I'm not a big fan of my name. So, I asked Eman how to get rid of it when I post. He kindly forwarded instructions. I kninda feel like saying DUH right now.
Thanks Dave...
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 7:51 AM from IP address 139.139.3.70
Let me know how soon you need it. I know a guy who wanted me to do his but it's up in WV, so I have to make arrangements to get it down here. It's a Honda 550 four. Just send me an email.
Hey, where are we going? And why am I in this handbasket?
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 7:54 AM from IP address 74.226.143.210
seems the addiction is growing, good news for the Horse..He brought in another rag and lo and behold there was nomad charlie, he a regular celeb. now....who da thunk it?.....2 rags in one month, way to go man....
"all of you may go to hell,I'm going to TEXAS" Davy Crockett
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:48 PM from IP address 70.216.15.221
were are you located i got a local metal shop i go to and they have been able to get any thing i need but sometimes i have to buy it in a 10 to 20 ft stick. or try a local wielding shop find out whom there suppler is ?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:29 PM from IP address 138.210.238.69
http://www.boydmetals.com/ this place has a store in little rock AR you might give them a call and ask if they know anyone in memphis or nashville or at least put you on the right track? you never know until you ask.
how much do you need ? I'll call my local shop mybe the can send you some if it's not to much?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:41 PM from IP address 138.210.238.69
i called they said all they had was .65 electrical pipe but there calling there suppler to see if the can get the what your wanting but it will be a 20ft stick if they can get it i'll let you know as soon as i here
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 10:03 AM from IP address 69.92.90.238
What in the world are you going to do with this? They may not even make it. If you're looking for frame tube material, 1/8" wall or better yet .090 wall. You realize that 3/4" tubing with 1/4" walls will have a piddly 1/4" hole in the center?
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 3:17 PM from IP address 72.128.207.219
iam thinking about buying a 1970 flh it has hard bags and the batwing front fairing. my dad thinks he knows a guy with a rear tour pak i would like to make this bike my touring bike but i have never had a shovel but my dad had one for 22-23 year's.
any way my question is what would i have to do or should do to make this bike something i can ride any were with out to much trouble?
me i think i should up date the ignition, carb and maybe call baker and shell out the cash for one of those 6 in a 4 speed case
the bike is in pretty good shape for its age, the guy thats selling it bought it back in 75 and is getting to old to keep up with it. the cool thing is that he has all the original parts and owners manual i you might call it a barn find thanks all
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:03 PM from IP address 138.210.238.69
trying to tell you a shovelhead is not a great platform for a reliable, trouble free, touring rig. From reading here and in various magazines, I get the impression that most shovelheads require a lot of attention - unless professionally rebuilt (blueprinted and spec'd) like GTP's recently was.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:34 PM from IP address 75.18.164.153
there are to many people out there still riding these bike's for them to be that big of a turd
i met a group from tenn headed to sturgis this last summer all riding a shovel or a pan loaded down and non of them said the have had any real problems. so i just started looking at them and reading about them so i thought i would see what the shovel owners on here would say
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:53 PM from IP address 138.210.238.69
got S&S guts though, a top-end or 4, but all in all well worth the money.
You can't go wrong with a shove.
Btw....I can do 80-85 all day long with my 4 speed.
AMF.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 2:25 AM from IP address 75.164.87.209
JW rode cross country last year on his mag-fired Shovel without problems. In fact, I know at least a half dozen guys that've used their Shovels for touring without sweating it.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 9:01 AM from IP address 75.56.51.66
Harley made Evos and Twinkies just to screw with the riders of today. There's no head like Shovelhead
I've had this '77 since 1980 and it ain't never left me stranded. I've been from New England to Nevada, to New Hampshire to the Florida Keys over the last 27 years. Here's a few pix of it in its last three incarnations.
to avoid spending some bucks to make it reliable, but with an S&S carb, Dyna ignition, a transmission re-build, new wiring and you're good to go. My '67 has been real dependable, it just leaks a lot.
------------------------------------------
"Work is the curse of the Drinking class."
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:52 PM from IP address 75.181.153.254
...but having run 45's, knucks, pans and sporty's, I would buy a shovel and build it for what I want, in a New York minute, just for the hell of it. Matter of fact, that's why I'm here.
Note: get ready to wrench.
Have fun.
Tex
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 10:26 PM from IP address 67.10.127.237
hey if your into it, you can run it for years, from what you've said it sounds like a sweet bike, so maybe it needs some TLC, thats fun too. i been runnin' my '64 sporty 4 years now, i'm still diggin it. later on.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 10:54 PM from IP address 72.70.247.239
So yeah, I think a shovel can be a dependable bike..
Toss the ignition and get a crane.
4 speed is find, but the 5 in a 4 is better, the 6 in 4 is just to much money.
Get a pro clutch, you wont regret it.
the stock motor is fine with a stock carb, but I still say you gota rebuild both to feel dependable.
Mine is a AMF, it was shit the day it was made, they did not even weld up the oil galley holes correctly and it leaked for the first 30 years, but after I went through it I gota say it is a decent ride.
I may add bags or a side car to mine and do some long trips with it when I get older.
i love my shovel. of course ive been through it. gonna go through the tranny(main shaft seal, bushing issue) neverending tinkering. ive rode the hell out of it since ive had it the last 8 years. last trip was a 3000 mi round trip. stock 80 incher,dyna ign, cycle shack 1 3/4 muffled exh. s&s e. anyway you will have one hell of a learning experience working on it. i think its fun. and unlike new bikes, parts are cheap and available. usually hand tools are all thats required to repair most road failures. bonus points for getting it from owner since 75. and if your dad had one for 23 years that ought to say something.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 2:26 AM from IP address 67.141.102.156
thats not the only one in the cave, but i will tell you that if i get a call to go where ever tomarrow, i will jump on the shovel. i love that thing! like was said earlier, take care of it and it will take care of you. ride what you like. its not about the trip, but the journey.
