American Iron

AIMag.com US $7.
99

Issue #381
Published since 1989
2QWKH&RYHU
This fat tire bagger rolls on 180s.
Photo by Don Kates/Shooters Images
*XOI5DFLQJ5LJLG6SRUWVWHU
NEW BIKES, CUSTOMS
& CLASSICS
32
/RZ :LGH
By Bag Dragger Customs
40
1RWKLQJ*RHV8QWRXFKHG
The 14-year FXR
46
*XOI5DFLQJ6SRUWVWHU
Homebuilt hardtail
76
&$,.QXFNOHKHDG
Win this WTT raffle bike!
FEATURE
56
%HHU%XGJHW%DJJHU
Fly there, ride back
6 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

Issue #381
Published since 1989
NUTS
& BOLTS
30
7HFKOLQH
Part II: Best Harley carb
60
+RJ+HOSOLQH
Clutch venting & pinched hoses
62
%0&+HOPHW/RFN
Stopping sticky fingers
64
6SRUWVWHU3HUIRUPDQFH
Freedom exhaust &
Pro-Action shocks
67
0LOH2LO&KDQJH
Primary and trans fluids
6SRUWVWHU3HUIRUPDQFH8SJUDGH3DUW
REVIEWED
70
);5*5DLQVXLW
Let it rain
72
.OHLQ7RROV
2-in-1 Impact Sockets
One tool, two sizes
3ULPDU\DQG7UDQQ\2LO&KDQJH
DEPARTMENTS +DUOH\);5*5DLQ
12 Shifting Gears -DFNHWDQG3DQWV
14 Ride to Work
16 Scratching & Wondering Celebrating 30 Years of American Iron
18 Quoted & Noted
26 Letters Subscribe, Save & Win a Scout Bobber!
73 Widgets
75 Gift Guide Visit AIMag.com or call 877/693-3572 today
82 Memories 13 Issues of American Iron + FREE American Iron Salute for $29.95
EDITOR IN CHIEF Buzz Kanter
EDITOR Steve Lita
SteveL@AmericanIronMag.com
ART DIRECTOR Tricia Szulewski
ASSISTANT EDITOR/COPY EDITOR Edward Arriaza
CLASSICS EDITOR Jim Babchak
SKILLS EDITOR Don Gomo
WOMEN’S POV EDITOR Cris Sommer Simmons
ONLINE MANAGER/DESIGNER Matt Kopec
CONTRIBUTING Rick Fairless,
WRITERS Marjorie Kleiman,
Stephen Long,
Chris Maida,
Donny Petersen
CONTRIBUTING Tony Frey,
PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Kates/Shooters Images,
Chris Maida,
Stephen Snyder
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT
Terry O’Brien
203/994-9518
TerryO@TAMcommunications.com
Tony Frey
605/645-6875
TonyF@AmericanIronMag.com
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Buzz Kanter

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Gail Kanter
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tricia Szulewski
SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT Claudia Garavito
STAFF ACCOUNTANT Kathy Greco
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Rosemary Cafarelli
This magazine is published with the understanding that the informa-

tion presented is compiled from many sources and that there is no
warranty or responsibility on the part of TAM Communications Inc.,
the publisher, staff, or contributors of AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE as
to the legality, completeness, or accuracy of said information.
SUBMISSIONS: AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE welcomes unsolicited mate-

rial, but cannot be held responsible for its return unless accompanied
by a self-addressed stamped envelope. All submissions are subject to
editing. All letters will be considered as unconditionally assigned for
publication and are subject to editing. PERMISSIONS: Material printed
in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without
written permission. Requests should be directed to Buzz Kanter.
AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE is published by TAM Communications Inc.,
37 North Ave, Suite #208, Norwalk, CT. 06851, 203/425-8777,
FAX 203/425-8775, AIMag.com. PRINTED IN THE USA

SHIFTING GEARS
+DUOH\YV,QGLDQ²
%RWK$UH:LQQHUV
%RWKELNHVZLOODWWUDFWQHZßUVWWLPHULGHUV
DQGEULQJFRQYHUWULGHUV
$
IWHU\HDUVLQWKHPRWRUF\FOH to the necessary younger riders in EHWKHOLQHRIHELNHVZRXOGUHGHßQH
magazine business, and many very different ways. The FTR offers +DUOH\'DYLGVRQIRU\HDUVWRFRPH
years before that as a passion- the performance of high-end import The Indian FTR1200S, on the
ate enthusiast, I’ve become sport bikes, but without the high-end RWKHUKDQGLVDWUDGLWLRQDOLQWHUQDO
rather jaded. Sure, there are some SULFHV$QG+DUOH\ÖVKLQWHGDWH[- FRPEXVWLRQSRZHUHGOHVVUDGLFDOFDW-
great bikes, products and services in- SDQGHGOLQHRIPRUHDIIRUGDEOHHOHF- HJRU\NLOOHU,WÖVDODUJHUVWUHHWYHUVLRQ
troduced every year. And as the editor WULF+DUOH\VWRIROORZWKH/LYH:LUH RIWKHDPD]LQJDOOFRQTXHULQJ)75
in chief of this magazine, I am aware ZLOOFUHDWHDQHQWLUHO\QHZVHJPHQW race bike that dominates the AFT pro
of most of them—often before they RIPRWRUF\FOHULGHUV$QGWKDWÖVKHOS- circuit. Three years ago, Indian intro-
DUHRIßFLDOO\DQQRXQFHG6RDIWHUVR IXOWRKHOSUHYHUVHWKHVWHDG\GHFOLQH GXFHGDQDOOQHZFOHDQSDSHUGHVLJQ
many hyped-up new product intros, LQPRWRUF\FOHVDOHVDQGULGLQJ dirt track racer. It came out of nowhere
LWWDNHVVRPHWKLQJVSHFLDOWRJHWPH Let’s consider what these two very DQGWRRNKRPHSUHWW\PXFKDOOWKH
H[FLWHG(VSHFLDOO\ZKHQLWFRPHVWRD GLIIHUHQWPDFKLQHVFRXOGPHDQLQWKH PDUEOHV7KH)75EXLOWDSRZHUIXO
QHZPRWRUF\FOH near-term future. The LiveWire is the race heritage faster than anyone can
5HFHQWO\WZRYHU\GLIIHUHQW PRUHGDULQJRIWKHWZR0RVWSHRSOH EHOLHYHE\GRPLQDWLQJ$PHULFDQ)ODW
PRWRUF\FOHVEURNHDZD\IURPWKH ZRQÖWFRQIXVHWKHVWHUHRW\SLFDO+DUOH\ Track podiums year after year.
KHUGRIØODWHVWDQGJUHDWHVWPLUDFOHÙ rider with the tree-huggers and hip- The new street-going FTR1200,
QHZPRWRUF\FOHV$QGDVLVW\SLFDORI ster crowd we associate with e-vehi- ZKLFKLVEDVHGRQWKHUDFHRQO\
PRVWUDGLFDOO\GLIIHUHQWQHZSURGXFWV FOHV,ÖPH[DJJHUDWLQJDELWEXW\RX )75FDQKDQJZLWKWKHEHVWVWUHHW
WKH\FUHDWHDSRODUL]LQJHIIHFWRQWKH get my point. Offering the LiveWire WUDFNHUVUHJDUGOHVVRISULFHRUFRXQWU\
PDUNHWSODFH(QWKXVLDVWVDUHJRLQJWR DW,H[SHFW+DUOH\LVWHDULQJ of origin. The FTR1200 shares a great
HLWKHUORYHWKHPRUKDWHWKHPZLWK DSDJHRXWRI7HVODÖVSOD\ERRN)RU GHDORILWV'1$ZLWKWKH)75DQG
QRWPDQ\RIXVLQWKHPLGGOHJURXQG HDFKWKHLQLWLDOPRGHOLVPDUNHWHG DOPRVWQRWKLQJZLWKRWKHU,QGLDQVWUHHW
,DPRIFRXUVHUHIHUULQJWR+DUOH\ with next-gen tech and is priced ac- PRGHOV,WKDVGUDZQØLPSRUWRQO\Ù
'DYLGVRQÖV/LYH:LUHHOHFWULF FRUGLQJO\,WDVVRFLDWHVWKHEUDQG sport riders to an American brand
PRWRUF\FOHDQG,QGLDQÖV ZLWKDQLPDJHRIKLJKTXDOLW\DQG XQOLNHDQ\WKLQJVLQFHWKHVKRUWOLYHG
FTR1200S street tracker. EOHHGLQJHGJHWHFKQRORJ\IRU +DUOH\;5;FXOWELNH)DVWIXQ
I can’t imagine either WKRVHZLOOLQJWRSD\WKHSULFH DQGDIIRUGDEOHWKH)75LVVXFK
ELNHZLOOVLJQLßFDQWO\FDUYH 7KHQDV7HVODGLG+DUOH\ZLOO a great bike that after reviewing it I
LQWRWKHVDOHVRIWKHPRUH RIIHUPRUHPRGHVWPRGHOVDW JRWRQHIRUP\VHOI<RXZLOOUHDGPRUH
WUDGLWLRQDO+DUOH\DQG,QGLDQ FRQVXPHUIULHQGO\SULFLQJ,WLV DERXWP\DGYHQWXUHVRQDQGPRGLßFD-
cruisers or tourers. FDOOHGWKHKDORHIIHFWQRW tions to my FTR1200S in future issues.
6RPHWUDGLWLRQDO DIWHUWKHRQOLQHJDPH 'R\RXUVHOIDIDYRUDQGULGHHLWKHU
+DUOH\DQG,QGLDQ EXWIRUWKHKDORHI- RUERWKRIWKHVHPDFKLQHVDW\RXUORFDO
owners might add fect this premium GHDOHUVKLSRUSHUKDSVDWWKHXSFRPLQJ
one or both to PRGHOFDVWV Biketoberfest in Daytona. I expect
WKHLUVWDEOHV RQDOORWKHUV ERWK+DUOH\DQG,QGLDQZLOOKDYHGHPR
But, more WKDWIROORZ trucks there.
LPSRUWDQWO\ Depending
ERWKELNHVZLOO on what Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.
attract new, +DUOH\XQ-
ßUVWWLPHULGHUV YHLOVQH[WDQG
and bring con- at what prices, Buzz Kanter
vert riders—from WKLVHOHFWULFSDWK 3XEOLVKHU(GLWRULQ&KLHI
other brands— FRXOGEHWKHNLQGRI
into the American JDPHFKDQJHU+DUOH\ Buzz Kanter
LURQIDPLO\$OVR LVORRNLQJIRU,IVXF-
ERWKPDFKLQHVDSSHDO FHVVIXODQG,WKLQNLWZLOO @ Buzz Kanter

RIDE TO WORK
7KH5HYHQJHRI0RQW\+DOO
Gears, Speed, Metal, and Oxidation.
<
RXFDQXVXDOO\WHOOZKHQ,¶P where he plays a meaner-than-mean the last clue threw me off. What would
writing an Editor’s Column ap- smiling gangster. oxidation have to do with motor-
pealing to a segment of reader- So, I’m watching the show while cycles? Especially my vision of a shiny
ship “of a certain age.” Those waiting for our breakfast to arrive, in new bike back there.
columns would probably begin with the slight amazement that the audience It turns out there’s a twist to the
words: Back in the day… and contestants on the show still dress contest. Mr. Leprechaun had a choice
I had toyed with the idea of starting up in those ridiculous costumes. Some to forego what was behind the door for
this column that way, but then I realized of them were just so over-the-top that a quick $800 cash payout Wayne had
the thing I was going to bring up from they raised the question: What won’t offered him. But no. He wasn’t hav-
“back in the day” still exists today. So, people do for money? Of course, dress- LQJDQ\SDUWRIWKDW+HWRRßJXUHGLW
I’m hoping everyone can follow along. ing up in silly costumes for a chance was a motorcycle, and he wanted the
I recently found myself sitting in to participate and guess what’s behind big prize. Besides, if he took the $800,
a local diner with my wife, enjoying a door #1, door #2, or door #3 goes way and it did turn out to be a nice new
Sunday morning breakfast out when back to the origins of the show. Except motorcycle, the $800 would have been
I noticed something on the television these days, the show seemed a bit more considered a loser’s consolation prize.
set hanging on the wall. There was an ruthless than it used to be. 7KHUHIRUH0U/HSUHFKDXQßUPO\
episode of the game show Let’s Make For example, one contestant, who stood his ground and boldly announced
A Deal on TV. This surprised me; I was dressed as a leprechaun, was he wanted what was behind the door.
didn’t know that show was on the air given four clues to help him make a As for me, I couldn’t look beyond the
these days! I remember it from when I guess as to what was behind the “prize oxidation hint word, and a little voice
was a kid. You know, back in the day. door.” The clues were: Gears, Speed, inside my head was yelling out, “No,
Actually, after doing some research, I Metal, and Oxidation. So, as often don’t do it man! Pass! Pass! Take the
was surprised to learn the show was happens, the viewer (me) was taking 800 bucks!” And quite a few of the au-
FUHDWHGLQDQGßUVWDLUHGMXVWD guesses and playing along. This one dience members were doing the same.
few days after my birthday. So, the LQWHUHVWHGPH7KRVHßUVWWKUHH The anticipation grew as the door
premise for the show is, like me, clues were completely steering was drawn back to reveal an old,
getting on in years. me in the direction of guessing dilapidated hulk of a motorcycle. You
The game show’s logo on “Motorcycle!” And of course, could almost say this was formerly a
the television looked pretty I’m thinking the game show bike, and something I’d consider to be
familiar and true to that of the had a shiny new Sportster sit- a weak parts-bike these days, complete
vintage show. But this new ver- ting back there behind with Hollywood-generated smoke drib-
sion is actually a “reboot” the door. I guessed bling from the exhaust pipe. Actually,
which got the go-ahead Sportster because I think it was an old Czechoslovakian
in 2009. The current after seeing the -DZDFRPSOHWHZLWKàDWWLUHVDQG
host is comic/singer/ quality of some rusted metal.
actor Wayne Brady. of the earlier And so, with that, the familiar
He’s the sharp-as- prizes, I knew whomp-whomp descending trombone
a-tack comedian they didn’t have sound signaling a losing guess was
who keeps them a full dressed played and the contestant was escorted
rolling in the aisles bagger back from the stage. My next thought? I
on the improvi- there. I’m not wonder if he got $800 when he went to
sational comedy knocking Sport- get rid of his prize.
show Whose Line Is sters, just making
It Anyway? He’s also an observation
the main character about how much Steve Lita
in a Chappelle’s Show that show spends Editor
skit lampooning Wayne’s on prizes. (Not
squeaky-clean persona, much.) However, Steve Lita

