibits it. The
national Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) this year. The 2014 AIMExpo will be held
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) supports the
continued use of safe lane splitting in California and the im- October 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
plementation of lane-splitting laws in other states, coupled The convention centers expanded exhibitor floor will provide various pow-
with extensive rider and driver education programs. No ersports brands for visitors to browse through while AIMExpo Outdoors! will
other state allows lane splitting. To read the AMAs position feature on-road demos, learn-to-ride courses, special events, and more. To
on lane splitting, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com. keep up to date, visit AIMExpoUSA.com.
QUOTED & NOTED
Riding the Web

Polaris Donates Shop.CampagnaMotors.com
Campagna Motors, a company that offers various three-wheeled vehicles including the V13R Roadster
To PSI equipped with the V-Rod Revolution motor, has added a new collection to its online store. Mostly com-
prised of apparel and accessories, the shop features Campagna-specific items, including mugs and jackets
IN AN EFFORT TO for men and women. There are also V13R jackets for men and women and a V13R tank top, among others.
increase diversity training,
Polaris Industries has sup- MotoTireReviews.Michelin.com
plied the PowerSport Insti- Michelin has launched an online tool that will improve customer feedback by providing a more dynamic
tute (PSI) with four Indian approach to inputting information. This will both help Michelin maintain its product and supply other cus-
motorcycles, access to Indian
tomers with more real-world experiences. The site now showcases products with a five-star rating system
training online, and the
newest fuel-injection diagnos- and an option for users to create a riding profile, including their motorcycles year, make, and model along
tic software. This partnership with the ability to share their personal experience with Michelins tires. Users can also upload two photos.
will provide more opportuni-
ties for PSI students and, in SturgisMuseum.com
turn, increase the likelihood The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame redesigned its web site with updated photos of current bikes
of Polaris hiring PSI gradu- in the museum and further information about upcoming events and its expansion project. Other highlights
ates. To learn more, visit include an online shopping cart that allows visitors to purchase museum and Sturgis-related gift items,
PSI-Now.com. raffle tickets, and tickets to the annual Hall of Fame induction breakfast.
VanceAndHines.com
Vance & Hines web site has been revamped. The exhaust company has integrated a social media page onto
Bike Fatalities its site so customers can see whats going on via its Instagram, Vimeo, Facebook, and Twitter pages all in
Down Again one place. The site also features a reductive product search where visitors can either enter the desired
product or search by make, product, finish, style, features, and regulatory options. Other highlights include
a live chat page for tech support and a featured video page.
THE GOVERNORS HIGHWAY SAFETY
Associations (GHSA) Spotlight on
Safety report states that, for the
second time in five years, motor-
cyclist fatalities are projected to H-D And Twisted Trailz
decrease, totaling a possible 4,610
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS EXPANDING ITS GLOBAL AUTHORIZED TOURS
in 2013 compared to the 4,957 program in the US with Twisted Trailz Excursions LLC (TTE), Harleys new domestic
reported in 2012. According to provider. Based in Phoenix , TTE provides motorcycle tours throughout the Southwest. The
Wayne Allard, AMA vice president first of its kind, the partnership with Harley-Davidson
for government relations, the report Authorized Tours lets riders tour famous US routes on
a Harley more easily than before, including Cowboy
is short on hard data in regards to
Country in the West; the Grand Canyon and Red
what exactly contributed to the Rocks of Sedona; enchanted New Mexico; Jerome, the
decline. The AMA is therefore trying famous living ghost town, and more. TTE also offers
to fund a comprehensive study to day trips in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Partici-
discover the causes at the Oklahoma pants can book tours individually or as a group and can
choose from a selection of five different tour types
Transportation Center in Stillwater,
across five worldwide regions. Harley-Davidson
Oklahoma. A final report is expected Authorized Tours operates more than 200 tours
in 2015. For more information, go to globally each year. For more information, go to
AmericanMotorcyclist.com. H-D.com orTwistedTrailz.com. AIM
COMPETITION 2-INTO-1
OVER 36,000 PARTS

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dragspecialties.com DISCLAIMER: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) does not permit the use of aftermarket emission-related part(s)
that alter the performance of OEM emission-related devices unless CARB has issued an Executive Order, other than on racing
vehicles on closed courses. Check your local laws and manufacturers information.
SAFETY SKILLS by don gomo
Education, Helmets & You

IN MY JANUARY 2013 COLUMN, I DISCUSSED Some may compare how mandatory seatbelt laws in most
states have reduced the number of fatalities, but a motor-
mandatory education for motorcyclists with some cycle is a totally different vehicle. They dont think that way
information and personal views. Since that article, because they dont ride. There are other forces that drive
their decisions, like the fact that motorcycle rider education
there are now six states that require training for can cost governments a lot of money but enforcement of hel-
met laws does not. In fact, it could gen-
a motorcycle endorsement of their erate funds for noncompliance.
license: Connecticut, Florida, Maine, I can recognize the fact that manda-
Oregon, Rhode Island, and Texas. tory helmet laws could and probably
While I might be a bit biased as a would decrease the number of motor-
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) cycle fatalities, considering head injuries
RiderCoach and promoter of rider edu- are the number one killer; however, I
cation, I have no objection to mandatory believe, like many others, that proper
rider education for licensing. However, I and affordable education for motorcy-
believe the costs for such courses should clists would have a much greater effect
be affordable to anyone interested in ob- than just forcing riders to wear helmets.
taining a motorcycle license. As much as The key is that the education
motorcycle rights organizations have process should not just be for motor-
been telling the government and trans- cyclists, there should be a major motor-
portation groups that education is the cycle awareness campaign directed at
correct direction to go instead of manda- the driving public. In issue #312, I dis-
tory helmet laws, the American Motor- cussed information that we can present
cyclist Association (AMA) recently to those we know who drive but dont
stated its stance against mandatory edu- ride. This information, as well as rider
cation in its August membership maga- education aimed at the motorcycling
zine, American Motorcyclist: Despite the masses, could significantly change the
indisputable value of a properly struc- overall picture of motorcycles and
tured rider education program, the proper and affordable accidents as we know it. We also have
AMA opposes legislation that would education for motor- to consider those who are already
make such training mandatory for cyclists would have a licensed to operate a motorcycle: they,
adults. Mandated rider education can too, need to recognize the need to
substantially increase the expense of
much greater effect become more proficient, safe riders.
training and the delivery of training. It than just forcing riders We, as riders, need to come together
also has the potential to exacerbate the to wear helmets to express our opinions to the ones
problems of unlicensed riders. who make the laws that ultimately
The AMA goes on to say that the training should be affect us. We should be doing what we can to push educa-
available, but voluntary and affordable, so the education tion, but along with that push, we should be taking the
can be used by all to decrease the risk of crashes. It seems education route ourselves to prove that risks can be re-
that as soon as someone suggests something be mandatory duced through training more than laws requiring safety
or a law, organizations need to disagree with it, even if it equipment. There are already venues for us to do this.
can benefit them. While I may not fully agree with the Whether its the AMA, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
AMAs position, I, too, believe that it should be available to (MRF), state or local chapters of A Brotherhood Against
all riders at minimal costs. Now if the government would Totalitarion Enactments (ABATE), or other area organiza-
agree on a process to educate, rather than mandate safety tions, find one that you feel best describes how it protects
equipment, I think we would all gain from it. But that is not your rights and not only join but get involved.
what things look like in the present day. We can make a difference. Folks dont think that a
In issue #314s Protect Your Rights column, Jeff Hennie national helmet law could become a fact, but its getting
discussed the big push for a national mandatory helmet law closer each day we ride. So why not turn it around and into
and a typical hidden agenda of governmental officials, our favor and work to make the goal of education for both
including the president. riders and drivers a reality? AIM
SAVE TODAY. OPEN ROAD TOMORROW.
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PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS by jeff hennie
A Friend In Washington Who Isnt A Dog

IF YOU WANT A FRIEND IN WASHINGTON, GET A thoroughfares, Lake Shore Drive. Or how about anti-tam-
pering laws? The government hates the fact that you can
dog. This saying is widely attributed to our spend a weekend in your garage and modify just about any-
33rd president, Harry S. Truman. In other thing you want on your bike bringing it wildly out of the
OEM world. When they dont know every mechanical as-
words, trust no one because every politician is pect of every vehicle on the road, the Feds tend to freak
out. And, of course, the mandatory hel-
looking out for himself, and this is met law. Not one study has been done
generally true. to determine if helmet laws work. No-
But not always. Take what hap- tice I say helmet laws, not just helmets.
pened recently on the floor of the We know that helmets can prevent cer-
House of Representatives. The main, tain injuries and may even save lives.
and arguably only, function of Con- Helmet laws just dont work. The state
gress is to levy taxes and spend the of Michigan relaxed its mandatory hel-
money. Every year Congress is sup- met law and has had zero fluctuations
posed to pass the 12 different spending in motorcycle fatalities.
bills, all of which originate in the But there is another reason for this
House, that pay for our military, edu- seemingly innocent provision. The fed-
cational system, transportation needs, eral government wants to get around an
and so on. It sounds like it would not existing law that currently prohibits it
be difficult to pass 12 bills annually, from lobbying state legislatures.
but each year Congress struggles to do In 1998, Congress passed a law that
so. The reason being the politicians of made it illegal for the National High-
Washington, DC, load the bills with A huge thank you goes way Traffic Safety Administration
irrelevant legislative language that out to Congressman (NHTSA) to lobby state legislatures.
stymies the process.
Something interesting happened
Tim Walberg for keeping Prior to 1998, according to the Gov-
ernment Accountability Office, the
recently, though. The spending bill that the Feds from sticking NHTSA had spent boatloads of
funds the Department of Transporta- their noses where they money traveling to states whenever a
tion was recently brought to the House state debated changing its helmet law.
floor for a vote. After months in the dont belong Seeing this as a waste of taxpayer
committee process, the bill was un- money, and at the request of the Mo-
veiled to the general public just a few short days before the torcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), Congress prohibited
vote on the floor. Upon reading the bill, I discovered a anyone from NHTSA to lobby states uninvited.
troubling provision. What happened on the House floor this past June was
The bill had language that would have been devastating pretty amazing. The MRF organized a coalition of motor-
to motorcyclists rights and states rights in general. The lan- cyclists to support an amendment that would strike that
guage in question gives the secretary of transportation, or particular section. Representative Tim Walberg from
his designee, the ability to lobby states to consider proposals Michigan, a huge champion of the motorcycle community,
to reduce motorcycle fatalities. Sure, sounds innocent sponsored the amendment. It was one of the first amend-
enough. I want the government to reduce motorcycle fatali- ments passed without a single objection. A true story about
ties. Problem is, I dont like the way the government wants finding a friend in Washington who isnt a dog. A huge
to reduce motorcycle fatalities. Leaving motorcycle safety thank you goes out to Congressman Tim Walberg for
up to the government is like handing a blowtorch to a keeping the Feds from sticking their noses where they
2-year-old. Mired in government waste and bureaucracy, dont belong.
the result would end motorcycling as you know it.
Consider some of the past government solutions to Editors note: Jeff is the VP of government relations for the MRF and
reducing motorcycle fatalities. Horsepower caps, the idea serves as its lobbyist. He is responsible for informing and coordinat-
being that no one needs to go that fast anyway. All out ing action with regard to legislation, executive action, or judicial
bans; at one point the city of Chicago banned all motor- decisions that affect motorcyclists on both state and national levels.
cycles from one of the citys busiest and most convenient Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffrey_hennie.
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AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE GIRL by cris sommer simmons
Margaret Wilson 1916-2014

THE MOTORCYCLING COMMUNITY WILL FOREVER tion (AMA) . This was considered quite an accomplishment,
and Margaret was proud of the large trophy awarded to her.
miss our friend Margaret Wilson. She recently Mike and Margaret continued to support motorcycling
passed away after a short illness at age 98. and both served on the board of the AMA Motorcycle Hall
of Fame and Museum, where they were among the mu-
Ill never forget the first time I saw this seums principal benefactors and supporters. Margaret has
adorable older lady ride into the hotel parking lot been a wonderful role model for all of us, men and women,
and was inducted into the AMA Hall
on her bike. It was Daytona Bike of Fame in 2004.
Week 1987, and I was more than im- Margaret was also awarded the pres-
pressed. She was tiny, had a cute little tigious AMA Bessie Stringfield Award
hairstyle, and rode a big motorcycle. for her commitment to motorcycling for
You dont forget that kind of thing. over six decades. I couldnt be prouder
I walked up to her and introduced of her and Mike. This award, created in
myself as the co-editor/publisher of 2000, is given for superior achievement
Harley Women magazine. We immedi- by a female motorcyclist, and is named
ately hit it off, and Margaret became for the remarkable Motorcycle Queen
both a reader of my magazine and a of Miami, Bessie Stringfield, an
friend that day. Even though we didnt African-American woman who broke
see each other as often as we would down barriers for women and African-
have liked (she lived in Iowa, I did American riders at the same time by
not), our paths crossed many times completing eight solo cross-country
over the past 25 or so years. Even tours and serving as a US Army motor-
though she was up there in age, she cycle dispatch rider in the 1940s. The
never forgot my name or how we met. award is presented from time to time to
She was certainly one special lady, and women who the AMA board feels de-
I was honored to know her and her serve special recognition for their mo-
wonderful husband, Mike. torcycling activities. It couldnt have
Born Margaret Hamilton in Lan- gone to a more deserving person.
caster, Wisconsin, in 1916, her fate was When Margaret and Mike found
forever sealed when Mike returned out I was the only American woman
from active duty in World War II in She was certainly one registered to ride in the 2010 Motor-
1946 and bought her a new Harley- cycle Cannonball, they offered to be
Davidson. Since she was such a little special lady, and I was one of my sponsors. They were both
lady, Mike taught her how to ride by honored to know her supportive and excited for me. It meant
sitting behind her, putting his feet down so much to her, and it was important to
when the bike would come to a stop. and her wonderful them both that women riders would be
Later, she learned to ride by herself and husband, Mike represented on that ride. In 2011, an-
that she did. Throughout her lifetime, other motorcycle museum, the Sturgis
Margaret rode over 555,000 miles in the United States and Hall of Fame, inducted Mike and Margaret into its family.
Canada, even up to the northern tip of Newfoundland. For Not only were they passionate about motorcycling, they
over 25 years, beginning in 1950, Mike and Margaret ran were no doubt one of the cutest couples Ive ever seen. There
Wilsons Motorcycle Sales in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mike were never two people more in love, even after over 70 years
taught hundreds of women to ride the same way. of marriage. Whenever they were in the room together, Mike
For the rest of their lives, Mike and Margaret were in- wouldnt take his eyes off her. Look at my little girlfriend,
volved in anything to do with motorcycling. In 1951, Mar- he would say sweetly to me. Isnt she something special?
garet joined the Motor Maids; she later became a respected He would pull her onto his lap, and she would giggle like
and beloved Golden Life Member (which means she was a a teenager. Yes, Mike, she sure was, and so are you. You
member for over 50 years). In the spring of 1959, Margaret both have touched so many lives, and I know mine was bet-
was voted Americas Most Popular and Typical Girl Rider ter because of the example you set, on a motorcycle and off.
for 1958 by members of the American Motorcyclist Associa- Love you both! AIM
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L E T T E R S Letters@AmericanIronMag.com
YOU SHALL PASS I recently went on a trip on my 21-year-old FLHTP in

July. I stopped at Glacier National Parks Logan Pass in Montana to take this
picture. Logan Pass is 6,646' from sea level. In fact, its the highest point on the
Going-to-the-Sun Road.
JOE GAUTHIER
Cut Bank, MT
DENVERS FINEST
On July 1, Motor Of-
ficer Sgt. Zimmerman
was kind enough to
take a minute from his
patrol of the 16th
Street Mall in
Denver for a picture.
His hog was spotless,
and he was very
friendly!
CHARLIE
KOTHENBEUTEL
Marshalltown, IA
We welcome letters on any subject, whether we agree with the writers or not. Electronic letters, both with and without photos, can
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slip an issue of American Iron Magazine into the photo somewhere.)
AIMag.com
riding, and its only a beauti-
ful 90-minute ferry ride from
Vancouver!
ERIC STILLS
Invermere, BC, Canada 5
READER SERVICES
ENDLESS ADVENTURE
My 2003 Harley-Davidson On Line:
Ultra Classic Electra Glide AIMag.com
100th Anniversary Edition Address Letters For Publication
Letters, American Iron Magazine,
was delivered to me in Sep-
1010 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905.
tember of 2002. Over the past Fax 203/425-8775. E-mail
IM POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN 12 or so years, this bike has Letters@AmericanIronMag.com. Include name
I currently serve in the Illinois Army taken me over 150,000 miles (not with- and address. Letters may be edited.
National Guard with the 661st Engi- out fail) to all 49 continental states in Subscription Services
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my last drill weekend after Back Issues
Back Issues, American Iron Magazine,
duty hours, I took a ride
1010 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905.
on my 1992 Electra Glide Call 203/425-8777, fax 203/425-8775, or
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Central America, all 10 of Canadas
CEDARIFIC While cruising Canadas provinces, and two of its three territo-
Victoria Island on my 2012 Softail ries. By the way, when venturing into Subscribe to Digital Issues NOW
Deluxe with my brother Werner Nunavut in Canada, there are only ice
astride his 1995 Dyna Convertible, we roads. It has been an endless adventure. AIMag.com
encountered this massive cedar and de- DON HOSTETLER
cided to stop for a photo. We both rec- Via Internet
ommend the island for some great
MIKE THROUGH TIME I went to
The Wheels Through Time Museum in
Maggie Valley, North Carolina, on 5
July 7. Dale Walkslers son Matt

(right) showed me around while I was Excellence
there. I especially liked seeing Steve Guaranteed!
McQueens bike.
MICHAEL BARTELL If your copy has a significant production
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CHIRPING PROBLEM Chris, Ive
finally been able to get out on Brook-
lyn Decker. Get it? (Up here, baggers
and dressers are called deckers: all
decked out.) Anyway, I heard the
same chirping noise that has been dis-
cussed in AIM. I originally thought it
was the belt, but it was still making
that chirping noise when it wasnt
moving. Flicking the throttle? Turns
out, the rubber dampeners on the ex-
haust at the rear were the cause. I
sprayed some Armor All along with
other spray applications, and it cured
the chirping problem. Obviously, the
dampeners must dry out eventually.
TOM ANGUISH
Via Internet
KUSTOM KOATINGS Theres a typo

in issue #309 on the bike that was
featured on the cover (page 54). Bill
Dodge of Bling Cycles is our customer.
We powdercoated everything thats
black on the bike. You have the pow-
dercoater listed as WV Coatings. We
are Kustom Koatings, located in Hunt-
ington, West Virginia (WV). We are a
small shop, and it would be great for
our business if our name was listed
correctly. Anything you can do to
correct this by giving our company the
credit and exposure would greatly be
appreciated.
JAMES SLONE
Kustom Koatings, Owner
Huntington, WV
250,000 AND RISING I

bought my 2002 Road King Classic
new when I retired. Ive ridden it
through 48 states and three Canadian
provinces. I had the top end rebuilt at
185,000 miles, and it still runs great!
Look at my odometer now!
RICK MOLNAR
Palm Harbor, FL
AIMag.com ISSUE #316 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE 35

- Increases horsepower and torque
- Easy to install in about 90 minutes
- Original washable K&N High-Flow
Air Filter
- K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty
CONES ON MY HEAD? I just fin- ALL BEFORE THE WEDDING We

ished reading Mr. Gomos article Hid- just came back from a vacation of a life-
den in Plain Sight in issue #314. time. My friends David and Galeen
Although wearing bright clothing Chain rode their bike, a 2008 Gold
seems to be reasonable when it comes Wing, and I went on my 2008 FLHTC.
to preventing accidents with other We left Moore, Oklahoma, and traveled
Wrench-Off Oil Filters Also Available drivers, I question its significance in 5,067 miles in 15 days through Yellow-
- 17mm hex nut for easy the future. As the world becomes stone National Park in Wyoming, Gla-
wrench-off removal more safety aware, walkers, joggers, cier National Park in Montana, and
- High-flow synthetic bicyclists, motorcyclists, police, fire- Waterton-Glacier International Peace
filter media men, and road workers are now all Park, Banff National Park, and Lake
- Ideal for use with wearing bright clothing, making it the Louise in Alberta, Canada. We stopped
synthetic oils
new normal. I, therefore, believe that at Custer State Park in South Dakota
bright clothing will lose its effective- on the ride home. When we got home,
ness. For example, when we listen to our friends had two weeks to finish
loud music for awhile, our brain ad- preparations for their daughters wed-
justs to the noise, and it doesnt seem ding. Weve already started planning
to be as shocking as it did the first our ride for next year.
time we were exposed to it. I feel that KEITH ADAMS
our senses will, too, be dulled by the Moore, OK
constant exposure to the lime greens
KNFILTERS.COM/AI and oranges now used for road safety. REPLACE THE LOCKNUT! In your
I suppose if I strap an orange road how to maintain your chain article in
800-735-1557 x3018 cone to the top of my head and tape issue #314, you forgot to mention that
2014 K&N Engineering, Inc. sparklers to my handlebars, I might Harley says to replace the locknut on
standout a bit more. But for how the adjuster.
* long? Im not sure.
GEORGE MIDLA Youre right! Thanks for the heads
San Antonio, TX up. Chris Maida AIM
AIMag.com
H O W I T W O R K S by John Frank
STAYING CONNECTED
How to disassemble H-Ds various wiring harness connectors
Editors note: Like the How It Works we ran in the last issue, weve been
getting a lot of questions about how to disassemble the connectors on a
modern H-D. That means its time to rerun this feature by John Frank.
M

OTORCYCLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS USED
to be so simple. Then the federal gov-
ernment and the insurance industry
went into the motorcycle design busi-
ness and things became complicated.
New bikes have electronic speedome-
ters, self-cancelling turn signals, anti-lock brakes, electronic
ignition, a sensor that shuts the ignition off if the bike tips
over, electronic fuel injection, alarm systems, cruise control,
high-powered stereos, air horns, and a growing list of electri-
cal options and accessories. All these devices have wires, and The tab (arrow) on this AMP socket connector must
all those wires use a connector at one or both ends. be pressed down before it can be unplugged from
Some people may ride for several years without ever having the pin connector.
any need to repair or modify a connector. Others may need
to cope with connector failure or want to install an accessory dures for removal or repair. The key to
that requires adding wiring. Some professional motorcycle dealing with a modern wiring harness is
technicians and many do-it-yourselfers dislike working with not to be overwhelmed by connector
connectors because of the challenges involved in getting them complexity. Most connectors can be dis-
apart and back together without causing any damage. assembled and repaired with a few tools,
Connector technology is much better now than it was 40 patience, and some knowledge about
years ago. In the mid-1970s, it was common to see a terminal how they work.
board with minimal insulation and no weatherproofing
mounted on the frame beneath the seat of a Big Twin. Bikes The Parts
now have water-resistant connectors beneath the fuel tank, ITS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE
inside the headlight shell, under the seat, at the electrical current vernacular regarding the parts
panel, and in fairing-mounted instrument panels. Some police that make up a connector. The term con-
Terminal boards like this and military models have even more wires to accommodate nector means the entire assembly, while
one have no weather- extra lights, a siren, and radio equipment. A Harleys wiring housing generally refers to the insulating
proofing and little is made more complex because different connectors may come shell that contains the terminals and
vibration resistance. from different suppliers and use different tools and proce- supports the wires. The holes the termi-
nals are in are called cavities. Terminal
means the metal part thats connected to
the wire. The words male and female
have been replaced by pin and socket re-
spectively.
If you own a shop or work on motor-
cycles for a living, you probably have
some specialized tools that have astonish-
ing price tags. These tools may increase
shop efficiency and make it easier to
work on customers bikes. Do-it-your-
selfers can make their own pin and socket
removal tools. In many cases, the only
tools you need to buy would be a terminal

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HOW IT WORKS
removal tool and a hook and pick set.

