Thanks Jim. Unfortunately we live in a fairly boring, flatland part of the Province of Ontario, pretty much surrounded by farmland which is good for food production but bad for interesting, scenic motorcycle cruising.

We'll see if we can find a story or two out there somewhere. ;)
 
OK Bob, ya wanted some pics. Got the Honey Do list handled in record time.

Things seem kinda 'Magical' right now so this seemed like an appropriate spot for her first back on the road photo.

IMG_20180527_162930.jpg


Another 'pic in the park'

IMG_20180527_163525.jpg


Not one of the nicer Golf Courses around here, but the one I happened to pass by......

IMG_20180527_171234.jpg


IMG_20180527_171609.jpg


IMG_20180527_171633.jpg


87 miles on the clock, when I hit 100, I'll put a timing light on, recheck head bolt torque and check cam chain again.

So far, so good! :D
 
All right Robin!
You sure have that old girl lookin nice! Great pictures, looks like you had a great day to be out and about!
All those long hours in your frozen basement paying off now!
Well done! :bike:
 
Ok, Just went over 100 miles on the break in so I ‘forced’ myself to do some wrenchin’ instead of ridin’.

I know this is old hat to you guys who have been spinning wrenches for years but I am flabbergasted at how smooth it is and at how well it runs.
I guess this is a real testament to the design of these engines and to the fact that no matter how rough a shape they are in, they just wanna run.
I thought it was running pretty good before, but now, wow!

I can see why 5twins says that due to age pretty much all of these can benefit from a fresh top end and will not hesitate to do this on future projects.

The biggest challenge in this break in process is keeping the revs down and resisting really cracking that throttle. I know there's a whole bunch more in there.

Checked things over:

Cam chain adjuster was a wee bit loose which I guess makes sense as it has probably stretched a little.
Head torque - this is the 4th retorque. Bolts are holding but the studs/acorns still took a little more.
3 valves had opened up a thou.
I had only static timed the engine on the bench. Little yellow meter dwell showed right side at 22.5* and left at 23.5*. Adjusted both to 22.5*
Timing was right on on the right side, a little advanced at 3000 on the left so reset that.
Plugs looked good. A little sooty around the edge, but tan on the electrodes.

Forgot to turn the right side mix screw out a ¼ turn .
Still getting some popping/backfire on decel on the right (holed muffler side) occasionally.
Checked my notes and the right carb was already set a little richer.

Not a big deal to me. Sounds like most of the Harley's I hear around here.
I’ll play with it a bit and see if it’s maybe just too lean.

I am so happy I went through all I had to, to do this job. It’s like a brand new engine! :D

Thanks again guys for all your help.

More travel pics to come!
 
That’s really great Robin. I’m so happy your bike is exceeding your expectations.
I’m surprised to hear you say that it has become so much smoother. Nice!
 
Thanks Bob. Yes I am truly amazed at how smooth it is. I have it idling at 1100 nice and steady. I'll bet I could idle it down from there. Will play around with that at some point just to see.

When buddy Donster and I started it up the first few times we couldn't believe the difference. We were both shocked. WOW!
Can't wait to get through another 500 miles on the break in so I can see what she's got!
 
The biggest challenge in this break in process is keeping the revs down and resisting really cracking that throttle.
My break-in is put a hundred mile on it and then run it like you want it to run. I wouldn't be afraid to give 'er her head once and a while. Happy to hear it's smoother.:)
 
Oil change?

Good question 2M, thank you for bringing that up. I have been pondering that one. Once again many different opinions on that.

IIRC the factory manual says to change the oil on a new engine at 500 miles. I have read 100, 500, 1000.

What would you recommend? An oil change is easy but wondered if that swarf in there might be good for a bit. I was planning on a change at 500 miles but will certainly do it now if you think that would be better.
 
I can't speak for Steve Robin, but here's my thoughts.... Oils cheap (relatively speakin'). It's not so important to change it as it is to get at the screens and see how it looks in there. I usually pull the screens at around a hundred miles and have a good look see.... If you're "makin' metal," it's best to know sooner rather than later.
 
Back
Top