SCRATCHING & WONDERING • BY RICK “FEARLESS” FAIRLESS
'U3HSSHUDQG%HHU1XWV
6DYHG2XU:HHNHQG
Hey, hey, hey, we’re all in this deal together.
7
KH\HDUZDVWKHPRQWK just show us your billfold Lippy so them if they will get us the beer if we
was October, the day was Fri- that everybody will be happy.” “Oh give them the money and buy them
day. I was 16 years old and my no, I don’t have to do that, screw you a six-pack.” “That’ll never work,”
brother Randy was 15 years guys if you don’t believe me!” ‘Bout Nelson said. “What do we have to
old. After school, Ran and I jumped that time, Hix grabs Lippy in a bear lose?” Pork chimed in. We waited
on our motorcycles and beat it home hug and Ran pulls out Lippy’s billfold about 10 minutes and a cat with long
to meet up with our buddies. Every- and opens it up. “Well, looky here,” hair driving a cool Chevy Van pulls
body was there: Me on my Honda Ran said, “Lippy has a $10 bill!” up. “Excuse me,” I said. “If I give
100, my brother Randy on his Ya- Lippy grabs his billfold back from you the money, will you get us some
maha 100, Jimmy Hix on his Honda Ran and says, “Holy cow, how did beer and I will also buy you a six-
SL70, Jimmy Nelson on his Honda that get in there?” pack?” He replies, “What the heck,
125, Jim “Lippy” Wilson on his So now we have enough dough to kid, I can use a free six-pack plus a
Honda 100, his brother Steve on his get some beer. Problem is you had to pack of smokes.” “Yes, sir,” I said,
Honda Trail 70, Greg “Pork” Brown be 18 years old to purchase alcohol “here’s all the money we have, and
on his Suzuki 100, and Greg Bal- and we were all 15-16 years old. I we would like two cases of Falstaff
lenger who didn’t have a bike because told the gang that I had a plan to get Beer and two bottles of Boones Farm
his Mama didn’t like motorcycles and the booze. I told them we should all Strawberry Hill Wine!” “OK, kid,”
she didn’t like us! ride to the beer store on the other he laughingly said. He took the dough
We decided that we were all go- side of the river, which is where and a few minutes later he and his
ing to pool our money so that we Irving ends and Dallas begins. The girlfriend come out carrying the beer
could buy some beer and wine for YHU\ßUVWEHHUVWRUHLVFDOOHG(OPHUÖV and wine! “Thank you, sir,” I said.
the weekend. So everybody emptied Sometimes Elmer would sell us beer, “Beat it, kid, and if you get caught,
his billfold and each one of us made a but if his mean wife Edna was there, don’t narc me out,” he replied.
contribution … except Lippy. “I don’t we were SOL. We rode We load up the booze and head
have any money,” Lippy said. our bikes over, I grabbed for home. We get about two miles
“Liar,” Hix replies. “Really, I the dough, and Ran and from home and we get pulled over by
don’t have a dime,” Lippy I walked into the store. the Irving cops. Johnny Law asks if
insists. “Then you don’t “Oh, shoot,” I said to Ran anybody was 18. We said, “No, sir.”
JHWQREHHUÙ+L[ßUHV as we entered Elmer’s. El- He told us, “Y’all have two choices:
back. Lippy and Hix mer’s wife Edna was work- I can call all your Dads or we can
are getting pissed at ing the counter. “Can I help pour out all this booze.” We chose the
each other now, so you boys?” she said. “Uh, yes, easier way of pouring out the evi-
I intervene. “Hey, ma’am,” I said, “we would like dence because our Dads would have
hey, hey, we’re all in two bottles of Dr. Pepper and a killed us. It was torture to open every
this deal together. This sack of them there Beer Nuts.” can and bottle and dump them out in
time Lippy don’t have We gave Edna the dough and the grass. We all went home empty
no bread, next time it scrammed. Now the boys handed—well, that is except for those
may be you Hix, or any are starting to panic. “I got two bottles of Dr. Pepper and that
of us, so we all share another idea,” I said. “We big ole bag of Beer Nuts that Ran and
equally.” “That’s right,” wait until somebody I never mentioned to the boys! Oh
Lippy said. I continue, that looks cool pulls well, we had a good ride anyway and
“It’s no big deal, up, we ask a great memory! $,0

QUOTED & NOTED N E W B I K E N E W S
Harley-Davidson Offers New Motorcycles and Technology for 2020

FOR ITS 2020 LINEUP, HARLEY-
DAVIDSON introduces riders to the Road Glide Limited
new Low Rider S model as well as its
latest three-wheeler, the CVO Tri Glide
model. Harley will also be introducing
its cellular connectivity service, H-D
Connect, for certain Harley-Davidson
motorcycles. And yet another addition
to Harley’s collection of rider-control
WHFKQRORJLHVZLOOEHWKH5HàH['HIHQ-
sive Rider Systems, available on select
models, that includes traction control
and advanced Antilock Braking System.
/RZ5LGHU6&RPELQHV3HUIRUPDQFH
ZLWK$WWLWXGH
What sets apart the new Low Rider S
motorcycle from other bikes is the strong
emphasis Harley-Davidson has placed
on offering riders a nimble yet power-
ful ride with that unmistakable Harley
touch. Handling of the Softail chassis
is enhanced by premium suspension
components tuned for aggressive riding
Low Rider S
blacked-out look should check out the Heritage Classic 114

model, powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.
5RDG*OLGH/LPLWHGLV:HOO(TXLSSHGIRU7RXULQJ
Replacing the Road Glide Ultra model is the new Road
Glide Limited model, a long-haul, two-up touring spe-
cialist featuring the distinctive aerodynamic Road Glide
shark-nose fairing with triple split stream vents that limit
ULGHUKHDGEXIIHWLQJ,WRIIHUVQHZSUHPLXPOX[XU\WRXULQJ
IHDWXUHVLQFOXGLQJSDLQWHGSLQVWULSLQJDJORVVßQLVKLQQHU
fairing, heated rider hand grips, Slicer II Contrast Bright
wheels and new tank, front and rear fender medallions. The
stoked by the power of a muscular Milwaukee-Eight 114 standard Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine delivers smooth,
HQJLQH7KHORRNRIWKH/RZ5LGHU6VKRZVLQàXHQFHVIURP powerful touring performance while dual Daymaker LED
the coastal build scene, with a raised handlebar, mini fairing, headlamps offer outstanding night visibility.
VRORVHDWDQGEODFNHGRXWßQLVKHV Premium Touring suspension includes an easy-adjust
rear shock preload for a
+HULWDJH&ODVVLF$GGV&KURPH VPRRWKFRQßGHQWULGH
The 2020 Heritage Classic remains a 5HàH[(OHFWURQLF/LQNHG
throwback to the designs of yesteryear but Brakes with Antilock
has undergone some changes, replacing the Heritage Classic Braking System deliver
blacked-out look of the previous model for FRQßGHQWEUDNLQJSHUIRU-
EULJKWßQLVKHVWREHWWHUDSSHDOWRWKRVHZKR PDQFH7KH%RRP%R[
enjoy the alluring look of Harley-Davidson GTS infotainment system
chrome. Otherwise, the Heritage Classic with color touch screen
is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 offers navigation, com-
powertrain and is mechanically identical to munication, and entertain-
the 2019 model. Those who prefer the old ment options.

6WDQGDUG$QWLORFN%UDNLQJ6\VWHP$%6
2020 Touring models will now come standard with the Re-
àH[%UHPERHOHFWURQLFOLQNHG$%67KLVLVJRRGDV$%6
prevents wheels from locking under braking and helps one
maintain control when braking in a straight line.
1HZ7HFKQRORJ\
A new subscription-based addition to the Harley-Davidson
App, the H-D Connect service, will allow riders to remotely
connect to their motorcycles and check on the status of its
security and health.
7KH5HàH['HIHQVLYH5LGHU6\VWHPVXWLOL]HWKHODWHVW
enhancements and innovations in chassis control, electronic
brake control, and powertrain technology to deliver a more Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) is designed to match motorcycle performance
VWDEOHULGLQJH[SHULHQFH7KLVZLOOEHVWDQGDUGRQ to available traction during acceleration, deceleration, and braking.
models such as the LiveWire, Trike, and
CVO models, and it will be an option on
7RXULQJPRGHOVZLWKRQHH[FHSWLRQEHLQJ
the Electra Glide Standard models.
&920RGHOVDUHWKH8OWLPDWH
,QGXOJHQFH
Enthusiasts looking for a premium ride
will likely gravitate toward the latest ad-
dition to Harley-Davidson’s line of CVO
models, the CVO Tri Glide, which joins
the CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide
in offering riders the latest in technol-
RJ\H[FOXVLYHFRPSRQHQWVDQGDQDOPRVW
fanatical attention to detail. The CVO Tri
Glide, like all other CVO models, has a
Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain – the most displacement The H-D Connect service allows riders to remotely
and power offered from the H-D factory. connect to their motorcycle.
CVO Road Limited, CVO Tri Glide,

and CVO Street Glide

Indian Motorcycle Celebrates a Century of Scout

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WILL BE CELEBRATING the 2020 Scout features a sport seat and passenger pegs.
100 years of Indian Scout with the release of two vintage- )RUWKH6FRXW6FRXW6L[W\DQG6FRXW%REEHU
style bikes: the Scout 100th Anniversary and the Scout ZLOOKDYHQHZH[KDXVWDQGPXIàHURSWLRQVLQFOXGLQJWKH
Bobber Twenty. “100 years is an incredibly special mile- VWDJHLQWRIXOOH[KDXVWV\VWHPDQGWKHVWDJHVKRUW\
stone, and it made perfect sense to honor Scout’s history and VOLSRQPXIàHUNLWERWKRIZKLFKFRPHLQHLWKHUFKURPH
legacy with these two heritage-inspired 2020 models,” said RUPDWWHEODFN7KHVHRSWLRQVßWZLWKDQ\RWKHUDQG
Reid Wilson, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. 2020 Scout models as well and improve throttle response,
The Scout 100th Anniversary model, limited to 750 RIIHULQJDGHHSHUH[KDXVWQRWHDQGLQFUHDVLQJKRUVHSRZHU
worldwide, pays homage to Scout’s rich, by over 10%.
century-old history by taking styling Looking to tour? All model years of
cues from the original 1920 model. Its 6FRXWDQG6FRXW6L[W\ZLOOKDYHDFRORU
paint scheme is Indian Motorcycle Red, PDWFKHGTXLFNUHOHDVHIDLULQJZLWKD
accented by Anniversary Gold trim and windshield available with the option to
topped off with a color-matched 100th FKDQJHWRHLWKHUDRUZLQGVKLHOG
Anniversary badge. Completing the Riders can also add the solo luggage
1920s throwback design is a Desert Tan rack (available in chrome and gloss
genuine leather solo saddle seat, Black black), solo rack bag, and, beginning in
wire wheels, beach bars, luggage rack, winter 2019, semi-rigid quick-release
and chrome. The Scout 100th Anniver- VDGGOHEDJV7KH6FRXWDQG6FRXW6L[W\
sary starts at $15,999. FDQEHFXVWRPL]HGZLWKEDUHQGPLU-
Indian Motorcycle is not content with rors, smoked turn signal lenses, tinted
just one model in commemoration of 100 windshields, and varying handlebars and
\HDUVRIH[FHOOHQFH7KH6FRXW%REEHU foot controls. The Scout Bobber can be
Twenty is an old-fashioned bobber with FXVWRPL]HGZLWKDULGHUFRPIRUWVHDW
DPL[RIFKURPHDQGEODFNHGRXWßQLVKHVDSHKDQJHU ABS Scout models will be available in several colors.
KDQGOHEDUVZLUHZKHHOVDQGDàRDWLQJVDGGOH,WFRPHVLQ 7KH6FRXW6L[W\LVDYDLODEOHLQ7KXQGHU%ODFN%XUJXQG\
Thunder Black and, for ABS versions, in Sagebrush Smoke Metallic, and Pearl White over Titanium Metallic. The
and Burnished Metallic. The Scout Bobber Twenty begins Scout can come in Thunder Black, White Smoke, Deepwa-
at $11,999 for non-ABS and $12,899 for ABS. ter Metallic, Metallic Jade over Thunder Black, and Indian
Indian Motorcycle’s lineup for 2020 also includes the Motorcycle Red over Ivory Cream with Gold Pinstripe.
6FRXW6L[W\VWDUWLQJDW6FRXWVWDUWLQJDWDQG Finally, prospective owners of the Scout Bobber will be
Scout Bobber, starting at $10,999. All 2020 Scouts receive able to choose from Thunder Black, Thunder Black Smoke,
NH\IHDWXUHXSJUDGHVLQFOXGLQJàRDWLQJURWRUVQHZFDOLSHUV 'HHSZDWHU0HWDOOLF%URQ]H6PRNHDQG:KLWH6PRNH
and master cylinders for improved braking performance. All 1RQ$%66FRXWPRGHOVPHDQZKLOHZLOOFRPHH[FOXVLYHO\
Scout Bobbers will receive new Pirelli MT60RS tires, while in Thunder Black.

QUOTED & NOTED
The Easy Rider’s Final Ride

PETER FONDA, COUNTERCULTURE
icon, the Easy Rider himself, passed away
in Los Angeles on Friday, August 16. The
cause of death was respiratory failure
brought on by lung cancer. He was 79
years old. Jane Fonda, his beloved sister
and a star in her own right, led the funeral
tributes, stating, “I have had beautiful alone
time with him these last days. He went out
laughing.” Mia Farrow, a fellow “New Hol-
lywood” actor and star of the 1969 classic
Rosemary’s Baby, wrote on Twitter, “Peter
Fonda was a lovely person–a beautiful
spirit. Peace at last Peter.”
Both Fonda and Dennis Hopper cre-
DWHGDQGVWDUUHGLQWKHVHPLQDOßOP
Easy Rider, a classic of motorcycle cinema
that not only introduced rider culture to a
JHQHUDWLRQEXWFDSWXUHGWKH]HLWJHLVWRIWKH
nation in the midst of its societal transfor- and the 3:10 to Yuma remake.
mation throughout the latter half of the As a motorcycling enthusiast and star of such an important depiction of the
VL[WLHV)RQGDZRXOGJRRQWRKDYHDWKULY- culture, we at American Iron Magazine have always regarded Mr. Fonda with
LQJDQGH[WHQVLYHßOPRJUDSK\WKDWLQFOXGHV the utmost respect. We were deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our
well-received motion pictures Ulee’s Gold condolences go to his family, who will miss him the most.
BIKETOBERFEST
HAPPENINGS
The Daytona Beach Biketoberfest
four-day rally will be held from
Salute the Heroes
October 17 to October 20. This year, AMERICAN VETERANS,
the Official Biketoberfest Wel- ßUVWUHVSRQGHUVDQGHYHQFLWL]HQV
come Center will be located at One with a passion for motorcycling
Daytona, directly across from the DQGDQDIßQLW\IRUWKHLUFRXQWU\
Daytona International Speedway. would be remiss to not check out
The welcome center will be on the American Iron Salute. Salute features
corner of Checkered Flag Boulevard gripping stories and relatable arti-
and Daytona Boulevard. October in cles that intersect rider culture and
the Daytona Beach area offers the
the patriotic fervor felt by those in
best weather (not too hot, not too
cold – just right) to experience the
the frontlines, at home and abroad.
Southeast’s best motorcycle rally Pick up your copy of American Iron
featuring motorcycle shows, live Salute, on sale October 29.
music, motorcycle racing at Daytona
International Speedway, hundreds of
the industry’s top vendors through-
out Daytona Beach, and custom bike Give & Receive
builds. Raffle tickets will be on sale ON OCTOBER 12, THE TUCSON CHAPTER OF HARLEY OWNERS
for the 2020 Daytona Bike Week Group will be hosting its HOGtoberFest at 7355 N Interstate 10 E Front-
Custom Bike built by Dave Perewitz
DJH5RDG7XFVRQ$UL]RQD7KHHYHQWLVIUHHWRWKHSXEOLFDQGZLOORIIHUUDIàH
and American Iron Magazine! Follow
the build stories right here in Ameri-
SUL]HVWROXFN\ZLQQHUVZLWKDFKDQFHWRZLQDQHZ+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ
can Iron Magazine. If this autumn FLHT Electra Glide. Riders looking for a more charitable event are welcome to
rally just isn’t enough, don’t worry, join the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids event on October 13
Daytona Beach Bike Week 2020 is at Turf Valley Resort, 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, Maryland. Motor-
only 20 weeks away. cyclists will be accompanied by local pediatric brain tumor survivors during
their scenic, police-escorted ride. $,0
Ameri Iron 25
Send us your photos and story
LETTERS Letters@AmericanIronMag.com
We welcome letters on any subject, whether we agree with the writer or not. Photos should be high-resolution,
JPEG images (at least 300 dpi at 4" x 6"). Please include your name, address, and a brief description. E-mail them
to Letters@AmericanIronMag.com.
%UDYH1HZ:RUOG"
I get up Saturday and head to the
kitchen for a cup of coffee when my
wife tells me the shocking news: Peter
Fonda has died! He was 79. Dang!
I’m only 75! She then hands me the
newly arrived Issue #379. On the front
cover is Harley-Davidson’s electric
LiveWire. No more rumbling, loud,
noisy pipes and smelly carbon monox-
ide exhaust. A far, far cry from Easy
Rider’s Wyatt and Billy riding across
the country on their Harley Panheads,
representing freedom.
“They” won!
One consolation to Issue #379 is the
feature on Buzz Kanter’s 1936 Harley
EL—Awesome!
David Rivas
Franklin, IL
MACHINE QUEEN
I am a vintage lifestyle pinup with a two-wheeled passion in a modern world and
wanted to share this classic photo of me and my fella's stunning white-walled,
candy-brandy-wine, Harley-Davidson Heritage.
I think this image encompasses the simple, classic Americana feel that any
reader would respect and give a nod of approval to.
6KRUWDQG6ZHHW Julie Grice
Thanks again for the great magazine. Guthrie, OK
Happy Fourth of July.
Bill & Julie Nesbitt
Spokane, WA
/DVW0DQ6WDQGLQJ
I’m not very far into your Issue #379,
and it already pushed several of my
happy buttons. Perhaps it's my mood
this sunny Saturday, but I thought I'd
mention a few things that came into my
head as I read, before other obligations
intervene.
For Buzz: I love your Darwinian
analysis of the print media. I see how
quickly the print
of Newsweek went
away, but could
anyone imagine
that happening to
National Geographic 200,000 MILES YOUNG
or The Economist? This is my ’03 Heritage Softail I bought new. It just turned over 200,000 miles. It
Of course not, and has gear-driven cams, also the belt is original. Well done H-D.
so your striving to Tim and Char Downs
be at that level is Champlin, MN
LETTERS
laudable and clearly bearing fruit. 'XO\1RWHG