Posted on Dec 8, 2007, 2:58 AM from IP address 71.29.81.120
I have a '72 and its been on the road,in one form or another,for 35 yrs.Granted the motor has been rebuilt a few times and I've made the thing as simple as possible to fix....but I dont hesitate to ride it anywhere.Shit happens to EVERY bike(usually at the worst time)but I'd much rather work on my shovel,that I KNOW every fuckin' part,bolt and wire,..than some brand new do-dad-glide with 40 sensors ready give up the ghost.I never could understand the reasoning that shovels arent reliable...if you can drive them to the bar 1000 times why not across country?..Get the FL and be become one with your bike Grasshopper!..lol...Good luck
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 8:38 AM from IP address 24.169.174.242
I'm running a 1974 shovel that I've owned almost 29 years and half a million miles. I put it in a rigid frame in 1980, but the motor is box stock, except for 10+ pistons, a '77 cam, and a solid lifter conversion kit. It still has the Bendix carb, points and condensor ignition, and kick-only four-speed tranny.
It's been a one-kick wonder as long as I've owned it. I've ridden it to Sturgis, and all over Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas. It's come home in a truck twice in all that time - once when Fix-A-Flat couldn't mend a badly torn inner tube, and once when a wire broke in a place I couldn't get to. I've been able to fix every other malfunction at the side of the road, and if I'd really been stuck out, I could've fixed those problems, too!
If I hadn't broken my back three years ago, I would gladly get on that thing tomorrow and light out for any corner of the continent with nary a qualm. If I can figure out a way to get comfortable on that rigid frame again, I might yet!
The only trouble with shovels is that people beat the crap out of 'em, don't take care of 'em, and then whine about how "unreliable" they are.
Bill J. from Austin
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom, and I'm trying to get there as fast as I can!"
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 9:18 AM from IP address 66.68.91.55
In other words, if the last owner put his hands all over this thing, but shouldn't be allowed near a wrench, you'll be the one to pay the price for the first few years.
If you have basic mechanical skills, you can get this running right. From then on out, some basic maintenance will keep it reliable. The key is to not overlook the maintenance that it needs.
I've had mine for 11 years this coming May. I have never had it leave me stranded. Never.
Yesterday, I pulled over to help a stranded motorcyclist on a Honda CBX-500. Hondas are known to be super-reliable. This guy had absolutely no mechanical skills. Therefore, he was on the side of the road waiting for his buddy to come get him and his bike. (His ignition system had no fire. His plug wires looked like factory originals, and when I pulled one, it had 20 year old dried up grease and crap all in it.)
Don't worry about swapping transmissions so fast. Nothing wrong with those 4 speeds. Ride if for a while before you decide what neeeds to be swapped.
Just my 2 cents.
My Outer Child is trying to kill my Inner Adult
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 11:40 AM from IP address 70.147.156.83
One of the reasons for the Evo's mass popularity was that it was the first motor the RUBs could run without learning to maintain it.
Don't buy it if you don't want to maintain it. Other than that, this discussion gets kicked around here every year or so. Like was said above. I actually watched a guy throw his bike down without the kickstand once because it wouldn't start. Then the fucking idiot bitches because it doesn't stay on the road for more than 3 months.
That shovel will give you what you give it. A little TLC and frequent oil changes it will keep you happy.
A 8 A 8 A
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 1:19 PM from IP address 74.254.252.226
I was just funnin with ya. I wouldnt give a fuck about somebody elses bike one way or another. Do what ya want, and I aint downin Shovels either, hell I owned one before I went to prison, Rock on whicha bad self.
I was just kiddin with ya.
Chuck
Posted on Dec 7, 2007, 9:28 AM from IP address 166.217.43.101
Sure it's shit, but it has some commitment in there, and looks a hella lot more comfortable than some shit I have seen done with spikes and sharp edges that are all for looks..
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 9:20 AM from IP address 68.78.5.195
Soda blasting is the only media that will remove powdercoating. You can also burn the powdercoating off of the frame with a torch. Sodablasting in inexpensive and does an excellant job of coating removal without substrate damage. Sand or glass bead blasting will only smear the powdercoating.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:19 PM from IP address 75.203.83.221
Cool Bike and a hot chick allright....great job, nothing more on that bike then has to be.........she had to have fun walking in the devil sea with them heels on.thanks for sharing.
"Liars Never Figure
Figures Never Lie"
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:51 PM from IP address 68.45.121.237
Ok, after pouring over pictures on ebay all day I have figured out I have the rear sprocket and wheel from a 1978 GS750, Problem is that this sprocket is a 630 pitch sprocket. I need a 530 pitch sprocket because Im running it on an 82cb750 chopper. What I need to know is if most suzuki sprockets will match up. here is a picture. its a 41-630 sprocket , need something that is close to 41 to 45 but with a 520 pitch and will bolt up. thanks!