Electrical connectors generally have
three things in common. First, there is a
tab or latch or button you need to release

or press before a set of connectors can be
separated. Second, the housings are
shaped so they cant be reconnected in-
correctly. For example, there may be a
ridge on one corner of a socket connec-
tor and a groove in the corresponding
pin connector. Third, there is some type
of terminal lock to keep the terminals in The hinged part (arrow)
the housing. Many connectors also have on this connector is the
a secondary lock that holds the wires and secondary lock.
terminals in the housing.
A terminal tool like this
Working With Connectors one can be used to
THE FIRST RULE IN WORKING WITH ELEC- remove socket terminals
trical connectors is to disconnect the that use two barbs to
ground cable from the battery. hold them in the
The second rule is to be gentle. If housing.
youre having difficulty unplugging the
connectors housings, dont tug on the
wires hoping something will come apart.
Look for a button or tabs on the connec-
tor. Some larger connectors may have
two tabs that need to be pressed in si-
multaneously to release the connector.
The third rule is to make sure you get
the right wire in the right cavity when re-
assembling or repairing connectors. This
rule should be quite obvious, but Ive
seen people cause expensive damage to terminals, and you may need to take connector shell. The bottom of the cap
electronic modules and sensors by inad- more than one photo to show which wire is wedge-shaped to hold the terminals in
vertently getting a wire in the wrong goes where. position. Use a pick to move the termi-
place. If you dont have a wiring diagram Lets start with a socket connector nal lock toward the gap in the middle of
for the bike youre working on, draw a from Deutsch because its common and the connector while slowly pulling the
sketch of the connector and indicate wire its the easiest to work with. The only wire out of the bottom of the connector.
colors on the sketch. If you have no tools needed are a flat-bladed screw- Reverse the steps to reassemble.
drawing ability, take a color photo of the driver and a pick. After separating the Removing terminals from a Deutsch
connector showing the location of every socket connector from the pin connec- pin connector requires the use of a hook
wire. Some connectors have two rows of tor, carefully pry the orange cap off the and a pick. Use the hook to carefully
pull the orange plastic piece out of the
The shape of the pin connector housing. The bottom of this
housing prevents it from piece is also wedge-shaped. Use the pick
being plugged into the to move the terminal lock toward the
socket housing incor- gap in the middle of the connector while
rectly. slowly pulling the wire out of the bottom
of the connector. Again, reverse this
process to reassemble.
Some connectors from AMP, Molex,
and Packard Electric use terminals with
two barbs that hold the terminals in the
housing. When working with this type
of connector, you can make your own
terminal removal tool or buy a tool from
a well-stocked auto parts store. Facto-
ries assemble these connectors by
crimping the terminal onto the end of

HOW IT WORKS
the wire and inserting the terminal into

the connector until the two barbs pass a
ridge or shoulder in the connectors
housing. At that point, the barbs spring
out to hold the terminal in the housing.
The key to removing this type of termi-
nal from the connector is compressing
both barbs at the same time and gently
pulling or pushing the wire and terminal
out of the housing. I use a Lisle terminal Some larger terminals use a single barb rather press the terminal lock toward that
tool (#56500) for some socket terminals than two barbs. empty chamber. Hold the terminal lock
and homemade tools for most pin termi- away from the terminal and gently pull
nals. Simultaneously pressing the two screwdriver into a long, slender, gently the wire to remove the terminal from the
barbs inward allows the terminal to be tapered tool. I mutilated a screwdriver connector.
gently pulled out of the connector in the that was given to me by a salesman at a Removing the socket terminals that
case of socket terminals. This is easily trade show. The wedge-shaped point I mate with flat pin terminals in AMP
accomplished with the small metal tubes created at the end of the blade works connectors is a bit more challenging be-
on a terminal tool or a short length of just fine in this type of connector. If you cause it requires another specialized tool
metal tubing from a hardware store or unplug an AMP connector and see flat and some practice using it. The ready-
hobby shop. Use a tool or tube with an pins instead of round pins, you will also made tool is simple but expensive. Once
inner diameter just slightly larger than notice a rectangular chamber adjacent again, you can make a socket terminal
the outside diameter of the socket termi- to the cavity that holds the terminal. In- removal tool with a bench grinder, pli-
nal. Pin terminals are a bit smaller than sert your homemade tool or the pick ers, and the cheapest screwdriver you
the socket terminal they fit into and are from a hook and pick set into the cavity can find. I used another screwdriver
a bit more delicate. Ready-made pin ter- that contains the terminal and gently that was given to me at a trade show.
minal tools are surprisingly expensive
but can easily be replicated at home. My
pin terminal tools consist of a short
length of brass tubing that slides over a
slightly longer piece of steel rod that has
one end glued into a wooden button. To
use it, I slide the brass tube onto the ter-
minal to compress the barbs, then gently
press the button to push the pin terminal
and the wire its connected to out the
back of the housing. As you might ex-
pect, reassembling this type of connec-
tor consists of making sure youre Some professional-
putting the wire in the correct position quality crimping tools
in the connector and pushing it in from have dies that crimp both
the back of the connector until you hear sets of a terminals flags
a click as the two barbs spring outward simultaneously.
to hold the terminal in position.
One feature of quality connectors is From left to right: New
the secondary lock. The secondary lock terminal showing the
is a hinged plastic part that prevents two sets of flags, do it
wires and terminals from being pulled yourself crimp, and
out of the connector. To release the sec- factory crimp.
ondary lock, look at the end of the con-
nector where the wires exit. You should
see a latch at each side. Gently pry the
latches apart while lifting the secondary
lock away from the wires.
Some connectors from AMP use pins
that are flat instead of round and sockets
that are rectangular. Releasing the pin
terminals from the connector can be
done with a pick from the hook and pick
set, or you can grind an inexpensive

HOW IT WORKS
The AMP socket terminals that mate

with the flat pin terminals are rectangu-
lar. Grind the screwdriver blade to a
long, gently tapered shape small enough
to fit into the cavity above the terminal.
Use the pliers to bend the end of the
modified screwdriver blade to form a
slight hook shape. This bend is impor-
tant because the tool is used to reach This expensive tool can be replicated with an inexpensive screwdriver and a bench grinder.
into the cavity above the terminal. The
tip of the tool must pass beneath the ter- Brass tubing on my
minal lock. Press down on the handle of homemade tool
the tool to lift the lock away from the compresses both
terminal and pull the wire out the back barbs on pin or
of the connector. Working with this type socket terminals.
of connector is challenging because you
need the proper taper and bend on the
tool. You must also get the tool into the
proper position in the connector. Trust
me, it takes practice, but it will work if
you are patient.
Headlight sockets and the old-style
starter relays used large socket terminals
that were held in the housing by a single
barb. If one terminal in one of these con-
nectors is damaged, you dont need to
replace the entire connector. A well-
stocked dealership or aftermarket shop
may have individual terminals available.
The single barb is on the side of the ter-
minal away from the crimp. Press the
The slight bend on the

end of this tool allows
it to reach under the
terminal lock in AMP
socket connectors.
Right: The wedge inside

Deutsch pin and socket
connectors holds the
terminal locks in place.
Moving the terminal lock
into the gap where the
wedge was removed
from releases the lock.
The pin connector uses
the same wedge method
to hold the terminal
lock.

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HOW IT WORKS

barb back into the terminal with a pick,
modified screwdriver, or 0.050" Allen
key while gently pulling on the wire.
The terminal should slide out the back
of the connector.
Crimping Terminals
CRIMPING NEW TERMINALS ONTO WIRES
must be done accurately in order to main-
tain a good electrical connection and pro-
vide some mechanical strength. Look
closely at new terminals, and you will see
two sets of flags. The larger pair at the
end of the terminal is there to grip the in- These are my improvised
sulation while the smaller pair is crimped tools: the 0.050" Allen key
over the end of the wire after about 1/8" (arrow) is slender enough
of insulation has been removed. Special- to fit in connectors that
ized tools have two sets of W-shaped jaws use only one barb on a
to make both crimps simultaneously. terminal.
Many of these professional-quality
crimping tools have jaws with inter- Store-bought tools include
changeable dies to fit different sized ter- the Lisle #56500 and an
minals and wires. Do-it-yourselfers can inexpensive hook and
use needlenose pliers and a combination pick set.
wire cutter/stripper/crimper to obtain
satisfactory results. Use the wire cutter
to remove the old terminal. Then use the
wire stripper to remove approximately
1/8" of insulation. Put the wire in position
on the terminal and fold the small flags
over the bare end of the wire using the
needlenose pliers. Then fold the large
flags over the insulated part of the wire.
Finally, use the small jaws on the wire
cutter/stripper/crimper to crimp the small
flags and then the large flags.
Conclusion
IVE TRIED TO EXPLAIN HOW TO WORK
with some of the more common connec-
tors used on modern motorcycle electri-
cal systems. Ive avoided the highly
specialized connectors that require ex-
tremely expensive tools to disassemble
and crimp. Electrical connectors have
come a long way from the spade lugs
and screw terminals that were used
decades ago and will undoubtedly con-
tinue to improve as wiring harnesses be-
come more complex. Our thanks to
Shanedrives of Sauk City, Wisconsin,
for help with this article. AIM
Editors note: To make it even easier for you to

master the art of connector tech, the good
folks at Fix My Hog have a free video you
can watch that shows you how to work on a
The homemade tool for AMP socket connectors must be inserted beneath the terminal lock then moved downward Deutsch connector:
to lift the lock away from the terminal. FixMyHog.com/Video/Deutsch-Connectors/

T E C H L I N E by Donny Petersen
Basic Carburetor Tuning

Part III: Component location and operation
C
arburetion on a Harley-Davidson is all about the transition period from idle to
compromise. Its rarely perfect because of baro- midrange along with a slow jet. A jet
metric influences and the overlapping of various needle extends down from the variable
fuel circuits where each has a specific primary venturi slide and goes into a needle jet
function. to control primarily midrange fuel re-
The CV Keihin carburetor, found on various 1990-2006 quirements. Below the needle jet is the
Harleys, is gravity-fed fuel and uses a float-operated inlet main jet whose main function is high-
valve to control fuel flow into the fuel reservoir. It utilizes con- speed fuel supply. At full throttle, the
stant velocity air travel, hence the acronym CV, and operates vacuum piston (slide) moves up, fully
via a slide-action variable venturi that controls the venturi exposing the venturi for high-speed air
opening. The CV has a throttle stop screw for idle speed ad- demand. The upward slide movement
justment, and there is a fuel enrichment system for starting. also retracts the midrange jet needle
Idle and transfer ports provide a balanced fuel mixture during from its needle jet to allow more fuel to
travel up from the high-speed main jet
The float bowl vent (A) below. The enrichener circuit enriches
and accelerating pump the air/fuel mixture ratio on startup to
nozzle (B) are visible at aid in cold starting and engine warm-up.
the front of the carbu- The accelerator pump squirts fuel into
retor throat. The three the carburetor throat/venturi when you
threaded holes are for first twist the throttle, assisting in start-
A

the air cleaner mounting, the transition just off idle, and rapid
ing bolts. The brass fit- acceleration.
ting (C) on the left side
of the carb is the fuel Part Locations
inlet fitting. IF YOU REMOVE THE AIR CLEANER, THE
float bowl vent, accelerating pump noz-
zle, slow air jet, and the main air jet are
visible at the front of the carburetor
B
throat. The float bowl vent is located on
the front of the carburetor air cleaner
mount flange. The three threaded holes
on the air cleaner mount flange are for
the air cleaner mounting bolts. The un-
threaded hole at the left top is the float
bowl vent. Do not cover this vent hole
when installing an air cleaner gasket, air

cleaner backing plate, or velocity stack.

C The accelerator pump nozzle is at the
right front just inside the carburetor
throat. Twist the throttle and a squirt of
fuel will inject into the carburetors ven-
turi. Beside the vertical accelerator
pump nozzle is the recessed, horizontal
main air jet. The horizontal slow air jet
is also at the front just inside the carbu-
retor throat beside the main air jet. It is
not recessed quite as much as the main
air jet.

TECHLINE
There is a tapered jet
needle attached to the
The idle mixture screw is hidden bottom of the vacuum
under a blank plug located on the outside piston. This jet needle
of the carb body, at the rear of the carbu- extends down into a
retor, underneath the throttle plate and tube called the needle
next to the back side of the float bowl. jet holder, which is
The idle port (hole) is directly above the located at the bottom
idle mixture screw, at the bottom of the of the carbs venturi.
carburetor throat, just behind the throttle
butterfly plate in the venturi. The slow
(pilot) jet sits near the top of the float
bowl reservoir. The slow jet feeds fuel
through a vertical channel that intersects
with a horizontal channel that runs par-
allel to and underneath the carburetor
throat. The horizontal channel begins at
the slow air jet at the front of the carbu-
retor and extends back past the intercon-
nection with the slow fuel jet channel to
the transfer ports and ends at the idle
port. When the throttle plate is closed it
blocks the transfer ports. As the throttle
plate opens, the transfer ports are
exposed and more fuel is directed into the
carburetor throat, on the engine side of
the venturi.
The main bleed tube (needle jet
holder) is located at the bottom of the
carbs venturi. The carbs needle jet is lo-
cated at the top of the needle jet holder,
and the main jet is screwed into the bot-
tom of the needle jet holder, which ex-
tends down into the float bowl. The main
jet is immersed in gasoline in the float the throttle wheel controls the engines the carburetor throat venturi. As the
bowl. The main bleed tube also intersects idle speed by holding the throttle plate throttle plate opens, creating a low pres-
with the main air jet passage just below barely open. The vacuum piston is at its sure situation in the intake tract, the ven-
the venturi. lowest position, which reduces the venturi (vacuum) piston rises from its
turi opening. The idle and low-speed cir- low-speed (lowest) position and the
The Fuel Circuits cuit controls the air/fuel mixture at idle midrange circuit comes into play. There
WHEN THE THROTTLE PLATE, WHICH IS and assists the transition into midrange is a tapered jet needle attached to the bot-
located on the engine side of the carb, is rpm engine speeds. This circuit controls tom of the vacuum piston (slide). The jet
closed the engine is idling and operating 100 percent of idle and about 25 percent needle extends down into a tube (needle
on the low-speed circuit. Fuel metering is of right-off-idle rpm speeds. jet holder) located at the bottom of the
through the slow speed (pilot) jet and idle When the throttle plate is opened by carbs venturi. As stated earlier, the carbs
mixture screw. The idle speed screw on the rider, additional fuel is directed into needle jet is located at the top of the ne-
edle jet holder and the main jet is screwed
ENRICHMENT DEVICE into the bottom of the needle jet holder,
which extends down into the float bowl.
THE ENRICHMENT (STARTER VALVE) device first meters fuel upward When the throttle plate is partially open,
through a valve chamber. This occurs because the descending pistons the vacuum piston rises and so does the
on their intake stroke create a low-pressure condition in the cylinders tapered jet needle, which pulls it out of its
and intake tract. The lower pressure in the venturi causes the now mating needle jet. This allows a con-
higher pressure in the float bowl chamber to force the fuel up into the trolled amount of fuel to rise into the air
lower pressure area in the carbs venturi. Then the starter valve opens a stream thats flowing through the carbs
passage into the carburetor venturi on the low-pressure (rear) side of venturi, atomizing (mixing) it with the
the venturi. Air is also directed to the valve chamber to mix with fuel.
Therefore, fuel from the float bowl chamber will be drawn up into the
passing air. The taper on the jet needle
carburetor venturi by the pressure differentials caused by the venturi allows more fuel to pass through the ne-
effect and the descending pistons that create the low-pressure edle jet as the jet needle rises. The
condition in the intake manifold and cylinders. I midrange circuit (jet needle) controls fuel
delivery for everything between idle and