READER SERVICES
Speaking of National Geographic, I I’ve subscribed to American Iron
really hate how MotorCyclist and Cycle- Magazine for over a dozen years. As an • On Line AIMag.com
World are going for the “elite” crowd, engineer, my favorite column is Donny • Address Letters For Publication
with their National Geographic-like Peterson’s “Techline” column. But, I’m Letters, American Iron Magazine,
(over-staged) photography standards disappointed to report that he blew it 37 North Ave, Suite #208, Norwalk, CT 06851
and their articles where everyone seems in your latest Issue #379. He wrote a E-mail Letters@AmericanIronMag.com
to be striving to be Hemingway or QLFHFROXPQRQEUDNHDQGFOXWFKàX- Include name and address. Letters may be edited.
Hunter S. Thompson. I think it alien- ids. He wrote, “However, the boiling • Subscription Services
ates those of us who want motorcycling point for DOT 5 is less than DOT 3 or Write to American Iron Magazine, Subscription
to be blue-collar fun (even if many of DOT 4.” Services, PO Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834.
us are in white-collar professions). It All online sites list DOT 5’s boiling E-mail custsvc_ameriron@fulcoinc.com.
leaves me with you folks (no problem point higher than either DOT 3 or 4. • Back Issues (Digital & Print)
there) for the best coverage of Ameri- Keep up the good work. But do Back Issues, American Iron Magazine,
can Iron, and Rider and Motorcycle Con- check on the DOT 5 correction. 37 North Ave, Suite #208, Norwalk, CT 06851
sumer News for more general coverage. Vic Roberts, P. E. Call 203/425-8777, ext. 114, Fax 203/425-8775,
Mike Dougherty Tipp City, OH or buy directly from GreaseRag.com.
Weatherford, OK • Reprints & Permissions
Thank you for correcting my Publisher, American Iron Magazine,
mistake. When I wrote that the boiling 37 North Ave, Suite #208, Norwalk, CT 06851
point for DOT 5 is less than DOT 3 or
• Privacy Policy
DOT 4, I of course meant the opposite. American Iron Magazine may allow others to use its
DOT 3 Dry (no water absorbed) mailing list. If you do not want your name included, please
boiling point is 205 C (401 F). contact Subscription Services by mail, e-mail, or fax.
DOT 3 Wet (with absorbed water)
• Advertising
boiling point is 140 C (284 F).
Call 203/994-9518 or 605/645-6875
DOT 4 Dry (no water absorbed)
DOT 4 Wet (with absorbed water)
DOT 5 Dry (no water present) boil-
ing point is 260 C (500 F).
DOT 5 Wet (with 3% water present)
So, why not use DOT 5 in a modern
Harley? While having higher dry and
wet boiling points, DOT 5 can aerate.
Air compresses, oil does not. Aeration
will cause a loss in clutching ability and
+DQGV2Q/LYH:LUH,PSUHVVLRQV is truly dangerous with ABS.
I just got home from Sturgis where I —Donny
rode Harley’s LiveWire. I was super
excited to see this month’s magazine in +RZWR6HQGXV\RXU3LFWXUHV
P\PDLOER[ZLWK\RXUUHYLHZ,àLSSHG How does a guy get his bike in your
right to your story! I love your “ride to
work” at the beginning of the maga-
magazine?I think (of course) that we
have built an impressive 1990 ground
Excellence
zine, also. up FXR. It would be cool to get it out Guaranteed!
If your copy has a significant pro-
Great write up, great review of the there, if at all possible. duction flaw, send it to us within three
bike! I was blown away by the bike Patrick McGranahan months of the on-sale date.
and would love to have it as a com- Santa Rosa, CA
We will replace it and give you
muter bike. I just wish the vibrating or
a FREE 1-year (13 issues)
pulsing haptics were more pronounced. 7KHßUVWVWHSWRJHWWLQJ\RXUELNHRQWR subscription (or extension)
It would be a great way to replicate the American Iron Magazine or Garage to American Iron Magazine.
throbbing twin cam pulse between my Build is to send us a nice, high-resolution
Send your defective magazine with
legs at every stoplight! digital picture and a brief description of
your name and address to:
Keep up the great work! Here we the bike. There’s a great tutorial, “How
are relaxing at my Sturgis campground To Photograph A Feature Bike,” on our American Iron Magazine,
with my 200,000-mile ’02 FLHT. website: AmericanIronMag.com. Attn: Kathy
37 North Ave., Suite 208
Jay Slezak Once you get the shot, send it to
Norwalk, CT 06851
Salt Lake City, UT Letters@AmericanIronMag.com. $,0
TECHLINE • BY DONNY PETERSEN
7KH%HVW+DUOH\&DUEXUHWRU
The CV Keihin Carburetor: 1989-2006
'
RQRWFRQIXVHWKHIL[HG
venturi 38mm Keihin carbure-
tor with another totally differ-
ent carburetor, the 1989-2006
variable venturi 40mm CV Keihin. The
name Keihin is that of the Japanese
manufacturer.
A huge improvement began in
midyear (MY) 1989 Harley-Davidson
production with a 40mm constant-
velocity (CV) carburetor replacing the
UHODWLYHO\LQHIßFLHQWEXWWHUà\WKURWWOH
type carburetors that were in use for-
ever by a variety of Original Equipment
Manufacturers like Linkert, Tillotson,
Bendix, and the 38mm Keihin.
The CV Keihin predecessor, the
.HLKLQKDVDEXWWHUà\SODWHQHDUWKH
end of the venturi, and channels air
and fuel into the manifold and head
ports, but it has the obtrusive butter-
à\GLVUXSWLQJàRZVORZLQJGRZQWKH
intake charge because of the turbu-
lence created. The venturi is part of
the carburetor throat. The throat is
the opening through the center of a
carburetor. A venturi is a restriction
or, more correctly, a narrowing formed
in the carburetor throat that causes
an increase in the velocity of air. This
is another principle of physics since
the same volume of air and gas in the
wider carburetor throat must move
through the narrow opening in the
same period of time. The only way to
do this is to speed up. The force that From top to bottom, the diaphragm return spring, diaphragm, slide, and needle are lowered into this CV carb
makes this happen is the weight of the during assembly.
air and gas from pushing behind. If the
situation were reversed: a narow space raise and lower the slide thus varying things change. The main reason for
approaching a wider space, the air and the venturi size, allowing the constant the move to the CV carburetor was to
gas will slow down. This reverse situa- velocity of air and thus fuel uptake. conform to EPA and CARB (California
tion becomes important later, with air This eliminates many of the hiccups of Air Resources Board) emissions edicts.
and gas speed and volume relative to WKHß[HGDQGRYHUODSSLQJORZVSHHG However, protecting the environment
head valve port sizing into the combus- medium-speed, and high-speed circuits can also have wonderful effects for the
tion chamber. RIDEXWWHUà\W\SHFDUEXUHWRU H-D rider in terms of fuel conservation
The CV Keihin improvement has a Harley rarely makes changes. It’s
slide that rises up and down in the ven- only when consumer demand or govern-
turi. Various laws of physics on vacuum ment entities force Harley’s hand that Continued on page 81
Work That Sells Itself
BAG DRAGGER CUSTOMS PROVES ITS WORTH
By Stephen Long / Photos by Don Kates/Shooters Images

AIMag.com Issue #381 / American Iron / 33
Say you’re running a business, but marketing isn’t your forte.
You’re tremendous at your job, but you, of course, have some weak points. Yet, with the belief
you have in yourself, in your work, in your dedication, you know that when people see the results
of you plying your trade, this will almost do the marketing itself. And what better way to showcase
your talents than to have them on display the second a potential customer walks into your
place of business? Oh, and a snazzy magazine feature might go a long way, too.
And so you’re now in Bag Dragger
Customs, and you’re warmly greeted
by owner Jeffrey Cuddy and your eye
catches this custom Electra Glide Ultra
Classic, and if you’re looking for a high-
end bagger that’s as visible as it is loud,
then you just might ask Jeffrey to skip the
sales pitch and give you what the custom
is having. And the legend of the shop bike
continues to grow.
And so, too, does the business of Bag
Dragger Customs. Jeffrey says that up
until 2014, he and his crew ran shop build-
ing Pro Touring cars. “We really enjoy the
baggers, though,” he says. Even so, enjoy-
ing baggers is one thing; to entirely shift
focus and create a business with custom
baggers as the focal point is another.
How does a former car builder gain
the necessary credibility to not only start a
bagger-building shop, but also sustain suc-
cess? Let the work speak for itself.
“We like long and low,” Jeffrey says.
“Our real mission is to make people step
back, scratch their heads, and ask why we
chose the colors we did.”
When it came to this custom, things–as
usual–took a different turn. Initially, the
Electra Glide Ultra Classic was meant

to be a rider. That explains some of the
performance mods that went into the mo-
tor, including a Stage 1 kit, with bored-out
cylinders, Screamin’ Eagle (SE) cam,
lifter, and rods. Throw in a transmission
and clutch with Barnett mods, a Trask
air cleaner, and a Freedom Performance
2-into-1 exhaust, and you just might start
thinking it’s a cryin’ shame that this bike
somehow turned into the display bike at
Bag Dragger Customs.
But, as Jeffrey says, things change.
With the American Suspension air ride up
front and a Dirty Air setup in the rear, the
bike quickly became a dream to display.
And with that, the details, the minutiae, are
what helps make the custom bagger stand
out. “Details are what we always strive to
display,” Jeffrey says. “Fender and bag
gaps are very important. Even the HHI
forward controls shake things up.”
Naturally, the bike has since won
several shows. Jeffrey says that the color
combination with the wheels always elicits
the most intense reactions. The PPG paint
is paired with Race Tec wheels, 18" up
front and 16" in the rear. Those wheels are
wrapped in 180mm tires, front and rear.
And while the bike has become more of a
showpiece than a mile-eater, Jeffrey says
that it does handle like a dream, espe-
cially when taking the fat-tire into
account. And those engine hop-ups

really do pull hard and pull fast. Tech Sheet
With a bagger like this, some kind Owner Jeffrey Cuddy Chassis
of audio system should be expected. Builder Bag Dragger Customs Frame 2009 Harley
And the Bag Dragger crew delivered in Front forks Harley 41mm
Year/model 2009 Electra Glide Ultra Classic
spades, with PRV speakers, FaitalPro
Time to build 11 weeks Mods Front air, American suspension
speakers, and 10" mid-bass. Each set of
speakers deliver a resounding level of Powdercoater Hy-Tec Coating, Piney Flats, TN Shocks Dirty Air
volume and thud: 1600.1 amps, 1200.4 Painter Jon Lefever, Nikki Carson, Front wheel 18 x 5.5" SMT – Race tech
amps, and 800.4 amps, respectively. No Jonesborough, TN Rear wheel 16 x 5.5" SMT – Race tech
wonder it draws a crowd. Come for the Color PPG, Oh so sexy, Vibrance Lab Front brake Performance Machine, six piston
noise, stay for the visuals. An all-encom- Front tire 180/55-18" Dunlop D207
passing experience. Powerplant Rear tire 180/65-16" Dunlop
Is the crew at Bag Dragger Cus- Engine 2009 96" Front fender Native Bagger wrap
toms happy with their work? Well, Builder Bag Dragger Customs Rear fender Voodoo bike works performance
Jeffrey informs us that it’s really his Displacement 103" series
wife, Ginger, who wields the gavel. As
Horsepower 118hp
detail-orientated as they come, Ginger
Cylinders Harley big bore Accessories
was among the most critical of voices of
the work–but in the kind of way you’d Heads Harley Headlight Vision 7" LED
want your spouse and partner to be. Cam 255 SE Taillight Oznium
Constructive and instructive, she made Lifters/pushrods Screamin’ Eagle Fuel tank Stock Harley with Voodoo covers
sure the crew maintained the standard Carb Harley FL Handlebars Yaffe 10" monkey bars
RIH[FHOOHQFHRQHZRXOGH[SHFWWRßQGDW Air cleaner Trask Seat Pan & cover by Comfiass Seat Co.
Bag Dragger Customs. Especially when Exhaust Freedom Performance 2-into-1 David Corn
RQHZDONVWKURXJKWKHGRRUDQGßQGV Wires SE wires Pegs HHI
that excellence on display, instantly Oil pump SIS License bracket Custom Dynamics
selling them on the work to be expected Transmission 2009 six-speed Mirrors Yaffe Double Trouble
with Bag Dragger. Low, long, lean, and Foot controls HHI/FLH forward controls
Mods Barnett Scorpion
one-of-a-kind. $,0
Clutch Barnett