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 6:19 PM from IP address 75.137.126.245
would be the logical choice then www.motovan.com has them in sun star or jt, ranging from 38-52 tooth . Part # are motovan 393-6038for the sunstar or jt 324-9779. both in 38 tooth . 77-79 gs 750.Hope this helps .Red
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 7:12 PM from IP address 24.72.9.5
front sprocket is 520 on an 82 cb750, trying to make my gs750 / gs1000 rear wheel work with it but its a 630. ugh, Im about to give up and just run theugly comstar on the back
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 7:32 PM from IP address 75.137.126.245
trans. I've had 3 Honda DOHC 750s, one is an '82 K sitting in my garage right now, bone stock....530 sprocket. That's what you need. Order the new sprocket recommended above...you'll waste too much time trying to find a used one. They're not expensive.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:47 PM from IP address 75.18.164.153
will this not work? after I found this I found a guy with a conversion kit to change your gs750 / 1100 from 630 to 530 chain. He wanted $150 for both sprockets plus a chain which isnt bad but im trying to do this as budget as humanly possible. Im only out $15 if it doesnt work.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 8:25 AM from IP address 71.12.83.103
chance you haven't...As far as I know that Suzuki sprocked should work for you. You say it's a 530 and has 45 teeth, so the only concern is does the mounting bolt pattern match up or can be "adapted" and second, does the "new" sprocket line up properly with the sprocket off the transmission so your chains travels correctly. If the sprocket fits or "adapts" to the pattern on the rear hub and if it lines up properly with the trans. sprocket, then you should be good to go!!
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 7:01 PM from IP address 75.18.164.153
68 Triumph no title in OH. The MI SOS said if I bought it I would have to fill out 2 forms, then State Police will pay me a visit, and then they would tell me if its hot or not. even if its not they said they still may not give me a title. I even took the motor #s with me and he would'nt even look at it. so should I just run or is there another route to get a title, or to check the #s?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 5:03 PM from IP address 75.100.148.241
Cost is $100 or $125 for them to register the bike in a state that doesn't use titles on older iron. Georgia is one that they use. You send them the money and a bill of sale for the bike and a week or so later they send you a bill of sale and vehicle registration for the bike showing it registered and sold to you. They also send a copy of the state statutes indicating that the bike is "titled" by the registration in the state. You take the paperwork to DMV and they check all the numbers, give you the hairy eyeball, and eventually give you a legal title and registration. WWW.Broadwaytitle.com
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.....
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:51 PM from IP address 68.229.176.86
Out of state 'title services' DO NOT WORK in Ohio!
Ohio was the operative word that the previous responses didn't pick up on. They obviously don't live here~ Don't waste your money.
Ohio DMV stopped accepting any registrations/titles from such states about 12 years ago now. (The exception is if you provide an expired insurance card in the same person's name that you purchased the vehicle from.) Ohio is one of (if not the) most difficult titling states.
I imported a few dozen vintage bikes from England, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden in the '90s-2001. Even with ALL the proper paperwork (Bill of Lading, customs paperwork, EPA exemption, bond, overseas registration/title/original logbook, etc.) Ohio still had bullshit hoops to jump through and red tape!
More than happy to assist with what I've learned but not on a public forum. Shoot me an email: goggomobils@yahoo.com
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 12:06 AM from IP address 66.61.111.79
he's registering in MI, at least that is how I read it. Anyways, worst case, you could try the ITS route if you had someone in a more lenient state that would take the ITS (or other) registration and be able to get a title.
I tried to buy a 52 pick up, 5 window from the original owner who parked it 30 years ago BUT......he watched that damn Barrett-Jackson auction and wants $$$$$. Oh well! TC
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 5:22 PM from IP address 216.196.80.126
That thumper is lookin sweet. See you still got your olds in the driveway. I haven't done much with the kaws been too busy with other stuff. Hey how come no snow there. we got a real ice/snow mess over here. happy holidays to you.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 10:48 PM from IP address 72.70.247.239
The Olds is going in the single stall this week and I now have enough room to pull a car in the triple and work around it. I been cleaning up my act around here. Take it easy.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 1:18 AM from IP address 72.65.176.238
on a customer's bike with 10" rise Z bars. No bullshit, it took me seven hours (normal time for internal wiring is about 3 hrs.).
I had to run a piece of string thru first, attach it to a piece of steel wire, run the wire back thru, then attach the steel wire to the handlebar control wires and work them thru the bars. Not fun. The guy is still running them till this day though, with no problems and I did the job in 2002.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:27 PM from IP address 68.222.238.248
Drill your holes and deburr them "WELL". Tape ends of bars off and any extra holes that you are not pulling wires through. Fish string into hole then using your blow gun, blow the string through the bars. It will come right out the hole on the opposite side. You now have a puller for the wire.
Tape your wires to the end of the string. Make sure that you have plenty of length on your wires and they are not tangled. On "Z" bars you will need to push the wires in and pull the string at the same time since you have very sharp corners.
That brings up the next problem. I would try this on one side and pull enough wire through to make sure that the inside corners do not have burrs from weld penetration or saw cutting. Most bars from reputable shops have been deburred before welding but you never know till you actually check them. Look closely at the wires you have pulled through to see if they have any scrape marks on them
Make sure you don't pull the wires tight in the bars since that will guarantee them to rub through. Leave loops (extra wire) at the corners. I would suggest heat shrinking the wires but it makes them too stiff to push around the corners.
Later,
Dano
Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.
Omar N. Bradley
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:27 PM from IP address 146.145.83.170
...if you have problems with the string breaking or being too thick for a particular application I use that synthetic spectra super braid fishing line. I forget the brand name, but it is about 5 or so times more expensive than regular fishing line. The stuff that is like 100lb test but as thick as 10lb test. It is stronger than steel and made specifically to be abrasion resistant. You just cant break it by pulling on it. Only problem is make sure you use gloves cause if it slips accross your hands while you are pulling on it it will cut right down to the bone like a razor!!!
Nick
Blacksmith Cycles
973-702-8900
www.BlacksmithCycles.com
Support your local indie shop!!!