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TECHLINE
With the float bowl
removed, you can
full-tilt boogie (wide-open throttle). In see the main jet (A)
actuality, the jet needle starts to allow in the needle jet
more fuel to enter the venturi right off holder (B). The hole
idle at small throttle settings. As the to the left of the
throttle plate opens, air velocity increases main jet houses the
under the vacuum piston, which draws pilot jet. The black
fuel up around the jet needle even before plastic object (C) is
the piston begins to lift it. the float.
The high-speed circuit is activated by
opening the throttle plate further, creat-
ing a greater pressure differential be-
tween the back and front of the carbs
venturi. The low-pressure area in the in-
take manifold raises the vacuum piston
fully upward, opening the venturi to its
full size. This also lifts the jet needle out
of its mating needle jet at wide-open
throttle (WOT) during hard accelera-
tion. The high-speed circuit controls the
amount of fuel passing into the venturi
via the main jet located at the bottom end
of the needle jet holder since the needle
jet is opened to its maximum. In this sit-
uation (WOT during hard acceleration),
the main jet is the primary controller of

fuel delivery. B C
From the top of the carburetor down A
is the carburetor body cap that encloses
the vacuum piston, spring, and jet needle.
Beside the cap is the fuel line that travels
down from the gas tank petcock to the vacuum hose attaches to the vacuum op- bits cannot bend around corners, so
fuel inlet fitting at the top of the CV Kei- erated electrical switch (VOES). The straight bores intersect with sealing caps
hin float bowl reservoir. There should be VOES sends an electrical signal to the where necessary. The float bowl reservoir
a protective covering over the fuel line. electronic control module (ECM) that in- housing attaches to the bottom of the car-
This is a safety feature since this line con- dicates engine load according to low pres- buretor. It houses the metering inlet needle
tains flammable gasoline that travels be- sure (negative) in the intake manifold or and seat, plus the float mechanism that
tween the hot cylinders and heads. Below atmospheric (positive) pressure in the contains and determines the level of the
the top portion of the fuel line is the en- carbs venturi. The ECM can then fire the fuel in the reservoir. The hose at the bot-
richment device cable that connects to spark plugs in conjunction with piston tom of the float bowl attaches to the float
the enrichment starter valve inside the movement location for best power output. bowl reservoir overflow tube. This tube
carburetor. This is not a choke, but an Below the enrichener cable is the but- extends vertically up through the fuel
enrichment device that delivers fuel tressed end of the throttle butterfly plate reservoir and its opening ends just above
when opened by the cable. shaft. To the left is the rubber carburettor- the gasoline reservoir. An incorrectly
Next is the partially hidden vacuum to-manifold flange gasket. Above, between adjusted or defective float mechanism
line hose behind the enrichener cable. The the fuel line and the enrichener cable can cause fuel overflow. It is imperative
vacuum hose attaches to the carburetor seated in the carburetor body, is a pressed to channel this overflow away from the
vacuum fitting, which connects into the fit cap. This seals the float bowl vent chan- hot engine components and the exhaust
carburetor throat. The other end of the nel that makes a turn at this location. Drill pipes harmlessly, relatively speaking,
onto the ground.
H O N D A PA RT S O N H A R L E Y S
Conclusion
KEIHIN MANUFACTURES THIS CARBURETOR AND IS A SUBSIDIARY THIS ENDS OUR DISCUSSION OF THE
of Honda, Harley-Davidsons supposed archenemy. This is not the first or Keihin CV carb. In the next issue, well
last time subsidiaries of Honda or other Japanese companies will supply talk about R&R Cycles 131 engine.
Harley-Davidson with components. In 1973, H-D began using suspension
components, like rear shocks and front forks, manufactured by another
DONNY PETERSEN
Honda subsidiary named Showa. A company named Kayaba made the
narrow glide front forks in 1973. Then theres the Hitachi starter motor Donny's books at Amazon.com
that superseded the Nippodenso starter motor in 1989. I USABookNews.com/DonnyPetersen.html
USABookNews.com/Petersen.html

text by
wayne scraba
photos by
pam proctor

LMOST 10 YEARS AGO, SCOTT went straight into his shop for a rework. But were getting
A
Hoepker walked into his local ahead of the game here.
Harley-Davidson dealership and Scott is the first to admit hes a painter. He doesnt weld,
plunked down a deposit for a but he knows what he wants. So when the bike went under
brand-spanking-new 2005 Night the knife, the frame, along with other bits, were loaded up
Train. It was a special order, too and hauled over to Main Drive Cycles. When the machine
(the dealer didnt have one). was dropped off for the surgery, the Main Drive boys wanted
Night Trains are cool enough to know what was wrong with Scott. Gee whiz, it was already
with blacked-out everything, hard- a drop-dead-gorgeous motorcycle. But Scott didnt like the
tail looks, and an 88" counterbal- bulk under the tank (theres an ugly square tube gusset under
anced Twin Cam. Fair enough, but stock wasnt in Scotts there thats hidden with the stock tank it becomes quite
dictionary. You see, he owns a custom bike (and helmet) visible with the svelte Sporty tank). Scott wanted the seat-
painting emporium in the Dallas area that goes by the name mount bosses filled so that a slim solo pan could be installed,
of Chemical Candy Customs. Scotts biz is an independent, and he just hated the way there was huge airspace between
one-man shop, and he specializes in painting choppers and the back fender and the tire. The fix here was to mount a new
helmets using candies, pearls, metalflakes, and airbrushing tight-fitting Twisted Choppers fender directly to the
(in fact, Scott recently signed on with Bell helmets as a de- swingarm. Simultaneously, the lower fork legs were modified
signer). The bottom line here is that he knows his way so the bike could be dropped down to the ground (there al-
around style, and he knows his way around bikes.This par- ready was a Legend Air Ride setup out back).
ticular Night Train has had three different looks throughout The motor needed something else, too. Scott had local
its lifetime.With those different looks, the bike has had at wizard Dusty Ivey go through the Twin Cam. The build was
least five different custom-painted tanks! In fact, when he loosely based on a 95" big-bore kit from Screamin Eagle.
picked the bike up from the dealer, he didnt even ride it. It Essentially, the upgrade included new 3-7/8" cylinders,

pistons, rings, a set of SE211 cams (an
upgrade of the kits supplied SE203
cams), and a bunch of little hardware.
For Scotts application, all of the EFI
pieces included in the kit were ditched.
Ditto with all of the EFI hardware on
the Twin Cam. It was replaced with a
simple Mikuni carb covered with a
Goodson air cleaner. The matching
rocker boxes are from Roland Sands
Design. Internally, Dusty added the
above parts, but he also blueprinted
the thing, piece by piece. By eliminat-
ing the electronic fuel injection, Scott
was able to dump the bulky wiring har-
ness that came with the bike. Youll
note that the machine runs without
blinkers and gauges, too, so there was
not a need for a big electrical harness.
It cleans up the look significantly. Sim-
ple is good.
Backing the new 100 hp Twin Cam
is the stock chain drive primary, a Bar-
nett clutch, and the stock five-speed
gearbox. Scott replaced the belt drive
final with a chain setup from Zippers.
With the powertrain back in the
frame, Scott fit a set of wrapped Sik
Pipes to the machine and worked out
the mounting arrangement for the
Sportster tank. The rolling stock con-
sists of black rims with polished stain-
less spokes. The front is a J&P Cycles
rim laced to the stock hub while the
back is a Ride Wright piece. The rub-
ber is from Metzeler on both ends a
120/70-21" front and a 180/55-18" in
the rear. Downstairs, Scott drilled out

the forward controls and swapped
the pegs for a set of brass jobs from
Chica. Handlebars were swapped
for a set of Biltwell models and the
controls are a mix of modified stock-
ers and Chica bits. The headlight
was replaced with a tidy ventilated
job from Crime Scene Choppers.Out
back, the bike wears a side mount li-
cense bracket and brass-trimmed
taillight combo (a mix of West Eagle
parts and Scotts own fabrication).
The saddle is a Xian leather piece.
What you cant see is the itsy-bitsy
short battery that was mandated
by the super low seat.
In traditional builder fashion,
once the machine was assembled, it
was stripped to the bone and de-
tailed (Hoepkers speciality, natch!).
Basic black from House of Kolor is
the central theme, and in the incar-
nation shown here, the tank wears Zenith Gold, Orion Softails. The general plan was to make it look like a rigid,
Silver, and white graphics. but ride like a Softail. And ride it does. According to Scott,
Scotts machine has finally reached a point where he is the lowered stance, coupled with the dropped saddle and the
truly satisfied. And honestly, its the perfect calling card for (considerable) decrease in weight from a standard Night
his Chemical Candy Customs business: as Scott notes, it Train, make this thing handle like its on rails. Of course, the
wasnt exactly an easy build, but if you follow through with added bark from the big-bore kit doesnt hurt either. Me?
it, you can see just how much potential exists in late model Definitely jealous. AIM
TECH SHEET
Owner: Scott Hoepker Case: Stock

Builder: Scott Hoepker and Main Drive Cycles Gears: Stock
Year/model: 2005 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train Clutch: Barnett
Cost to build: $35,000 Primary drive: Stock chain
Time to build: Four years Final drive: Zippers chain drive
Powdercoater: Custom Powder Coating, Dallas, TX
Painter: Chemical Candy Customs CHASSIS
Color: House of Kolor Black Frame: 2005 FXSTB Night Train, modified
Graphics: Zenith Gold, Orion Silver, and white Front forks: Stock, lowered
Rear suspension: Legend Air Ride
POWER PLANT Front wheel: Harley-Davidson hub, stainless spokes, J&P rim 3.25-21"
Engine: 2005 Harley-Davidson TC 88B Rear wheel: Ride Wright 5.50-18"
Builder: Dusty Ivey Front brake: Stock four-piston caliper
Displacement: 95" Rear brake: Stock four-piston caliper
Horsepower: 100 hp Front tire: Metzeler 120/70-21"
Flywheels: Stock Rear tire: Metzeler 180/55-18"
Balancing: Stock Rear fender: Twisted Choppers
Connecting rods: Stock
Cylinders: Stock ACCESSORIES
Pistons: Screamin Eagle 10.25:1 Headlight: Crime Scene Choppers
Heads: Stock Taillight: West Eagle/Chemical Candy Customs
Cams: Screamin Eagle SE211 .508" lift Fuel tank: Lowbrow Customs Sportster
Carb: Mikuni Oil tank: Stock
Air cleaner: Goodson Handlebars: Biltwell
Exhaust: Sik Pipes Seat: Xian Leather, Floyd County, VA
Ignition: Screamin Eagle Pegs: Chica
Coils: Stock License bracket: Chemical Candy Customs
Wires: Stock Mirrors: Low Brow Customs
Charging system: Stock Hand controls: Stock, modified by Chemical Candy Customs
Primary cover: Stock Foot controls: Stock, modified by Chemical Candy Customs
Transmission: Stock Levers: Stock, modified by Chemical Candy Customs

N E W B I K E R E V I E W by Dain Gingerelli
2015 H-D
Road
Glide
Special
On the road again
T
HE COLLECTIVE SIGH OF
relief emanating from
South Dakotas Black Hills
last August was justified.
The occasion marked the
return of the Road Glide to
Harley-Davidsons lineup, and fans of
the shark-nosed model were delighted to
see the 2015 version rolling through the
streets of Deadwood when Harley-
Davidson unveiled the updated Touring
bike.
Missing in action for 2014 when The
Motor Company first unveiled its Project
RUSHMORE collection of Touring mod-
els, the Road Glide returns with plenty of
improvements for 2015, making this the
best Road Glide yet. It includes all the
major features found on the revamped
2014 Electra Glide platform. Fittingly, the
reveal took place near Mt. Rushmore, lo-
cated within the epicenter of the annual
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
There are two 2015 models, the Road
Glide (the base model, if you will, with a
starting MSRP of $20,899 for Vivid
Black) and the Road Glide Special
(boasting additional features that boost
PHOTOS BY PAM PROCTOR
MSRP to $23,199). I had the opportunity

to spend the bulk of the Sturgis rally
aboard the Special, and I can tell you that
the model lives up to its name.
First, a quick rundown of the RUSH-
MORE features shared by both: the 103"

engine received the High wider mouths for more con-
Output upgrades that boost venient loading and unload-
torque to 104.7 ft-lbs. at ing of gear, one-touch latches
3250 rpm, and the chromed and a total capacity of 2.3
air cleaner cover, embla- cubic feet. Two additional
zoned with the 103 signature smaller, yet surprisingly spa-
logo, shares the same new cious, storage bins with easy-
shape that marks all RUSH- open lids are found in the
MORE models. The com- fairing, and thats also where
pression ratio is set at 9.7:1, youll find many of the Road
and the rest of the power- Glides other new features.
train retains the usual chain At a glance, the shark-nose
primary, Cruise Drive six- fairing looks much like the
speed transmission, and belt wind cutter found on previ-
final drive found on every ous Road Glide models. The
new Big Twin. sleek windjammer fairing has
The fork now boasts the dual LED Daymaker head-
hefty 49mm fork legs and re- lights encased in a sleek clear
inforced triple trees found on bubble for improved aerody-
RUSHMORE models, and namics, and the assembly is
Brembo brakes 300mm rotors pinched by two four-piston mounted directly to the frame, offering better stability over
calipers up front and one in the rear whoa the 849 pound the Electra Glide and its fork-mounted batwing fairing.
(claimed wet weight) Road Glide. The Special also includes Look closer, though, and youll notice that the new Road
the RUSHMORE-bred Reflex Linked braking system with Glide fairing has been reshaped, and is 1.4" narrower for
ABS as part of the package. Harley claims suspension travel even better aerodynamics. Harley engineers spent a wealth
for both models to be 4.6" front and 2.1" rear, the difference of time and money contouring the fairing through wind tun-
being that the Road Glide relies on air adjustability while the nel testing. Their work resulted in what they term split-
Special has the mechanically adjustable rear suspension for stream vents that include an air snout just below the
more precise damping and spring preload. The claimed seat abbreviated windshield to duct air into the low-pressure
height for both models is set at 27.8" (unladen). zone created by the enormous fairing and windshield, and
Naturally, too, both new Road Glides are equipped with
the easy-open saddlebags. These lockable bags have slightly continued on page 134
As usual, Nick D. brings big dreams to life

text by photos by
greg williams dino petrocelli
OME PEOPLE ARE JUST A
S
little off center. They like to do
the unexpected. Take 43-year-
old Nick Dagostino, for exam-
ple. Since he was old enough to
hold a wrench, he has taken
apart and built bicycles, finally moving on
to cars, trucks, and of course, motorcycles.
Most of his motorcycle builds have been
based on Japanese sportbikes. One of
them was a Suzuki Hayabusa inline
three-wheeler two wheels out
back, and one in front making
it appear more like a Rollerblade
than a tricycle. If youre at all
familiar with the Hayabusa,
Suzukis most powerful
sport machine, youll under-
stand that Nicks build
might be considered, well,
just a little bit odd. And
thats a good thing.

Because it takes folks like Nick to notice trends and The Harley-Davidson headlight was modified with a
imagine new possibilities. Thats what happened when he Performance Machine light cover originally meant to fit an
witnessed the explosion in popularity of big-wheel bag- FLH. Nick had to fabricate a new mount so the cover would
gers.When everybody got into building big-wheeled bag- fit his headlight bucket. Topping it all off are Prostep 4"
gers, that was enough to make me not want to build a contrast cut handlebars from Roland Sands Design,
big-wheel bagger, Nick says.And now everyone expects to
see a huge front wheel on a bike with bags.
Not that Nick doesnt like big-wheel baggers; he just
thinks the machines would look so much better without a
fairing and without the namesake bags on the back. Thats
when I thought I could build a Softail with a big front
wheel, Nick says.
He got started late in 2012 with the purchase of his first-
ever Harley-Davidson, a used 2011 FLSTB Fat Boy Lo.
With the machine at home and up on the lift in his two-car
garage, Nick started taking measurements and searching for
wheels that he liked. He found rims from RC Components
that werent yet in production, and he was told thered be an
eight week wait for the Torsion Eclipse contrast cut wheels
a 26" hoop up front and a matching 17" out back.
He didnt mind the wait, because it gave him time to call
other knowledgeable companies in the customizing trade, in-
cluding Hawg Halters Inc (HHI). HHI has a great techni-
cal department, and [the people there] told me their 4-degree
trees would work with the 26" wheel, and I wouldnt have to
alter the frame at the neck at all, Nick says. He wanted to
keep the Fat Boy Lo compact and stubby, so he shortened
the stock 41mm Harley fork tubes 2" and installed a set of
Progressive Suspension springs. All of the front fork compo-
nents were powdercoated black, and billet contrast cut cov-
ers from an unknown manufacturer were installed. The front
fender is a carbon fiber composite from the Arlen Ness cata-
log, and it hugs the 26" Vee Rubber Monster tire. When the
front end was buttoned back up, Nick added 30-weight fork
oil to stiffen up the damping.Ive got about 2-1/2" of travel,
and theres no chance of the fork bottoming out, he says of
his modifications.
Meanwhile, the rear Softail suspension was left com-
pletely original, as was the rear brake caliper. The front and
rear rotors are from Wilwood, and the single front caliper is
a four-piston unit from Brembo.

complete with stock controls that have been powdercoated level display. He replaced the stock seat with a Bare Bones
black and stock signal lights fitted with smoked covers. solo from LePera, and it meets a Russ Wernimont Designs
Nick left the gas tank completely stock, including the metal rear fender. Nick had to cut into the front of the fender
dash, but he did install an upgraded Harley-Davidson and fabricate a metal pocket to accept the Harleys electronic
speedometer and flush mount H-D fill caps with a LED fuel- equipment that fits under the seat, which wasnt a problem

for Nick. His garage is equipped with both MIG and TIG been custom-coated black by Dan Quinn at Quinn Motor-
welding equipment, and he knows how to use the gear. To sports in Ballston Spa, New York. Ive already mentioned
clean up the back of the Softail, a RWD rear brake light with the front end and handlebar controls, but pieces such as the
integrated signals was frenched-in, and the fender struts shortened fender struts and axle nut covers are other exam-
were shortened by 3-1/4". Holding the license plate in place ples. To contrast with the black, Nick opted for a Harley-
is a side-mount billet bracket made by Figure Machine. Davidson hue, and Neil Cuomo of Rotterdam, New York,
Many of the Fat Boy pieces are stock Harley-Davidson, applied The Motor Companys White Denim paint.
including the belt guard and the riders floorboards. How- Thats kind of my thing, Nick says. Sometimes less is
ever, the rear pegs yes, a more, and the
passenger often rides with white is bal-
him seated on a pillion suc- anced by the
tion-cupped to the fender black, and on this
are from Arlen Ness, and bike, there
the contrast cut foot con- are some
trols are from Perform- brushed
ance Machine. finishes to
The engine was left entirely stock. top it off.
But to compensate for the Vance & Hines Big Radius When Nick bought the
exhaust pipes and the Arlen Ness Big Sucker air 2011 Fat Boy there were 5,000
cleaner, Nick ordered a Vance & Hines Fuelpak miles on the clock. Since finishing
tuner to plug into the bikes harness. After his build, hes added 10,000 more.
you plug all of your bikes parameters into He said, Itll go 100 mph down
the web site, [V&H sends] you out the the highway with no headshake
Fuelpak, Nick says. Its basically a and no wobble but thats the
mail-order tune, but it just makes every- quality of the HHI trees. Now
thing run that much more crisply. hes finished, though, hes work-
The frame wears its black powder- ing overtime to dream up an-
coated finish from Harley-Davidson, other build, something else that
but many other parts and pieces have will surprise the mind. AIM
TECH SHEET
Owner: Nick Dagostino Primary drive: Stock

Builder: Nick Dagostino Final drive: Stock
Year/model: 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Fat Boy Lo
Cost to build: $25,000 CHASSIS
Time to build: Six months Frame: 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTB
Powdercoater: Dan Quinn, Quinn Motorsports, Ballston Spa, NY Triple trees: Hawg Halters Inc., 4-degree
Painter: Neil Cuomo, Rotterdam, NY Front forks: Stock, 2"-under, powdercoated gloss black
Color: Harley-Davidson White Denim Front Suspension: Stock, Progressive Suspension springs
Swingarm: Stock
POWER PLANT Front wheel: RC Components Torsion Eclipse 3.00-26"
Engine: 2011 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Rear wheel: RC Components Torsion Eclipse 6.25-17"
Builder: Harley-Davidson Front brake: Brembo four-piston caliper, Wilwood black rotor
Displacement: 96" Rear brake: Stock caliper, Wilwood black rotor
Horsepower: 70-plus Front tire: Vee Rubber Monster 120/50-26"
Flywheels: Stock Rear tire: Metzeler ME880 200/55-17"
Cylinders: Stock Front fender: Arlen Ness carbon fiber
Pistons: Stock Rear fender: Russ Wernimont Designs
Heads: Stock Fender struts: Stock, modified
Cams: Stock
EFI: Stock injection with Vance & Hines Fuelpak ACCESSORIES
Air cleaner: Arlen Ness Inverted Big Sucker Headlight: Stock, Performance Machine contrast cut cover
Exhaust: Vance & Hines Big Radius Taillight: Russ Wernimont Designs strobe with integrated signals
Ignition: Stock Fuel tank: Stock
Wires: Stock Handlebars: Roland Sands Design ProStep contrast cut 1-1/4"
Charging system: Stock Seat: LePera Bare Bones
Cam cover: Stock Pegs: Arlen Ness black knurled Fusion
Primary cover: Stock Speedo: Harley-Davidson
Derby cover: Roland Sands Design Clarity Series License bracket: Figure Machine billet LED, powdercoated black
Transmission: Stock Mirrors: Performance Machine Vision Arrow
Gears: Stock Hand controls: Stock, powdercoated
Clutch: Stock Foot controls: Performance Machine

At Rinehart Racing, we perfected stepped
header exhausts for one reason: performance.
Our revolutionary designs give your bike
maximum power and torque. They even
come with an 18-month warranty
some other guys only do 90 days.
Are you ready to step up?
Part No. 300-0100
DISCLAIMER: Any add-on or modied emissions-related parts contained in this advertisement that are subject to anti-tampering laws have not been evaluated and exempted by the California Air Resources Board. As
a manufacturer, Rinehart Racing makes no representation or warranty with respect to whether the emissions-related parts in this advertisement are legal for sale, installation or use in any state unless the part is installed
in a vehicle used only for closed-course competition. This disclaimer shall apply in the State of California or other states where anti-tampering laws regulate modications that aect emissions for motor vehicles. Rinehart
Racing expressly prohibits the use of any Rinehart Racing product that violates or is used in such a way to violate the laws of the State of California as shall be administered and enforced by the California Air Resources Board.
For further information relating to the use of emissions-related parts or components on pollution-controlled motorcycles, visit the California Air Resource Boards web page at http://www.arb.ca.gov
T O U R by Joe Knezevic

RIDING COASTAL
NEW ENGLAND
Part 1: Connecticut to Cape Cod
O
NE DAY WHILE CHATTING ON THE PHONE WITH MY
lady, Amy, she mentioned that it would be nice if I
took her on a motorcycle ride some day. In the same
conversation, I found out that she had never been to
the northeastern corner of the United States, aka
New England. Hearing both those things, I decided to invite her to
Connecticut to join me on a motorcycle ride up the East Coast.
When she accepted my invitation, I was beyond excited and was
amazed at how quickly things had progressed. Within a day or
two, we picked some dates, got her a plane ticket, and began work-
ing on the details for the trip.
When doing a multiday road trip, my initial instinct has been to
not take a passenger with me, let alone a woman I was just getting
to know. Then again, its not often that I get the opportunity to
bring a beautiful woman along on a motorcycle tour, especially one
as wonderful as Amy is. That said, I was smitten and couldnt think
of a better way for two people to get to know each other than on a
multiday motorcycle ride. I put my inhibitions aside and took a
leap of faith.
Located in the center of town, the 252-foot tall

Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum
commemorates the landfall of the Mayflower
Pilgrims in Provincetown in 1620.

