BIG changes!

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Big changes are happening on the bike right now. After thoroughly abusing it this summer it was time to give it a little lov'n. First off, get the motor back in shape. Currently the motor is an 88 cubic inch Harley Davidson Twin Cam B motor with 131,000 miles. Over the summer it developed some leaks and in general sounded pretty rough. Last week, with the help of Mark at Frontline Cycles in Longmont, CO the motor was torn down. Upon tear down we discovered small chunks missing in the cams, worn out rings and way to much end play on the flywheels (enough to measure with a tape measure). Obviously, Its a good thing we are doing this!  The motor will get rebuilt with new S&S flywheels, bored out to 95" cubic inches, new pistons, cams, lifters, oil pump, etc. Basically, everything that can be replaced will be replaced. Next, the new motor will be complimented by a new Baker 6spd transmission with an overdrive to lower my rpms and save the motor a bit when cruising at 90-95mph on the interstate. Im pretty excited about this part!  So, those are the mechanical upgrades, next are the asthetic and ease of packing gear changes.  Since the bike is currently stripped to the frame we are welding on hook points near the rear of the frame to ease the use of tie down straps when strapping down bags. The rear fender is getting reworked and getting a luggage rack setup instead of a sissy bar. The front end is getting completely redone. Ditching the typical telescoping fork and going with a longer ridgid fork i'm hoping to actually get a smoother ride along with not having to deal with blown out fork seals spraying oil everywhere. The new front end will be 58" from the top of the triple trees to center of the axle, supported by a 21" wheel. Finally, Paint. Having not had a bike with paint for nearly 8 years I think it is time. I know, itll be hard to picture me riding some shiny, fancy bike but I think it will be a nice change. I'm keeping the colors i've picked a secret for now but I can tell you that once again I will be using Beth Kearny of Lil Dame Pinstriping for the finish work. Coincidentaly, her husband Thomas is the master mind behind the new front end and the chief welder and fabricator on the rest of the project. I highly recommend them both and here is there contact info:

Beth Kearny: 402-681-5388
Thomas Kearney: 402-660-8289

They are located in Loveland, Co

So, there it is. I am hoping to be back on the road in 6 weeks, cross your fingers!


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