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 4:45 PM from IP address 76.6.47.86
i've done it once a couple of years ago on my cousin's bike it was a bitch.
just take you time and try to wrap the wire up as good as you can to protect it.
i know this guy who had some put on his big dog and i don't know what shop he took it to (maybe the BD dealer) and they fucked up the wiring harness and had to replace it. Then the used so much grease to slide the harness throw the bars that on a nice hot day grease will drip from the bars.
if i remember right i thank me and my cousin braided the harness then sliped it in to some 3/8th heat srink then melted the heat srink to the harness and then put it in a 3/8th's harness loom from JP. i think barrnet makes it nice stuff and feels pretty tough. tied a string to the end blow it throw thw bars then pulled but be careful it better to take an hour or two then buy a new harness
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:46 PM from IP address 69.92.90.238
Just do your best to keep the lines parallel...no twisting around other wires. Check Home Depot for cable gel that electrical contractors use. It's clear, won't stain, and evaporates in time. Use liquid hand soap. Make sure...no pulling cable without a push to feed the other end. The patience required is a small price to pay for the clean results. Best of luck.
"Can you blow me where the pampers is?"
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:17 PM from IP address 64.216.44.201
i would like to know if anybody out there know's were i can get a good set of performance inverted front fork's for my 03 fxst somthing like what rolland sands used on his personal softail?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 11:53 AM from IP address 69.92.90.238
your friendly H-D catalogue has inverted forks and chrome ones, too.( ha- ha ). If your looking for anything anodized...wouldn't know where to start other than finding what Mr. Sands used specifically on that bike. The Harley forks look shitty IMHO, but you know that they would bolt on.
"Can you blow me where the pampers is?"
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:25 PM from IP address 64.216.44.201
So i called them and they told me the only build front forks for rice rockets and he probably has triple tree's custom made for those fork tubes and then in stall's them on his bikes
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 3:54 PM from IP address 69.92.90.238
So i called them and they told me the only build front forks for rice rockets and he probably has triple tree's custom made for those fork tubes and then in stall's them on his bikes
what about STORZ has anybody bought anything from them??
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 3:55 PM from IP address 69.92.90.238
yeah i called storz this afternoon and for there 55mm front forks for everything you need minus the fork stem bearing was 3 grand. i think i'll just buy me a fork brace
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:01 PM from IP address 138.210.238.69
Just got approved to the board. Been lurkin' here for a long, long time. Thought it was only right that I introduce myself.
I'm Dave, I ride a hot Sportster. I'm married (25 years in January), live in Italy and am retired from the US Army. Anybody travelling over this way, look me up...I'm good for a glass of "rosso" or three.
Cheers,
DB
I'll try to attach a pic of the scooter...
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 11:53 AM from IP address 217.194.179.240
My wife and i would love to retire in Italy.
We've been to Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Positano and Ravello.
Made the trip to Italy from Houston and back 3 different times.
The airplane rides sucked, but the rest was fantastic.
In what part of Italy are you?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:09 PM from IP address 24.242.118.134
or hmmm...near Vicenza. It's a small little berg called Grumolo delle Abbedesse. In the Veneto about half way between Venice and Verona. Good place to live. The people are nice, the wine is great...and my OL wouldn't have it any other way (she's a local).
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:15 PM from IP address 217.194.179.240
If you ever meet me Pedro...you'll see she never cooked a meal that I didn't like. I hate to admit it but since I retired seven years ago (I work another job now) I've gained about 20 pounds. I really need to do somethin about that or I'm gonna have to sell the Sporty and move directly to a Bagger!!
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:27 PM from IP address 217.194.179.240
Let me know more or less when you're thinking about comin' over. My current job takes me to many "new and exciting" places pretty frequently. I'm saying that 'cause if you do come over and get up this way, I'd sure hate to miss you. At work I've got a link to a site that lists the major hotels, B$Bs, trattorias and other eateries in the area. I'll post it tomorrow from there (it's almost 7 PM here right now).
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:45 PM from IP address 217.194.179.240
Just a bit bigger than stock. I know many don't like the fat tire thing...I personally think mine is reasonable (guys who own 380s or whatever may say the same). Anyway, its a 240 ME880 on a 18" Drag Specialties 80 spoke rim. And thanks...
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:20 PM from IP address 217.194.179.240
miles ya got on her so far? i hope you got her broken in and have your insurance paid up!!!!!
good to see some familiar faces here, well at least familiar to me
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 4:17 PM from IP address 74.236.97.9
...weather's been shitty (except when I'm at work). It's supposed to be nice this weekend so I'm hoping to stack on a few more. There's a toy run in downtown Vicenza on Saturday and I hope to make that. At about a 1000 I'll take her back up to the shop do some tuning and start twisting the throttle...like a mofo!!!
Thanks Mike, I think there's some others here from the other boards we frequent.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 5:54 AM from IP address 139.139.3.70
TC...never heard of 'em by name. I go to The Garage which is about 5 minutes west of Rosa. Several years ago, I'd heard of a place up that way that was run by an Aussie or a guy from NZ and they supposedly built real hot motors. Been told that the headwork was topnotch for a dragstrip but not so much so for the road (lots of problems after several hundred miles). Not sure if it is the same place or not.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 5:57 AM from IP address 139.139.3.70
He robbed parts from my Pan to fix another. I picked it up in a rain storm, drove 60 miles back to my home. Next morning I had a dead battery so I pulled the seat off and and saw that he took my brand new sealed battery and put his old dead acid DIE HARD in. I pulled my coil cover and saw he took my new one and replaced it with an older sporty type. He claimed to rebuild the generator, I pulled it and it was full of mud from flood damage I had. I called and asked for an explanation, all he did was "tap dance". I put out the warning that he was a crook thru the military channels I had access to. Watch yourself! TC
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 9:47 AM from IP address 216.196.80.126
I haven't heard much about the Aussie dude over the past few years. He may have moved on.
The guys I work with used to run The Garage in Nove, then they bought into a dealership in Bassano del Grappa. Dealership didn't work out...too much effort required on the boutique/sales part of it so they sold out and re-opened The Garage again in Cartigliano. Zenone is the honcho...always been straight up with me. He's still a HD certified mechanic so he does a lot of the work for both the dealerships in Vicenza and Bassano.