The plan was that I would figure out some accommoda- caught some free live entertainment at the Wolf Den located
tions along the way and then string together some cool rides in the center of the casino. After checking out the band and
connecting them. In order to do this quickly and easily, I de- trying our luck at the slots we decided to have a bite to eat
cided to fall back on my membership in the Best Western at Bobbys Burger Palace. If youre into burgers, you owe it
Ride Rewards. So I simply vis- to yourself to check out one
ited BWRider.com where I was of these restaurants that are
quickly able to get access to all owned by celebrity chef
of the 42 hotels that Best West- Bobby Flay. For the record, I
ern has in the six states that recommend the Crunch-
make up New England: Con- burger.
necticut, Maine, Massachusetts, After sleeping in the next
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, day, we loaded up the bike
and Vermont. and headed south on Con-
When the appointed day necticut 32 toward New Lon-
came, I eagerly greeted Amy at don. We then merged with
Bradley International Airport in Interestate-95/US Route 1 so
Windsor Locks, Connecticut. we could take the Gold Star
After reacquainting ourselves as Memorial Bridge over the
best we could in the public airport Above: This animated Wolf greets Thames River. Soon after
terminal, we packed her stuff onto visitors at the entrance of the Wolf crossing the longest bridge in
the 2014 Road King that would Den in the Casino of the Earth at the state, we exited the high-
be our ride up the coast and Mohegan Sun. way onto 1 heading north.
headed out. Right: My travel partner, Amy, We continued on 1 until we
Our adventure began by outside the most famous pizza reached Mystic, where we
going south on Interstate-91 place in Mystic. parked, got off the bike, and
until we turned east on Con- checked out this major New England tourist destination. If
necticut 2. From there, a short stint on Connecticut 2A put youre into aquariums, be sure not to miss Mystic Seaport
us on the Norwich-New London Turnpike where we while in town. Founded in 1929, its supposedly the nations
stopped at the Best Western Plus Cristata Inn in Uncasville, largest maritime museum. We passed, however, and instead
Connecticut, for the evening. I specifically chose this hotel took a short walk around the village of Mystic. For nostal-
because of its proximity to Mohegan Sun Casino. After gias sake, we grabbed a bite to eat at Mystic Pizza, which,
checking in, Amy and I took the hotels free limousine serv- although it wasnt filmed there, is the inspiration for the
ice to the casino, where we spent the evening eating, gam- 1988 Julia Roberts film of the same name.
bling, listening to music, and drinking. Ive visited many Back on the bike and heading north on 1 we took the
casinos around the world but am totally impressed by how Mystic River Bascule Bridge to get out of the village. Work-
huge this place is. In actuality, Mohegan Sun features three ing our way along at a leisurely pace, we took in the scenery
different casinos (Earth, Sky, and Wind) that offer over as we crossed into Rhode Island at Westerly and continued
350,000 square feet of total gaming. We decided to spend north. Soon after this, 1 tuned into a four-lane highway, so
our time in the Casino of the Earth that night, and we around Wakefield, we decided to exit onto Rhode Island 1A
Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge aka Newport Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in New England.
aka US Route 1 Scenic toward Narra-
gansett/Point Judith. This lovely but short
detour took us along the shore until we
merged onto Rhode Island 138 heading east
to Newport. On this road we crossed over
Narragansett Bay by riding over the
Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, which was
quickly followed by Claiborne Pell Newport
Bridge. Once over the bridges, we made a
detour through downtown Newport and
headed to the citys world-famous Cliff Walk
along the eastern shore. This 3-1/2-mile pub-
lic access walk was designated a National
Recreation Trail in 1975 and was the first
one in New England. Roughly two-thirds of
the walk is easy, and its a great way to see
the natural beauty of the shoreline as well as
the stunning Gilded Age mansions that give One of the many Gilded Age mansions you can check out in Newport.
Newport its grand architectural history.
After the spending some time at the Cliff
Walk, we had worked up an appetite, so we
headed over to the Red Parrot in the heart of
downtown Newport for a quick bite before
hopping back on the bike and setting our
sights on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. To get
there, we took Rhode Island 24/138 heading
into Massachusetts where we merged with
Interstate-195 for a short stint before getting
onto US Route 6 heading east. We took this
road until we reached the Buzzards Bay By-
pass, which allowed us to ride along the edge
of the Cape Cod Canal until we got to the
Sagamore Bridge that we took to cross to the
Cape. Once over the bridge, we rode the
Mid-Cape Highway (6) about half way out
on the Cape where we exited at Massachu-
setts 124 and headed north until we reached
the town of Brewster. It was here that we
hooked up with Seth Pearson and Jay Merri-
man, two college buddies of mine. During a
long night of catching up, my friend Seth, We were surprised that it was cool to park our ride on the sidewalk around the corner from The Red Parrot.
who was born and raised on Cape Cod, sug-
gested that we should take an extra day on the Cape so I located in the dunes on Cahoon Hollow Beach inside CCNS
could show Amy the beauty it has to offer, especially since and offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Having
we were on a motorcycle and could easily take in the sights. been privately owned since 1953 it was grandfathered in
He even went as far as to mark a map for us. when the area was turned into a National Seashore and re-
Going on Seths recommendation the next day, we left mains one of the only privately held commercial properties in
Brewster heading east on Massachusetts 6A until we merged the whole CCNS. I have been coming to this place for years
onto 6 heading toward Eastham/Provincetown. A few miles and can tell you that on a good night you can catch some big
after one of the several traffic circles youll have to negotiate name music acts playing at The Beachcomber. Be careful
while on the Cape, we turned right onto Nauset Road and when parking at this location as the accumulation of sand
into Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS). Created by Pres- can make things a bit slick, especially on a loaded-up Harley.
ident John F. Kennedy in 1961, CCNS includes about 40 After grabbing some lunch at The Beachcomber and
miles of seashore along the eastern shore of Cape Cod. We relaxing on Cahoon Hollow Beach, we hopped back on the
followed Nauset to Doane Road and then turned left onto bike and took Long Pond Road to Lawrence Road back out
Ocean View Drive. This road runs parallel to the shore, past to 6 which we then took to the town of Truro. Here, we got
Coast Guard Beach, to the Nauset Lighthouse. From there, onto 6A, or Old Kings Highway, so we could hug the shore
we took Cable Road back to Nauset and jumped back on 6 of Provincetown Harbor all the way to Provincetown. Once
toward Provincetown. Then, just past South Wellfleet, we in P-town, we parked the bike and walked around the down-
made another detour east by making a right on Cahoon Hol- town area, checking out the shops in town and the Pilgrim
low Road, which took us east to the shore where we reached Monument. After spending most of the afternoon taking in
The Beachcomber. This classic Cape Cod restaurant is the beauty of the northernmost town on the cape, we decided
to loop around the extreme northern tip of the Cape and
check out Race Point Beach and its vast sand beach that SOURCES
faces the Atlantic Ocean. A short hike from the beach is the
Race Point Lighthouse that marks the northern tip of Cape
Cod for passing sea vessels. From here, we cruised back THE BEACHCOMBER
down to Brewster where we spent the night again catching 508/349-6055
up with my college friends. The next day, Amy and I woke to TheBeachcomber.com
rain, so we decided to wait it out and BEST WESTERN PLUS CRISTATA
discuss the rest of the trip and how we INN
wanted to continue north toward Maine 860/848-0660
and farther into New England. CristataInn.com
Even though this story only covers a
small portion of New England and our BEST WESTERN RIDE REWARDS
trip up the coast, I feel its important to in- 888/BW-RACE1
BWRider.com
form you that the region has a lot of colo-
nial and Revolutionary history. In more CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE
recent times, the region also played a key 508/771-2144
role in abolishing slavery and was one of NPS.gov/CACO
the first areas of the United States to be
transformed by the Industrial Revolution. MOHEGAN SUN
In addition, I feel obligated to give 888/226-7711
credit where credit is due. This portion of MoheganSun.com
the trip with Amy worked out as smooth MYSTIC PIZZA
as could be, and this is simply because 860/536-3700
shes an experienced motorcycle passen- MysticPizza.com
ger. So even though this was the first time I took her for a One of the many
ride on a motorcycle, we were able to plan a rather complex characters you will THE RED PARROT
trip and execute it with little trouble. Kudos to her! run into in P-town. 401/847-3800
Due to the length of this trip, its tale has to be split into Wonder if he reads RedParrotRestaurant.com
two parts. In a future issue you can read about the rest of American Iron?
this trip and the rest of our exploits as we travel from Cape
Cod to Maine. AIM Established in 1816, the historic Race Point Lighthouse is the third lighthouse built on Cape Cod.

TailgunnerUSA.com
We Believe In Thinking Differently.
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N E W B I K E R E V I E W by Dain Gingerelli
Indian puts on its war paint

2015
N
OAH WEBSTER AND COM-
pany can add a new defini-
tion to the word overachiever
to their lexicon. And the def-
inition is exactly three words
Indian
long: Indian Motorcycle
Company. Consider that less than three
years after mother ship Polaris Industries
purchased the left-for-dead carcass of a
Scout
company in early 2011, the first three In-
dian preproduction prototypes (Chief Clas-
sic, Vintage, and Chieftain) appeared in the
metal at the 2013 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
By October of that same year, the first pro-
duction models were on dealer showrooms,
waiting to be sold. Less than a year later,
the Roadmaster (315) appeared. Over-
achieving, indeed.
But then the overachieving got kooky,
because to kickstart the week-long Stur-
gis rally for 2014, Indian unveiled the all-
new-for-2015 Scout at what was certainly
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
one of the wildest new-model launches in

memory. The carnival-like pageantry was
highlighted when daredevil rider Charlie
Ransom rode a modified Indian Scout on
the legendary Wall of Death. You want to
get peoples attention? Ride your bike in
circles perpendicular to the ground while
the surrounding crowd of crazies yells,
More, more, more! Buffalo Bill Cody
couldnt have put on a more impressive
Wild West show, and move over, Barnum
& Bailey, the Indian Motorcycle Circus is
in town.

Indians traveling show brought a tle. We can thank a well-mapped igni-
small squadron of preproduction pro- tion curve and EFI feeding through
totype Scouts to Sturgis for its demo 60mm throttle bodies for that, and the
fleet and another batch of bikes for moment you release the clutch lever
spirited and anxious motojournalists but without giving the slightest bit of
like me to ride and evaluate. Placing throttle the bike begins to gently
members of motorcyclings fourth es- roll forward. Thats intentional, too,
tate onto preprod models is risky busi- because Indian bills the Scout as a
ness. I know from experience that midsize model thats also suitable for
ventures like that can backfire on the new and less-experienced riders.
hosts. Preproduction means just that, We wanted a bike that inspired
and sometimes there are minor (or confidence in new riders, Gary Gray,
major) bugs and glitches still to be who oversees Indians product line,
worked out before the final production told me. He cited three factors of the
run can begin. Having said that, the Scouts build meant to inspire that con-
only bump in the road that I experienced with the preprod fidence: light weight, low seat height, and docile handling
Scout involved the mirrors wandering on their stems when I and performance. Clearly, the engine fills the blank for docile
revved the 1133cc (61") 60-degree, liquid-cooled V-twin en- performance, and its compact unit construction (the engine
gine beyond 6000 rpm; the DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder and six-speed transmission sharing the same cases) lends to
engine peaks at 9000. Every time I made a pass toward the its neutral handling and agreeable road manners. Just dont
red zone, the mirrors would involuntarily cock skyward. confuse docile with low energy because this engine will set
Regardless of the mirrors antics (hopefully this will be you back in the solo, all-leather saddle in no time.
fixed when production begins and bikes roll onto the show- Lets sidebar to that engine for a moment: one time, while
room floors this December), you cant help but want to spin leaving a parking lot, I twisted hard on the throttle, momen-
the engines crank speed skyward. This little Indian (billed tarily breaking the rear tire loose as it spun, then traction
as a midsize cruiser) likes its engine to rev, and the result at overcame gravity, and I scooted hard down the road. An-
8100 rpm is a claimed 100 hp. Impressive. other time, I dumped the clutch lever while twisting hard on
But dont think that Indians engineers sacrificed low-end the throttle, leaving about 50 or so feet of spent rubber on
torque to reach that 100 hp figure. The good news is that the pavement before easing back on the gas and gently shift-
torque peaks at 5900 rpm, generating a claimed, and rather ing through the gears. Thats how wild and docile this en-
robust, 72.2 ft-lbs., and the even better news is that you can gine can be. Now, back to our regularly scheduled New
feel torque build practically the moment you twist the throt- Bike Review.
Some of that stellar acceleration performance is attrib- front and 3" at the rear.
uted to the bikes relatively light weight. Indian claims it to Handlebar placement positions the grips at the riders
be 558 pounds wet (538 pounds dry) and ready to roll with hands for a rather upright seating position, and the semifor-
its 3.3-gallon gas tank filled with premium-grade petrol to ward controls remind you that this is not a sport bike. Even
satisfy the engines 10.7:1 compression ratio, for a favorable so, with 29 degrees of steering rake and 4.7" of trail, the
5.58:1 horsepower-to-weight ratio (not factoring in rider Scout exhibits rather neutral steering manners. Turn-in for
weight). No doubt the Scout engine exhibits dual-personal- corners requires only a gentle push on the inside grip, and
ity traits, mixing a docile, easy-to-ride behavior with in- the bikes generous portions of rubber 130/60-16" and
your-face performance. If, by now, youve concluded that 150/80-16" skins front and rear enables the bike to hold
Im enamored of this engine, youre right. its line to the exit with authority.
Whats more, for a liquid-cooled engine, this one looks Before we park the Scout, you should know that its sin-
cool, and Indian makes no apologies to conceal the fact that gle-disc brake (front and rear) configuration offers smooth,
it uses fluids, and not air, to maintain its cool. We didnt predictable stopping power. The two-piston caliper up front
want to put fake fins on a liquid-cooled engine, said Richard requires only a gentle tug on the lever to initiate slowing,
Christoph, the guy in charge of giving the V-twin its visual and while the rear single-piston caliper feels more vague
soul. Cooling fins, he pointed out, would disrupt what he than you might want, overall stopping performance matches
termed the structural rhythm of the bikes overall appear- the engines performance.
ance, which he passionately described as an organic look. The Scout comes in four colors, with MSRP starting at
That look stretches to the chassis, too, encompassing $10,999 for Thunder Black. Pricing caps at $11,299 for In-
what Indian terms the Scouts rigid triangle. As the term dian Motorcycle Red, Silver Smoke, or Thunder Black
implies, the rigid triangle mimics the classic lines of a rigid Smoke (the last two colors have a satin finish).
frame that formed the backbone of Indians original 1920 Various accessories are available, too, chief among them a
Scout model. The triangle includes the lines leading up from rider option package that accommodates shorter and taller
the forks bottom to the steering stem to the rear axle, and riders (5' to 6'4"). Otherwise, Indian says that the stock
when you stare at the new Scouts silhouette, you can see package is suited for riders between 5'4" and 6'. My height
the similarity to the old models lines. Canting the rear falls right in the middle of that, and I can say that the Scout
shocks forward helped to maintain the stylistic purity of the fit me perfectly in terms of riding position.
lines, and the slab-side fuel tank and fenders further connect Ever since Polaris Industries acquired the Indian Motor-
todays new ride with past Scouts. cycle Company, the stated mission has been to create de-
Mechanically speaking, the Scout rides on 43mm-diame- signs that are an imagining of what the original Indian
ter fork legs up front, and the twin coil-over shock ab- company would be producing had it never gone out of busi-
sorbers on the rear have adjustable preload. Overall, the ness in 1953. Whether, or even how, it succeeds in doing
damping seems well matched to spring rates, for an overall that is subjective, but no doubt the new Scout lives up to its
smooth ride, but excessive dips and bumps in the road can heritage of offering a lightweight, easy-to-ride motorcycle
bottom the front and rear. Claimed suspension travel is 4.7" that has a spunky character. AIM
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Dave Perewitzs 69 XLH Sportster

text by photos by
alex scott dino petrocelli
HAT IS IT ABOUT THE MOTORCYCLES
W of our youth? Whatever it is, its
impossible to get those old bikes
out of our brains. Case in point:
this 1969 Sportster bobber. Though Dave Perewitz
builds high-dollar custom machines every day of
the week at his shop, Cycle Fab in Halifax,
Massachusetts, the one hes thinking about looks
nothing like any of them. Its the kind of bike he
dreams of finding in a barn in the backwoods.

Like every one of us, Dave loves the bike he lusted after Harley drag racer who knows a thing or two about the in-
as a youth, and I wont tell you how far back that was. Back sides of engines. He reported that the internals were in pretty
then, young Dave wanted a Sportster. He started riding one good shape, especially considering this
and stuck to Ironheads for the first 10 years of his motor- is a 45-year-old engine. The engine
cycling career. But he just didnt get a chance to build them cases were glass bead-blasted to
anymore, until this blue bobber. give them a dull sheen. About
The bike came from a friend in Florida as a basket case. the only concession to per-
Business was kinda slow (this was a couple of years back), formance was a set of
so he had time to build the bike he wanted. Dave decided to Sifton H cams that
make a lightweight bobber using a rigid frame with the Sport- Dave had lying
ster motor. So, he talked to longtime friend Ron Paugh, and around. Dave
arranged to pick up a Paughco single downtube frame and seems to have
springer front end. Paughco also supplied the gas tank and salted away a lot
old-school spoke wheels. The rear fender came from Russ of Sportster parts over the years,
Wernimont, and there arent a lot of new parts on this bike. waiting for the next Ironhead rebuild
That paint was shot over a silver metalflake base and to happen. Now his patience has
looks the part. Dave added some graphics in subtle PPG been rewarded.
purples and blues, making the bike look like it belongs back Another change from the stock
in the seventies. I wanted to do an old-style 70 paint job,

Dave says, and this one is complete with the unmistakable
gleam of metalflake and the mystery of acid drop circles.
The Ironhead motor was rebuilt by Daves friend in
Florida, who just happens to be Wayne Loftain, a top-fuel

XLH specifications is the use of a kickstarter; the 69 XLH when youre perched on top of the bike, about ready to
was electric start only, but its companion model, the XLCH, lunge on the kickstart lever, with a bunch of guys watching
came with a kickstarter only. A kicker can be added you, its good to be sure of a spark.
to that years XLH with a little work and a few Okay, but you dont have to live the dream that closely.
saved-up parts. This bobber may look like it last fired up in 1979, but there
Old bike lovers will already have no- really is a functioning electric starter atop the primary drive
ticed an ignition system that looks and a strong, maintenance-free battery hidden away (where
like it belongs on a 1970s bob- did you put it, Dave?) to make starting a single-digit option.
ber. Thats the Joe Hunt Sometimes its nice to have modern conveniences.
magneto hanging out in Electrical system gremlins are minimized, if not eliminated,
the breeze on the right with the use of a Cycle Electric 12-volt alternator and integral
side of the engines timing regulator in place of the Sportys stock DC generator. The
cover, complete with built-in ignition switch. High security. basic wiring harness is carefully hidden away and doesnt
The mag was a sought-after modification back in the day. look at all like the taped, dangling wires you may remember.
It eliminates the need for ignition wires and coils requiring Instead, the Cycle Fab crew installed neat brackets anywhere
only two spark plug wires. It also makes it more certain that cables and wires are exposed to keep everything in place.
a spark will actually happen, something you could
S
never be absolutely sure of on a 1969 Sporty. And PEAKING OF MINIMAL, DONT LOOK FOR MUCH
suspension action on this machine. On the front,
the Paughco springer gives a little over the
bumps, but on the rear, youre relying on the
bounce in the 5.10-16" Avon SM and the springs

of the solo seat. Just like old times. To get the sound right, Dave and his crew made up a set
Another blast from the past is the round-barrel Mikuni of pipes with shorty mufflers and wrapped them with heat
VM carburetor, 38mm bore, which was familiar af- tape to give the gritty backstreet style that suits this bike.
termarket equipment on Sportsters since And you do have to remember one thing: those old Sport-
Richard Milhous Nixon was in the White sters shifted on the right side. Forget that, and youre in
House. trouble.
Parts are still available for that carburetor, The bike now lives in Tony LoContes collec-
meaning you can tune it as good as ever. That tion in rural Maine, but Dave Perewitz got to
gaping aluminum velocity stack dates from live his dream for a year or so, when he went
the same era and is another part that Dave out on the road with the Sportster.
hoarded away, certain that hed use it some- I have a really deep love for Iron-
day. And unlike everyone else with a garage full head Sportsters, thats what I grew up
of parts like that, he actually did use it! Com- on; first 10 years of my riding
bined with a custom-made collar, it looks great career, thats all I rode, Dave
and works even better. says.So I know those Ironheads
One departure from the past is brakes that inside and out. It was fun to
actually stop the bike. Dave fitted Perform- build one; I looked forward to
ance Machine discs, front and rear, coupled to working on it. Id been look-
PM four-piston calipers. With a bike this ing for the opportunity for
light, the front and rear discs work well to many years to build one, but
shed speed, unlike I was always too busy. This
the drums you one just fell in my lap. The timing was
may remember right, and we built it. When I finally
from way back rode it, it was as rough as I re-
when, or the membered! Doesnt take
bobbers that dis- long to bring back
pense with front those memories.
brakes in the in- AIM
terest of style.
TECH SHEET
Owner: Tony LoConte Primary drive: Stock chain