u c ks
c k s
e sto
c a u s
B e

By Steve Lita / Photos By Tony Frey

the owner of this clean FXR, Jeff Zielinski,
in Sturgis. And we quickly noticed the atten-
tion to detail abounding. Now, you might not
recognize Jeff’s surname, but you’ve prob-
ably heard of his company: NAMZ Custom
Cycle Products. So it only makes sense that
the owner of a company that makes trick
parts for modern customs would own such a
stellar example of the FXR breed.
7UXWKEHNQRZQWKLVßQLVKHGELNHGLGQÖWFRPHHDV\DV
Jeff will tell us in a moment. As a matter of fact, this bike
project was an on-again, off-again labor of love for 14 years!
Well we’re certainly glad it came to fruition. Nobody is born
DELNHEXLOGHUEXWKDYLQJVRPHFRROLQàXHQFHVZKHQ\RXÖUH
\RXQJLVDJRRGVWDUW-HIIWHOOVXVØ0\LQLWLDOLQàXHQFHLQWR
motorcycles was my father’s late friend Joe. One summer
day, his son came over to my parents’ house when I was a
little kid riding a noisy Panhead chopper. He literally parked
it on the lawn, which my dad wasn’t too happy about, but
the sound and the chrome was eye-opening to me.” Rebel-
lious parking habits aside, we’re certainly glad he came over.
Jeff started riding motorcycles in the early to mid-1980’s,
without his parents knowing as they were against motorcy-
cles. “It all started with dirt bikes, then servicing them when
they broke down, which happened often. Many of the neigh-
borhood kids brought their bikes to me to help get them
back on the trails. Once I graduated high school, I knew
that a Harley was calling my name. The sound intrigued me
VLQFH,ORYHROGKRWURGVÙ-HIISXUFKDVHGKLVßUVW+DUOH\LQ
1996, and after spending thousands of dollars tricking out
his new Sportster Custom, he traded it in for a new Softail
Custom. Soon enough, that Softail was customized with
every possible Arlen Ness (RIP) part in the catalog.
This quickly led to laying the groundwork for Jeff’s
company. “I also took all of the wiring to a whole other level
by braiding it with stainless steel and sealing it with clear heat
shrink tubing. Many people thought it was a great idea and
the bike went on to win some local bike shows, so I started
a company called NAMZ Custom Cycle Products.” It all
started with eight part numbers of pre-made, stainless steel,
braided, and clear coated wiring harnesses that Jeff sent to
Arlen Ness for consideration for possible catalog distribu-
tion. Jeff received a call from Cory Ness, and the following
year, NAMZ was in the 2000 Ness catalog. “It’s been almost
20 years and we’re now a globally distributed company sell-
ing anything and everything electrical for motorcycles. We
purchased Badlands Motorcycle Products in 2012 and started
Letric Lighting Co. specializing in motorcycle LEDs in 2018.”
%XWJHWWLQJEDFNWRWKDWZKROHPRWRLQàXHQFHWKHPH
-HIIVD\VØ0\ELJJHVWLQàXHQFHZDVLQGHHG$UOHQ1HVV,
had the pleasure to meet him, become friends with him and
his son Cory, and spend some really good times hanging to-
gether. Their parts were also so cool and ahead of their time.
But most importantly, Arlen was such a smart and humble
man. He really loved talking about old cars, too, so spend-
ing time with Arlen and Cory felt like being with family and
for that, and helping me get NAMZ off the ground, I will
always be grateful.”
$QRWKHUKXJHLQàXHQFHLQ-HIIÖVOLIHZDVKLVODWHEHVW
friend, Chuck Shearer. “He and I saw eye-to-eye and
worked very well together before he passed away from
leukemia. We both believed less is more as long as it was
done right. As I got older, I would say my style is still clean
and simple and one of my idols I look up to is Don Hotop. ZKHQßWWLQJLQWRDQ(YRIUDPH$IWHUFXWWLQJRXWWKHIUDPH
He’s also a great friend and mentor of mine. I am so thank- section between the engine and transmission, Jeff welded
ful for him.” Jeff doesn’t like to change too much in terms in ¼" thick plate steel to cradle the transmission to allow the
of the dramatic style of a bike, but rather many little details. XVHRID7ZLQ&DP)/WUDQVPLVVLRQZLWKRLOßOO7KHELOOHW
However, this usually involves a ton of work that most steel swingarm was molded with pipe to make it look round
would not ever see. and hide the axle all while making it serviceable. The fender
While Jeff started out wrenching on lawn mowers, bi- struts were cut off and custom made, solid steel, blind hole
cycles, and old cars, he really got the most satisfaction from tapped ball end struts were fabbed to match the swingarm.
working on his own things. Once motorcycles came into All the welds were smoothed to make it as clean as possible.
the picture, he immediately realized that he couldn’t leave And any visible wiring and hydraulic lines were hidden in
ANYTHING alone. He says, “I needed to make it ‘my own’ the frame to keep them out of sight.
somehow. I mean, isn’t that where the term ‘Stock Sucks’ The motor was built by Revolution Performance using
comes from?” an S&S bottom end while creating a very powerful 107ci
This particular bike began with a Chopper Guys pro- screamer. It boasts ported and polished heads and a pol-
street FXR frame Jeff ordered from Drag Specialties in ished Mikuni 42mm carb. The motor has some very small
2004. But again, the project was shelved so many times details added like removing the stator hole and welding it
that it took 14 years to complete. Jeff tells us, “There are closed. Jeff did this so he could rotate the stator 180-de-
so many unbelievable man-hours in this build that I could grees and have the wires exit behind the primary. No other
never, nor would I ever, sell it. I obviously took my time reason but because it looked cleaner. The top motor mount
since it was my bike build; it always came last on the list. has a custom-made sleeve that was designed to slide over
But it was worth the wait in my eyes.” the top mount and hide the key switch and spark plug wir-
This bike boasts a Twin Cam, which posed challenges LQJ7KHWUDQVPLVVLRQLVDVWRFN+')/VW\OHßYHVSHHG
Tech Sheet
Owner Jeff Zielinski/NAMZ Custom Cycle Primary drive One-Off/Tech Cycle
Products, Inc. Final drive H-D Polished Chain
Builder Jeff Zielinski, Chuck Shearer, Bob
Fugelo, Mike Allerton Chassis
Year/model 2004 FXR Frame 2004 Chopper Guys FXR
Time to build 14 years too long! Rake 33-degrees
Chromer/polisher Meclec Stretch 2"
Powdercoater Bonehead Performance Front forks HHI
Painter Mike at Visual Impact Mods 4-degree rake/
Color Gray & Matte Black H-D Deuce lower legs
Swingarm Chopper Guys/NAMZ
Powerplant Shocks Legends Suspension
Engine 2002 Twin Cam Front wheel 19" x 3.5" PMFR
Builder Revolution Performance Rear wheel 18" x 5.5" PMFR
Displacement 107" Front/rear brakes HHI 4-piston
Cases S&S Front/rear tires Metzeler
with a domed, polished stainless-steel Flywheels Revolution Performance Front fender Perewitz Cycle Fab
neutral switch eliminator of Jeff’s own Balancing Revolution Performance Rear fender NAMZ
design. The primary motor plate, belt Connecting rods Revolution Performance Struts NAMZ
drive, and mid controls are one-offs. Pistons Revolution Performance Rail NAMZ
:KHQ-HIIßQDOO\JRWWKHELNHWR Heads H-D/Revolution Performance
Sturgis in 2018, he entered it in the na- Accessories
Cam Revolution Performance
tional FXR Show and took home second
Valves Revolution Performance Headlight Gilroy Indian Scout (modified)
place! Jeff says, “I was totally surprised
since the bike is a pro-street and that’s Rockers Revolution Performance Taillight Pro-One/NAMZ LED
not the style these days. The show was Lifters Revolution Performance Fuel tank Russ Wernimont/NAMZ
a great time and when 95% of the FXRs Pushrods Revolution Performance Handlebars NAMZ
WKHUHZHUHPRGLßHGVWRFNHUVRUFOXE Carb Mikuni 42mm Risers Roland Sands Design
style versions, I felt proud to bring home Air cleaner Rebufini Seat LePera
second place.” Jeff adds, “Less is more. Exhaust Perewitz Cycle Fab Pegs NAMZ
Some of the stuff out there today is so Ignition Thunderheart/NAMZ Speedo Dakota Digital
over-the-top but I really dig the FXR/ Coils Daytona Twin Tec License bracket NAMZ
Dyna movement. Going forward, I want Wires NAMZ Mirrors Joker Machine
to focus on my Digger tribute to Arlen Hand controls Jay Brake
Charging system NAMZ
1HVVD6XSHUJOLGHDQGßQDOO\ßQ-
Regulator NAMZ Foot controls Jay Brake
ishing my 1980 Sturgis model. All I need
is time!” We hope it doesn’t take another Transmission 2002 H-D FL Levers Jay Brake
14 years to see Jeff’s creations. $,0 Clutch Tech Cycle
IN RACING
LIVERY
Remembering Old Sportscar Roots
By Steve Lita
Photos By Don Kates/Shooters Images

THOMAS STEIN ISN’T NEW TO BUILDING SPORTSTERS.
No, sir. He’s crafted a few in his day, and his current creation
is on display here. While he’s not a pro-builder, his home-built
rides are top notch. Doing as much as he can himself, Thomas
is quick to thank those who helped with the project. “I have
go-to guys for mechanical questions: Jimmy Rouse, Dave Stegg,
and Bill and George at Arnies Paint Supply, and I’ve talked with
Joe and Pat at Led Sled for advice.”
3FMK?QPCA?JJQ _,WN?QQGMLDMPKMRMPAWAJCQcPQRQR?PRCB
when I was young, by walking down the alley about one block
to a Harley dealer called Scotty’s Harley-Davidson and sitting
on the bikes in the showroom. Scotty would pick us up and
let us sit on them. This was back in the mid-60’s. Eventually,
that dealer was bought out and today is in a new location. It is
LMU"MLP?BQ'?PJCW#?TGBQMLj+GICK?LW 3FMK?QcPQR@GIC
in fourth grade, was a mini bike with a lawn mower engine.

!SRFGQcPQRPC?J@GICU?Q?8?K?F?CLBSPMFCF?BGLQGVRF
grade. He even went to his Senior prom in 1976 on a motorcycle.
As mentioned before, he’s done three American bike builds
before this one, including a Fat Boy, and he loves the challenge of
the build. Thomas even does the paint work on his bikes and has
been painting for years, starting with a custom van back in the
70’s. (Ah, those were the days.) Thomas adds, “I love the Bobber
look and have concentrated on converting Sportsters into works
of art. I admire the work that Led Sled and others do.”
For this build, Thomas started with a 1997 Sportster 1200.
He left the 1200 EVO engine stock internally. However, he took
apart and detailed the powerplant. “I really like to make the
motor stand out.” He also added an assortment of Accel igni-
tion components, a Pandemonium bare steel pipe, and a Figure
Machine air cleaner.
“The frame has a Led Sled hardtail welded on by me. Out
back, the hardtail sports a 200mm rear tire with a custom-
ized brake caliper positioned upside-down. The front end was
dropped 2" to lower the stance. And I wanted a foot clutch

and hand shifter.” The speedo is operated via GPS and is mounted
off the left side of the fuel tank. There’s a fabricated steel gang
@MV RMFGBCRFCDSQCQ SLBCPRFCQC?R3FMK?Q?JQMJMUCPCB?LB
JCTCJCBRFCR?LI@WUCJBGLECVRCLQGMLQMLRMRFCKMSLRGLER?@Q
The ignition key tab was made from a horn bracket, the Accel
ignition coil was relocated, and Thomas even fabbed the choke tab
which is mounted to the carb.
The Sporty rolls on Dunlop rubber mounted on factory Harley
wheels which have been painted body color to match. The rear
fender, struts, and oil tank are all Led Sled items.

Tech Sheet
Owner/builder Thomas Stein Stretch 4"
Year/model 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster Front forks Stock 2" lowering kit
When it came time for paint, Thomas
1200 Front wheel 21" stock Harley
reached out to Arnie’s Paint Supply in Joliet,
Time to build Four months Rear wheel 18" X 5.5
IL, for the main body color, which is Aqua
Powdercoater Dave Steg. CPC Crest Hill, Il. Front tire 21" Dunlop
blue blended with House of Kolor Stratto Blue
Painter Thomas Stein Rear tire 200mm x 18" Dunlop
?LBQMKCQSNCPQGJTCPKGVCBGL/?PRGASJ?P
Color Blue, Hemi Orange, and White Rear fender Led Sled Contour
parts are painted a contrasting Hemi Orange,
Hot Rod flat Fender struts Led Sled
and the rear fender was treated to pure white
+GKAM'MR1MBd?R3FCUFMJCN?GLRQAFCKC
Powerplant Accessories
harkens back to the Gulf Oil Corporation race
Engine 1997 Sportster 1200 Headlight Stock
A?PQMDRFCQ UFGJCLMR@CGLE?LCV?AR
Builder Harley-Davidson Tailight Panic Cycles
reproduction of the traditional baby blue
Displacement 1200cc Fuel tank Cole Foster Jammer
used back then. Speaking of throwback, check
Air cleaner Figure Machine Oil tank Led Sled
out the vintage Harley insignias painted on
Exhaust Pandemoium Yo Mama Handlebars TC Bros Drag Bar
the tank sides and rear fender.
Ignition Accel single fire Seat Twisted Choppers Solo Cover by
Once the bike was complete, Thomas
Coils Accel Sinister Seats
entered it in the 2019 Chicago World of
Wires Taylor Speedo 85mm GPS
Wheels show and won best of class. “The few
License bracket Panic Cycles
times it has been out it has drawn a small
Chassis Hand controls Led Sled Jockey Shift
crowd. I think the color scheme is what gets
Frame 1997 Sportster w/ Led Sled hard Foot controls DK Customs
their attention, and the old-school guys love
tail kit Levers Custom by owner
the old Hurst shifter handle.” We do too,
Rake Stock
Thomas! $,0
BEER BUDGET
Part I: Buying Used
Harleys Online
By Buzz Kanter
T
his all started out while brain-
storming about what kind of
story would be popular and fun.
Something we don’t usually publish
in American Iron Magazine but would
be popular. Something adventurous,
practical, and affordable. Over the last
30 years I have done some fun, off-chart
stuff with motorcycles and shared them
in these pages. But not everyone can
go land speed racing with Dale Walk-
sler like I did with an old Harley VL
we found in a warehouse and brought
back to life in the Wheels Through Time
workshop. Or ride a 1915 Harley coast
WRFRDVWRQWKHßUVW0RWRUF\FOH&DQQRQ-
ball. Or ... well, you get the idea. A lot of
fun, but realistically not something most
people could do.
0DQ\\HDUVDJR,ERXJKWDXVHG
%0:PRWRUF\FOHRQOLQHLQ7H[DVWKHQ
àHZRXWDQGURGHLWKRPHWR&RQQHFWL-
cut. I wrote about it in the now defunct
RoadBikePDJD]LQH,WZDVDIXQH[SHUL-
ence, and the readers loved the adven-
ture. I sold the bike long ago but still
remember the adventure. It’s time to do
another, but this time with an afford-
able, well-used Harley.
0\ßUVWLGHDZDVWRORRNIRUD
GHFHQWORZEXGJHW3DQKHDGRUàDWVLGH
Shovelhead—motorcycles old enough
to be practical over the road for 1,500
or more miles but still with the quirks
and challenges of classic bikes. I was
VWXQQHGE\KRZH[SHQVLYHWKH\QRZDUH Paul’s bike as sold to us online—a 2000 Harley Ultra Glide with aftermarket crashbar and exhaust. Looks good for
,FRXOGQÖWßQGDQ\,ÖGFRQVLGHUULGLQJ a used Harley with over 50,000 miles on the clock. The seller was asking $4,999.
that far for less than $15,000. That’s too
much for this kind of deal. I wanted to
keep the budget low enough that the average rider could af- more than I wanted to spend on this deal.
ford it. And I was amazed by what I found. Then I discovered what I consider a great bargain: Har-
By price, I feel older Harleys fall into three basic groups. OH\7ZLQ&DPEDJJHUVIRURUOHVV,I\RXDUHRND\
The cheapest used Harleys in fair condition are Sportsters with a used bagger showing 50,000-plus miles, there are
and some Evo Softails. They can be had for under $3,000, SOHQW\WRFKRRVHIURPLQFOXGLQJQLFHORRNLQJ8OWUD*OLGHV
but I don’t fancy putting long and hard touring miles on Riding a couple thousand miles on a 50-year-old Shovel-
either of those. Roadworthy Evo Big Twins are selling head might make for a better “I survived the long road to
in the $4,500 to $10,000 range. I have owned a number adventure on a classic Harley” story. But why buy an old
of Evos over the years and liked them. Especially my old Shovelhead for north of $10,000 when I can buy a nice
FXRD, but they are well out of my budget for this project 7ZLQ&DP8OWUDIRUKDOIWKHSULFH"%HVLGHV,DOUHDG\KDYH
DQGDOPRVWLPSRVVLEOHWRßQGIRUVDOH7KHQWKHUHDUHURXJK a couple classic Harleys at home.
3DQKHDGVDQGDPL[HGEDJRI6KRYHOKHDGVWKDWDUHVHOOLQJ :KRGRHVQÖWORYHDGYHQWXUHVOLNHWKLV"$QG,KDYHQRW
for $10,000 or more, depending on the condition, and still been on a good motorcycle tour in a long time. I mulled it
nice-looking Harley Ultras with prices
just under $5,000 each. The seller in
Illinois added fees of almost $500 per
ELNHWRWKHßQDOSULFH577DGGVD
document fee per bike.
If you are considering buying a
bike online, do your homework about
the bike, the seller, and the process.
Ask about the mechanical condition of
the bike as well as any and all fees or
charges before making a deal.
Buying a bike online sight unseen
can be a bit unnerving. So I strongly
recommend taking your time and re-
search the seller and the machine before
PDNLQJDQ\ßQDOGHFLVLRQV7KHPRUHZH
learned about RTT’s operation, the more
comfortable we were in dealing with
them. Located a half-hour outside of
0LOZDXNHH577LVDKLJKYROXPHXVHG
motorcycle dealer. RTT had several good
FDQGLGDWHVRQLWVVKRZURRPàRRU
2002, and 2004 Harley Ultra Glides for
under $5,000 each. By the time we did
the deal, the 2004 had already been sold,
leaving us the 2000 and the 2002 Har-
OH\V$QGWKDWZDVMXVWßQH
We could inspect the photos online
to see the cosmetics, which looked great
on the website’s many detailed photos.
Frankly, we were most concerned about
how they rode and how reliable they
would be on the trip back home. I was
told that RTT buys used bikes, runs
them through a full mechanical inspec-
tion (tires, brakes, powertrain, etc.),
FKDQJHVWKHRLODQGßOWHUDQGGHDOVZLWK
My 2002 Harley Twin Cam Ultra Glide, also with more than 50,000 miles and looking great in the photos. ZKDWHYHUQHHGVß[LQJ7KHQWKH\ÖUHVROG
This one has a tinted windshield. This seller was also asking only $4,999! at reasonable prices.
Tom Bradford, RTT’s sales manager,
WROGPHWKDWWKHßUPLVRQHRIWKHODUJHVW
around for a few days and mentioned it to my riding pal, pre-owned powersports dealers in the country; its success is
3DXO2XVH\+HZDVP\SDUWQHURQWKHDQG0R- due to high-volume sales at reasonable prices. Tom also said
WRUF\FOH&DQQRQEDOOFRDVWWRFRDVWULGHVRQDQWLTXHPRWRU- that a lot of their sales are to riders from out of the area, and
cycles. Without hesitation, Paul’s response was, “You better many of them are repeat customers.
ßQGWZRELNHV%X]]DV\RXÖUHQRWGRLQJWKLVZLWKRXWPHÙ 1RWHYHU\RQHLVQXWVHQRXJKWRà\RXWDQGULGHDXVHG
So began the search for the two right bikes. But that’s ELNHKRPH+RZGRHVWKDWZRUN"7RPWROGPHWKDW577KDV
MXVWWKHEHJLQQLQJ2XUUHDGHUVH[SHFWPRUHWKDQMXVWØ:H a special low-cost deal with HaulBikes.com (only $399 for
ERXJKWWZRXVHG+DUOH\VàHZRXWDQGURGHEDFNKRPHRQ pretty much anywhere in the continental US) to truck a bike
the interstate blah, blah.” Boring. to the owner’s home.
<RXH[SHFWDQGGHVHUYHPRUHDQGIUDQNO\VRGLG3DXO While there are no guarantees, the crew at RTT seemed
and I. We realized this ride can’t compete with riding our honest and realistic. We felt comfortable enough to do the
1920s Harleys coast to coast in 17 days, but we sure can still deal and buy the two bikes, sight unseen, online. They both
have fun with it. clocked over 50,000 miles, looked to be nice and clean, and
ZHJRWWKHPIRUXQGHUHDFKRXWWKHGRRU
7KH'HDO
/RJLVWLFDOO\WRßQGWZRELNHVWKDWßWRXUQHHGVDQGWLJKW 7KH3ODQ
budget and were close to each other, we narrowed our Once our deal was done with RTT, Paul and I looked at
eBay search to high-volume sellers of used Harleys (but not our calendars and blocked out the end of August, when
necessarily dealerships). In short order, we found one in Il- the weather should be nice for some heartland motorcycle
linois and Road Track & Trail (RTT) in Big Bend, Wiscon- touring. The antique motorcycle races and massive swap
sin. I contacted both shops to ask about the bikes they had meet are held in Davenport, Iowa, at about that time. We’re
listed on eBay, and how the process works. They both had both dedicated classic motorcycle enthusiasts and riders, so
WKDWZDVDQREUDLQHU$QGEHLQJQHDU0LOZDXNHHZHPDGH Knowing I have to fit everything in a
SODQVWRWRXUWKH+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ0XVHXPWKHQSHUKDSVD soft bag for the flight out as well as in
YLVLWWRWKH1DWLRQDO0RWRUF\FOH0XVHXPDQG+DOORI)DPH the saddlebags and Tour Pak, I am using
in Anamosa, Iowa. Our plan was starting to come together. only soft luggage. Here are the Harley
3DXODQG,ZLOOVKDUHPRUHRIWKLVDGYHQWXUHLQRXUQH[WLV- saddlebag Travel Paks for hard bags
VXHDIWHUZHà\RXWDQGJHWWKHELNHV (bottom), and the Harley King Travel
Pak (middle). They fit in a larger soft
:KDW7R3DFN duffel (top) for the flight, are conve-
It can be challenging enough to pack your bike for a week nient to use, and easy to empty the bike
or more when it’s sitting in your garage or driveway. But for overnights at the hotel.
what if you’re unfamiliar
with the bike, and you need
to pack everything for an
DLUSODQHIOLJKWßUVW",WFDQ
be a bit daunting, but that’s
what Paul and I had to do.
0RVWULGHUVWHQGWR
pack a lot more than they
really need. How do you
NQRZZKDWWRWDNH",ÖP
not referring to unused
tools or rain gear, which
are more of an insurance Rather than pack a leather or texture riding jacket
issue, but the maybe-I-will- and rain suit, I am bringing this versatile all-
use clothes and gear. weather Harley FXRG riding suit that I tested last
I’d sort the items year. Leather jacket, textile pants, and zip-in liner
needed for a trip like this if needed. I also am packing a light nylon jacket if
into three categories: rid- it gets too hot for the vented leather jacket.
ing gear, nonriding gear,
and other. For riding gear,
I prefer a full-coverage
modular helmet, three-
season jacket (preferably
vented), gloves, boots, and I’ll carry this on the plane as I
rain gear or riding suit. The am never comfortable check-
nonriding gear is the usual ing a helmet at an airport:
stuff: blue jeans, socks, Schuberth C4 Pro modular
underwear, shirts, sneak- helmet with built-in commu-
ers, and swimsuit. For the nications (I need to remember
“other” category I pack a how it works), two pairs of
toothbrush, suntan lotion, gloves, and an American Iron
camera and small tripod, cap. All fit inside the helmet,
laptop, chargers, GPS, and that goes in a lined carry
maps, and basic tools. $,0 bag with me on the flight.
Paul is bringing a GPS, but I still like