The other guy that loys of GIs used to go to was Pete. He got out of the Army and started up a shop out in Vancimuglio and then later moved out to the Zona Fiera on the west side of Vicenza. Was the pres of the local HA club, but I understand he's left the country. Not sure of the issues on that one.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 10:43 AM from IP address 217.194.179.240
There are a bunch of HDs but it is relative. You'd think with the shrinking value of the dollar that HD would reduce the cost in Euro so more folks can afford them. Hasn't happened. HDs are still expensive a hell (at least half again higher than in the States - and almost double if exchange rates are calculated). But, Italians are funny people. If they have a passion, then they sacrifice to make it happen. For the cost of a HD, it is surprising just how many there are on the road here.
Customizing is another story...it is extremely difficult here. The laws basically forbid doing anything to the frame or the engine. Folks have to go to Germany or England (Northern Europe in short) to have their work done...and then only by strickly quality regulated builders.
Ducatis fall in the same catagory...expensive, and there ain't a whole shitload of 'em made every year.
The culture is pretty much like it is in America. Most of the bikes you see on the streets are Japanese Sport Bikes. Some BMWs, an occasional Guzzi, HD, or Duk...but mostly Hondas and Yamahas.
Now that the police are starting to really crack down on speed...I personally think that there's going to be a shift to cruisers and baggers.
As far as parts go... Again, if I buy them here, more than double what I'd pay in the States. The guys who own the shop where I (we) do my work are pretty good about taking parts I get over the internet. They understand...and wish they could do the same. Clarification: I continue to work for the US Government (though I'm retired from the military) so I have postage rights here. You've probably heard of "APO" addresses...I have one of those. So anybody who sends something to me only pays the shipping to NY. Of course we have to stay within the limitations that the USPS specifies. No new S&S 100" Sporty engine getting delivered to my PO Box in the future.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 6:18 AM from IP address 139.139.3.70
There was a jewelry vendor that was at the Smoke Out a few years back. They sold a, iron cross necklace that was inlaid of mother of pearl. It was very heavy duty and on a heavy duty chain.
I need to find this vendor and get another of these as mine has gotten gone.
here's a picture.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:49 AM from IP address 69.40.50.219
How are ya?? I missed replying to a post a while back. Are ya stayin busy? I've been busy working on a fxr for my wife. It had been rebuilt, but the guy I got it from had no clue what he was doing. I had hoped to go Cinci again next year, but looks like all the $ I've spent on this project is going to keep me away. Good luck finding another necklace. Doug
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:17 PM from IP address 63.80.255.3
I read that Enforcer was upgrading to Remo heads across the board on all of their drum sets but did not know when that would happen. Remo makes heads only not drums (far as I know) but I think that they're really good - also think Evans are good but I digress.
Velvet Elvis On Flat Black Sporty Tank.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:08 PM from IP address 70.245.230.17
...a Terry Bozzio video. It will either make you practice harder or,......it will make you throw your goddamn sticks across the room and sell the sumbitches.
"Can you blow me where the pampers is?"
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:30 PM from IP address 64.216.44.201
Well, ya got me wondering ..... I found no mention of Enforcer on the Remo website, looks like they do make a couple of kits but they look high-end to me. Remo started out making heads and that seems to still be their main focus. There was an article in a recent Modern Drummer about them - the founder is still involved with the company. Some drum manufacturers don't have their own heads, and typically feature Remo or Evans. Typically the nicer kits which is why I noticed them on the Enforcers. When I write "nicer" don't get offended. I'm talking $1,500 or more new kit sale price (not "list") and that's without cymbals or a throne.
I've been playing for a long time but mostly as a hobby.
Velvet Elvis On Flat Black Sporty Tank.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 2:55 PM from IP address 70.245.230.17
Especially since my cousin is one of the owners of GMS Drums. Instead I started playing bass until I cut the tip of my finger off using a meat slicer. Now I work on motorcycles instead of being a famous rock star!!
Nick
Blacksmith Cycles
973-702-8900
www.BlacksmithCycles.com
Support your local indie shop!!!
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 4:56 PM from IP address 76.6.47.86
OK, I am torn.... I have been looking at running a set of Biltwell Z bars, but then again, I have the ability to run an inverted front end with clip ons.
Are ape hangers overdone right now? Have we seen to many "old school" bikes? What do I do... let me know. Take a look at the pic of the bike I am building and give me your thoughts. I am trying to decide if mini apes are the way to go or are tehy done to death.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 3:15 AM from IP address 24.16.63.200
but the way it looks now looks great in my eyes...
that bend in the bars goes well with the bend in the part of the frame
that runs from top motor mount to neck.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 7:42 AM from IP address 24.242.118.134
keep that front end and get an extra clutch cable and throttle cable and run all of 'em......forget any wiring into the bars...... keep it clean and simple
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 4:21 PM from IP address 74.236.97.9
That is beautiful, I always wanted something like that. How did you do it? Also there will be a tech article out Sunday or so on openbelt ironhead conversions, just a heads up. That rocker is bad ass!!! Thought about splitting your rocker boxes? I got the info on that if interested.
Trevor
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:00 AM from IP address 96.2.30.232
Just ran bead after bead and let it pile up, then machined (by hand?) the welds into ribs. Pretty cool looking. Good clean non-porous welds show a steady hand. I wish I were that good. Mine hold but look like crap.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:28 AM from IP address 72.128.207.219
although you can build them up with just weld i go a different route. ive got a jig to bolt them in so they dont warp and use spit round stock them weld die grind and sand. the profile of the rib comes from the area in between my fingers when sanding.