Builder: Dave Perewitz Final drive: Chain
Year/model: 1969 Harley-Davidson XLH Kickstart: 1969 XLCH
Time to build: Six months
Painter: Cycle Fab CHASSIS
Airbrush graphics: Cycle Fab Frame: 2012 Paughco
Color: PPG Vibrance Blues and Purple over silver metalflake base Rake: 34 degrees
Stretch: 2"
POWER PLANT Front forks: Paughco
Engine: 1969 XLH 900 Front wheel: Paughco 21"
Builder: Wayne Loftain Rear wheel: Paughco 16"
Displacement: 900cc Front brake: Performance Machine four-piston caliper
Flywheels: Stock 3.81" Rear brake: Performance Machine four-piston caliper
Balancing: Wayne Loftain Front tire: Avon 90/90-21"
Connecting rods: Stock Rear tire: Avon 5.10-16"
Cylinders: Stock 3.00" Rear fender: Russ Wernimont Design
Pistons: Stock 9.0:1 Fender struts: Cycle Fab
Heads: Stock
Cams: Sifton H .430" ACCESSORIES
Carb: Mikuni VM 38mm Headlight: Paughco
Air cleaner: Cycle Fab Taillight: Paughco
Exhaust: Cycle Fab Fuel tank: Paughco
Ignition: Joe Hunt magneto Oil tank: Paughco
Wires: Joe Hunt Handlebars: Cycle Fab
Charging system: Cycle Electric 12-volt Risers: Cycle Fab
Regulator: Cycle Electric Seat: Cycle Fab
Oil pump: Stock Pegs: Paughco
Cam cover: Stock License bracket: Cycle Fab
Primary cover: Stock Hand controls: GMA
Transmission: 1969 XLH four-speed Foot controls: Stock
Clutch: Stock Levers: Cycle Fab

D E F I N I N G S T Y L E W I T H I N P E R F O R M A N C E
2 014 K R YA K Y N U S A A L L R I G H T S R E S E R V E D
THE ALL NEW MAVERICK SERIES

A I _ 0 814
W W W. C R U S H E R P E R F O R M A N C E . C O M | 8 6 6 2 9 5 5759 |
N E W B I K E S P E C S by Steven Wyman-Blackburn
SWEET 16:
2015 VICTORY MOTORCYCLES
Victory marches, not stumbles, in the wake of its after-party
T
HE FACT THAT POLARIS INDUSTRIES FIRST VENTURE INTO THE gallons). This was soon followed by the
motorcycle world turned 15 years old last year is a pretty big deal. continuation of the Ness series with
Victorys base of operations is rooted in a country that prides itself Arlen Ness checking off the Cross
for developing some of motorcycles firsts (some argue best), Country bagger from his Ness/Victory
putting them on the shelf among the oldest brands in the industry. bucket list. However, this bike received
Having to roll out against such competition, Victory had to shout extra attention from all three Ness
loudly in order to be heard. Victorys 3/20-of-a-century celebration in 2014 was generations another industry first.
spearheaded by an anniversary edition of its Cross Country Tour model (which, In retrospect, the fact that Victory
as Victory made sure to proclaim, sported the largest ever storage space, 41.1 chose the grand marshal of its 2015

TOURING BAGGERS
NEW
C R O S S C O U N T RY T O U R VISION MAGNUM
Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree V-twin Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree
(106"/1731cc), single overhead V-twin (106"/1731cc), single V-twin (106"/1731cc), single over-
camshafts and four valves per overhead camshafts and four head camshafts and four valves
cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, valves per cylinder, self-adjusting per cylinder, self-adjusting cam
hydraulic lifters cam chains, hydraulic lifters chains, hydraulic lifters
Bore: 101mm Bore: 101mm Bore: 101mm
Stroke: 108mm Stroke: 108mm Stroke: 108mm
Charging system: 48 amps max output Charging system: 48 amps max output Charging system: 48 amps max output
Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours
Clutch: Wet, multiplate Clutch: Wet, multiplate Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Compression: 9.4:1 Compression: 9.4:1 Compression: 9.4:1
Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover
Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gallons (22L) Fuel capacity: 6.0 gallons (22.7L) Fuel capacity: 5.8 gallons (22L)
Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual
45mm throttle body 45mm throttle body 45mm throttle body
Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L)
Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator
Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh
Front suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic, 43mm Front suspension: Conventional telescopic, Front suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic,
diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel 46mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel 43mm diameter, 4.4" (113mm) travel
Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast Rear suspension: Single, air shock with constant-
aluminum with constant-rate aluminum with constant-rate rate linkage, 3.5" (90mm) travel,
linkage, 4.7" (120mm) travel, linkage, 3.65" (92.7mm) travel, air adjustable
air adjustable air adjustable Dry weight: 761 pounds (345kg)
Dry weight: 845 pounds (384kg) Dry weight: 869 pounds (394kg) Ground clearance: 5.3" (134mm)
Ground clearance: 5.8" (148mm) Ground clearance: 5.8" (148mm) Gross Vehicle
Gross Vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 1,310 pounds (595kg)
Weight Rating: 1,360 pounds (618kg) Weight Rating: 1,414 pounds (643kg) Length: 104.6" (2657mm)
Length: 108.1" (2747mm) Length: 106.4" (2702mm) Rake: 29 degrees
Rake: 29 degrees Rake: 29 degrees Trail: 5.6" (142mm)
Trail: 5.6" (142mm) Trail: 5.6" (137mm) Seat height: 25.7" (654mm)
Seat height: 26.3" (667mm) Seat height: 26.5" (673mm) Wheelbase: 65.7" (1670mm)
Wheelbase: 65.7" (1670mm) Wheelbase: 65.7" (1670mm) Front brakes: Dual conventional with ABS four-
Front brakes: Dual conventional with Front brakes: Dual linked with ABS four-piston piston calipers, floating 300mm rotors
ABS four-piston calipers, calipers, floating 300mm rotors Rear brake: Conventional with ABS two-piston
floating 300mm rotors Rear brake: Linked with ABS two-piston caliper, floating 300mm rotor
Rear brake: Conventional with caliper, floating 300mm rotor Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 120/70R-21"
ABS two-piston caliper, Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 130/70R-18" Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 180/60R-16"
floating 300mm rotor Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 180/60R-16" Front wheel: 3.50-21"
Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 130/70R-18" Front wheel: 3.50-18" Rear wheel: 5.00-16"
Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 180/60R-16" Rear wheel: 5.00-16" Colors: Ness Midnight Cherry, Plasma Lime
Front wheel: 3.50-18" Colors: Gloss Black, Sunset Red with Silver, Metasheen Black over
Rear wheel: 5.00-16" with Black Pinstripe Supersteel Gray, Sunset Red over
Colors: Gloss Black, Two-Tone Havasu Red MSRP: Starting at $20,999 Supersteel Gray
Pearl and Black, Two-Tone White MSRP: Starting at $21,999
Pearl and Supersteel Gray
MSRP: Starting at $21,999

BAGGERS
CROSS COUNTRY FACTORY C R O S S C O U N T RY CROSS COUNTRY 8-BALL

CUSTOM PAINT EDITION
Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree V-twin
Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree V-twin (106"/1731cc), single over- (106"/1731cc), single overhead
V-twin (106"/1731cc), single overhead camshafts and four valves camshafts and four valves per
head camshafts and four valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam cylinder, self-adjusting
per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters cam chains, hydraulic lifters
chains, hydraulic lifters Bore: 101mm Bore: 101mm
Bore: 101mm Stroke: 108mm Stroke: 108mm
Stroke: 108mm Charging system: 48 amps max output Charging system: 48 amps max output
Charging system: 48 amps max output Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours
Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours Clutch: Wet, multiplate Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Clutch: Wet, multiplate Compression: 9.4:1 Compression: 9.4:1
Compression: 9.4:1 Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover
Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt Fuel capacity: 5.8 gallons (22L) Fuel capacity: 5.8 gallons (22L)
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gallons (22L) Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual
Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body 45mm throttle body
45mm throttle body Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L)
Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator
Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh
Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh Front suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic, Front suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic,
Front suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic, 43mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel 43mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel
43mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast
Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, aluminum with constant-rate aluminum with constant-rate
cast aluminum with constant-rate linkage, 4.7" (120mm) travel, linkage, 4.7" (120mm) travel,
linkage, 4.7" (120mm) travel, air adjustable air adjustable
air adjustable Dry weight: 760 pounds (345kg) Dry weight: 746 pounds (339kg)
Dry weight: 760 pounds (345kg) Ground clearance: 5.8" (148mm) Ground clearance: 5.8" (148mm)
Ground clearance: 5.8" (148mm) Gross Vehicle Gross Vehicle
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 1,360 pounds (618kg) Weight Rating: 1,360 pounds (618kg)
Weight Rating: 1,360 pounds (618kg) Length: 104.3" (2650mm) Length: 104.3" (2650mm)
Length: 104.3" (2650mm) Rake: 29 degrees Rake: 29 degrees
Rake: 29 degrees Trail: 5.6" (142mm) Trail: 5.6" (142mm)
Trail: 5.6" (142mm) Seat height: 26.3" (667mm) Seat height: 26.3" (667mm)
Seat height: 26.3" (667mm) Wheelbase: 65.7" (1670mm) Wheelbase: 65.7" (1670mm)
Wheelbase: 65.7" (1670mm) Front brakes: Dual conventional with ABS Front brakes: Dual conventional four-piston
Front brakes: Dual conventional with (excludes Suede Titanium Metallic), calipers, floating 300mm rotors
ABS four-piston calipers, four-piston calipers, floating Rear brake: Conventional two-piston caliper,
floating 300mm rotors 300mm rotors floating 300mm rotor
Rear brake: Conventional with ABS two- Rear brake: Conventional with ABS (excludes Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 130/70R-18"
piston caliper, floating 300mm rotor Suede Titanium Metallic), Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 180/60R-16"
Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 130/70R-18" two-piston caliper, floating Front wheel: 3.50-18"
Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 180/60R-16" 300mm rotor Rear wheel: 5.00-16"
Front wheel: 3.50-18" Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 130/70R-18" Colors: Gloss Black
Rear wheel: 5.00-16" Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 180/60R-16" MSRP: $17,999
Colors: Suede Black with Red Pinstripes, Front wheel: 3.50-18"
Havasu Red with Black Flames, Rear wheel: 5.00-16"
Two-Tone Sunset Red over Black Colors: Gloss Black, Suede White Frost,
MSRP: $20,999 Suede Titanium Metallic, Gloss
Titanium Metallic
MSRP: Starting at $18,999

CRUISERS
NEW
HAMMER 8-BALL HIGH-BALL GUNNER
Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree V-twin Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree V-twin Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree V-twin
(106"/1731cc), single overhead (106"/1731cc), single overhead (106"/1731cc), single overhead
camshafts and four valves per camshafts and four valves per camshafts and four valves per
cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, cylinder, self-adjusting cam
hydraulic lifters hydraulic lifters chains, hydraulic lifters
Bore: 101mm Bore: 101mm Bore: 101mm
Stroke: 108mm Stroke: 108mm Stroke: 108mm
Charging system: 38 amps max output Charging system: 38 amps max output Charging system: 38 amps max output
Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours
Clutch: Wet, multiplate Clutch: Wet, multiplate Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Compression: 9.4:1 Compression: 9.4:1 Compression: 9.4:1
Exhaust system: Staggered, slash-cut dual Exhaust system: Staggered, slash-cut dual Exhaust system: Staggered, slash-cut dual
with crossover with crossover with crossover
Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons (17L) Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons (17L) Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons (17.0L)
Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual
45mm throttle body 45mm throttle body 45mm throttle body
Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L)
Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator
Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh
Front suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic, Front suspension: Conventional telescopic, Front suspension: Conventional telescopic,
43mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel 43mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel 43mm diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel
Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast
aluminum with rising-rate aluminum with rising-rate aluminum with rising-rate
linkage, 3.0" (76mm) travel, linkage, 3.0" (75mm) travel, linkage, 3.0" (75mm) travel,
preload adjustable spring preload adjustable spring preload adjustable spring
Dry weight: 672 pounds (305kg) Dry weight: 659 pounds (300kg) Dry weight: 660 pounds (300kg)
Ground clearance: 5.3" (135mm) Ground clearance: 4.7" (120mm) Ground clearance: 4.7" (120mm)
Gross Vehicle Gross Vehicle Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating: 1,173 pounds (533kg) Weight Rating: 1,151 pounds (523kg) Weight Rating: 1,151 pounds (523kg)
Length: 93.8" (2382mm) Length: 93.4" (2372mm) Length: 93.4" (2372mm)
Rake: 33 degrees Rake: 32 degrees Rake: 32 degrees
Trail: 5.5" (140mm) Trail: 6.7" (170mm) Trail: 6.7" (170mm)
Seat height: 26.0" (660mm) Seat height: 25.0" (635mm) Seat height: 25.0" (635mm)
Wheelbase: 66.5" (1689mm) Wheelbase: 64.8" (1647mm) Wheelbase: 64.8" (1647mm)
Front brake: Conventional four-piston caliper, Front brake: Conventional four-piston caliper, Front brake: Conventional four-piston caliper,
floating 300mm rotor floating 300mm rotor floating 300mm x 5mm rotor
Rear brake: Conventional two-piston caliper, Rear brake: Conventional two-piston caliper, Rear brake: Conventional two-piston caliper,
floating 300mm rotor floating 300mm rotor floating 300mm x 5mm rotor
Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 130/70R-18" Front tire: Metzeler ME880 16" Front tire: Dunlop 491 E2-RWL 130/90B-16" 67H
Rear tire: Dunlop Elite 3 250/40R-18" Rear tire: Metzeler ME880 16" Rear tire: Dunlop 491 E2-RWL 140/90B-16" 77H
Front wheel: 3.50-18" Front wheel: 3.50-16" Front wheel: 3.50-16"
Rear wheel: 8.50-18" Rear wheel: 3.50-16" Rear wheel: 3.50-16"
Colors: Gloss Black Colors: Suede Black with Graphics, Colors: Suede Titanium Metallic with Black,
MSRP: $14,999 Suede Black with Flames Suede Green Metallic with Black
MSRP: $13,349 MSRP: Starting at $12,999

CRUISERS Victory sweet sixteen parade to be an comes stock with a 21" front wheel, an
all-new cruiser, the 15 Victory Gunner, industry first for the touring market
made its venture all the more attention (as it boasted about the anniversary
grabbing since its a bike that exempli- editions 41.1-gallon spacing in 2014,
fies a line that diverges from the avant- as noted above). When you put the
garde appeal of its bagger and touring Magnum up against 2014s lead bag-
families. The Gunner, stripped of the ger, the Ness Cross Country, youll
Victory-specific nacelle, is now the note a significant price drop (a whop-
most (aesthetically) nonmodern bike in ping one grand). Even though this
VEGAS 8-BALL Victorys entire offering. By implement- brand-spankin-new 2015 bagger
ing the High-Balls shorty front fender didnt get the whole Ness treatment, it
Engine: Air/oil-cooled, 50-degree and low 25" seat height, the Jackpots still received some love from Arlen
V-twin (106"/1731cc), single slim frame, and even finding influence Ness in the paint department, but
overhead camshafts and four (to some degree) from the Boardwalk rather than garnishing Havasu Red
valves per cylinder, self-adjusting and Judge, the Gunner, in turn, al- with Ness Legacy Paint, the Magnum
cam chains, hydraulic lifters lowed Victory to consolidate most of its features a Ness Midnight Cherry
Bore: 101mm cruiser section, coming up with a grand option, all for $21,999.
Stroke: 108mm total of four models to make up the
Charging system: 38 amps max output 2015 cruiser family. Each cruiser now
Battery: 12 volts/18 amp hours highlights something unique to its line
Clutch: Wet, multiplate and all in black. Yes, we hear you
Compression: 9.4:1 again, Victory.
Exhaust system: Split dual with crossover On one end, we have two cruisers
Final drive: Carbon fiber reinforced belt flourishing the Victory-styled nacelles,
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons (17L) bikes that have been stripped of their
Fuel system: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual own colors and thrown into Victorys
45mm throttle body blacked-out category, the 8-Ball. One
Oil capacity: 5.0 quarts (4.73L) of these two, the Hammer 8-Ball, is the
Primary drive: Gear with torque compensator more compact but heavier version of
Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh the other, the Vegas 8-Ball, the latter of
Front suspension: Conventional telescopic, 43mm which is the only one to feature a full-
diameter, 5.1" (130mm) travel sized fender in the entire grouping. Coupled with the Magnum is the
Rear suspension: Single, monotube gas, cast Meanwhile, on the more traditional Victory Cross Country. When it comes
aluminum with rising-rate side of the cruiser spectrum (read, to this model, Victory is continuing the
linkage, 3.0" (75mm) travel, partly, as Victory nacelle-free), we have Cross Country Factory Custom Paint
preload adjustable spring the High-Ball, a bobber-styled bike program that was introduced in 2014.
Dry weight: 638 pounds (290kg) with whitewalls and, most notably, Along with the Factory Custom Paint
Ground clearance: 5.3" (135mm) apes. Following this all-out Goth ap- Edition version, the Cross Country
Gross Vehicle proach for 2015, the High-Ball is now also comes in the 8-Ball color scheme
Weight Rating: 1,151 pounds (523kg) available only in Suede Black for next as well as a regular option, both of
Length: 96.9" (2462mm) year, ditching the with flames option. whose base price tags are identical
Rake: 33 degrees To cap it all off, you then have the more with last years. The regular Cross
Trail: 5.0" (126mm) old-timey bike, the new Gunner, tout- Country bagger hosts a plethora of
Seat height: 25.2" (640mm) ing a low starting price ($12,999, the new color schemes, replacing all of the
Wheelbase: 67.1" (1705mm) second lowest overall). The fact that 2014 models combos and solids except
Front brake: Single conventional four-piston both 8-Balls are still being offered for Suede Titanium Metallic, which finds
caliper, 300mm x 5mm floating disc the same base price and that the High- its place in the roster among the
Rear brake: Conventional two-piston caliper, Balls MSRP dropped by 100 bucka- newcomers. Concluding the bagger
floating 300mm rotor roos ($13,349) makes the 2015 cruiser category, the only complaint concerns
Front tire: Dunlop Elite 3 90/90-21" line not only well-rounded, but afford- the missing Cross Roads models,
54H tubeless able. As for the discontinued models, which leaves a gaping hole in the line.
Rear tire: Dunlop D417 180/55B-18" well see if they resurface somewhere As for Victorys touring models,
74H tubeless down the line. But for now, the Gunner theyre now sitting comfortably with
Front wheel: 2.15-21" fills that void nicely. no new additions or updates (save for
Rear wheel: 5.50-18" Following the throwback introduc- the all-new color schemes) for now.
Colors: Gloss Black tory model, Victory unveiled yet an- The Victory Cross Country Tour is
MSRP: $12,499 other completely new bike, the Victory now available for $500 less than last
Magnum a few months later. Victory years model (starting at $21,999 and
showed it off to the world by yelling at $22,499 respectively) while its more
the top of its lungs in hopes of rising out-there brother, the Vision, is follow-
above the cacophony of the moto ing close behind for the same MSRP,
realm, claiming that the Magnum $20,999. AIM

Authentic Historical
Reproductions
We Found Our Most Important

Watch in a Soldiers Pocket
I
ts the summer of bomber and somehow made it back to The movement displays the day and
1944 and a weathered the U.S. Besides the Purple Heart and date on the antique satin finished face
U.S. sergeant is walk- the Bronze Star, my father cherished and the sweep second hand lets any
ing in Rome only days this watch because it was a reminder watch expert know that it has a fine
after the Allied Liberation. of the best part of the war for any automatic movement, not a mass-
There is a joyous mood in soldierthe homecoming. produced quartz movement. If you
the streets and this tough soldier wants enjoy the rare, the classic, and the
He nicknamed the watch Ritorno for
to remember this day. Hes only weeks museum quality, we have a limited
homecoming, and the rare heirloom
away from returning home. He finds number of Ritornos available. We hope
is now valued at $42,000 according to
an interesting timepiece in a store just that it will remind you to take time to
The Complete Guide to Watches. But to
off the Via Veneto and he decides to remember what is truly valuable. If you
our family, it is just a reminder that
splurge a little on this memento. are not completely satisfied, simply
nothing is more beautiful than the
He loved the way it felt in his hand, return it within 30 days for a full
smile of a healthy returning GI.
and the complex move- refund of the purchase price.
ment inside the case We wanted to bring this little
intrigued him. He really piece of personal history back Stauer 1944 Ritorno $147
liked the hunters back to life in a faithful reproduc-
that opened to a secret tion of the original design.
Now only $99 + S&P
compartment. He thought
that he could squeeze a
Weve used a 27-jeweled
movement reminiscent of
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now he could count the The Ritorno watch back built precision machinery.
hours until he returned to
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opens to reveal a special We then test it for 15 days
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Stauer
14101 Southcross Drive W., Rating of A+

went on to survive some keepsake picture or to insure accuracy to only Dept. RTN358-02
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For fastest service, call toll-free 24 hours a day 800-806-1646