paper maps “just in case.” I need to pack
this all in my checked luggage. A small SOURCES
high-quality digital camera and battery
charger, small camera tripod, Harley- Road Track & Trail
262/662-1500
Davidson tool roll, Leatherman tool,
RoadTrackAndTrail.com
and charger for my cell phone.
HOG HELPLINE
Pinched Breather Hose,

Clutch Venting & More
4
I have a 2017 H-D FLSTC and recently serviced the RXQFHVRQSXUSRVHDQG,QRZKDYH
DLUßOWHU$IWHUVHUYLFHDQGßULQJLWXS,KHDUGDSRS PLOHVRQWKLVß[ZLWKQRRLOORVVDW
DQGWKHRLOßOOàHZRXW7KLVKDSSHQHGWZLFHDQG, DOO,DPJRLQJWRGRDEHWWHUORRNLQJMRE
VKXWLWGRZQUHPRYHGDQGWKHQUHLQVWDOOHGWKHDLUßOWHU7KH VRRQ,DPVXUHWKHSUREOHPLVVROYHG,W
RQO\WKLQJ,FDQWKLQNRIZDVWKDWKDG,SLQFKHGWKHEUHDWK- LVEDVLFDOO\ZKDW+'KDVGRQHßQDOO\
HUWXEHWKDWJRHVLQWRWKHDLUßOWHU,DOVRFKDQJHGWKH EXWPXFKPRUHH[SHQVLYHO\,DPVXUH
RLOßOWHUßJXULQJPD\EHWKHE\SDVVZDVQÖWZRUNLQJ,
ZHQWIRUDPLOHULGHDQGKDGQRIXUWKHUSURE- Emery Harrell
OHPV:KDWGR\RXWKLQNFDXVHGWKLV" McRae, GA
Paul Schaeffer
$
Greensboro, NC 2XWRIDOOßYHRIWKHVHPRWRU-
cycles that you’ve owned, you
$
I have to agree with you, Paul, don’t say anything about any
the breather hose in back of DFWXDOIDLOXUHVGXHWRWKLVØSUREOHPÙ
WKHDLUßOWHUPXVWKDYHJRWWHQ +DUOH\KDVZLWKRLOWUDQVIHU6RXQGV
pinched. The pinched hose would not WRPHWKDWUHJDUGOHVVRIZKDWWKH
let crankcase pressure vent and caused it to build up in LQWHUQHWVD\VWKLVSUREOHPLVQÖWDOO
the cases. This pressure would build up in the oil tank WKDWWHUULEOH+DUOH\ZLOOEHWKHßUVW
also as there is a tank vent hose connected directly to the WRDGPLWWKDWWKHUHLVVRPHRLOPLJUD-
FUDQNFDVHV,QDYHU\VKRUWWLPHWKHUHZRXOGEHHQRXJK WLRQWKURXJKWKHPDLQVKDIW+DVWREH
pressure in the tank to push the friction retained rubber since there hasn’t been a seal on the
FDSRXWRIWKHWDQN2YHUßOOLQJ\RXURLOWDQNFDQFDXVHWKH shaft since the days of the dry clutch.
VDPHHIIHFW,IWKLVVLWXDWLRQVKRXOGKDSSHQRQD6SRUWVWHU 7KHSUREOHPLVWKDWVRPHYHKLFOHVZLOO
WKHRLOWDQNFDQEHGDPDJHGEHFDXVHWKHßOOFDSLVVFUHZHG WUDQVIHUPRUHWKDQRWKHUV7KLVPDNHV
in. When the pressure builds, the tank can actually split. LWKDUGWRWHOODFXVWRPHUWKDWWKHUHLV
$OZD\VPDNHVXUHZKHQ\RXDUHFKDQJLQJWKHDLUßOWHU QRWKLQJZURQJZLWKKLVPRWRUF\FOH
WKDWWKHEUHDWKHUKRVHLVLQVHUWHGLQWRWKHßOWHUHOHPHQW 7KHRURXQFHVRIWUDQVPLVVLRQRLO
HQRXJKWKDWLWFDQÖWEHQGDQGNLQNZKHQWKHßOWHULV WKDWW\SLFDOO\HQGXSLQWKHSULPDU\
SXVKHGVHFXUHO\EDFNDJDLQVWWKHßOWHUKRXVLQJ,WKLQNLW will cause the oil to not show on the
LVDFWXDOO\HDVLHUWRSXWWKHKRVHLQWRWKHßOWHUWKHQSXVK WUDQVPLVVLRQGLSVWLFN7KLVGRHVQÖW
the ends onto the breather bolts while you are locating PHDQWKHWUDQVPLVVLRQLVHPSW\,ÖYH
WKHPLQWKHKRXVLQJ KDGDQXPEHURISHRSOHFRPHLQWRWKH
VKRSZLWKORZWUDQVPLVVLRQRLOEXW
4
,ÖP\HDUVROGDQGKDYHEHHQULGLQJ+DUOH\VIRU I have not had one with any kind of
PRUHWKDQ\HDUV,KDYHRZQHGßYHQHZ+DU- GDPDJHWRWKHWUDQVPLVVLRQ<HV,XQ-
OH\VQRQHODWHUWKDQPRGHOV&926WUHHW derstand it can be scary to not see any
*OLGH&926WUHHW*OLGH8OWUD8OWUD oil on the stick, but rest assured the
7UL*OLGH WUDQVPLVVLRQLVQRWJRLQJWREORZXS
2QHKDGWKHK\GUDXOLFFOXWFK,PXFKSUHIHUWKHFDEOH As far as the venting of the pri-
FOXWFK2QO\RQHRIWKHVHELNHVGLGQRWWUDQVIHURLOIURPWKH PDU\DVWKHß[\HVWKHUHDUHPDQ\
WUDQQ\WRSULPDU\VRWKLVKDVEHHQDORQJUXQQLQJSUREOHP ways to achieve what the H-D kit is
ZLWK+DUOH\EXWRIFRXUVH+'GLGQRWNQRZDERXWLW doing. Unfortunately, Harley Tech
7KHUHDUHORWVRISDJHVRQ+DUOH\IRUXPVDERXWWKLVSUREOHP has to answer to other entities that
%RWWRPOLQH,ß[HGPLQHDERXWVL[PRQWKVDJR,GLGZKDW you don’t have in your garage when
+DUOH\KDVßQDOO\GRQHWRß[WKHSUREOHP$IWHUDQH[SHQVLYH WU\LQJWRGHVLJQDß[7KHJRYHUQ-
UHSDLU,SXWDYHQWOLQHIURPWKHGHUE\FRYHUWRXSEHKLQGWKH PHQWLVZDWFKLQJWREHVXUHLWLVVDIH
VHDW&RVWLQSDUWV,RYHUßOOHGP\WUDQVPLVVLRQE\DERXW ERWKIRUSHRSOHDQGWKHHQYLURQPHQW
To submit a question to our H-D-certified mechanic, who has been working in dealerships for over 20 years, send in as much info about
the problem and bike as possible to Hog Helpline, c/o American Iron Magazine, 37 North Ave., Suite #208, Norwalk, CT 06851 or e-mail
SteveL@AmericanIronMag.com. Sorry, but due to volume, we cannot respond to requests for personal replies or to all letters.

2WKHU+DUOH\GHSDUWPHQWVOLNH6W\O-
ing, have a say, too. And then there’s
WKHßQDOFXVWRPHU,PDJLQHLI+DUOH\
SXWVRPHWKLQJRXWWKHUHWKDWGLGQÖW
ORRNULJKW7KDWZRXOGEHDOORYHUWKH
LQWHUQHWWRR
But you are absolutely right,
(PHU\7KLVLVVXHKDVEHHQDURXQGD
ORQJWLPH,ZDVYHQWLQJWKHSULPDU\
housings back in 1985. Oil transfer
wasn’t the issue then; it was leaky
chain inspection covers and shifter
shaft tube O-rings. Nothing we did
VHHPHGWRZRUNXQWLOZHUHOLHYHGWKH
pressure in the housing. An angled
ßWWLQJRQWKHEDFNRIWKHLQQHUFRYHU
and a 1/4" hose did the trick.
The only difference then was we
GLGQÖWKDYHPLOOLRQVRIH[SHUWEORJ-
JHUVWRKHOS
4
)URPWKHODFNRIOHWWHUVDVNLQJ
DERXW+DUOH\SUREOHPVLWVHHPV
+'ÖVTXDOLW\KDVLPSURYHGDQG
QRRQHKDVDQLVVXH,Q\RXURSLQLRQ
DXWRPDWLFRUDGMXVWDEOHSULPDU\",KDYH
DQÖ)/+7&,KDYHWRPDQXDOO\
DGMXVWWKHSULPDU\FKDLQ%XWRWKHUWKDQ
UHDOL]LQJWKHEHQHßWRIOHVVPDLQWHQDQFH
ZRXOG,EHEHWWHUZLWKDQDXWRPDWLF
RQH",KDYHRQWKHRULJLQDO
DQGKDYHWKRXJKWDERXWLQVWDOOLQJWKH
DGMXVWHU:KDWÖV\RXUH[SHULHQFH"
Tom Anguish
Ontario, Canada
$
Most people these days don’t
want to think about servicing
RUPDLQWDLQLQJDQ\WKLQJ7KHUH
MXVWLVQÖWHQRXJKWLPHDQ\PRUHWR
sit in the garage and look over your
PRWRUF\FOH,MXVWZDQWWRULGHLW,
GRQÖWZDQWWRKDYHWRZRUU\DERXWP\
SULPDU\FKDLQ+RZDERXWEHOWGULYH
and hydraulic clutches? There are
downsides to these parts, too, but look
DWWKHWLPHDQGPRQH\VDYHGQRWKDY-
ing to lube and adjust these parts, too.
,DJUHHZLWK\RX7RP+RZRIWHQ
does that chain need adjusting? Once
it’s set correctly it’s usually good for a
ORQJWLPH7REHKRQHVWZKHQDELNH
ZLWKWKHDXWRDGMXVWHUFRPHVLQIRU
service I’ll always reach in through
WKHFOXWFKFRYHUWRPDNHVXUHWKH
FKDLQLVVWLOOULJKWDQ\ZD\
As for installing the auto-adjuster, I
would have to see the condition of the
shoe and chain on the original parts
you have now. If they are worn out, I
PLJKWGRWKHXSJUDGH,IWKHSDUWVDUH
still serviceable, I’d keep going and put
WKDWPRQH\LQWRWKHJDVWDQN$,0
AIMag.com
TECH • BY STEVE LITA
Lock A Lid
Installing a BMC fender helmet lock
Y
OU WOULDN’T THINK ANYONE WOULD WANT TO stainless steel with a rounded snag-
steal a used helmet. That’s gross! But yes, it does free tip. It installs from under the rear
happen. One of our staffers was at a motorcycle fender and a stock plastic C-clip holds
rally a few years ago and his helmet was stolen it in place. Then slip your seat bracket
right off a picnic table when he wasn’t looking. The sad part over the stem and secure the seat with
ZDVLWZDVDFDUERQßEHUKDOIKHOPHWZKLFKGRQÖWJURZRQ the knurled knob. The end of the
trees. And worse yet, he was in a mandatory helmet state. threaded stem has a hole drilled for a
So, before he could continue on his way, he had to buy a small suitcase padlock, which you use
cheapo helmet from a vendor at the rally. for hanging your helmet.
If you’re riding a bagger, you can sometimes squeeze a True, these padlocks are not the
TOOLS NEEDED half helmet into a locking saddlebag to keep it secure. strongest locks out there, but I discov-
But what if your saddlebags are already full of gear? ered a little trick while installing this kit.
• Electric Drill And then there are the times when you don’t have a The thru-hole on the stem can accommo-
• 3/8" drill bit saddlebag at all. What do you do to keep your helmet date a larger padlock with a larger 3/16"
• Small flatblade IURPFURRNVZLWKVWLFN\ßQJHUVDQG,ÖPQRWWDONLQJ shackle. I found the larger padlock at a
screwdriver about people who’ve just eaten barbecue). hardware store for just a couple bucks.
Here’s a handy solution I found online while perusing One note on installation: You may
the BMC Motorcycle Co. website. I wasn’t even looking for need to enlarge the hole in your seat
a helmet lock device, but this neat little gadget popped off bracket, as I did. I simply reamed it
WKH%0&ZHESDJHDQG,ßJXUHGVRPHIRONVZRXOGEHQHßW out to a 3/8" hole with a drill bit and
from seeing one. It’s actually called the BMC-Santoro Seat deburred the edges of the hole. Also,
+HOPHW/RFN7KHGHVLJQLVVLPSOHDQGLWZLOOßWPRVW while installing the seat, I need to
Harley-Davidson models on the road. As the name suggests, engage the front tongue of the seat near
it also serves as a seat lock, so even if you the tank while simultaneously sliding
have a cheapo helmet, this device will se- the seat bracket down over the new
cure your high-dollar saddle to your bike. rear seat post, but it’s a simple task.
Bear in mind, if you have an aftermar- This BMC-Santoro seat and helmet
ket fender and you don’t use the stock lock is also available in anodized gold,
Harley fender-hole seat bolt system, this red, blue, or green. I chose basic black.
may not work for you. But still, this part It’s a neat little addition to your bike
is an inexpensive theft deterrent for most that will frustrate would-be helmet
of us that have a stock Harley fender seat hijackers. Let them go buy their own
bolt. The long, threaded stem is made of cheapo helmet!
I found this larger luggage padlock