Einar
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:29 AM from IP address 207.81.93.58
theres interest ill take some pics and do a step by step. also it depends on your bike if they will clear on the rear. on my bike everything is tight so with my rears split i will still need to clearance the frame for the front rear box.
Einar
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:01 PM from IP address 207.81.93.58
Get off the computer and get to work making as many as you can, those damn rockers are cool as hell and would sell like porno, I mean hot cakes. Don't let this opportunity past you up man.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 12:58 PM from IP address 130.219.8.253
I got a favor to ask, a buddy of mine is in the state pin and he wants a sub to the mag, are you still giving discounts???
Also he wants a copy of issue #72 but it can only come from the publisher, is there any way I can get a copy sent to him. I will pay for the copy and shipping, and any other fees...
He's a good dude, and he could really use some fine reading material.
I built several bikes for him and he always got his ideas for the bikes from the mag.. Can ya help a brotha out???
RIDE ANYTHING THAT FORKS
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 9:27 PM from IP address 12.218.215.14
I know we've taken hits for offering prison discounts, but yes, we offer a discounted rate for inmates. I've had police officers complain that they're the ones that put these guys in and when it's all said and done, the police pay full price while the "offenders" get a discount. Or I've had complaints that discounts are almost on par with military discounts, and that's insulting to some. I don't need to explain, so if it offends you in any way, I'm sorry, but prison rates do apply... We'll send him a free issue, just send Englishman his address.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 5:01 AM from IP address 147.240.236.9
Yeah but to be honest the only thing I didn't expect to find was the pics below. Everything else I went in expecting to replace AND figuring Transmission work that it so far doesn't appear to need. I was prepared for the long haul but always hoping for the best.
The reason she's my "Rust Grenade"
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 8:27 PM from IP address 24.195.98.16
the chain looking like hell, the clutch being rusted tight and some rust in the cylinders? anyways, glad to see it at a good home and getting redone. good luck.
what kind of tools do you use to change the points. The manual calls for special tools for setting the points. The points are good right now, just thinking about later on. BTW, I lost your email addy. So if ya got the time,shoot me one. wolfmansbrother@comcast.net. later,man.
Coop
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 8:26 PM from IP address 71.228.161.68
He hasn't been around much lately. I think he's spending some quality time with the family up north. At least if you email him he'll have it waiting when he checks in again.
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 8:29 PM from IP address 24.195.98.16
the manual illustrates gotta have this tool and somekind of dial. fuck all that shit. I'm too simple. Simple tools for a simpleton. The Trump now has a Mikuni carb,new rear shocks,secured the gas tank,new front forks with seals ect. gonna find the secondary drive inner sprocket with one more tooth for a higher top end. When we get done with it, that little bitch will fly.
Coop
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 5:48 PM from IP address 71.228.161.68
major flooding in washington and oregon. costing millions .7 people dead as a result.
do you think iraq will send us a few dollars to help out or any other country for that matter ???
anyone here affected ????
curiosity didn't kill the cat.....i backed over him !!!
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 6:43 PM from IP address 68.37.78.115
It's not bad here. They still got the I-5 Freeway closed up near Centalia, Washington though. Down on the coast near Tillamook it's a mess. My grandmother used to live right in the community that got hit hard. She retired and moved to Yuma, AZ. I'm glad. We're all good in Portland, but pray for the others.
Ben
Forgive me. I was hit in the head a lot as a child.
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 9:15 PM from IP address 76.27.207.126
has a large sink hole in it now. I am dry at the moment but the river at the end of the block is on the rise. this is going to take a bit to straighten out. They are still air lifting people out. We have been declared a disaster.
Pat
It's about the head, not the sled!
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 2:34 AM from IP address 67.170.50.114
you wanted to do a set of paintings capturing stereotypes. When you get around to it you should do the speed shoot'n biker. If'n you're up to sugestions.
P.s. got my sleeve yanked up too many times by the man...........sucks when you're actually clean.
JMHO.
amf
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:00 AM from IP address 75.164.70.120
only thing that isn't working for me is her tattoo. It may be that when I look at that painting it has and old 50's feel to it. But it's not my vision, just my .02 cents of worthless opinion.
Of the small amount of your work that I have seen, that is by far my favorite...
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:54 AM from IP address 24.119.19.194
I don't believe in political correctness, but what the fuck? This is just pure racist offensive shit. What's the next painting, of a lynching? I don't get the point. Doesn't come across as satire.
WTF?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 12:39 PM from IP address 72.164.153.34
The man is an artist and a damn good one in my opinion. He painted what he saw. He painted it for himself and shared it with the rest of us.Pretty decent of him if you ask me. So you beleive it's racist? Who cares? If you really want to know racism, go to your nearest -our taxes paid for apartments- and get out of your fancy car and introduce yourself to the first non-white person to come along. I'm not racist, and I don't see racism when I look at this picture. Maybe there's a connection there. It's not your painting. Good job GTP.
Brad
Semper Fi
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 1:31 PM from IP address 24.196.19.93
I know George well enough to tell you he is not racist. I tend to be very sensitive about racial issues and I don't see that as anything bad. Of course, I'm not black, but I know Geoorge paints from live models, so the model didn't have a problem with the concept. That's GTP's style, it's not meant to offend anyone. His table manners may offend you, but not his paintings.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 2:04 PM from IP address 147.240.236.9
thanks for the replies. I've been a fan his writing, the OCC bologna story was amazing, and the road stories are sweet. This painting just expresses old racial stereotypes without seeming to have a point, it didn't seem to be lampooning them or doing any commentary -- just seemed to be restating them.
that's my gut reaction -- by the way Hammer, amazing magazine, the design is really cool and the attitude and articles always great. Pretty much my favorite mag and I do this shit for a living.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 2:15 PM from IP address 72.164.153.34
It was a Guido lookin dude eating a bowl of spaghetti? Or an Irish guy eating a potato? Or more importantly would anyone care? Would they rush to rally the troops behind good ol reverand Al? I think not!! Stop being so sensitive!!!