Learn more about the history of the 1944 classic at www.stauer.com
E V E N T by Panhead Jim Mahoney
2014
ROSS KIWI TOMAS
MEMORIAL
KICKSTART CLASSIC
Over 100 classics museum-hop the South
JULY 2014 MARKED THE FIFTH

running of the Kickstart Classic,
which, as the name implies, caters
to older motorcycles that require
a good kick to get them running. Newer
motorcycles are always welcome on the run, but
the classics get to lead the pack. Riders came
from all across the United States and Canada to
attend this years event, and the mileage award
went to Joe Skaggs who traveled more than
2,700 miles on his Panhead chopper.
Just days before the start of the event, we
learned about the tragic death of Ross Kiwi
PHOTOS BY JIM DOHMS
Tomas, son of Mike Tomas, owner of Kiwi

Indian Motorcycles. Besides being an important
part of the vintage community, Mike is tinctive blue chain lube on many of the By 6:30, 99 riders had arrived and
also a former Kickstart Classic partici- motorcycles at this years event. checked in for the run. Special thanks
pant and a close friend of many riders I arrived at WTT just after lunch go to Ken McCurdy and Darlene Sims
on this years run. By unanimous deci- on Thursday, and the parking lot was for making sure that everyone got the
sion, the event was renamed in honor already packed with motorcycles. Flat- information he needed as well as a
of his son as the Ross Kiwi Tomas heads, Knuckleheads, Panheads, and T-shirt, armband, sticker, and maga-
Kickstart Classic. Shovelheads were all well-represented zine. Dinner for all the riders, passen-
Our starting point was Wheels and were parked alongside even rarer gers, and crew members was provided
Through Time museum (WTT) in marques like Indian, Vincent, and Nor- by WTT and served on its grounds.
Maggie Valley, North Carolina. This is ton. Everyone seemed to be enjoying Once everyone had his fill, we headed
the third time that WTT has hosted the my two favorite activities: looking at back to our hotels to make last minute
Kickstart Classic, and as soon as you and talking about old motorcycles. The adjustments to our motorcycles and to
step inside, you can see why. The mu- only problem was trying to see them all get some rest.
seum is home to more than 300 vintage in one afternoon. Between checking We rolled out of the WTT parking
American motorcycles that are all kept out the new exhibits in the museum lot at 10 am to blue skies and warm
in running condition. Proprietor Dale and watching the steady stream of sunshine.The first day of riding had us
Walksler, along with his son Matt, has motorcycles pulling into the parking heading southwest to Chattanooga,
done more to preserve and promote lot, the afternoon flew by. Tennessee. Tagging along was the film
vintage motorcycles than any other crew from Whats In The Barn? TV
family in the industry, and their dedi- show. Group leader Buck Carson
cation to keeping these old machines picked an excellent route that took
on the road is what the Kickstart us through some of the best riding
Classic is all about. that North Carolina has to offer, in-
To further ensure that these bikes cluding the Blue Ridge Parkway
ran smoothly throughout the run, and the Cherohala Skyway. We
sponsors Dave Miller and Ken Ciocci rode at an easy pace, enjoying the
from Spectro Oil were in attendance
with cases of oil and transmission lube
available for use by all the partici-
pants.Thinking ahead, they had the lu-
bricants sent to the American Iron
Magazine offices to go down in the sup-
port truck, so they could ride their own
motorcycles from Connecticut. This is
Spectros third time sponsoring the
Kickstart Classic, and I noticed its dis-

scenery and stopping at a couple of
mountain overlooks along the way. By
2 pm, we had reached Telico Plains,
Tennessee, and everyone was ready for
something to eat. With over 100 motor- needed adjustments after the first days Wesley Davis Band. After grabbing at
cycles in our group, we quickly filled ride, and small crews had assembled least one chocolate brownie each,
up most of the local restaurants as around each one to ensure they were many of us headed back to Cyclemos
everyone crowded inside for lunch. ready to make the trip to Red Boiling to finish repairs. Everything from elec-
Once we had all gotten a bite to eat and Springs. Route sheets were handed out trical problems to rear sprocket re-
a chance to fill up with gas, we pushed and before long a line of almost 100 placements was performed, with the
on to Chattanooga and the Coker Tire motorcycles was making its way north work going well past midnight.
headquarters. through the Tennessee countryside. With the ride officially over, Sunday
Coker Tire manufactures retro Just as in North Carolina, our ride morning found everyone packing up to
vintage tires for antique cars and took us through some of the best roads head for home. A few motorcycles
motorcycles, making sizes and tread around, going through a number of were being strapped down in the backs
patterns that cant be found anywhere state parks and scenic highways. of trucks and trailers, but the majority
else. Occupying almost a complete city Our final destination was Cyclemos of them were being ridden. This years
block, the red brick buildings were full Motorcycle Museum. In just 15 years, Kickstart Classic was the largest yet,
of more than just tires. It turned out owner Mike Silvio has put together an filling all 100 slots and running slightly
that they also held a great collection of impressive collection of motorcycles over. For a good portion of these rid-
vintage cars, motorcycles, and even a and memorabilia. Cyclemos also has a ers, this was their second, third, or
couple of planes! A catered dinner was full service shop that performs top even fifth time attending the run. What
waiting for us when we arrived, and I notch restorations and provides gen- keeps them coming back is the great
have to say that the beef brisket was eral service for American motorcycles. roads, the excellent motorcycles, and,
some of the best Ive ever tasted. What Several riders, myself included, made most importantly, the camaraderie
made it even better was that we were good use of the tools and lifts that carried from run to run.
seated in the building that houses the Mike graciously made available to all If you have a vintage motorcycle or
vehicle collection, so we were sur- participants on the Kickstart Classic. are just interested in learning more
rounded by antique machines while we Red Boiling Springs doesnt have about them, I urge you to participate in
chowed down. After dinner, we pulled any chain hotels, so the group was split the next Kickstart Classic. No matter
our motorcycles inside Coker Tire, between three local bed and break- what you ride, I guarantee youll have
where they were secure overnight. fasts, each with its own unique dcor. a great time. AIM
At 8 the next morning, the doors to Dinner and entertainment for the night
Coker Tire opened, and its workshop took place at The Donoho Hotel, Editors Note: For more info, check the
was soon full of the sounds of vintage where we enjoyed plates of barbecue American Iron Magazine web site or
motorcycles. A handful of motorcycles and the Southern Rock stylings of the the Kickstart Classic Facebook page.
E V E N T by Dain Gingerelli photography by Dain Gingerelli & Chris Maida
74TH ANNUAL
STURGIS
MOTORCYCLE
RALLY
Rock concerts, machine guns, and oh, yeah, a motorcycle rally!
T
o borrow from the late Rodney Dangerfields dressed in a Santa Claus suit; his
comedy shtick: I tell you, I went to the Buffalo passenger wore an elf costume.
Chip to watch a rock concert and a bike rally And, of course, you cant escape
broke out. the Black Hills during that time of
Of course, I exaggerate, but as one of the most year without encountering at least
famous motorcycle rallies in America approaches its 75th one rider with a helmet sprouting
anniversary next year, music has become an integral part of Viking horns, and if you think that
the week-long Sturgis Motorcycle Rally thats headquar- Sturgis is a haven only for Harley
tered in South Dakotas Black Hills. You want to watch a riders, think again: its not uncom-
top-rate rock concert? Then check in at the Buffalo Chip mon to see sportbikes mingled with
any night during rally week, or visit one of the other major the Big Twins, and BMW and
watering holes near or in Sturgis and youll be treated to other metric cruisers compose a no-
equally top-rate live music from a number of top regional or ticeable portion of the street play-
national rock-and-roll and blues bands. ers, too. Expect the occasional
But while rockin sounds fill the air throughout the dual-sport bike to pull up next to
week, the real draw for this rally continues to be the bikes you at a stoplight, and adventure-
and the people who ride them. Sturgis has been, and touring bikes are beginning to pop-
probably always will be, about motorcycles first. And ulate the Black Hills roads during
anything else that pushes your buttons, second. rally week, too.
And theres a lot of button-pushing going on during the Vendors continue to line Lazelle
week, too count on seeing some colorful characters at the Street in Sturgis, and they populate
rally. For instance, I saw one Electra Glide-mounted rider parking lots in outlying areas near
Deadwood, Spearfish, Keystone, Lead, even as far away as did the same for their friends and
Hulett,Wyoming, and Rapid City where an entire subcul- family members who lost their lives
ture of gypsy retailers set up camp in Black Hills H-Ds in the Vietnam War.
ever-expanding parking lot. One block over from Lazelle Theres plenty of riding to be
Street, on Main Street, resides most of Sturgis in-town re- had, too. Motorcycle manufactur-
tailers and watering holes, and if you stick around on Mon- ers offer demo rides of new models,
day at about 5 pm you can be a part of history and join the and organized runs such as Mon-
crowd for the annual Wheres Waldo? photo that proves days Legends Ride led the way.
that you were at the biggest rally in America, if not the Naturally, too, you can map your
world. Just remember to smile, and dont blink lest you look own course to enjoy the boundless
like the photo nerd. Me? I photo-bombed this years picture, riding that the Black Hills roads
and Im easy to spot because Im the guy wearing dark offer, including trips to Mt. Rush-
sunglasses and the black Harley T-shirt. more, Crazy Horse Memorial,
No doubt, an entire book could be written about what to Devils Tower, or the Black Hills
do and places to visit during the rally, so I wont even try to themselves.
cover them all on these few magazine pages. To highlight I always try to find new experi-
some of the activities, the multitude of custom bike shows ences during my Sturgis visits, and
culminated on Thursday with the historic Rats Hole Show this year, I was introduced to The
at the Chips Crossroads, and the Chips rock concert mar- Pasta Corral along Vanocker
quee included Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Canyon Road where the Bonicelli
and ZZ Top, to name a few. The patriotic among us took family serves fresh pasta during the
time to visit the Field of Flags (800 American flags posted day -- a great way to break up your
next to the Chips Crossroads) and the American Veterans all-day ride (according to legend,
Traveling Tribute that included a replica of the Vietnam Vet- Gen. Armstrong Custers troops
erans Memorial Wall with all the names. I took the oppor- camped there in 1874). A stop at
tunity to pay respects to my fallen high school classmate Prairie Edge in Rapid City put me
John Golden, and I hope that others from my generation up close and personal with some of
the talented artists who capture the
regions historic past with their art.
Late in the week, Chris Maida and
I joined bike builder Pat Patterson
(from Led Sled) and a few others
at the Guns of Freedom booth near
the Buffalo Chip to blast a few
hundred rounds from real machine
guns. Those targets propped up in
the nearby hillside didnt stand a
chance. Chris also got to ride the
new Indian Scout and Chief Classic

and was impressed with both machines.
But for now were setting our sights on the com-
ing Sturgis Motorcycle Rally because 2015 marks
the 75th annual gathering. The crowd count this
year was noticeably down from past events, no
doubt because many bike enthusiasts decided to pass this event souvenirs early in the week because everybody is
year to save their coin for the next one that begins August 3. going to want to have the T-shirt with the 75th inscription
Expect larger crowds next summer, and you might buy your on it. See you next year at the concert, er, rally. AIM
T E C H by Tyler Greenblatt
color rear fender. Then we threw on
ROAD KING
some lowered air shocks, which mimic
the factory units in terms of perform-
ance while giving our Road King a
lowered stance. Now its time to give
the King back its highway functionality
UPGRADES
with a new set of side covers and sad-
dlebags to match the paint scheme.
As you know, we decided on
Harleys Color Shop Core Series for
our paint scheme. The Core Series in-
Part IV: Saddlebags cludes Divide, and our choice, Hard
Candy Flake. Our new Road King body
parts were delivered sprayed in a scal-
lop-patterned Red Flake & Silver Flake.
W
ELCOME BACK TO OUR SEVEN-PART SERIES We went with the standard saddle-
on overhauling our 2014 Road King long- bags (#92200068DQP/$1,999.95),
term test bike. Harleys P&A catalog which are essentially stock, except
seems to be growing every year, and with our Red Flake & Silver Flake
every year the parts inside get closer and paint scheme. Dont forget to specifi-
closer to the latest, hottest aftermarket offerings. We de- cally choose your colors when you
cided to see just how well we could turn a stock Project order yours, the part number only
RUSHMORE Touring bike into a mean custom bagger. covers the style and bike model. Dont
Heres where we left The catch, of course, is that were doing it using only parts
1 off last month with from the H-D catalog. When were done, our Road King TOOLS NEEDED
our 2014 Road King. should be able to turn heads and light up shows wherever it
Its up on Brandons goes while still being able to log as many miles when stock, Glass cleaner
lift with a new rear be serviced at any H-D dealer, and keep that useful factory Red Loctite
fender, rear wheel, two-year warranty. Pliers
and rear shocks. Weve already done a new chrome wheel and a custom Dull screwdriver
Small screwdriver
T-15 Torx
T-20 Torx
T-40 Torx
T-45 Torx
7/16" wrench
1/2" wrench
9/16" wrench
9/16" socket
Torque wrench (in-lbs.)
Torque wrench (ft-lbs.) I
PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAIDA
Brandons first step is to loosely install the rear

2 left outer saddlebag bolt and flanged nut using
a T-45 Torx and 9/16" wrench.
Brandon then loosely installs the front left
3 saddlebag bolt and flanged nut using a T-45
Torx and 9/16" wrench.
He then installs the rear left inner saddlebag

4 bolt and flanged nut using a T-40 Torx and
1/2" wrench. He torques the T-45 bolts and
the T-40 bolt to 15-20 ft-lbs.
Day or Night the Hellre Light

to Dark technology is the only
pair of glasses you will need on
The stock rubber exhaust isolator goes onto its the road. Find out what sets the
5 tab on the saddlebag bracket next. Brandon po- Hellres apart from the crowd
sitions it slightly cocked so it goes in easier. Note at LiquidEyewear.com
that the tab on the isolator is positioned up and or call (928) 329-0006
to the rear.
AIMag.com Discount Code: AI14 for free ground shipping. Made in the USA
worry about ordering (and paying for)
side covers. Those puppies come with
the original kit.
Even with our Road King back to-
gether, we still have a way to go before
we start calling it a custom bagger. In
the next few issues, youll see a chopped
After Brandon slips the stock muffler bracket into

6 the isolator, he reinstalls the muffler onto its
header pipe.
Sure. But, if you havent found anyone to pay you to ride the
Brandon secures the muffler to its clamp using
open road, Star Fleet Trucking can offer you an outstanding
Plan B. Star Fleet will pay you top dollar to see the country in
7 the stock bolts, lock washers, and a 1/2" wrench.
He torques these bolts to 96-144 in-lbs. and the
your pickup truck towing RVs from their terminals to dealer muffler clamp to 38-43 ft-lbs. using a 9/16"
socket.
points throughout North America.
Talk to Star Fleet.

Youll see the
country and see
why theyre the
industry leader.
BE YOUR SET YOUR OWN GET PAID TO

OWN BOSS SCHEDULE SEE AMERICA
To assemble the new saddlebag, Brandon installs

starfleettrucking.com 8 the stock latch assembly into the new lid using
877 805 9547 the four stock screws and a T-15 Torx. Torque the
screws to 40-45 in-lbs.
Tour-Pak and seat go on, and you didnt
really think wed only paint half the
bike, right? Weve got a new gas tank
and front fender in the works along
with a chrome front wheel to match that
sparkling beauty on the back. Plus,
well install a new front suspension sys-
Brandon installs the stock hinge assembly into

9 the new lid using the two stock screws and a T-15
Torx. Torque the screws to 30-35 in-lbs.
The cable for the locking mechanism goes on

10 next using the stock nut and a 7/16" wrench.
The cable bracket can only go on one way
thanks to a flat spot on the stud. Torque the
nut to 25-35 in-lbs.
Let us prove it. get a quote today!

Visit Rider.com/savings
or call 1(800)481-4196
Brandon installs the outer hinge cover using the
11 three stock bolts and a T-20 Torx. Torque the Available in Delaware, Indiana, Maryland,
bolts to 40-45 in-lbs. Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Virginia and West Virginia
AIMag.com
After wiping the groove with glass cleaner,
13 Brandon installs the new supplied lid seal by
Brandon installs the cloth hinge cover using
12 the two stock screws and a T-15 Torx. Torque
pulling the glue cover strip off and carefully
The release latch arm goes on next from the
14 outside of the lid.
laying the seal in its groove just like the one
the screws to 40-45 in-lbs. in the original lid.

tem that also lowers the front end to
match the lower rear shocks.
As has been the case with this whole
project, Brandon at Gatto Harley-
Davidson is doing the wrenching for
us. Gatto is a premier dealer in the
western Pennsylvania/eastern Ohio
Brandon secures the latch arm to the lid

15 using the stock screw and a T-20 Torx.
Torque the screw to 40-45 in-lbs.
After carefully removing them from the stock

16 saddlebags using a dull screwdriver, Brandon
installs stock the rubber saddlebag bumpers
by pushing them into their holes in the
bottom of the new bags.
He then pulls the rubber bumpers stubs fully

17 into their holes from inside the saddlebag
with pliers.
AIMag.com
Brandon now installs both stock rubber Brandon pushes against the new Hard Candy
18 grommets into the inner side of each new 21 Red Flake & Silver Flake side cover with the
saddlebag. He uses a small screwdriver to palms of his hands to get the studs fully into
squeeze the narrow side of the grommet into their grommets. He does both side covers at
its hole. this time.
Brandon installs the two stock latch

19 hooks onto the new saddlebags using the After positioning the saddlebag onto its
stock screws (four per hook), red Loctite, 22 support, Brandon locks it into place using
and a T-20 Torx. He torques the screws to the two stock twist pins and washers.
15-20 in-lbs.
This is the backside of the left side cover.

20 Note the three studs that go into rubber Brandon attaches the lid hinge to the
grommets on the chassis. These are what 23 saddlebag using the two stock bolts and
you are engaging on the bike when you a T-20 Torx. As always, just snug the
install the side cover. bolts down.
area and the knowledge and skill of all
its mechanics has been outstanding.
Follow along as Brandon installs the
stock hardware onto the quick-
detach saddlebags, bolts up the side
covers, and makes our Road King
road-ready once more.
Brandon attaches the cloth hinge cover,

24 which also helps secure the hinge to the
saddlebag, using the two stock screws and
a T-20 Torx. Yup, just snug the screws
down, dont kill them.
Heres how the saddlebags and side covers

25 looks on our almost completed bike. AIM
SOURCES
GATTO HARLEY-DAVIDSON
724/224-2886
GattoCycle.com
AIMag.com
SOFTAIL FRONT
BRAKE PAD SWAP
DP Brakes ensure safe, clean, and quiet stopping power
W
hats more fun than a big-inch engine put- on the Internet. And as much as we at
ting out tons of power? Is there anything American Iron like saving money (a
as cool as a pair of big chrome wheels re- dollar saved on parts is a dollar more in
flecting the sun as you ride? And can the fuel tank!), there are some areas
there possibly be any better feeling than that we most definitely dont skimp on.
having a hot chick riding on the back of your Softail? One of the more important areas is,
The answer is yes: making it all stop quickly and safely. you guessed it, brakes.
Our 2003 Night Train, as all of them do, simply oozes cool. When our Softail came due for a pad
But few things can blow coolness to smithereens like replacement, we went straight to DP
squeaky brake pads, dirty wheels, and a banged-up bike Brakes and ordered a set of front pads
Our 2003 Night that couldnt stop fast enough with worn-out brake pads. (#DP918/$39.95). We ordered rear
1 Train is up on a lift You get the picture. pads, too, but youll have to wait until a
and ready to get its Youve decided to replace those well-used pads; good
TOOLS NEEDED
new DP front brake move. Your bike, your passenger, and your skin thanks you.
pads. There are a number of cheap replacement options available
Blue Loctite
Wire brush
Pliers
Flat-bladed screwdriver (large)
10mm wrench (12-point)
1/4" socket (12-point)
10mm socket (12-point)
Torque wrench (in-lbs.)
PHOTOS BY JOE KNEZEVIC
Use a 10mm 12-point wrench to break loose,

2 but do not remove, the two caliper bolts
that hold it to the left fork leg.
Use a 1/4" 12-point socket to break loose, but do
3 not remove, the two brake pad mounting bolts.
Then use a 10mm 12-point wrench to remove the
two caliper bolts that hold it to the left fork leg.
Using a large flat-bladed screwdriver, spread the

4 brake pads apart to push the four pistons back
into the caliper. You can use an open-end
wrench on the screwdrivers shaft to help turn it.
Using the 1/4" 12-point socket, fully remove the

5 two brake pad mounting pins from the caliper.
You may have to use pliers on the pins to pull
them out of the caliper.