(on right, not included), with a 3/16"
shackle, which also fits through the
holes in the BMC stud.
The BMC kit comes with everything

you need and is so simple, you’ll 1
wonder why nobody came up with this Remove the stock seat retention bolt and discard.
a long time ago. Remove the seat.
2
Use a small screwdriver to remove the stick C-clip and
the stock fender nut will drop out. 6
Install the seat, sliding the rear bracket over the stud.
3
The stock hole in the fender isn’t perfectly round. It has
a locating notch to keep the stock nut, or the BMC stud,
from rotating. 7
The knurled aluminum BMC knob has a built in Oring
to help lock it in place. Install the large nylon washer,
included with the BMC kit, over the stud.
4 8
Slide the BMC stud up from under the seat (you may Install the knurled knob and hand tighten.
have to jack up the bike and let the rear wheel drop
down a little). Then attach the stud to the rear fender
with the new C-clip provided.
9
Now you can lock your helmet to your bike when
parked. $,0
SOURCES
BMC Motorcycle Co.
5 BMC-Santoro Seat & Helmet Lock
#Anodized Black, $49.93
I found the stock seat bracket hole to be too small, so I BMCMC.com
drilled it out with a 3/8" drill bit.
TECH • BY TRICIA SZULEWSKI
Stella’s Performance
Upgrade
Part II: Freedom Performance Outlaw exhaust and Pro-Action shocks
L
AST ISSUE WE INSTALLED A NEWROLAND SANDS DESIGN specialist Rick Bernal from the San
(RSD) air cleaner and Dynojet stage 2 jet kit on Stel- Francisco Bay area, turned wrenches
la, Jenny Lefferts’ 1993 Sportster 883. This issue, we for us. Rick has been an experienced
complete the performance upgrade with an awesome veteran tech for more than 22 years and
Outlaw exhaust from Freedom Performance and high-quali- has tuned enough Harleys to know ex-
ty, nitrogen-charged, coil-over-spring Pro-Action shocks. actly how to tweak the air/fuel mixture
Anyone who has ridden a Sportster knows that the sus- screws and idle adjustment screws to get
pension leaves a lot to be desired. The CNC-machined billet them purring perfectly. He demonstrat-
aluminum, hard coat anodized shocks from Pro-Action are HGWKLVZKHQZHßUHGXS6WHOODIRUWKH
an incredible improvement over stock. They are made with a ßUVWWLPHDIWHULQVWDOOLQJWKHQHZPRGV
SRUWKLJKàRZSLVWRQVWDJHSUHVVXUHVHQVLWLYHVHOIDG- A little twist here, a slight turn there,
justing compression valving, and a 2-stage pressure-sensitive DQGLQPLQXWHVLWZDVßULQJMXVWULJKW
rebound system. A hand-adjustable pre-load adjuster makes with the signature Harley heartbeat and
ßQHWXQLQJRQWKHà\DFLQFK:KHQZHFDOOHGWRRUGHUWKH just the right decibel—not too loud, but
shocks, the knowledgeable and friendly guys MXVWORXGHQRXJK:KHQ-HQQ\ZDQWVWR
TOOLS NEEDED at Pro-Action recorded Jenny’s size and wake up her kids now, she can just start
• (2) 3/4" open end wrench weight, asked about her riding style, and the bike up and whack that throttle!
• 1/2" wrench FXVWRPPDGHWKHVKRFNVWRVSHFLßFDOO\
• 3/8" Allen VXLWKHUQHHGV/DWHU-HQQ\FRQßUPHGWKDWWKH
• 1/2" swivel 12-point socket difference in ride quality was amazing right off
• 5/16" socket the bat. In fact, she was kicking herself for not
• Spanner pliers upgrading to the Pro-Actions years ago!
• Blue Loctite :KHQ-HQQ\ZHQWORRNLQJIRUDQHZ
exhaust, I steered her toward the super-cool-
looking high mount 2-into-1 Outlaws from Freedom Perfor-
mance, because I was so impressed with the look, sound, and
HDVHRILQVWDOODWLRQRIWKHàDWEODFN2XWODZZHLQVWDOOHGRQ 1
D)DW%R\EDFNLQ:HGHFLGHG6WHOODZRXOGORRNEHVW Here’s Jenny’s 1993 Sportster 883 on the lift with the
ZLWKDQHZFKURPHPXIàHUWRFRPSOHPHQWWKH56'&ODULRQ exhaust, shocks, and passenger pegs removed. Rick
2QFHDJDLQ+DUOH\'DYLGVRQIDFWRU\FHUWLßHGYHWHUDQ has the rear end supported with a jack.
The Freedom Performance High-Mount 2-into-1 Outlaws are

available in black or the beautiful chrome we chose. The
Pro-Action shocks are hand-built to spec.
2
Rick slides the stock spacer onto the top shock mount
bolt.
7
Rick prepares the bottom of the shock with the 11
hardware as shown. To install the exhaust, Rick lines up the Freedom
Performance spacers, bracket, and bolts. He applies a
dab of Blue Loctite to the end of the bolts and uses a
3/8" Allen to tighten them.
3
Then he uses one of the included Pro-Action spacers.
8
He adjusts the jack to align the mount holes with the
bolt and runs it through the swingarm.
12
Rick installs the exhaust flange and uses spanner pliers
to add the retaining ring to the header pipe.
4
He slides the Pro-Action shock on next …
9
Rick secures it with the stock nut using a 3/4" open end
wrench and a second 3/4" wrench.
5 13
… and follows it with another supplied spacer. Then he attaches the included barrel clamp and the
rear header pipe.
6
Rick then uses a washer and the fastener that was 10
used to support a saddlebag support bracket. We will He repeats steps 2 to 9 on the left side to complete the 14
replace this later with an acorn nut. Pro-Action shock installation. Rick inserts the nuts into the backplate bracket.
23
15 19 Rick reattaches the air cleaner and cleans all the fin-
Now that the muffler is ready, Rick prepares the engine Rick removes the RSD air cleaner in order to gain gerprints off the chrome before starting the bike up. He
by removing the old gaskets from both ports and enough clearance for the heat shield. makes some adjustments to the Dynojet kit installed in
makes sure the opening is clean and clear. issue #380 until the bike’s running perfectly.
24
The completed performance upgrade looks hot and
20 sounds great!
16 He prepares the heat shields by running the provided
Rick pushes new exhaust gaskets into both ports hose clamps through the brackets on each shield.
evenly, so they sit flush with no kinking.
25
The Pro-Action suspension came tuned to Jenny’s
weight, but she can make adjustments when she takes
her first ride. $,0
21
17 Then Rick uses a 5/16" socket to tighten each down. SOURCES
Next, Rick matches the exhaust headers to their Freedom Performance
respective ports and uses a 1/2" swivel 12-point socket American Outlaw
to loosely install the flanges to the engine. 2-into-1 high mount
#HD00299, $765
951/898-4733
FreedomPerform.com
Pro-Action Suspension
Street series shocks
11.25", $825
724/846-9055
Pro-Action.com
Rick Bernal
22 Factory Certified Harley-Davidson
He goes back and tightens everything evenly. He uses Specialist
18 a 1/2" wrench on the bolts that attach to the Freedom 623/628-7627
MotorcycleMedic1973@gmail.com
He loosely attaches the muffler to the support bracket. bracket.
TECH • BY CHRIS MAIDA
Evo 5,000-Mile Service

Replacing the primary system and transmission oil on an Evo Big Twin
A
RAINY SATURDAY OR SUNDAY IS THE PERFECT TIME magnet or in the oil, this is not normal.
to change the oil in your bike’s primary system Be sure to pull off the outer primary
and transmission. These simple tasks should be cover and check the condition of the
done at or near the mileage intervals recommend- primary chain, teeth on the clutch
ed in the H-D service manual, which is every 5,000 miles. basket and engine sprocket, and other
Though some owners may feel this is blasphemy, if you push parts of the primary system.
them off for a little while as you wait for that rainy day (with When inspecting the transmission
the oil levels correct), it’s no big deal. However, some owners GUDLQSOXJ\RXVKRXOGQÖWßQGDQ\WKLQJ
take this too far and push these two jobs off for thousands of on its magnet other than a few tiny sliv-
miles. That’s not a good idea. Even when there’s ers, which are no reason for concern.
TOOLS NEEDED
enough oil in there, it doesn’t mean that oil can However, any chunks or lots of metal
• Clean rags still protect the moving parts of the components àDNHVRUVOLYHUVRQWKHPDJQHWLFWLSRI
• Teflon tape involved. Though the oil in these systems doesn’t the plug or in the transmission drain
• Blue Loctite have to deal with the high temperatures found oil is cause for immediate inspection of
• Drain pan in an engine, there are high shearing forces at the transmission. Save the chunks/bits
• Funnel work that break down the oil at a molecular and oil, and don’t ride the bike until you
• Pick tool level. These shearing forces are produced as show them to a mechanic you trust.
• 3/8" Allen the gears in the transmission mesh together and All Big Twin Evos, except for the
• T-27 Torx the sprockets and chain interact in the primary models we’ll cover in a moment, have
• T-40 Torx system. After a while, the oil has been, basically, their transmission drain plug as shown
• Torque wrench (in-lbs.) chewed up to the point that it can no longer in the article. When reinstalling this
maintain the protective barrier needed to keep type of plug in the transmission and
the internal moving parts of the primary system or transmis- primary cover, I put a couple of wraps
sion from wearing each other out prematurely. RI7HàRQWDSHRQWKHWKUHDGVDQGWKHQ
That said, there are a few things I should tell you before WKUHDGWKHSOXJLQXQWLOßQJHUWLJKW7KH
you grab your wrenches. First, when you drain the oil from H-D manual then wants you to tighten
WKHSULPDU\V\VWHPLWÖVQRUPDOWRßQGVRPHWLQ\VOLYHUV the plug with a T-40 Torx until the head
of metal on the drain plug’s magnet. These are formed by protrudes 0.16"-0.18" from the case.
the interaction of the primary chain with the teeth of the As for those bikes with a different
HQJLQHVSURFNHWDQGFOXWFKEDVNHW+RZHYHULI\RXßQGORWV transmission drain plug setup, 1993-98
of large slivers or bits of metal on the primary drain plug’s FLH and FLT models, as well as 1984
and later FXRs, have their drain plug
under the transmission, towards the
1
Our 1994 Evo Softail is at operating temperature and
up on a bike lift so it’s held upright to do the primary
system and transmission oil changes. The floor of your
These Genuine Harley supplies made the job easy, and we garage also works, but the bike must be upright, not
used Drag Specialties oil in the tranny. on the sidestand.
rear of the case and facing down. The As all professional mechanics know, having the proper tools makes any
plug under the transmission case that’s job go easier and faster. To help you service your bike like a pro, Harley-
at the front of the case and facing to- Davidson sells two great tools.
wards the front of the bike is the engine The first is its Low Profile Oil Drain Pan (#63795-10/$30.95),
oil drain plug. This style transmission SPECIAL
which you’ll see under the bike in Photo 1. In fact, if you read
drain plug also has a nylon gasket, TOOLS
my article in the last issue on changing the oil and filter on an
which should be replaced if damaged. Evo, you already know about this handy little item. This 10-quart capacity
Be sure to change the primary and drain pan has a carry handle, vent port, and a top surface large enough
transmission oil when these components to hold a primary cover. Just pull the center drain plug, as well as the vent
are at full operating temperature and plug, before you start draining oil from the bike. Once the oil tank/pan,
the bike is upright and not leaning on its primary system, and/or transmission is empty, put these plugs back in
kickstand. Let the oil drain for about 10 and wipe the residual oil from the drain pan’s top. Then carry the now-
minutes to get all the sediment out with sealed drain pan to wherever you recycle your old oil, open the large
WKHRLO:KHQ\RXÖUHUHßOOLQJWKHSULPDU\ drain cap that’s by the handle, and dump out the old oil without a mess.
system and transmission with fresh oil, I’ve used one of these drain pans for many years and love it.
the bike must also be upright and not The second tool makes adding oil to the primary system a lot
leaning on its kickstand. The amount of easier and less messy. Harley-Davidson’s Primary Oil Fill Funnel
primary oil needed depends on the year (#62700015/$10.95) fits into where the derby (clutch) cover would go.
and model of bike. However, the pri- The front tab lets you hold the funnel in place while you use your other
mary oil is at its correct level when the hand to pour in the oil. The funnel’s bottom lip keeps the oil going where
oil reaches the lowest edge of the clutch you want it to, while the flat cone shape makes it easy to pour the oil in. Q
assembly’s diaphragm spring, which we
LGHQWLßHGIRU\RXLQ3KRWR/LNHWKH
primary system, how much oil is needed
for the transmission depends on the
year and model of the bike. Thankfully,
Father Harley has given you a dipstick
to check the oil level with. After remov-
ing the dipstick and wiping it clean, just
inset the dipstick back into its opening
until it touches the metal cover, then pull
it back out and read the stick. The oil 4 7
should be below the Full (upper) line Use a T-27 Torx to remove the derby (clutch) cover, which Use a small funnel or H-D’s Primary Oil Fill Funnel to
and above the Add Oil (lower) line. is where you’re going to refill the primary system. add the proper amount of primary oil for your year and
model bike.
5
Once the cover is off, check the gasket, which is okay to 8
2 reuse if it’s not damaged. Some year and model bikes This black disc is the diaphragm spring. Add oil until it
With a drain pan under the primary covers, use T-40 have a square rubber seal, which is also reusable if not reaches the bottom edge of this spring.
Torx to remove the primary system’s drain plug. Let damaged. Make sure the seal is fully seated in its groove.
the oil drain for about 10 minutes.
6
3 After wrapping some Teflon tape around its threads (if 9
As the oil is draining, check the drain plug to see if any you choose), use a T-40 Torx to reinstall the primary Use a T-27 Torx, the stock bolts, and blue Loctite to
slivers of metal are on the plug’s magnet. Some small, system drain plug. Tighten the plug until its head reinstall the clutch cover. Torque the bolts to 90 in-lbs.
thin slivers are normal. Then clean all the slivers from protrudes 0.16"-0.18" from the outer face of the in a star pattern. Then clean off the bottom of the
the plug. primary cover. primary covers so you don’t get a false leak indication.
14
12 Add the recommended amount of oil for your year and
10 With the drain pan under the transmission, remove its model bike. To check the oil level on most bikes, insert
With the bike still upright, use a 3/8" Allen to remove drain plug (arrow), which is on the right side of the the filler cap into the cover until the cap’s threads
the transmission filler cap, which is on the right side of transmission below the side cover on our bike, using a touch the cover but don’t screw the cap into the cover.
the transmission. T-40 Torx. Let the oil drain for about 10 minutes.
11 13 15
Check the dipstick’s O-ring. If you see any tears, slits, Check the plug’s magnet for any slivers of metal; you Once the oil level is correct, reinstall the dipstick/filler
or other damage, remove it using a small pick tool should see none or very few. After wrapping some cap using a 3/8" Allen. Torque the cap to 25-75 in-lbs.
and install a new O-ring. Then wipe the dipstick with Teflon tape around its threads (if you choose), reinstall Then clean off the bottom of the transmission, so you
a clean rag. the drain plug just as you did the primary plug. don’t get a false leak indication. $,0

