Nice work! Welcome to the JJ.
A lifetime project
So as i mentioned in my introduction i own a bike and i own some creativity and i happen to work in a machine shop.
In my humble opinion the shovelhead is a diamond in the rough with some oversized corners but thats whats customizing is all about.
I already done a lot of modifications visible and non visible but most of the time when i am done at the rear i start over again from the front.
My current project is to replace the chunky alloy primary by the pressed tin type.
When the inner primary arrived i was not impressed by the “fit from any distance” tolerances on it, it even came with a note that said not to give a shit about the chrome quality but thats not an concern at all.
because i am not all about the looks but also want modifications to last i took action and machined a bracket that ensures the fixed relations between the engine and gearbox as well as remaining the bearring support.
The inner primary only functions as a shiny cover as long as the chrome last.
Make note of the 2 countersunk tapped holes on the back, they are there in precaution for another modification.
In my humble opinion the shovelhead is a diamond in the rough with some oversized corners but thats whats customizing is all about.
I already done a lot of modifications visible and non visible but most of the time when i am done at the rear i start over again from the front.
My current project is to replace the chunky alloy primary by the pressed tin type.
When the inner primary arrived i was not impressed by the “fit from any distance” tolerances on it, it even came with a note that said not to give a shit about the chrome quality but thats not an concern at all.
because i am not all about the looks but also want modifications to last i took action and machined a bracket that ensures the fixed relations between the engine and gearbox as well as remaining the bearring support.
The inner primary only functions as a shiny cover as long as the chrome last.
Make note of the 2 countersunk tapped holes on the back, they are there in precaution for another modification.
Attachments
1 - 20 of 93 Posts
Back again! For who ever was curious.
The project evolves on a low paste but is going forward.
As a youngster i used to ride honda ss50’s so i was a bit spoiled with smooth cruisin, i think my dad sold me a pretty worn down machine so the quest for upgrades started right away. I am guessing clutch issues on a shovelhead is not an unknown road to many of you.
I recall the first trick was that plastic ramjet clutch retainer, not satisfied. Following steps over time were ‘Heavy duty’ pressure plate, 10stud hub, big chunky diaphragm , panhead style throwout bearring and ending with a home made Adjustment screw with a bearring and a pocket to centre the Pushrod. Followed by a BDL 8mm belt set up.
Still i felt there was more to gain and that is what keeps me busy on the background. I own the bike for over 20 years now so this describes the process in a nutshell.
I bought a 5 speed tranny cover and copied that part that holds the release ramp lever construction, with some grinding and welding i was able to put it in a 4 speed kick cover , it worked quite okay but i was not happy with the position of the clutch cable...i think it was a bit due to the combination of my baker 6into4 and the exhaust pipe.
The next thing i came up with was as seen on the sportsters , the ramp lever on the left side .
so i blocked the main shaft and started some milling turning grinding welding activities and i mounted a sheet metal construction in place of the derby cover (late shovel tin outer primary mash up cover).
And guess what ....my life was still not complete. It operates smooth but Again the position of the cable bothered me a bit and the weak starter engine construction made it a kick only which i got used to over time.
So now i came to that part where I decided to get rid of the chunky inner primary and my starter gear and do some serious improvements. I had to narrow down some bdl parts as well by 1/4 inch but now i am even able to cover up the clutch cable inside the primary. It is not like i am never satistfied but when i have a plan i want it to come together.
The project evolves on a low paste but is going forward.
As a youngster i used to ride honda ss50’s so i was a bit spoiled with smooth cruisin, i think my dad sold me a pretty worn down machine so the quest for upgrades started right away. I am guessing clutch issues on a shovelhead is not an unknown road to many of you.
I recall the first trick was that plastic ramjet clutch retainer, not satisfied. Following steps over time were ‘Heavy duty’ pressure plate, 10stud hub, big chunky diaphragm , panhead style throwout bearring and ending with a home made Adjustment screw with a bearring and a pocket to centre the Pushrod. Followed by a BDL 8mm belt set up.
Still i felt there was more to gain and that is what keeps me busy on the background. I own the bike for over 20 years now so this describes the process in a nutshell.
I bought a 5 speed tranny cover and copied that part that holds the release ramp lever construction, with some grinding and welding i was able to put it in a 4 speed kick cover , it worked quite okay but i was not happy with the position of the clutch cable...i think it was a bit due to the combination of my baker 6into4 and the exhaust pipe.
The next thing i came up with was as seen on the sportsters , the ramp lever on the left side .
so i blocked the main shaft and started some milling turning grinding welding activities and i mounted a sheet metal construction in place of the derby cover (late shovel tin outer primary mash up cover).
And guess what ....my life was still not complete. It operates smooth but Again the position of the cable bothered me a bit and the weak starter engine construction made it a kick only which i got used to over time.
So now i came to that part where I decided to get rid of the chunky inner primary and my starter gear and do some serious improvements. I had to narrow down some bdl parts as well by 1/4 inch but now i am even able to cover up the clutch cable inside the primary. It is not like i am never satistfied but when i have a plan i want it to come together.
Attachments
Unfortunately i had to leave some of my clutch parts at work and we have some kind of holiday break...so what to do now. I cleaned up the tiny cave and gave the bike a rub, i have to admid i am not the knight with the shiny armour but i kind of like the raw finish. I think there are some parts worth of sharing , some with not really a purpose of machining them but just for the fun of it.
High/low switch
High/low switch
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Home made invader with a machined hub , i am happy with the result but the next one will be 18inch with the hub in stainless as well.
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And a tech tip i became from some old guys who have been into harley’s ever since We have been liberated.
Put a nail upside down onto the main valve with a tiny o-ring as a marker , you can exactly tell If your crank bearings get lubed.
Put a nail upside down onto the main valve with a tiny o-ring as a marker , you can exactly tell If your crank bearings get lubed.
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So , as you all might know, all those parts together make it a motorcycle.
I was bored anyway so i cleaned our 10 square meter garden and took some pictures , it is really not easy to find the right angle with your back against the wall. This place is really sardine town but i am glad we Found a spot with a small shet with a back entry. Once the clutch is done i will putt some energy in smoothening up some brackets and misc small parts , and then since the starter engine is gone i can change the oil tank to follow the profile of the frame pipes as seen from above....and after that a crazy frank inspired fender. And damn what’s next.
I was bored anyway so i cleaned our 10 square meter garden and took some pictures , it is really not easy to find the right angle with your back against the wall. This place is really sardine town but i am glad we Found a spot with a small shet with a back entry. Once the clutch is done i will putt some energy in smoothening up some brackets and misc small parts , and then since the starter engine is gone i can change the oil tank to follow the profile of the frame pipes as seen from above....and after that a crazy frank inspired fender. And damn what’s next.
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![[JP]](/d3/avatars/s/70/70009.jpg?1617085779){kind=avatar}
Please zoom in on it in my latest post.Oh my god!!! what's wrong with you??? get those screws the same type!!
I shouldn't have!!Please zoom in on it in my latest post.
i noticed the screws are ok now... but... but!!
the cable tie holding that rubber boot on the fork!! it's wonky!! Hhahahahahathis is getting silly now. I need help.
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