Clean and inspect the brake pad pins and the
Remove the pads from the caliper, noting the 7 inside of the caliper. Do not remove the pis-
6 orientation of the pads. The inside pad has a The inner pad, which has a single large tab, goes
8 into the caliper first with its pad material facing
tons, simply clean out the dust. If the heads of
single large tab; the one with the two smaller the pin are worn, or there are grooves in the
tabs is the outside pad. pin shafts, replace the pins. in toward the center of the caliper.
YOUVE GOT THE PIECES...
2014 DYNOJET RESEARCH ALL RIGHT RESERVED

The outer pad (two small tabs) goes in with its To get the front pin holes aligned, push in on
9 pad material facing toward the inner pad. Ensure Insert the rear brake pad pin through both 11 the brake pads with your thumb while sending
the pads are fully seated in the caliper or else 10 pads and screw the pin a few threads into the the brake pad pin through the caliper. Then
their holes wont line up for the brake pad pins. caliper body. thread the forward pin into the caliper body.
POWER VISION
SOLVES
THE PUZZLE
ONE DEVICE
ONE CONNECTION
ONE SOLUTION
THE ONLY EFI FLASH TUNER FOR

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES
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Once both brake pad pins are snugged down Position the caliper with the pads around the
12 using a 1/4" 12-point socket, use a flat- 13 brake disc and secure it to the lower fork leg After threading in the long stock caliper
bladed screwdriver to make sure the pads are using the short stock caliper mounting bolt, 14 mounting bolt, use a 10mm 12-point socket to
fully against the caliper body. which should have blue Loctite on its threads. torque the mounting bolts to 28-38 ft-lbs.
future issue to see how to replace those. longer than stock. They feature a ce- exits the equation while going down
DPs sintered brake pads are a true ramic heat shield that significantly re- long descents, leading to a calmer, more
high-performance option for Harleys duces heat buildup, meaning that those comfortable ride for you and your pas-
that DP claims to last three times short stops get even shorter. Fading senger. Aftermarket wheels are in the
near future for our Night Train, and
one of DPs best qualities in everyday
use is that they dont produce any
brake dust, allowing your wheels to
look their best all the time. Lastly, DP
pads dont make noise, so you can turn
heads with that free-flowing exhaust
system or amped-up stereo not
screeching brake pads.
Replacing the front brake pads took
us about an hour, and its certainly do-
able on the garage floor or in the drive-
way. The process is the same for
2000-14 Softails with the stock four-
piston caliper, with or without ABS.
Your brakes arent the place to mess
around, so take a look at how its done
in the accompanying photos and cap-
tions as we take you step by step
through this easy-to-do maintenance
procedure. AIM
The last step is pump the front brake lever a
16 few times to get the caliper pistons out where SOURCES
You can now torque the brake pad mounting they belong. They are properly positioned
15 pins to 180-200 in-lbs. using a 1/4" 12-point
DP BRAKES
when the lever only moves a little before DP-Brakes.com
socket. stopping.
anywhere. A more drastic change was
BURLY BRAND
needed. The next step is to lower the
suspension even more or, in other
words, slam it.
We turned to the experts at Burly
Brand who know a thing or two about
SLAMMER SHOCKS
dropping Harleys down to the pave-
ment. For this soon-to-be-slammed
Sporty, we decided on Burlys black
10-1/2" Slammer Shocks ($219.95).
Theyre also available in chrome for
We drop a Sportster as low as it can go those who are into the shiny stuff. The
name alone should be a dead giveaway
of what they accomplish, and we suc-
cessfully dropped the rear end of the
N
OWADAYS, THERES A HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sporty by about another inch. Even
model out there for just about everybody, though travel is limited in the Slam-
with many being designed to fit a wide range mers, it still offers a more compliant
of riders. But what if you dont fit into that ride than hard struts.
Heres our 2001 wide range? All of the aforementioned compo-
1 Sportster up on Robs Aftermarket manufacturers pick up where The Motor nents have a dual purpose. They can
lift and ready to re- Company leaves off and allow riders to fit their bike to their also give your bike an edgy, custom
ceive its Burly rear exact needs. Foot control placement, seats, handlebars, and look. Perhaps nothing can so easily alter
shock upgrade. Rob suspension each affect a motorcycle in different ways; nail- the persona of a motorcycle like suspen-
has the rear of the ing the right combination can profoundly improve your rid- sion can. Just take a look at the final
bike up on a bike ing experience, no matter what your size.
jack so the rear The owner of this 2001 Sportster had a specific issue that TOOLS NEEDED
wheel is just touch- needed to be tackled: even with her already lowered shocks,
ing the top of the lift. she was still unable to safely put both feet down at stops. Blue Loctite
She loves the comfy seat on the Sporty, so that wasnt going 5/16" Allen
3/4" wrench
3/4" socket
Bike jack
PHOTOS BY CHRIS MAIDA
Using a 5/16" Allen, Rob removes the left shocks

2 top bolt and puts it and its top cover and spacers
aside. Only the stock bolt will be reused unless
you decide to also reuse the top shock covers.
shots on this Sportster. The rear tire sues. In other words, no headaches. project for us. Yes, the same Robs
tucks perfectly into the fender, which is Burly makes its Slammer shocks not Dyno that we go to for performance
reminiscent of hardtail choppers that only for Sportsters but for Dyna and modifications is also one of the best
sport mere microns of space between Touring models as well. A lowered places to go for any type of product in-
rubber and metal. However, unlike the front end kit is also offered for an even stallation. Both sides of the Sportster
old days of cutting springs to drop your cleaner look, and that kit is available took a little over an hour, and as long
bikes rear end down, the crew at Burly for Softails and twin-shock bikes. as you have some kind of bike jack, its
has invested in the R&D to ensure that We asked Rob at Robs Dyno in easily do-able in a home garage or
youll have no clearance or handling is- Gardner, Massachusetts, to do this driveway.
He then uses a 3/4" socket and 3/4" wrench to Rob starts the reassembly by slipping the stock
3 remove the left shocks bottom bolt and its 4 small flat washer over the stock top bolt. Rob
washer, nut, and spacer. He then does the same also puts some blue Loctite onto the stock bolts
to the right shock. These stock bolts, nuts, and threads. If youre not reusing the stock cover, The stock top shock cover then goes onto
flat washers will be reused. jump to step #6. 5 the bolt.
Saddle Bags
call us (510) 567 4157

www.larosadesign.us
After slipping the bolt into the shocks
12 bottom mounting hole, Rob puts one of
the new Burly shock spacers over the end
of the shock mounting bolt and against
the Burly collar.
Next on is the stock large flat washer.
6 Rob then loosely attaches the top of the new
9 Burly shock to the frame using a 5/16" Allen.
He then slips the bolt through the swingarm

13 mounting hole and threads on the stock nut.
Rob torques the bolt and nut to 50 ft-lbs.
using a 3/4" socket and 3/4" wrench. He then
Rob prepares one of the new Burly shocks by torques the top shock bolt to 50 ft-lbs.
7 slipping one of the new Burly supplied collars
into the top shock mounting hole on the side he
He then prepares the bottom of the new
10 Burly shock by slipping one of the new
wants to face the bike. All the Burly collars are
the same size.
Burly-supplied collars into the bottom shock
mounting hole on the side facing the bike.
After doing the same to the right shock,

14 heres how the finished installation
looks! AIM
SOURCES
BURLY BRAND
888/367-1871
After slipping the top mounting bolt assembly BurlyBrand.com
8 through the top shock mounting hole, Rob slips 11 mounting bolt, which has some blue Loctite on
Rob then slips a stock flat washer over the stock
ROBS DYNO SERVICE
one of the new Burly shock spacers, which are all it. He then uses the bike lift to align the 978/895-0441
the same size, onto the shock mounting bolt and swingarm shock mounting bolt hole with the RobsDyno.com
against the Burly collar. bottom shock bolt hole.
HOG HELPLINE
STARTER BANGS, EXHAUST

POPS & WOBBLING WHEELS
Q: My 2009 Softail Deluxe has gone through three
starter drives in 11,000 miles. My dealer replaced the
first one, and the starter never sounded right. It would
starter drive has been in there for
any length of time, I would change it
again. It can get damaged pretty
crunch and bang when the starter cranked the engine over, quickly by the old-style compensator
especially when the motorcycle was hot. Then the drive assembly, as youve found out.
started slipping and just got worse until it wouldnt turn the
engine anymore. After the second starter drive was replaced
the starter system was okay for a little while, but it began
doing the same thing after a short period. Why does this
Q: I bought my 2012 FXDC Super
Glide new, delivered with
dealer installed mini-apes, forward
keep happening? I take care of my bike and never abuse it. controls, SE air cleaner, slash-down
ANONYMOUS mufflers (catalytic converter
Via Internet equipped!) and Stage 1 download. It
has performed flawlessly for 17,000
Are you going through

A: Sounds to me like its time for a new engine
sprocket compensator assembly. The spring pack
on your assembly allows the ramps to travel to their limit
miles (so far) with only one concern.
The exhaust has always popped and
snapped when I let the bike decelerate
starter drives way too and then bottom out. This causes the sprocket to bounce in gear. With average mpg of over 45
quickly on your 2009 or back slightly and work against the starter clutch causing around town and over 50 on the open
so Big Twin? After the premature failure. The assembly on stock models has road, Im still loving it. I recently
crunching and banging been improved since your bike was made. If you look up added Vance & Hines HS slip-on muf-
for awhile does it finally a replacement for your bike, youll see the original parts flers, and now the popping and snap-
just stop working? It may are obsolete. They need to be replaced with what used to ping is much louder than before.
be due to the old-style be the CVO parts. You can find the kit in the Screamin Performance has increased and it
engine sprocket com- Eagle (SE) catalog. Your model will also need a new al- seems smoother throughout the rpm
pensator assembly. ternator rotor so the compensator will fit properly. If the range, but what causes this? Is it any-
thing to be concerned about? The bike
runs perfectly and hauls ass compared
to other bikes Ive ridden with, but
they don't seem to pop and snap like
mine. Is this an indication of anything
wrong? I still ride my 1971 Ironhead
having owned it over 42 years, and it
has never popped like this. Getting my
kicks with a 96"!
WENDELL E. SMITH
Spokane, WA
A: Popping in the exhaust is a

normal thing. My brand-new
Street Glide with stock mufflers will
pop occasionally when Im slowing
down and the load on the engine is
To submit a question to our H-D-certified mechanic, who has been working in dealerships just right. And I can remember how
for over 20 years, send in as much info about the problem and bike as possible to Hog Helpline, c/o Ameri- cool my 66 XLCH sounded as the
can Iron Magazine, 1010 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905, or e-mail ChrisM@AmericanIronMag.com. blue flames shot out of the gooseneck
Sorry, but due to volume, we cannot respond to requests for personal replies or to all letters. pipes. Sorry, flashback.

Basically, when you close the had all the regular service that the the technician thought was correct.
throttle, some air gets drawn into the owners manual calls for done. Before Now the rim is loose and your
end of the exhaust system. When that my last service at 10,000 miles, I noticed wobble is back.
air mixes with any unburned fuel in a wobble in the bike when going Have the tech closely inspect your
the hot head pipe, it ignites and through turns. My dealer found my rear hub. If the holes are stretched or if
causes a noise. Thats the pop you spokes loose so he tightened them. All he sees the aluminum displaced
hear. As you take muffling material was good, I was told. Now after about around the holes, replace the hub. If
out of the exhaust system, more air 1,200 miles the wobble is back. Did the the holes look okay, make sure the
can get in and more noise can get out. dealer do something wrong or is there spoke heads are fully seated in their
Now theres a bigger noise in your another a problem with my bike? holes. Your tech will need to tighten
open pipe, which becomes banging ANONYMOUS the spokes to spec and then use a
and backfiring. You wanted louder Via Internet long punch to seat the spoke heads.
pipes? You got it, and now the decel A sharp rap with the punch will seat
pop is louder, too. Your Ironhead is
probably running rich enough to
drown out the explosions in the
A: Spokes need to be checked at
every service whether the
maintenance schedule says to or not.
the heads properly. Then the spokes
can be retightened while checking
that the rim runout stays within
pipes. Thats what you need to do They should be checked for correct proper specs.
with your Super Glide. Make the fuel tightness and for any that may be Again, check the spoke tightness
mixture rich enough at zero throttle broken. One broken spoke will lead and condition at every service. You
position so the exhaust mixture in to others breaking and things go can also do a quick check yourself
the pipe will be too rich to ignite. downhill fast after just three or four while cleaning the bike. Reach in and
You can do this with a fuel mapper of break. I suspect that your hub may grab a group of spokes. They are in
some sort. The Harley Super Tuner is have been damaged when the spokes groups of four. Squeeze the groups
probably your best bet. A good tuner were loose the first time. The holes all the way around the wheel to feel
can get rid of the decel pop, and Ill in the aluminum hub can get for any broken or loose ones. If you
bet he can make the engine respond stretched and distorted so the spoke find one or two broken, youre still
and run better overall. head wont seat properly. The okay to ride it to the dealer. Any
spokes feel tight, but after a few more, dont ride it. And if there are
Q:Ibought
have a 2012 Softail Heritage. I
the bike new and have
miles, the heads will seat deeper in
their holes and loose the tension that
more than a couple broken, replace
the whole set. AIM

S N A P S Compiled by Steven Wyman-Blackburn
BY AIR & BY SEA I got my 2004

Sportster 1200 new as a gift to
myself when I had to go back to the
desert. Ive been working on it for 10
years. My bike is broken down into
two parts: the Navy theme is on one
side since I served the Navy for 11
years, and the Air Force is on the
other since I served there for 10. I
got the seat from a Sportster, and it
has a Wide Glide front end. The
front fender is from a 1982 Honda
CB900F, which had to be cut by 3/4"
so it would fit. I custom-painted the
heads, front, and back wheels, and I
did the kickstand cover by hand.
And, yes, those are real medals.
JOHN MILLER
West Salem, OH
Got a bike you think belongs here? If so, send a few high-resolution (300 dpi at 8" x 8" minimum) images to Letters@AmericanIronMag.com or American Iron Magazine, 1010 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905.
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SNAPS
BLINGED VICTORY Of course, when

it came to my ride, a 2012 Victory Jack-
pot, I couldnt help myself. I had to bling
it out some more by installing some
Arlen Ness aftermarket products. Yup, I
know its not a Harley-Davidson. You
gotta love the V-twin, though. All my life
Ive owned four-cylinder Japanese rides.
STEVE MORRIS
Via Internet
DETAILS
ONLINE
Thanks to our Motorcycle Fundraiser Sponsors:
A MINIMUM DONATION OF $5 PER TICKET OR $25 FOR SIX TICKETS.

102 CHAMBER DRIVE ANAMOSA, IA 52205 - PHONE: 319.462.3925
The National Motorcycle Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

900-POUND MONSTERS My
friend and riding buddy Ricky Lail
invited me to go on a two-week riding
trip to Sturgis. All I had to do was split
the fuel. How could I say no? We trail-
ered our bikes so we would have more
time there. It was the first time either
bike had seen a trailer. We rode
through four states, South Dakota,
Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, seeing
the Badlands, Devils Tower, and a hole
in the desert that made ice. Ricks bike
is the white Ultra and mines the Street
Glide. We thought of AIM when we
had to wait for the pilot car. It was like
riding two 900-pound monsters
through the garden. We rode 3,200
miles in sun, rain, hail, and snow, and
had a ball!
JIM AVERETT
Claremont, NC
AIM
Ride every day, perform every second.

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W I D G E T S Compiled by Staff
Cool Your Bum

Drag Specialties Seats has solo seats made with solar-reflective leather
and automotive-grade vinyl to reduce the surface temperature by as
much as 25 F. Featuring a flexible, urethane-foam interior for maximum
comfort, these solo seats come with two mounting nuts and a leather
fender bib for a clean installation. The seats are compatible with 2008-14
FLHT, FLHR, FLTR, and FLHX models. Matching pillion pads are also
available in two sizes, and optional EZ Glide II backrests can be bought
for an additional price. $324.95-$329.95. Info: Drag Specialties Seats,
Seats.DragSpecialties.com.
All claims and specifications are those of the manufacturers. Submissions are welcome and should include a color digital (300 dpi jpeg)
image, detailed description, and suggested retail price. Send submissions to Widgets, American Iron Magazine, 1010 Summer Street,
Stamford, CT 06905, or Widgets@AmericanIronMag.com.
Grab a
handful.
Hand Clutch Jockey Shifts.
Install a W.M.I. Jockey Shif t on your late model
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Mega Shovels and FXRs
SuperTrapp Megaphone Series 2:1 is a 4"-diameter, tunable, disc-based exhaust system
for Shovelheads and FXRs. The Shovelhead system is able to provide a bolt-on
performance gain of 8-10 percent more horsepower for 1971-84 models and comes slash
cut with a polished stainless finish or straight cut with a chrome finish. For FXRs, the
2:1 comes in straight cut and high exit in a polished stainless finish or slash cut and high
exit in a satin stainless finish. All Megaphones
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PIPE SHIELD
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XtremeMachineUSA.com. 1.800.264.9472 DEIpowersports.com

WIDGETS
Easy Load
The S&S EZ Loader allows you to select and load S&S-
developed and dyno-proven tune files into your ECM. It
works exclusively with S&S Step 1 (intake and exhaust) and
Step 2 (cams) Proven Performance products. The EZ Loader
comes with a USB cable and instructions; its preloaded with
all available S&S Step 1 and 2 calibration files. All stored information can be up-
dated anytime online. A four-pin option is available for 2001-10 Softails, 2001-11
Dynas, and 2001-13 Touring models and Sportsters with Delphi. It also comes in
a six-pin version for 2011-14 Softails, 2012-14 Dynas, and 2014 Touring models
and Sportsters. $199.95. Info: S&S Cycle Inc., 866/244-2673, SSCycle.com.

Gotta Ride Em All
This box contains 28 Indian collector
cards, including one hologram, an authen-
ticity card to document the series, and a
bonus Indian Motorcycle bandanna. Each
set is officially licensed, numbered, and
signed by the president and vice president
of the Indian Motorcycle Collector Card
Corp. $19.95. Info: GreaseRag.com.
AIMag.com
WIDGETS
Giant Pig Battery

The Big Boar 350 battery, 6-7/8" L x
6-1/6" H x 3-5/16" W, provides 350 cold
cranking amps and is compatible with
1991-2014 FXSTs, 1991-2014 Dynas,
1997-2014 Sportsters, 1980-96 FLTs, and
1980-96 FLHTs. The battery is slightly
smaller than stock batteries on FLT and
FLHT models. Info: Big Boar Products,
865/458-8640, BigBoarProducts.com.
Speedy Coat
PPGs JC6800 HS European
Speed Clear is a 4.2 VOC high-
solids clearcoat designed for opti-
mum performance on spot and
panel repairs. With a 15-minute
bake time and featuring a 2:1 mix
ratio, the clearcoat gives users the
option of both air-drying and
buffing on the same day. Info:
PPG Industries, 800/647-6050,
PPGRefinish.com.
True Tracking
When Harley-Davidson
removed the lower stabilizer
link and replaced it with the
fourth rubber isolator begin-
ning with its 2009 Touring line, the
rubber compound must now handle
more lateral movement in the isola-
tors, plus the motor assembly has
more motion while on the go. Whats
more, The Motor Company has kept
this particular frame design, even
with the Project RUSHMORE
models. True-Track has responded
by creating this patented front lower
stabilizer link (#20-00-09FT) that
returns your bike to the three-point
system. This keeps your Harley
motor stable by removing lateral
movement in the isolators, which
also prolongs their lives. $179.
True-Track produces zero
vibration. Info: True-Track,
818/623-0697, True-Track.com.
Fab Book
Beginning with a discussion about steel, aluminum,
and stainless materials, author Timothy Remus
book Custom Motorcycle Fabrication takes you through
144 pages of topics on fab projects like penetration,
strength, and the relative size of the heat-affected
zone. Featuring 300 photos and charts, the sections
include information on bending and notching tub-
ing, machining on both a mill and a lathe, and vari-
ous parts of the bike like handlebars and exhaust
systems. $24.95. Info: Wolfgang Publications,
800/551-4754, CarTechBooks.com. AIM
Haul Anything. (Up to 13 diameter)

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*Touring Models with Painted Saddlebags.
480-752-3556
Fits 1993 to 2013 Harley-Davidson

NEW BIKE REVIEW
continued from page 64
two tunnel vents below that for additional improved air with a 4.3" color screen, while the Special has a 6-1/2"
flow. As with the Electra Glides RUSHMORE fairing, the screen that also supports GPS. All units rely on a 25-watts-
Road Glides center snout opens and closes with the push of per-channel audio system with the usual features, and a
the button thats located to the left of the vents exit port. USB connection resides in the right-side glove box for easy
Similarly, the two lower vents open and close according to access for MP3 players and smart phones. The audio system
rider preference, each with its own is accessed with either touchscreen
button that is accessed by reaching capability or the toggle switches
into the tunnels rear openings. near each hand grip, again, similar
The biggest design challenge to whats currently on the first-
presented by the Road Glide fairing generation RUSHMORE models.
is its distance from the rider, says Speaker clarity is about what youd
Harley-Davidson Principal Stylist expect at the OE level, with road
Brian Nelson. Because its frame and wind noise squelching the
mounted, we need that distance to audio performance at higher riding
provide room to turn the handlebar, speeds (70 mph plus).
but thats also a big low-pressure Youll find the ride to be rather
zone that creates a lot of turbu- pleasant at those speeds however.
lence. To move air above the riders Cruising at posted interstate speeds
helmet required three vents, with 65-80 mph results in pre-
the two lower vents designed to lift the airflow. The shape dictable steering through long, sweeping turns, and the
and location of those lower vents proved to be critical and frame-mounted shark-nose fairing is less susceptible to
required a lot of fine-tuning. crosswinds and such compared to what youll experience
The fairings shell wasnt the only thing to be redesigned. with a handlebar fairing. You look over, rather than
The inner fairing, too, was reconfigured to house the Boom! through, the tinted, abbreviated windshield, and the wind
Box infotainment center thats found on all of Harleys top- tunnel crew worked hard to minimize buffeting on the
shelf Touring models. The Road Glide (standard) comes riders helmet. I wore an open-face helmet and sunglasses

and never experienced teary eyes or head shake during my
ride through the Black Hills. This included reaching speeds
above 80 mph during a sprint to visit Devils Tower where
some of the Wyoming roads were straight and wide.
With only 2.1" of rear suspension travel, its important to
set the spring preload and damping precisely for your
weight and riding style, using the knob adjuster to do so. I
weigh about 175 pounds, and I had only a small load in the
saddlebags for my ride so I didnt crank the Specials rear
adjuster knob very high. Small calibration lines on the ad-
juster body serve as reference points, and I settled on the
second marker line from the Low (or soft) setting. This set-
ting gave me a rather smooth ride over expansion cracks
and small divots in the road, yet offered firm control while
cornering through the back roads. Obviously, your pre-
ferred settings might be different than mine, but this shows
how important it is to take the time to fine-tune the rear sus-
pension for your particular ride and riding habits.
The return of the Road Glide completes Harley-David-
sons installation of Project RUSHMORE bikes for the
touring crowd. No doubt future models of either Electra
Glide or Road Glide variations will come and go as the years
pass, but, for now, its time to put the new bikes in gear to
hit the road and ride. And that, above all else, will determine
the true success and value of Project RUSHMORE as it
pertains to the world of touring. AIM
After Using the Scavenger youll never settle for less.