PRODUCT REVIEW• BY MARJORIE KLEIMAN
H-D FXRG Rain

Jacket and Pant
When it rains on your parade
6
QUISH. SQUOOSH. THAT’S THE SOUND
of rainwater wicking down my
socks. After suffering through sev-
eral seasons of soppy socks, soaked jeans,
and giant wet spots permeating whatever
shirt I was wearing, I decided it was time
for new rain gear.
I’ve probably owned at least a dozen
sets of rain gear, eventually discover-
LQJàDZVZLWKHDFKWKDWDWßUVW,KDGQÖW
noticed. This time, I decided to avoid the
cheap materials and construction and go
with something that would perform effec-
tively, as well as last for years. I’ve been
a huge fan of Harley-Davidson’s high-
performance FXRG riding gear since it
ZDVßUVWLQWURGXFHG,ßJXUHGWKHTXDOLW\
of the FXRG rain gear would meet or
exceed that of the other FXRG apparel I
already have.
Just before my ride to Sturgis this
\HDU,DFTXLUHGWKH:RPHQÖV);5*
5DLQ-DFNHWDQG:RPHQÖV);5*5DLQ
Pant, both of which are
also available in men’s
sizing. The patented
Schoeller c_change
material is used for
the shell, as well as the stretch knee reinforced shoulders and elbows. A
and anti-slip seat panels on the pants GHWDFKDEOHFRQFHDODEOHKRRGWKDWßWV
and the elbow and shoulder panels of nicely under my helmet combines with
WKHMDFNHW:KDWGRHVDOOWKDWPHDQ" the jacket’s high collar and cinched
The c_change technology allows excess neck closure to prevent rain from
heat and moisture to escape when the dripping inside. The two-way water-
mercury rises, but when temperatures proof zipper on the jacket’s front is
GURSWKHPHPEUDQHØFORVHVÙNHHS- FRYHUHGE\DØVWRUPàDSÙWKDWHPSOR\V
ing heat close to the body. And the a nifty hook-and-loop system. Sleeve
pants and jacket are waterproof, wind cuff adjustability is also provided by
resistant, and breathable, all of which a hook-and-loop system and a toggled
The FXRG rain gear features ZHUHQHHGHGGXULQJZLOGZHDWKHUFKDQJHV:HGHSDUWHG drawstring at the hem can pull the
lots of reflective strips to from Mitchell, South Dakota, as sirens signaled tornado bottom of the jacket tighter. A silicone
make you stand out in dark, warnings and fought about 100 miles of torrential down- strip at the hem is supposed to keep
dank conditions. And the pours and high winds, but my FXRG rain gear kept the jacket from riding up, although the
built-in hood fits under my clothing bone dry underneath. I also experienced jacket is long enough on me that I’m
the helmet for more rain two days of solid rain on the ride home, with my rain actually sitting on the hem.
protection and keeps gear still performing admirably, even when the mercury Inside the jacket is a zippered mesh
water from sneaking climbed into the 90s. pocket and external waterproof zip-
down your neck. The FXRG gear is rife with other high-tech, practi- pered pockets are on each side. A word
cal features. The interior seams are sealed and both the RIZDUQLQJWKRXJK7KHßUVWWLPH,
shoulders and crotch area are double stitched. Although donned the jacket, I placed my bike’s
the jacket and pants come only in black, there’s an abun- key fob in the right side pocket, not
GDQFHRI6FRWFKOLWHUHàHFWLYHVWULSLQJDQGEUDQGJUDSKLFV realizing there’s a slit that’s ostensibly
on both pieces. intended to allow you to reach your
The jacket features underarm zipper vents and right hand inside the jacket and into
your pants pocket. Luckily for me, the
fob didn’t fall out while I was riding!
Each outside pants leg boasts a
toe-to-thigh zipper, allowing me plenty
of room to don or remove the rain
gear over my boots. A series of hook-
and-loop closures follow the entire
length of each leg zipper, and another
hook-and-loop closure on each side
of the waist provides a wide range of
adjustability at the waistband. Tabs for
suspenders are attached at the waist
as well, although they are not included
with the pants. A heat-resistant wa-
terproof leather shield reaches from
just above the knee to the hem on the
inner side of each leg. And at the pants
cuff is a hook-and-loop fastener as well
as an elastic stirrup, both of which
prevent the pants from riding up. A
feature that would be useful is at least
one pants pocket, but alas, I have to
depend on the jacket pockets to hold
cash, credit cards, keys, or anything I
ZDQWWRDFFHVVTXLFNO\
Packability is easy because the
material isn’t at all bulky. The jacket
and pants each roll up tightly in the
included storage bags, taking up only
about half of one saddlebag on my
Road King. All in all, the FXRG rain
gear proved eminently roadworthy
even in the worst of weather condi-
WLRQVPDNLQJWKHUDWKHUKLJKFRVWTXLWH
MXVWLßDEOH2QHWKLQJWKDWÖVFHUWDLQÔ
I’m not leaving home without it! $,0
SOURCES
Harley-Davidson
Women's FXRG Rain Jacket
P/N 98342-19VW, $310
Regular, plus, tall, petite
Women's FXRG Rain Pant

P/N 98343-19VW, $335
Regular, plus, tall, petite
Harley-Davidson.com
AIMag.com / /
PRODUCT REVIEW• BY STEVE LITA
Klein 2-in-1 Impact Sockets

It’s what’s inside that counts
,
DISCOVERED LONG AGO THAT USING IMPACT RATED SOCKETS in mind if you are trying to remove a
was preferable to using chrome-plated thin-wall stan- nut that’s on a long stud, for example.
dard sockets, even if you’re just using a hand-driven The twelve sizes combined into six
ratchet. I’ve busted a few of those standard wall sockets sockets including: 1-1/8 x 15/16", 1 x
LQP\WLPH,NQRZVRPHWLPHV\RXFDQÖWßWDQLPSDFW 13/16", 7/8 x 11/16", 3/4 x 9/16", 5/8 x
socket in a tight space, or if the fastener is close 7/16", and 1/2 x 3/8". The method of
to an obstacle, but still, I know that impact switching between sizes is a hands-
sockets won’t give up on me. free affair. Just push down on the
The problem with impact sockets socket and the spring-loaded inner
is that they are large, heavy, and will retract. These sockets have a
take up more room in high-torque, 12-point design making
your toolbox. Well, it easier to position on fasteners. And
I just found these a cross hole design near the ratchet
new Klein 2-in-1 end helps maintain socket connection
impact sockets to the extension, adaptor, ratchet, or
and the entire six- impact driver.
piece set covers 12 The sockets are color coded to
hex sizes. How can it quickly identify sizes, and they all
do that? Glad you asked. ßWLQDVWXUG\FRPSDFWEORZPROGHG
The Klein impact sockets plastic case for storage. Open the
feature a socket within a sock- lid, and the two sizes per socket are
et. There is a small inner socket embossed along one edge of the case.
with an inside dimension for one nut The dual sizes are also laser engraved
SOURCES or bolt size, and it slips inside of a larger on the sockets, too. The entire set
socket. The inner socket is spring-loaded, to weighs just 3.5 pounds, and measures
Klein Tools
2-in-1 Impact
retract when the larger socket is required. Because of 9" tall by 4.25" wide.
Socket Set this sliding inner/outer arrangement, all these sockets are It’s an ingenious idea from the
#66010, $198.00 built on what looks like a deep-well platform; they are minds at Klein Tools. There is no metric
KleinTools.com about 3" long each. But in actuality, the hex driving por- version available yet, but this set covers
tion of each socket is only about a ½" deep. So, bear this a lot of American size fasteners. $,0

WIDGETS
6NLSWKH+DVVOH
The JIMS Milwaukee-Eight
“On Bike” Valve Spring Com-
pressor removes that extra step
technicians traditionally make
when changing valve springs
or replacing leaking valve seals
on Milwaukee Eight engines:
the removal of the cylinder
head from the engine. Instead,
remove the rocker box covers
and rocker arms, and install
this unique compressor on the
rocker arm shaft. Once the
F\OLQGHULVßOOHGZLWKFRPSUHVVHGDLUWKHWHFKQLFLDQFDQHDVLO\URWDWHWKHWRRODQG
compress the top collar of the valve spring exposing the keepers to remove the
top collar, valve spring, and seal. JIMS, JIMSUSA.com.
6OLFN.LW
Barnett has added two
clutch kits to their lineup
for the 2014-19 Indian
Chief/Chieftain/Roadmas-
WHU6SULQJßHOGDQG
Scout. These kits feature
Carbon Fiber (Chief) and
Kevlar (Scout) segmented
friction plates which
SURYLGHEHWWHURLOàRZIRU
cooler clutch temps and
smoother, more consistent
performance and longer life. Included in the kit is a set of tempered steel plates
and a set of heat-treated, heavy duty coil springs. Barnett Tool and Engineering,
BarnettClutches.com.
$OXPLQXP$OOXUH
Chrome Dome Motorcycle
Products introduces a new
line of products geared for
2014-UP, 111" Indian Motor-
cycles. Shown is the Medicine
Wheel Horn Cover Insert
(IFI-2) in a polished alumi-
num and the Native Spirit
Horn Cover Insert (NSIP-1)
offered in polished or aged
aluminum. Chrome Dome
Motorcycle Products,
ChromeDomeMP.com.
AIMag.com
WIDGETS
([FHSWLRQDO([KDXVW(QG&DSV
Rinehart Racing expands its lineup of options for 4.5" MotoPro45 and DBX45
Slip-On exhaust systems for 1995-Later Harley-Davidson Touring models with
the addition of new 4.5" Moto Series end caps. These grant a unique look to
5LQHKDUWPXIàHUVE\DGGLQJDFRORUPDWFKHGRUFRQWUDVWLQJDFFHQW7KHØ6ORWÙ
and “Merge” styles are now available in the new 4.5" size in both black and
chrome colors. Additionally, MotoPro45 Slip-On systems for 2017-Later Har-
OH\7RXULQJPRGHOVDUHDYDLODEOHSUHFRQßJXUHGZLWKHLWKHUWKH6ORWRU0HUJH (O\VLDQ4XDOLW\
Moto Series end caps. Rinehart Racing, RinehartRacing.com. Z1R’s all-new Women’s Elysia Jacket
has a unique mixture of premium
milled cowhide leather and woven soft
5LGLQJ0DGH&RPIRUWDEOH shell material. The jacket features a
Drag Specialties introduces the Cool zip-off hood and performance inner
Comfort Air Pad, featuring FoamAir cuffs, with the waist and cuff areas
cushion technology and Intercon- DEOHWREHDGMXVWHGWRßWDQ\ULGHU
nected FoamAir cells. It has a pres- Pouches in the back, shoulder, and el-
sure valve that can be adjusted to your ERZDUHDVFDQEHßWWHGZLWKDGGLWLRQDO
comfort by distributing your weight armor for riders seeking protection out
across the entire seating area, improv- on the road, and an easy access pocket
LQJEORRGàRZDQGUHGXFLQJWKHHIIHFWVRI can carry weapons. The Elysia Jacket
painful pressure points. Complete with a is available in sizes S-3XL. $179.95-
3D mesh cover, the pad can be used with $189.95. Z1R, Z1R.com.
or without the mounting straps. Cool
Comfort quick-attachment air pads are
DYDLODEOHLQßYHVL]HV6PDOO0HGLXP
or Large Cruiser, Sport, and Pillion. Starting at
$92.95. Drag Specialties, DragSpecialties.com.
6DIH7UDYHOV
The Dynamic 4.5" Amber/White LED Light Bars
from Custom Dynamics provide LED white running
light with amber turn signal function, sealed in a slim +DUGVWUHHW+DUOH\%DJV
gloss black housing. Each unit includes 21 dual color Hardstreet recently announced its Saddle Bag
DPEHUZKLWH/('V7KHXQLWVPRXQWWRDQ\àDW &RQßJXUDWRUVRIIHULQJWKHFRQYHQLHQFHRIWKHLU
mounting surface and come pre-tapped for easy install. LQWHULRUSURWHFWLRQDQGFRQßJXUDEOHGLYLGHU
Included AW Converters allow for the white LEDs system to owners of certain 2005-2020 Harley
to turn completely off for the entire turn signal cycle, Davidson touring bikes. “Once you ride with
providing greater visibility to the amber turn signal. our aesthetically and functionally differenti-
Compatible with any 12VDC negative ground system DWHG&RQßJXUDWRUVLWÖVKDUGWRLPDJLQHULGLQJ
and backed by the Custom Dynamics Lifetime LED without them,” says Mario Galasso, President at
Warranty. Custom Dynamics, CustomDynamics.com. Hardstreet. Hardstreet, Hardstreet.com. $,0
GIFT GUIDE
Indoor Outdoor Ride Fixtures

If you are like us, always on the lookout for cool motorcycle-related goodies for ourselves or as gifts, check out GreaseRag, which seems
RMcLBQRSDDUCA?L^RcLB?LWUFCPCCJQC3FGQGQQSC UCF?TC?KMRMPAWAJCGRCKDMPGLQGBC?LBMLCDMPMSRQGBC8MSPAFMGACMPECRRFCK
@MRF!MRF?PCMLQ?JC?LB?PC?T?GJ?@JCGLJGKGRCBOS?LRGRGCQ?R&PC?QC1?EAMK.PBCPWMSPQML&PC?QC1?EAMKMP@WA?JJGLE1MQCK?PW
?RCVRUGRF?APCBGRA?PB
WIRE COAT RACK

This cool-looking and sturdy motorcycle coat rack is
a perfect place to hang your leather jacket and other
riding gear. Of course, it will also work with nonriding
gear too. The rack is about 23" wide and a bit over 15"
tall. Hand constructed, this all steel rack is coated in
BSP?@JC@J?AIcLGQFRMUGRFQR?LBFC?TWSQC6MPIQ
equally well in your home or shop and garage.
12:216$/(
Only $34.99 while supplies last.
YARD & GARDEN CHOPPER WEATHERVANE

This weathervane gives a whole new meaning to
"In the Wind" with a chopper attitude. Handcraft-
ed out of heavy solid steel, this weathervane uses
wind cups mounted on a sealed ball bearing pivot
allowing them to turn in the gentlest of breezes.
Measures about 55" high.
12:216$/(
Only $34.99 while supplies last.

