cannonball

[flatoutdave]

I think evryone needs to just sit back and take a breath. This is just a Sunday drive - just 3300 miles. Safety is a main concern. Tires, brakes, transmissions as well as carburaters and anything else I've left out - the bottom line is- it's up to the individual to prepare and think what is needed. To everyone out there- this is not 1915, it's 2010 and the roads have changed. God forbid someone should get hurt or killed - I do not want to be a part of that. Upgrade in any way possible whatever you think you need to avoid an incident with a Mack truck!
I think we need a day to stop and regroup before the last day to cross into California all together as one surviving group - it's not a race. It's an accomplishment we need to do together with no injuries.
Flatoutdave http://www.flatoutvintagemotorbike.com. Please send comments to my website.

[AlanTravis]

(01-20-2010 10:59 PM)flatoutdave Wrote:  I think everyone needs to just sit back and take a breath. This is just a Sunday drive - just 3300 miles. Safety is a main concern.

I agree with your statement above, but I would modify or add to the rest of your statement. I do not know if I would use the word "upgrade" so much as making what you have work "perfectly". I will Explain:

1. Gas tank ... Stock tanks can be used as long as vents are maintained in the caps so the 100 degree Southwest USA September heat does not add pressure and expand the tanks more than the tinned and soldered connections can take. Also by assuring the VENT is operating will guard against the petcock and float bowl from undo pressure. Another Very important consideration to using the factory stock tank ( as I am) , is to fill the gas portion of the tank to the top. Drain the oil side of the tank and then revisit your tank the next day and make CERTAIN you see no gas that has migrated to the oil side. If you find problems with these tests you can have your tank taken apart and re tinned and soldered.
2.Petcocks...... Stock Pet cocks can be used or rebuilt as required.
The petcocks can be reamed , and handle turned on lathe and even o rings added . The test here is : You must be able to take your motorcycle into your home with full fuel and not smell any fuel. No fuel shall leak or seep out of the sides of the petcock nor pass when the valve closed. All three of my stock petcocks now work fine and pass these tests.
3. Gas Lines. Stock gas lines may be used. I unsolder-ed my original lines and re soldered using silver solder.

4. Brakes..... Twenty years ago I was preparing my 1917 HD for a around the world event. This event did not stage but I was involved with "upgrading" the Harley with front brakes. I added a 1928 Indian front drum and re spoked the wheel. The first time I rode the bike after the "upgrade", I flexed the fork enough to put a 1 inch dent in the front fender. The fender had hit the frame hard enough to stop the steering from operating.

These are examples of not "upgrading" but making what you have work perfectly. This is surely how the bikes were delivered to the customer 100 years ago.


I have "upgraded" my factory exhaust from "open pipes" to a "y pipe".
I needed to do this for safety because when my engine is cold it tends to back fire and shoots small flames. with the longer "y pipe" it stops this.

The last thing I would add is to "UPGRADE" your riding habits. We should Ride as if we are towing trailers on icy roads.
Thanks,,,Alan Travis

[flatoutdave]

(01-21-2010 12:43 AM)AlanTravis Wrote:  

(01-20-2010 10:59 PM)flatoutdave Wrote:  I think everyone needs to just sit back and take a breath. This is just a Sunday drive - just 3300 miles. Safety is a main concern.

I agree with your statement above, but I would modify or add to the rest of your statement. I do not know if I would use the word "upgrade" so much as making what you have work "perfectly". I will Explain:

1. Gas tank ... Stock tanks can be used as long as vents are maintained in the caps so the 100 degree Southwest USA September heat does not add pressure and expand the tanks more than the tinned and soldered connections can take. Also by assuring the VENT is operating will guard against the petcock and float bowl from undo pressure. Another Very important consideration to using the factory stock tank ( as I am) , is to fill the gas portion of the tank to the top. Drain the oil side of the tank and then revisit your tank the next day and make CERTAIN you see no gas that has migrated to the oil side. If you find problems with these tests you can have your tank taken apart and re tinned and soldered.
2.Petcocks...... Stock Pet cocks can be used or rebuilt as required.
The petcocks can be reamed , and handle turned on lathe and even o rings added . The test here is : You must be able to take your motorcycle into your home with full fuel and not smell any fuel. No fuel shall leak or seep out of the sides of the petcock nor pass when the valve closed. All three of my stock petcocks now work fine and pass these tests.
3. Gas Lines. Stock gas lines may be used. I unsolder-ed my original lines and re soldered using silver solder.

4. Brakes..... Twenty years ago I was preparing my 1917 HD for a around the world event. This event did not stage but I was involved with "upgrading" the Harley with front brakes. I added a 1928 Indian front drum and re spoked the wheel. The first time I rode the bike after the "upgrade", I flexed the fork enough to put a 1 inch dent in the front fender. The fender had hit the frame hard enough to stop the steering from operating.

These are examples of not "upgrading" but making what you have work perfectly. This is surely how the bikes were delivered to the customer 100 years ago.


I have "upgraded" my factory exhaust from "open pipes" to a "y pipe".
I needed to do this for safety because when my engine is cold it tends to back fire and shoots small flames. with the longer "y pipe" it stops this.

The last thing I would add is to "UPGRADE" your riding habits. We should Ride as if we are towing trailers on icy roads.
Thanks,,,Alan Travis

---

(03-06-2010 08:41 PM)flatoutdave Wrote:  

(01-21-2010 12:43 AM)AlanTravis Wrote:  

(01-20-2010 10:59 PM)flatoutdave Wrote:  I think everyone needs to just sit back and take a breath. This is just a Sunday drive - just 3300 miles. Safety is a main concern.

I agree with your statement above, but I would modify or add to the rest of your statement. I do not know if I would use the word "upgrade" so much as making what you have work "perfectly". I will Explain:

1. Gas tank ... Stock tanks can be used as long as vents are maintained in the caps so the 100 degree Southwest USA September heat does not add pressure and expand the tanks more than the tinned and soldered connections can take. Also by assuring the VENT is operating will guard against the petcock and float bowl from undo pressure. Another Very important consideration to using the factory stock tank ( as I am) , is to fill the gas portion of the tank to the top. Drain the oil side of the tank and then revisit your tank the next day and make CERTAIN you see no gas that has migrated to the oil side. If you find problems with these tests you can have your tank taken apart and re tinned and soldered.
2.Petcocks...... Stock Pet cocks can be used or rebuilt as required.
The petcocks can be reamed , and handle turned on lathe and even o rings added . The test here is : You must be able to take your motorcycle into your home with full fuel and not smell any fuel. No fuel shall leak or seep out of the sides of the petcock nor pass when the valve closed. All three of my stock petcocks now work fine and pass these tests.
3. Gas Lines. Stock gas lines may be used. I unsolder-ed my original lines and re soldered using silver solder.

4. Brakes..... Twenty years ago I was preparing my 1917 HD for a around the world event. This event did not stage but I was involved with "upgrading" the Harley with front brakes. I added a 1928 Indian front drum and re spoked the wheel. The first time I rode the bike after the "upgrade", I flexed the fork enough to put a 1 inch dent in the front fender. The fender had hit the frame hard enough to stop the steering from operating.

These are examples of not "upgrading" but making what you have work perfectly. This is surely how the bikes were delivered to the customer 100 years ago.


I have "upgraded" my factory exhaust from "open pipes" to a "y pipe".
I needed to do this for safety because when my engine is cold it tends to back fire and shoots small flames. with the longer "y pipe" it stops this.

The last thing I would add is to "UPGRADE" your riding habits. We should Ride as if we are towing trailers on icy roads.
Thanks,,,Alan Travis