AFTER WATCHING THIS SIMPLE BUT CLEVER LITTLE
device in action, Ill never do an oil change the old way again. But lets start Seeing is believing so go to www.roguechopper.com
with a few facts about oil changes. After bringing the engine up to operating and see the video of how it works on your bike. Dont
temperature, so all the nasty crap inside the engine is in suspension in the have web access? Call for a free info pack.
detergent oil, you should shut down and pull the plug - the drain plug, that is
- to get the dirty oil out of your engine before the crud settles out of the oil Like I said, Ill never change my oil the old way
again. Unfortunately, you can only drain the oil tank. All the old oil thats in again. - Chris Maida AIM
the engine and oil lines remain, waiting to degrade the new load of oil.
Enter the Scavenger. The
Scavenger allows you to reclaim
all of the old oil from the engine
before it can mix with the fresh
oil in the tank. Leaving you with
a total oil change. Each Scavenger Rogue Chopper, llc
works a little different depending 866-877-6483
on the year and model, but each www.roguechopper.com
kit comes with clear easy to follow
instructions and a DVD with
videos of how each one is used.

Wheels Through
Time Annual Raffle
Bike(s)

This stunning pair of VL s
will make two lucky winners
very happy!
text by photos by
jim babchak buzz kanter
CAIMAG.com

I
T IS WITH GREAT EXPECTATIONS AND A HOPEFUL HEART hopes that their raffle ticket will be drawn, giving them title
that, year after year, I look to Wheels Through Times to a superbly restored machine for the price of lunch at your
annual motorcycle raffle. Its always a spectacularly local diner! Past raffle bikes have included models from
amazing vintage machine restored by Dale Walksler Harley-Davidsons long and respected line of vintage clas-
and his son Matt raffled off to keep the doors open and sics like Knuckleheads, Panheads, flatheads, etc. But this
the bikes running at their world-class motorcycle mu- year, Dale, being the ultimate showman and marketing ge-
seum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. nius that he is, has outdone himself yet again in choosing to
Each November, motorcycle enthusiasts across the coun- give away not one, but two totally restored vintage Harleys
try rub their lucky rabbits foot, and hold their breath in in the form of VL bobbers. Wow, two chances to own a

beautiful antique motorcycle restored by the Walksler team! young girl is selected each year to draw the winning ticket,
Even my wife, Fern, is excited for this years raffle! and she is placed in a giant enclosed trampoline and in-
This is the 12th annual Wheels Through Time (WTT) structed to bounce around, mix up the thousands of entries,
raffle and the drawing will take place November 15 at the and pull the winning ticket. This year, of course, she will
museum. You need not be present to win, but there is a giant pick two, one in each hand, and that is how the winners are
toy run and after party complete with live music. The day selected. Fair and square!
attracts over 1,500 riders to the museum, so I encourage The motorcycles to be raffled are a 1935 VL and 1936 VL,
anyone with the time and means to attend as it is a day of both fully restored in the bobber
great camaraderie and celebration. A style of the day. Dale started

CAIMAG.com

with original Harley frames, front ends, motors, and transmis- as well as the pinstriping on both bikes. The look captures
sions selected from his vast collection of original Harley- the period perfectly.
Davidson parts, and built them both from the ground up while So how do you get your shot at winning these amazing
burning the midnight oil with Matt in the back of his shop. bikes? Just drop by the Wheels Through Time web site
B
(WheelsThroughTime.com) and buy tickets. Its that easy.
OTH BIKES USE ORIGINAL, SINGLE-DOWNTUBE, VL Ticket specials are one for $10, three for $20, and the best
frames mated to original I-beam springer front ends. package is seven tickets for $50 which includes a free Wheels
The handlebars were made by Tom Faber of Faber Through Time T-shirt. Other packages with more T-shirts
Cycles in Michigan, who makes exact reproductions and further discounts are available, so enter to win now!
of all Harley handlebars from 1909 through the 1970s. On Each year about this time, I make a pact with God. It goes
the chassis, Dale upgraded the wheels to star hubs, and something like this: God, I promise to blah, blah, blah ...
laced up 16" hoops in the rear and 18" hoops in the
front, giving the bikes that bobber attitude and
stance. Dale calls them real school machines, and
they are all that and more. Countless hours of pas-
sion and enjoyment went into the restoration of
these beauties, and the craftsmanship and attention
to detail is evident throughout.
Each motor was rebuilt to stock 74" factory spec-
ifications, and breathes through an original Linkert
carburetor. The 1935 was hot-rodded using a pair
of ULH cylinder heads, and if you look closely at
the photographs you can see the exhaust pipes exit
the heads differently on both bikes; the ULH top
ends front pipe runs in
front of the generator and
clear of the timing cover.
Both machines have if you can see to it that I
original, rebuilt three- win this years WTT raffle
speed transmissions, with a bike. So far, that promise
foot-clutch and hand-shift has fallen on deaf ears, but
set up. The battery is Im certain this year is
recharged by Harley 6-volt finally my year. Besides
generators rebuilt by Dale supporting a great mu-
Cashman, and the wiring seum that absolutely en-
harnesses use the correct compasses all that I love
cloth covers and fittings. about motorcycling and
The gas tanks were supporting my great
made by Replicant Metals friends in Maggie Valley, I
of Lancaster County, wear the T-shirt all year
Pennsylvania, which also long, and I cant tell you
manufactures gas tanks for how many motorcycle
Harleys from 1915-36. enthusiasts recognize the
These beautifully made shirt and comment on it.
tanks are complemented And, to top it all off, its a
by the Art Deco paint charitable contribution
scheme of a 1933 Harley, that you can claim on your
using Birch White and tax returns. Double
maroon Matrix brand bonus!
S
base-coat and clearcoat.
John Dills, of Dills Paint O ENTER TO WIN
Works in Sylva, North now and join the
Carolina, painted them thousands of folks
both and has painted 40 who care about
other motorcycles for Dale motorcycling, care about
through the years. The fact preserving its long and
that he has painted so glorious history, and want
many of Dales bikes to support this fabulous
speaks volumes about cathedral celebrating that
Johns abilities and work- history and tradition:
manship. Mark Peters did Wheels Through Time.
the lettering on the tanks, AIM

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7EYE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-484-0292 . . . . . . . . . .61 Geico Direct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-442-9253 . . . . . . . . . .27 Pro Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-403-2714 . . . . . . . . . .130
AIM Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714-848-3030 . . . . . . . . . .145 Ginz Choppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949-916-5926 . . . . . . . . . .111 Rampage Powerlift . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925-405-0365 . . . . . . . . . .142
Allstate Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-361-BIKE . . . . . . . . . . .C4 Got Saggy Bags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702-558-0497 . . . . . . . . . .143 RC Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-360-0915 . . . . . . . . . .C3
Arlen Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 925-479-6350 . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Harbor Freight Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-423-2567 . . . . . . . . . . .41 RetroCycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
Avon Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-334-7477 . . . . . . . . . . .32 HardDrive Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HDTwin.com . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Ride Like a Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-868-7433 . . . . . . . . . .108
B&W Trailer Hitches. . . . . . . . . . . . . 620-473-3664 . . . . . . . . . .116 Headwinds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 626-359-8044 . . . . . . . . . .133 Rider Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-595-6393 . . . . . . . . . .107
Badland Motorcycle Products . . . . . 610-265-7100 . . . . . . . . . .133 Head Trip Helmets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-857-5343 . . . . . . . . . .131 RideTek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480-752-3556 . . . . . . . . . .133
BB Comfort Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . ButtyBuddy . . . . . . . . . . . .145 Heartland USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heartlandbiker.com . . . . . .21 Rinehart Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-264-8282 . . . . . . .4-5, 71
Big City Thunder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704-847-1222 . . . . . . . . . . .111 Heli Modified Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-625-4642 . . . . . . . . . . .57 Rivco Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-801-8222 . . . . . . . . . . .83
Bike 2 Trike USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 708-258-0055 . . . . . . . . . .143 HHI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-442-5837 . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Robs Used Harley Parts . . . . . . . . . 703-476-6607 . . . . . . . . . .142
Bike Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-521-6444 . . . . . . . . . .142 Hogpro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-464-7761 . . . . . . . . . . .81 Rogue Chopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-877-6483 . . . . . . . . . .135
Bikers Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bikerschoice.com . . . . . . . . .9 Howards Hog Horns . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-992-0034 . . . . . . . . . .83 Roland Sands Design. . . . . . . . . . . . dragspecialties.com . . . . . .29
Bluebeards Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646-290-6666 . . . . . . . . . .47 Iron Braid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-461-4766 . . . . . . . . . .123 Russ Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-424-5377 . . . . . . . . . . .33
Bohn Armor Pants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530-898-9269 . . . . . . . . . .107 J&P Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-515-7080 . . . . . . . . . . .19 Samson Motorcycle Products . . . . . 888-572-6766 . . . . . . . . . .131
Boss Bags Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-853-9975 . . . . . . . . . .122 Jagg Oil Coolers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-625-6228 . . . . . . . . . .131 Shinko Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shinkotireusa.com . . . . . . .49
Carlini Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714-432-9000 . . . . . . . . . . .14 K&N Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-735-1557 . . . . . . . . . . .36 Skull Crush Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . skullcrush.com . . . . . . . . .143
Chrome Dome Motorcycle Products . 800-951-1980 . . . . . . . . . .142 Kinetik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kinetikpower.com . . . . . . . .77 Solid State Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-543-9304 . . . . . . . . .142
Classic Goggles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-856-4896 . . . . . . . . .142 KlockWerks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kustombaggers.com . . . . . .81
Sport RX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-831-5817 . . . . . . . . . .127
Corbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-538-7035 . . . . . . . . . . .35 Kuryakyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-277-9598 . . . . . . . . . . .89
Star Fleet Trucking, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 877-805-9547 . . . . . . . . . .106
Cruise-Mate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-642-3722 . . . . . . . . . . .135 La Rosa Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510-567-4157 . . . . . . . . . . .119
Stauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-806-1646 . . . . . . . . . .95
Cruz Tools Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-909-8665 . . . . . . . . .105 Law Offices of Richard M. Lester . . . 800-531-2424 . . . . . . . . . . .23
SuperTrapp Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . 216-265-8400 . . . . . . . . . . .15
Custom Cycle Engineering . . . . . . . . 800-472-9253 . . . . . . . . . . .61 LD Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360-539-2043 . . . . . . . . . .142
TAB Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-822-0070 . . . . . . . . . .125
Cycle-Rama Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 727-546-0889 . . . . . . . . . .109 Leatherworks, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209-983-9200 . . . . . . . . . .124
Tailgunner Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508-693-1944 . . . . . . . . . . .77
D&L DerbyCappers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401-421-7558 . . . . . . . . . . .132 Legendary Products . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-534-3632 . . . . . . . . . .132
Texas Sidecar Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903-640-2149 . . . . . . . . . .145
Dead Center Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-971-3323 . . . . . . . . . .133 LePera Enterprises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818-767-5112 . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Thunder Cycle Design . . . . . . . . . . . 954-763-2100 . . . . . . . . . .113
Demon Speed Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . 234-678-7734 . . . . . . . . . .143 Lindby Custom Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714-528-0085 . . . . . . . . . .109
Tsukayu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 852-27099299 . . . . . . . . . .119
Dennis Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-564-1822 . . . . . . . . . . .11 Liquid Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-940-8182 . . . . . . . . .105
Twisted Trailz Excursions. . . . . . . . . 602-795-8888 . . . . . . . . . .143
Design Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-264-9472 . . . . . . . . . .127 Mammoth Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-755-4070 . . . . . . . . . .65
United States Eagle Rings . . . . . . . . 888-512-1333 . . . . . . . . . . .123
DFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-895-3711 . . . . . . . . . . .20 MCG Customs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636-795-3208 . . . . . . . . . .145
Vance & Hines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dragspecialties.com . . . . . .25
Dirty Bird Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623-465-5263 . . . . . . . . . . .57 MGS Custom Bikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661-951-9878 . . . . . . . . . .130
Wheels Through Time . . . . . . . . . . . 828-926-6266 . . . . . . . . . .130
Drag Specialties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dragspecialties.com . . . . . .C2 Missing Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-489-9984 . . . . . . . . . .113
Wide Open Custom Plastic. . . . . . . . 620-795-4421 . . . . . . . . . .125
DynoJet Research Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . flashyourharley.com . .114-115 Mountain Master Truck Equipment . 623-451-7121 . . . . . . . . . . .106
EBC Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425-486-1244 . . . . . . . . . . .45 Mustang Seats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-243-1392 . . . . . . . . . . .31 Widow Maker Industries . . . . . . . . . 602-509-4776 . . . . . . . . . .126
Farken Biker Stirrups. . . . . . . . . . . 508-949-8380 . . . . . . . . .143 NAMZ Custom Cycle Products. . . . . . 610-265-7100 . . . . . . . . . .145 Wiley X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WILEYX.COM . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Firebrand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . firebrandmotorcycle.com . .53 National Motorcycle Museum 855-515-7080 . . . . . . . . . . . .124, 142 WindVest Motorcycle Products . . . . 877-370-7326 . . . . . . . . . . .126
Fix My Hog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-231-0653 . . . . . . . . . . .117 Nightrider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313-444-9433 . . . . . . . . .145 Wizards Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-356-7223 . . . . . . . . . . .71
Frankenstein Unlimited. . . . . . . . . . 913-352-6788 . . . . . . . . . . .65 Outrider Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-895-1244 . . . . . . . . . .143 Xtreme Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-479-4037 . . . . . . . . . .39
Freedom Performance. . . . . . . . . . . 310-324-0415 . . . . . . . . . . .37 Performance Machine . . . . . . . . . . . performancemachine.com .17 Yuasa GYZ - Enersys . . . . . . . . . . . . yuasabatteries.com . . . . . .43
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Iron Magazine readers. American Iron Magazine is not responsible for omissions or
typographical errors in names or page or phone numbers. If your company is not listed here, please contact Nicole Hart at 203/425-8777 to rectify.

16631 Gemini Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
E-mail: info@aim-tamachi.com
Phone: 714-848-3030
www.aim-tamachi.com
VP Clutch
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M E M O R I E S Sponsored by CAIMag.com
Dean Haeker sent in this issues Memories. Dean tells us,

These are pictures of my father-in-law, Albert
Schmaljohn, with his Harley, which I believe to be a
1929 model. One was taken in the winter of 1929, the
same year he graduated high school. The other was
taken in the summer of 1932. Both were shot in rural
Nebraska near Rockville. For years, the cycle, which he
pronounced sickle, was his sole means of trans-
portation year-round. He attached a sidecar to it to
court his wife of 70 years. Eventually, marriage plus
children equaled no motor-sickle.
DEAN HAEKER
Custer, SD
If you have a submission to Memories, send it with all the info you have about the image to Letters@AmericanIronMag.com or Memories, American Iron Magazine, 1010 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905.
If we use yours, you'll get a free one-year subscription or extension (let us know which). Do not send the actual photo, only a high-resolution image.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE! Print or Digital

PRINT: 1 year (13 Issues) $26.95
custsvc_ameriron@fulcoinc.com or 877/693-3572
DIGITAL: 1 year (13 Issues) $25.95
A I M a g. c o m f o r d e t a i l s
This magazine is independently published by TAM Communications, Inc. and is not produced by or for Harley-Davidson. AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE
(USPS 007-321, ISSN 1059-7891), Issue #316. AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE is published every four weeks by TAM Communications, Inc., 1010 Summer
Street, Stamford, CT 06905. Subscriptions are $26.95 a year. Periodical postage paid at Stamford, CT, and additional mailing offices. 203/425-8777, fax
203/425-8775. Contents copyrighted 2014 by TAM Communications, Inc. The magazine is purchased with the understanding that the information is from
many varied sources, from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy or completeness. The publisher reserves the
right to reject any advertisement deemed objectionable. It is the advertisers or its agencys responsibility to obtain appropriate release on items
described or illustrated in an advertisement. AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE will not be responsible for any error in any advertisement published.
POSTMASTER: Please send change-of-address forms and all subscription correspondence to AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE, Subscription Services,
PO Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834.

Thom Hill, Lebec, CA,
leaves the office behind on his Harley Sportster 48.
CUBICLES
ARE
DANGEROUS.
People say riding a motorcycle is dangerous. But for those who cant imagine
life without two wheels, NOT RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IS DANGEROUS.
Thats why Allstate offers protection with one purpose: to keep riders riding.
LOCAL AGENT
877-361-BIKE
ALLSTATE.COM
Subject to terms, conditions, availability and qualications. New Motorcycle Replacement is an optional coverage. Claims will be settled based on customer choice to obtain original
equipment manufacturer parts for their bike make and model. Actual savings will vary and may depend on coverages selected. Allstate Indemnity Company, Allstate Property and
Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL and Allstate New Jersey Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. 2014 Allstate Insurance Company

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ISSUE 316

ON SALE UNTIL 11/11/14

See page 128

8 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE ISSUE #316 AIMag.com

Page 48 Page 104 Page 112 Page 118

84 OLD AND NEW, 72 RIDING COASTAL

118 BURLY BRAND 90 SWEET 16:

66 Lo And Behold Find us on

10 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE ISSUE #316 AIMag.com

FREE RETURN SHIPPING

E DITOR -I N -C HIEF Buzz Kanter

E DITOR Chris Maida

A RT D IRECTOR Charles W. Queener

M ANAGING E DITOR Joe Knezevic

A SSOCIATE E DITOR Tyler Greenblatt

A SSISTANT E DITOR Steven Wyman-Blackburn

H OLE U P Sam Whitehead

C LASSICS E DITOR Jim Babchak

W OMEN S POV E DITOR Cris Sommer Simmons

S ENIOR C OPY E DITOR Keith Blair Powell

C OPY E DITOR Jennifer Hanses

C ONTRIBUTING John Frank, Dain Gingerelli,

C ONTRIBUTING Jim Dohms, Dain Gingerelli,

D ESIGNERS Matt Kopec

SUBMISSIONS: AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE

Subscription Information and Customer Service

This magazine is published with the understanding that the informa-

Merc Grill Apex

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YOU SHALL PASS I recently went on a trip on my 21-year-old FLHTP in

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KUSTOM KOATINGS Theres a typo

250,000 AND RISING I

AIMag.com ISSUE #316 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE 35

CONES ON MY HEAD? I just fin- ALL BEFORE THE WEDDING We

38 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE ISSUE #316 AIMag.com

removal tool and a hook and pick set.

40 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE ISSUE #316 AIMag.com

the wire and inserting the terminal into

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The AMP socket terminals that mate

The slight bend on the

Right: The wedge inside

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Choose from FIVE great

Editors note: To make it even easier for you to

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Basic Carburetor Tuning

cleaner backing plate, or velocity stack.

48 AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE ISSUE #316 AIMag.com