WIN THI
+DUOH\'DYLGVRQ
.QXFNOHKHDG
:KHHOV7KURXJK7LPHPXVHXPUDIIOHELNH
By Jim Babchak
Photos by Stephen Snyder

CAIMAG.com
(YHU\\HDUDURXQGWKLVWLPHmotorcycle enthusiasts everywhere have the opportunity
to win an incredible vintage motorcycle courtesy of Dale’s Wheels Through Time museum
in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. And not just any motor- Davidson Knucklehead. Last year it was a stock machine,
cycle. This year’s winner gets an amazing 1936 Harley- so the thought this year was to mix it up a bit and do a
Davidson Knucklehead bobber, built by world-class restor- bobber. Great call, as everyone loves a bobber, and they
er, historian, museum curator, and are at the height of their popularity
my great friend, Dale Walksler and DJDLQVRPH\HDUVDIWHUWKHLUßUVW
KLVWHDP7KHDQQXDOUDIàHDFWVDVD period of popularity!
fundraiser to help the museum keep As Dale states, “Countless hours
the lights on and continue its work of of passion and enjoyment went into
preserving forever a unique aspect of the restoration of this beauty, and
our American history and providing the craftsmanship and attention to
DßUVWFODVVKRPHWRRXUIDYRULWHIRUP detail are evident throughout.” From
of transportation, the motorcycle! the bobbed front and rear fenders to
7KHUDIàHELNHWKLV\HDULVD WKH6SDUWRWDLOOLJKWßVKWDLOPXIàHUV
stunning 1936 Harley-Davidson EL DQGMHZHOHGUHàHFWRUVRQWKHOLFHQVH
Knucklehead Bobber painstakingly plate, the machine screams 1930’s
built in the restoration shop of the outlaw from its every pore!
museum. It marks the second year As he does every year, Dale selects
in a row that Dale’s Wheels Through a machine that is worthy of represent-
7LPHLVUDIàLQJRIID+DUOH\ ing the museum and begins his build

IURPWKHUH5DIàHELNHVIURPSDVW\HDUVKDYHLQFOXGHGD
variety of Harley-Davidson models, and everything from a
Knucklehead to a Panhead to a pair of VLs have been given
DZD\7KHUDIàHFRQFOXGHVLQ1RYHPEHUDQGWKHOXFN\
ticket is drawn from a giant barrel in front of the closing day
crowd. It’s an exciting time at the museum, and I encourage
you to make the trip down for this closing party and event.
(DFK\HDUWKHUDIàHELNHLVEXLOWIURP'DOHÖVH[WHQVLYH
stock of Harley-Davidson parts and represents a compila-
tion from his 40-year stash.
7KLV\HDUÖVUDIàHELNHIHDWXUHVRIFRXUVHD(/
Knucklehead engine that Dale restored to factory speci-
ßFDWLRQVXVLQJVWRFN+DUOH\FRPSRQHQWV%HFDXVHLWÖV
a bobber and not a strictly stock machine, it allowed
for a few updated parts to supply more hot rod power
and performance. To that end, later, big-port Knuck-
leheads were used, which are fed by a M-74 Linkert
carburetor. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard a
Dale Walksler motor run. With a cadence as sure and
steady as a drill sergeant and a potato/potato exhaust
note that sends chills down your spine, the powerplant
LVWKHKHDUWRIWKLVPDJQLßFHQWPDFKLQH7KHPRWRU
is mated to a restored, stock four-speed transmission,
shifts through a one-year-only 1936 shifter and gate, and
the chain drive puts the horsepower to the pavement for
those long rides ahead.
The chassis is a stock hardtail frame mated to a Harley
Springer front end and topped off with in-line speedster
handlebars. A mechanical front brake slows the bike
GRZQDQGLWUROOVRQDUHDUWLUHDQGDQLQFKHULQWKH
Issue #381 / American Iron / 79
rear, and it has what hot rodders like three tickets, $20 (Good Deal); seven ADVERTISER INDEX
to call the perfect “rubber rake.” tickets, $50 a price which includes a Please support our advertisers!
I love the miles-deep black paint T-shirt and Dale’s Wheels Through
on the tank and fenders. It reminds me Time DVD (Great Deal); 16 tickets, Avon Grips ............................ 800/334-7477 .........................73
of Harry Potter’s Mirror of Erised. $100, including the T-shirt, DVD, a Biker’s Choice/Twin Power .. 817/258-9283 ............................7
You can stare at it for hours and hours Dale’s tin sign, and two admissions to Bradford Exchange, The ...... 847/581-8444 .........................27
and, as Dumbledore says, “It shows us the museum (Better Deal); 36 tickets Classic Goggles ..................... 845/856-4896 ........................ 71
nothing more or less than the deepest, for $200, including the T-shirt, DVD, Corbin.................................... 800/538-7035 ....................... 39
most desperate desire of our hearts.” two admissions to the museum, and a Dennis Kirk ........................... 800/564-1822 ..........................11
Yes, this 1936 Knucklehead absolutely Dale’s tin sign (The ’36 Exclusive); and,
Drag Specialties ................... DragSpecialties.com..............C2
counts as one of my heart’s most des- ßQDOO\WLFNHWVIRULQFOXGLQJ
perate desires! I know, I say it every all of the above and even more tickets Ernst Manufacturing ............ 877/376-7885 ..........................72
year, but it’s always true! (Best Deal). Or stop by in person and Faarken Biker Stirrups ......... 203/439-7060 ........................ 69
The red scallops with gold trim experience this incredible museum. It Feuling Parts ........................ 866/966-9767 ....................... 39
add to the bobber look and feel, and will sweep you back in time with its Frankenstein Unlimited, LLC .. 913/352-6788 ..........................53
John Dills is credited again this year PDJQLßFHQWSUHVHQWDWLRQRIYLQWDJHDOO Freedom Performance ........ 310/324-0415 .......................... 21
with this beautiful paint job. Mark American motorcycles and automobiles. Geico Direct........................... 800/442-9253.........................83
Peters of Peters Auto Art in Ashville, This is Wheels Through Time’s Harbor Freight Tools ............ HarborFreight.com ............. 4, 5
North Carolina, laid down the beauti- WKDQQXDOUDIàH7KHEREEHU
Headwinds ........................... 626/359-8044 ....................... 69
ful gold leaf pinstripes. is my favorite ride yet. There is just
Visit www.WheelsThroughTime. something about a Knucklehead that’s HHI Hawg Halters ................. 877/442-5837 ..........................61
FRPDQGEX\\RXUUDIàHWLFNHWVQRZ almost indescribable; they are the HHI Renegade Wheels......... 877/442-5837 ..........................53
for a chance to own this hand-built ultimate collector’s motorcycle—clas- Hill Country Customs ........... 877/755-4455......................... 63
motorcycle by world-class builder and sic, bulletproof, rugged, reliable, and Hitch Doc............................... 800/446-8222 .......................80
all around great guy Dale Walksler timeless. The Knucklehead’s grace Indian Motorcycle Company .. IndianMotorcycle.com .............3
and his team. You’ll be supporting a and elegance insures it will remain a Leatherworks, The ............... 209/983-9200 ....................... 59
museum and a cause so important and favorite among motorcycle collectors
LePera Enterprises ............... 818/767-5112............................10
so close to our hearts. You will see six and enthusiasts for generations to
different levels of participation on the come. Don’t miss this opportunity. Legendary Products............. LegendaryUSA.com ...............61
site: One ticket, $10 (Gotta Try It); It only comes once a year! $,0 Lucas Oil Products ................ LucasOil.com .......................... 13
Metra Electronics .................. 800/221-0932 ......................... 71
Mid USA Motorcycle Parts .... 800/632-0024 ....................... 59
Mikuni American Parts ........ MikuniPower.com ..................55
MADE IN
Moto Bike Jack...................... MotoBikeJack.com.................81
Progressive Insurance ......... 800/Progressive ....................23
U.S.A
Rider Insurance .................... 844/586-0045........................55
Russ Brown........................... 800/424-5377 ........................ C4
S&S Cycle............................... SSCycle.com ...........................19
Sport RX ................................ 877/752-4864 .........................72
Springfield Armory .............. 800/680-6866 ....................... 31
Western Power Sports ......... HDTwin.com ............9, 17, 25, 29
Wiley X .................................. H-DSunglassesByWileyX.com ...15
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,
page numbers, web sites, or phone numbers.
MOTORCYCLE HITCHES
ORDER YOUR HITCHDOC HITCH NOW!

www.HitchDoc.com | (800) 446-8222 Get one year (4 issues) of
Garage Build for $9.97
HITCHES FOR: Harley-Davidson | Honda | Kawasaki | Yamaha
Call toll free: 877/204-0774
Suzuki | BMW | Victory | Indian | Moto Guzzi | Triumph
Subscribe online: GarageBuild.com

TECHLINE Continued from page 30
and fuel delivery. Why? More of the gas 7KHXVHRIDàRDWNHHSVWKHIXHOERZO The predecessor carburetors, Tillot-
has already burned, creating maximum full to a predetermined and adjusted lev- son, Bendix, and the 38mm Keihin used
energy. The Harley rider also enjoys el ready for immediate and constant use. an accelerator pump system as does the
more speed with CV usage. The 40mm Otherwise, the gravity gas feed would CV Keihin. The accelerator pump uses
size delivers more fuel and air than the FRQVWDQWO\àRZLQWRWKHHQJLQHàRRGLQJ sudden throttle openings (fast accelera-
PPSUHGHFHVVRU+RUVHSRZHUßJXUHV it out, thus preventing it from operating. tion), in order to rapidly squirt fuel into
increased over predecessors. It’s the best Gasoline must mix with air in propor- the carburetor venturi to provide the
carburetor ever to grace a stock pro- tion for it to burn. The low end is about extra fuel necessary for smooth ac-
duction Harley-Davidson. It can also 10 parts air per one part gas. This is too celeration. Aggressive throttle twisting
VHUYLFHPLOGSHUIRUPDQFHPRGLßFDWLRQV ULFKIRUHIßFLHQWRSHUDWLRQH[FHSWIRU activates the accelerator pump.
ZLWKDVLPSOHIUHHUàRZLQJDLUßOWHUDQG starting cold engines. The high end is +RZHYHURQO\WKHßUVWWKLUGRI
tweak for wilder hop-ups via venturi about 16 parts air per one part gas. This complete throttle travel pushes the ac-
size increases and upjetting. is too lean unless assisted by increased FHOHUDWRUSXPSURGGRZQZKLFKàH[HV
Keihin is a major supplier of engine compression and sophisticated a diaphragm. Some earlier model H-D
Honda, Harley-Davidson’s supposed ignition assists. The stoichiometric carburetors like the Bendix (1972-75)
ULYDO7KLVLVQRWWKHßUVWWKDW-DSDQHVH PL[WXUHLVGHßQHGDVWKHLGHDOUDWLRRI RXWßWWHGZLWKDFFHOHUDWRUSXPSVXVHD
companies have done business with the gasoline to air. This is what engineers rawhide or rubber cup as opposed to a
Motor Company. In 1974, H-D began strive for in your Harley-Davidson to diaphragm to force or squirt the gas into
use that continues to the present day meet environmental pollution dictates. the venturi in a steady airborne stream.
of suspension parts like the front forks This mixture also produces the most On the CV Kehein diaphragm, a
manufactured by Showa. A company power for the least amount of gasoline FKHFNYDOYHVWRSVDQ\EDFNàRZRI
named Kayaba made the narrow glide mixed with air. This ratio is 14.7:1. In gas during this downward accelerator-
front-end forks in 1973. Then there is other words, for every gram of gasoline, pump-rod-stroke. A spring returns the
the Hitachi starter motor that replaced 14.7 grams of air are required. diaphragm back into its original position.
the American Prestolite motor on *DVIURPWKHàRDWERZOFKDPEHU *DVWKHQàRZVIURPWKHàRDWERZOUHVHU-
Sportsters in 1981 and Big Twins in will draw up into the carburetor venturi voir underneath the diaphragm via pres-
1983. The longest use on a Harley- by the pressure differentials caused by sure differentials in order to replenish for
Davidson, the Nippodenso starter mo- the venturi effect as well as the descend- the next handful of throttle twisting.
tor supersedes the Hitachi version in ing pistons that create a negative (suck- Next issue, I will continue discuss-
1989. There are a lot of Japanese parts ing) pressure. The lower pressure in the ing the best Harley carburetor and
including electrical components on this venturi causes the now higher pressure how it works with a fuel enrichment
American-made motorcycle. LQWKHàRDWERZOFKDPEHUEHORZWRIRUFH system for starting, idle, and transfer
The bottom line is that the CV is the gas to ascend into the lower pressure ports providing a balanced fuel mixture
a wonderful carburetor but not as ef- area. The carburetor uses many prin- during the transition period from idle to
ßFLHQWDVLWVVXFFHVVRU'HOSKL(OHF- ciples of physics to operate. Sometimes, mid-range, and how the vacuum piston
tronic Fuel Injection (EFI). It is one they also overlap causing confusion. controls the venturi opening. $,0
of the few carburetors that attempts a EFI supersedes many physics principles
response to altitude changes without and will respond faster, on demand, if
rejetting up or down. It is partially suc- you will. The EFI fuel pump allows for
cessful in that the pressure difference gas tank placement in other places than
in the upper and lower vacuum slide above because it does not rely on grav-
chambers reduces as elevation in- ity to feed gas. Harley leaves the fuel
creases. Therefore, less fuel is delivered tank above on Big Twins and Sportsters
because of the pressure reduction. because of all-important tradition. Even
As altitude increases, atmospheric the V-Rod, whose fuel tank is behind
pressure decreases, which is a fancy and sort of below the engine’s top end
way of saying there is less air available. has a cover above the engine that looks
Conversely, the pressure difference in like a fuel tank but is really the air
the two chambers, upper and lower, will cleaner cover.
increase as elevation decreases towards Importantly, the internal gas tank
sea level. More fuel will deliver because fuel pump has a pressurized system
of the pressure increase. WKDWGRHVQRWQHHGDàRDWDQGIXHOERZO
The CV Keihin carburetor is storage. This allows for precise and
gravity-fed, which means the fuel tank is immediate, on-demand fuel delivery
above the carburetor. The weight of the through injectors into the combustion
gas in the tank exerts pressure into the chamber not in seconds but in millisec-
carburetor. Therefore, a fuel pump is onds (thousandths of a second). Physics
not required. The carburetor also uses a principles in the carburetor, no matter
àRDWRSHUDWHGJDVLQOHWYDOYH7KHàRDW how sophisticated, take time; not a lot of
has a stop position that can be adjusted. time, but seconds nevertheless.
MEMORIES • BY BUZZ KANTER, PUBLISHER
(WKDQRO&KRSSHUVDQG%DJJHUV
THREE DECADES OF COVERING WHAT’S HOT AND ßUVWWRUHYLHZWKHQHZ+DUOH\&92EDJJHU
what’s not in the American motorcycle world gives Ethanol was becoming a problem and American
us a lot to review. In this issue we are focusing on Iron was on the job with tech answers and solu-
2009 (our 20th anniversary) through 2011. tions. And we reviewed the 2010 Indian Chief and
We partnered with Sucker Punch Sally to the hot XR1200X Harley. I shared what it took to
EXLOGWKH2IßFLDO%LNHRI'D\WRQD'RQQ\ build and ride a 1915 Harley across the US on the
dug into the Twin Cam heads and later how ßUVW0RWRUF\FOH&DQQRQEDOO
(WKDQRODIIHFWV\RXU+DUOH\%DJJHUVZHUHVWDUW- ,QZHURGHDQGUHYLHZHGWKH9LFWRU\
ing to get some love, but most of the focus was Hammer, the Sportster Low, the Harley Rocker C
on choppers and bobbers—especially high-per- UHPHPEHUWKDWRQH"SOXVWKH+DUOH\%ODFNOLQH
formance ones. DQGPRUH9LFWRU\DQGWKH95RGZHUHVWLOOJRLQJ
%ULDQ.ORFNDQGKLVFUHZEXLOWDVWXQQLQJ strong and so were a number of the Harley clone
FXVWRPEDJJHUIRUWKH2IßFLDO0RWRUF\FOHRI builders, but not for much longer, as Harley-
'D\WRQD%LNH:HHNLQ$QGZHZHUHWKH 'DYLGVRQUDPSHGXSSURGXFWLRQ$,0
SAVE MONEY & WIN A SCOUT BOBBER!

All U.S. subscribers are entered to win a new Indian Scout Bobber.
6XEVFULEH 6DYHRIIQHZVVWDQGSULFH
Get 13 Issues of American Iron Magazine
PLUS FREE American Iron Salute for $29.97
Subscribe today online at AIMag.com or call toll free 877/693-3572
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 #381. American Iron Magazine is published every four weeks by TAM Communications, Inc., 37 North Ave., Suite
#208. Norwalk, CT 06851. Subscriptions are $29.97 a year. Periodical postage paid at Stamford, CT, and additional mailing offices. Tel: 203/425-8777,
Fax: 203/425-8775. Contents copyrighted 2019 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 advertiser’s or its agency’s 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.

American Iron

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

American Iron

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

AIMag.com US $7.

6 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Buzz Kanter

This magazine is published with the understanding that the informa-

SUBMISSIONS: AMERICAN IRON MAGAZINE welcomes unsolicited mate-

10 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

16 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

Harley-Davidson Offers New Motorcycles and Technology for 2020

blacked-out look should check out the Heritage Classic 114

CVO Road Limited, CVO Tri Glide,

20 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

Indian Motorcycle Celebrates a Century of Scout

22 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

The Easy Rider’s Final Ride

laudable and clearly bearing fruit. 'XO\1RWHG

32 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

AIMag.com Issue #381 / American Iron / 35

36 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

38 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

40 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

AIMag.com Issue #381 / American Iron / 41

46 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

48 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

AIMag.com Issue #381 / American Iron / 51

52 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

Paul is bringing a GPS, but I still like

Pinched Breather Hose,

60 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

I found this larger luggage padlock

The BMC kit comes with everything

The Freedom Performance High-Mount 2-into-1 Outlaws are

Evo 5,000-Mile Service

AIMag.com Issue #381 / American Iron / 69

H-D FXRG Rain

Women's FXRG Rain Pant

Klein 2-in-1 Impact Sockets

72 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

Indoor Outdoor Ride Fixtures

WIRE COAT RACK

YARD & GARDEN CHOPPER WEATHERVANE

AIMag.com Issue #381 / American Iron / 75

76 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

ORDER YOUR HITCHDOC HITCH NOW!

80 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

SAVE MONEY & WIN A SCOUT BOBBER!

82 / American Iron / Issue #381 AIMag.com

Potrebbero piacerti anche