S+S knucklehead NOT

I have had a customer come in complaining that his S+S knucklehead seems very under powered. He says that it seems comfortable cruising at about 55mph and that about it. Having taken bike for a ride he was right. Something very wrong. It felt very sluggish and also noticed oil coming out of exhaust ports. Alarm bells start to ring. Checked compression. Very down. Time to investigate further. Took heads off to find guides very sloppy. Hence oil down exhaust. Noticed also rockers seem to be hammering inside of knuckles. This is not usual S+S quality. Apparently engine only got 600 miles on rebuild. Time to look further. Turns out the cases are pan/shovel cases according to S+S. And they were made prior to there knuckle engines. So this has been cobbled together. Time to measure and inspect all parts as it is a bitsa of an engine.Reason for damage to knuckle/rocker combo as you can see in photos. The valves installed have almost over an eigth of an inch more valve stem protrusion. Also wrong style cam. It was fitted with an Evo cam!!!!. It now fitted  with all new kibblewhite black diamond valves, guides collars and keepers. You can buy all of this as one part number. You can use other guides but have to machine them to get correct clearance between collar and guide. I wont need to do any clearancing as rockers already have done this. Now got a bolt in cam from sifton with bit more rumpety rump. Now should cruise more effortlessly at 70/80 mph

     

Russ' Exile Hot Rod (finished)

The hotrod is now finished. These Exile bikes are tuff modern bobbers really. They use high end parts and the carefully chosen combination works well. This one has the 2litre engine and goes like the proverbial scalded cat. Its there simplicity and industrial scotch-brite finish that gives them attitude. I've seen a few others where they haven't used all the exile parts and they definately lose something and become very ordinary.

Russ's Exile.
Russ had a beautiful Exile Bullfighter in liquid gloss black. It was absolutely brand new looking even though i built it almost 7 years ago. At the time though i think he always hankered after the Exile hotrod which is pretty much a bullfighter but with high bars, whitewalls and red rims on the balloon tyres. Only other difference, is the bullfighter is gloss, hotrod is satin. So actually the whole thing has got to come apart and re-powdered, painted and anodised. Not 5min job.

 

Don't want to let her go.

Every time I sell a knuckle I say I'll never sell one again.  But then another dead one turns up, we get it back to life and its time for her to go.  

Now this ones for sale and I'm saying the same and close to pulling it.

Red 47 is finished and for sale.

1947 FL knucklehead, mostly correct year parts including matching numbers motor, trans, frame and correct speedo.  Has 18" wheels option and a CycleRay lamp (with top number). 

Aftermarket Atlas pipes and the wildest seat

We've been through everything.  Rebuilt the transmission, the Linkert and the speedo; the motor was fine.  The incorrect parts have been replaced and all the bushes, bearings and broken parts have been done.  Think she was probably put aside because of a transmission problem but now she runs great!

Here is a video link showing her running, sorry but you'll have to copy and paste it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nnv5bLHlUo

Now christmas and new year are well and truly over it is back to grindstone. Have got quite a few projects on the go, so haven't been adding to blog. Will start to add more pictures of these various projects, there will be a couple of more Panheads coming up for sale and some hard to find parts. There will also be some hotrod project for those interested too. A 51 chevy pick up tow truck and all steel 40 willys gasser which is going to be a very much long term project. Ians knuckle is coming along. Rolling chassis is almost complete, and we are going to take a bit of a punt with the engine. The idea being that if it runs, great, if it doesn't then it going to have to come apart. Based on its problem though, the gearbox had a problem and that could of been the reason it was taken off the road in 1st place. Box is now rebuilt and the engine turns over freely . Worth the risk, what is the worse that can happen. Have a very nice wl45 to restore too, which is slightly leftfield for me as it is going to be shiny and chromed not the usual shabby chic, dirty japanese style that i'm so fond of. Anyway keep browsing campers for more updates.

Back on the bench.

 

 

Going back together slowly.

 

Too much red?

 

 

 

Next project

1912 twin in the corner waiting for some love.

 

 

 

 

The rear wheel is doing a support gig.

 

Bridgeport pump

Found this in the Zodiac catalogue, or was it Custom Chrome?

9B

Spent some time fitting parts to the 1913.  Gas lighting front and rear, very nice Prestolite tank all plumbed in.

 

Looks ok I think, all era correct and hopefully not too cluttered.

 

 

Hope not too much rattles off next time she's out.

 

Rear rack is slightly wrong, its a 1915 on part with a welded on extension at the bottom.  It shouldn't really be fitted to a fender stay mount but there's no real weight to it.  In 1915 they added a tab to the frame to mount the rack.  You can also see the Fidelity light.

 

The bike is finished now.  I just have to fit a pump.  I picked up a Bridgeport pump in Oregon last month.  For those who care its the de-luxe Austin model, 19 1/2" long, 4" longer than standard for extra whooosh!!!  Pump needs a new washer inside.

 

 

 

 

 

Trollied

Starting re-assembly

Starting to put the Red 47 together now.  Every part has needed work.  Not taken the motor apart yet though, but have rebuilt the carb, including a new shaft.

If the motor is fine then great, if not out she comes.  Trying to keep the patina AND dirt on this one.

The transmission; correct for 47.  Needed speedo drive gear in the box so everything came out and went through.  Plus the new speedo drive, trap door cover and gasket, seal& nut.

Great looking seat

Just got this seat today. Its from "tt and co" in japan. A great alternative to a bates, superbly made, shape is spot on, not as flat as a bates, contrast stitched, lovely thick hide. It has a leather backed pan also. They do p-pads to match and have a selection of styles

   

Fingers

why is my index finger larger than my forefinger. oh yes, it broken

Time to say goodbye

It finally come to say goodbye to an old friend, but slighlty remodelled version. My knuckle has been sold and is going off to sunnier pastures. George is her new owner and she having a much more japanese look. Bates seat, mid controls, slighlty more racy down and dirty look 

Wheels for sale

Pan motor for sale

61 FLH for sale on Ebay.

1961 FLH