Nick
Blacksmith Cycles
973-702-8900
www.BlacksmithCycles.com
Support your local indie shop!!!
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 5:06 PM from IP address 76.6.47.86
the white background, black model, few years ago. YOu had the cover shot all ready to go and Geno pitched a fit about having a black chick on the cover. That it would cost sales. I think the shots were in front of an abandoned military building maybe. I remeber the building as being white, and the model VERY black with REALLLLLLLY long legs. Very exotic look to her. YOu shared the shot with me via email but I did not save it.
" "
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 10:27 PM from IP address 96.2.214.109
Fuck Hammer, as long as she's hot, she can be whatever! I don't read for the women. I read cause it's a good mag. The women are the pin striping on a nice paintjob. Accents to a good looking setup. The cherry topper on a 6 scoop icecream sundea. That one hanging with you at one of the SmokeOuts was a perfect example.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 7:54 PM from IP address 24.195.98.16
when I would see one, and she does'nt have to sitting on MY bike, if you catch the drift. Dont think that would turn anyone off, hell, how could all the tough guys reject ANY woman. No Beoncey though, leave her for Vogue mag. Sassy, sexy, and classy just like all the others in our mag and I just might have the the one up to the job.
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 12:46 PM from IP address 130.219.8.253
If a crack whore looking black woman eating watermelon (a huge racial stereotype) then I'm not sure what is. so let's ask George what the meaning of the painting is.
If he paints a Jew with a huge nose sitting on bags of money, is that racist. Duh! Of course.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 7:11 PM from IP address 24.34.213.70
as I understand it, the stereotype is the point. It's not "racist"... it's a painting of a racial stereotype. There may be a fine line between the two, but it's there. I could argue that the painting is "anti-racist", and draws attention to steretyping by smacking you in the face with it so blatantly.
We all recognize stereotypes... does knowledge of them make us racist?
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 9:35 PM from IP address 24.70.95.205
It's just a picture of my ex-girlfriend eating watermelon. Yea, I knew that a bunch of people were going to get all up in arms about it, but that's the point!
Anything racial that you might get out of it would be that of the viewer! Racial stereotyping is a load of horseshit. It's a fruit and Vanessa (the model) happens to love it but she can't eat it in public because of the racial stereotype! Fuckin' ridiculous!
To anybody that gets what I'm about this shit is fuckin' funny. If you get all upset about it...that's funny too!
The image has been deleted on certain sites that I have posted it on, it can't be published because of the people that carry the publications and people think I'm a racist...it's just a girl eating fruit for the love of fuck! Sure, it's a racial stereotype, but it's a stupid one that should have been forgotten when the last "Little Rascals" episode ran! But nooooooo...Bill Cosby bought all of them and later put them for sale as a collection and pointed out every racial slur that was in them (and a few that I think he made up)!
So who is the real racist? Someone that makes a big stink about every controversial image or someone that thought that there shouldn’t be any limits to what they can paint? I don't know and I don't have time to worry about it, my clothes are dirty and I have to bring my laundry to the Chinese guy who owns the Laundromat! BWAAAHAHAHAHAHA! "GTP"
whitetrashicon@hotmail.com
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 7:41 PM from IP address 68.106.244.253
Doing something offensive just to be offensive isn't commentary on anything.
I wonder if something more is going on -- the watermelon, the whitetrash e-mail address, white trash used to promote your products, and don't you have a tattoo that is white trash or white boy? that taken alone, no big deal, but when you think of that in relation to the watermelon painting, makes you really wonder. Maybe I'm missing something, but it comes across as being pro-white and anti-black.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:08 PM from IP address 24.34.213.70
Can you call the guy racist if he had a girlfriend who was black? A racist wouldn't even give a black girl a compliment let alone date her. George throws stereotypes in your face and makes you think about your own convictions. Like I said, I know George and he is no racist.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:14 PM from IP address 69.244.141.157
it proves the point. George can only be seen as racist by a veiwer how is ,RACIST! I see a black chic eat'n watermelon. I'm aware of the overtones only cause I grew up with these sterotypes, much like everyonelse, however I don't know, as with much art, I don't KNOW what the artist was REALLY trying to say. I have only the art. I see in it what I want. This here work of art causes one to trully think about what they are looking at. Racial? Political? Passion? Love? Craving? I PERSONALLY don't see anything negative, but the dude a couple lines up ,does. But that is art, is it not? Beauty to some,Trash to others..Congrats George, I think it is wonderful. I don't KNOW what you are sayn, but you have a great talent to make people think, Thank You.....
"all of you may go to hell,I'm going to TEXAS" Davy Crockett
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:34 PM from IP address 70.216.15.221
It is just a weird juxtiposition between the painting and all the white trash talk. Just made me wonder. One of the posters talked about intent, so I'm just asking about intent here.
I didn't make my post to start a big flame war. I accept what you say about George and accept he is just trying to be provocative. I'll let it go.
Thanks for the response, keep the great mag and Web site going, and don't cut back on George's writing.
I said my piece, am happy it got out, and wish you guys all the best.
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:35 PM from IP address 24.34.213.70
your tryn to say a man is overtly racist, that is a,FLAME, as you call it, and you don't even KNOW the man. I do not KNOW him either,but I do read his articles every time, and I can asure you, the man ain't racist...but you are. Your the one thats all offended, you say it's racist. Therefore you are still hold'n that "FLAME" nobody else really seems to be. I don't see what you see, does that make me ignorant?
"all of you may go to hell,I'm going to TEXAS" Davy Crockett
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:45 PM from IP address 70.216.15.221
it's not definitively racist unless the the artist says that racism was the intent of his expression. Sure, the content of the work is provocative and ironic, but if George were Black would there even be an issue? (Hell, some would consider it quaint that a Black artist is embracing his stereotype.) Of course, if we take it one step further--then it's just fine for Blacks to use the word "nigger" in public and in music--just so long as it's not coming from a White man's mouth.
M.L.K. said to "judge a man by the content of his character, and not by the color of his skin." All that I see is that GTP is a talented artist, with a fine taste in women and a timely sense of humor.
"See No Evo, Hear No Evo...." (Good, more for me.)
...I like monster trucks, eat Wonder Bread and I can't dance worth a fuck! Every Black comic on the planet has told me so and when they did I thought that was funny too! I don't find a picture of a beautiful Black girl eating a watermelon offensive...controversial...of course...but not offensive! As for my tattoo "White Trash Icon" and my business "White Trash Enterprises LLC" I'm just agreeing with the obvious...I'm White Trash and it doesn't bother me.
But if you are going to call me a racist that's fine also, it doesn't really bother me one way or the other personally. I know why I spent so much time painting a picture that was going to put me in a less then popular position and I don't have to worry about the reasons behind it...I know what they are.
So as far as self analysis goes, I'll pass. Thanks for trying to make me a better person though, I appreciate your concern! FTW! "GTP"
whitetrashicon@hotmail.com
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:49 PM from IP address 68.106.244.253
this kinda shit gonna make you a star, next thing you know you'll be on Oprah...BwBWbahaahahbwbhahb. No shit though, I dig it. Keep up the good work. Hey I read your tales from the other side every chance I get, all I got is love for ya. Screw that dude, he ain't your public anyway....WE are!
"all of you may go to hell,I'm going to TEXAS" Davy Crockett
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 8:58 PM from IP address 70.216.15.221
a bunch of British kids with no future, and acted like it.
They rebelled against everything, because as they saw it, the system had already rebelled against it's own parties.
My feelings on racism are along the lines of Hammer's. However, the first time I saw George's painting I didn't think of racism. I thought of how it was going to bunch up some PC soccer mom's knickers. I'm sure some well heeled society types would buy it just to burn it, as long as they could get good media for their cause of the week.
A 8 A 8 A
Posted on Dec 6, 2007, 2:27 AM from IP address 74.211.90.146
Planning on putting a rigid rear on the sporty one of these days. It's my only bike, and when I'm out joy riding, the wife is always on the back, and her back is already shot. Nice work.
Dave
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 8:52 PM from IP address 24.247.62.75
the springer today here at stripped down cycles top notch work. I'll send ya some pics after frame mods on the shovel are done that it's goin on. By the way the sporty hard tail section looks great also. Work on that begins after shovel frame is done and off table. Thanks for everything i'll recomend your product to everybody. It's good to see quality american product being made to order at a reasonable price. Thanks again Rod
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 11:39 PM from IP address 70.225.32.227
the hardtail i got from you for the roadster is tits!!!! it matched up dead nuts on my frame is now done thanks alot. if anyone needs a weld on hardtail talk to bill (kansaskustums)he will hook you up with quality parts
thanks again poe
Posted on Dec 5, 2007, 10:13 AM from IP address 68.63.147.244
Thanks for sharing all the pics along the way. That is what really turns me on to this forum and the mag,seeing pics right from the teardown to the start up. You and the old man did a great job!
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 4:48 PM from IP address 69.205.137.206
backtalk folk out there! It was real hard sometimes when all I could do was look at it and wait, since I've got no wrenching skills... But getting the great feedback and encouragement from ya'll helped ALOT!
I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 7:02 PM from IP address 64.12.116.66
Still suks.....but that really turned out sweet amy/jeff....amy you have to post some pics of before during and other side shots ...ya'll really hit a home run on build.now go get some tickets
"Liars Never Figure
Figures Never Lie"
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 9:03 PM from IP address 68.45.121.237
with a brilliant red tank and fender to add a little "show"...
Looks fuckin' KILLER Amy....congrats to you, and props to Jeff for going above and beyond on that one...when you started out with it, I just never dreamed it would look that sweet!!!...not taking anything away from either of you in saying that...just figured it would look more "subdued" maybe???...
Red and Black...there were never two finer colors to ever grace a motorcycle in my opinion...and that Red that you powder'd that tank with is a killer shade...hope to see it one day up close....like at this years Smoke Out!!!
congrats again...keep the shiny parts upright and be safe...
Larry in MD
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 11:36 PM from IP address 207.255.187.184
I'd go into the store with all the gear ya might wear and put a jacket on and then walk around and stretch. See if yer comfortable and can move freely.
Good luck
AMF
With Liberty and Justice for all"*
*This offer void where prohibited by law.
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 1:26 PM from IP address 169.237.227.213
in the second photo, you are correct about the names of the bridges. My wife is a NYC native. We just moved her mom down here from Pearl Street. This was here apartment building. What a rat's nest! Gotta love NYC though. I love walking around China Town Little Italy.
My Outer Child is trying to kill my Inner Adult
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 10:47 AM from IP address 70.147.156.83
The choppin world has lost an irreplaceable brother. Chris "Butch" Lynch aka The Fun King, passed on as a result of a terrible motorcyle accident over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Butch lived for riding and was the poster child for the back street chopper way of life. He attended the Smoke Out the last 4 years and loved every minute of it. We had just made our reservation for next years event at the Farmington Dragway. We also lost a sister, Patricia "Pat" Paul, of our Fun King family in the same accident.
Pat and Butch,
You will be forever be missed and never forgotten. We ride in your honor.
The Fun King Shop
Posted on Dec 4, 2007, 10:16 AM from IP address 72.156.230.63
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