Overly modified machines

[B Wilmarth]

I am getting feedback from several entrants and the direction they are taking is discouraging. I have heard of installing modern wheels/hubs,later model transmissions,front forks,cylinders.These kinds of things really change the rules, and in my opinion spoil the character of the event.
I don't have a problem with rim/tire changes(for safety) or the addition of an auxiliary brake or 2 as long as it doesn't change the overall look or function of the machine.
The idea of this ride was so exciting to me since we were all supposed to be working with the limitations of the machines as they were,not modifying the crap out of them.I'm sure there are enough willing participants"with good machines" to make this a legitimate challenge riding period motorcycles.I just don't like the fact that someone could show up with a Frankenbike and turn the event into a farce.

Brad

[jurassic]

hi brad, i feel the same way you do. i have no problem with the wheels and brakes,as they are a real safety issue.most of the other things you mentioned do have me wondering though. one of the reasons i decided to allow more riders in to this event is simple . as time goes by i have been contacted by very serious ,and capable riders ,with correct machines who understand the true essence of this event. the way i see it is if we have 70 riders on paper today ,we may have 60 or so actually show up in kitty hawk,and even less by the time we make it out of north carolina. this event will quickly weed out the unprepared rider,and i believe also that the bulk of the machines that actually finish will be period correct,and if they are not then i believe they are just cheating themselves. personally if i make it to the finish ,i want to know in my heart that i did it on a real 95 year old motorcycle.the rules on the website are vague ,and john and i are now working on all the rules ,both for the event ,and for the machine and rider. i hope to have these rules finished,and posted by the middle of feb.

[AlanTravis]

Brad, I COMPLETELY agree with you . I think that all the competitors

should have bikes that would look correct on the "TIME LINE" at the

Rhinebeck AMCA meet. If the bikes are not correct enough to be shown
in the "TIME LINE" they SHOULD NOT be used in the CANNONBALL.

My respect is with the guy who spends 20 hours "fussing with" and, successfully making his stock Pet Cock not seep and leak.My respect
is lost on the guy that goes to ACE HARDWARE and buys a plumbing
"petcock" and installs it on his fake gas tank with rubber hoses and hose clamps.
Thanks,,,Alan

[BUDDY#42]

(02-03-2010 12:30 PM)jurassic Wrote:  hi brad, i feel the same way you do. i have no problem with the wheels and brakes,as they are a real safety issue.most of the other things you mentioned do have me wondering though. one of the reasons i decided to allow more riders in to this event is simple . as time goes by i have been contacted by very serious ,and capable riders ,with correct machines who understand the true essence of this event. the way i see it is if we have 70 riders on paper today ,we may have 60 or so actually show up in kitty hawk,and even less by the time we make it out of north carolina. this event will quickly weed out the unprepared rider,and i believe also that the bulk of the machines that actually finish will be period correct,and if they are not then i believe they are just cheating themselves. personally if i make it to the finish ,i want to know in my heart that i did it on a real 95 year old motorcycle.the rules on the website are vague ,and john and i are now working on all the rules ,both for the event ,and for the machine and rider. i hope to have these rules finished,and posted by the middle of feb.

---

Lonnie , I've been wondering about "extreme upgrading" being done to the machines entered myself, and would suggest that you include in the rules that there will be an inspection at Kitty Hawk making sure that these rules are adhered to .

[silentgreyfello]

I think the bike should look period correct, but bend for the safety items that were mentioned (brakes, wheels, lights) because there are WAY more cars on the road, faster speeds, and idiots that text message while driving. I also think we should be able to put any seat on it, as this doesn't effect performance, though one could argue that point based upon fatigue I suppose.

What about all these new frames being built, which is a major part of the motorcycle? Sure, they don't affect performance, but they do reliability.

My opinion is that the motor, carb, tranny (if you have one), and frame should be 1915 and earlier, but many of the contestants are already deep into a 60% plus repro motorcycle with new frames, wheels, hubs, handlebars, forks, and tanks. Don't get me wrong, I own several bikes just like that. For me, I guess it boils down to this... I care only about what I ride for my own reasons... I am in it to have fun, and hope everyone else does as well. I am shooting to finish the race, even if it is in last place. I'll still be grinning ear to ear.

[jurassic]

as for kitty hawk ,we've been working on this exclusively for the last few weeks. there's alot going on in kitty hawk. first and foremost tech inspection and registration. studio photos of each bike and rider and a gathering for the group panoramic photo. the optional practice run down the seashore to cape hatteras on thursday morning,and the grand start banquet on thursday night. friday morning the grand start at the wright memorial .

[knossos]

Hi Lonnie. I like your approach. Personally, I like to keep my bikes original, with their faults. That keeps the sense of adventure; riding an old bike with bad brakes, beaded edge tires, no lights, etc. It wouldn't be hard to modify the bike to have a bigger displacement, brakes, more comfortable handlebars & seat, newer carb, etc. But where should a guy stop with the modifications? If I wanted to ride a 1920's or 1930's or modern bike, then I would ride one of those. Choosing the right bike for the rally is an important first step for each of the riders. Some bikes are NOT the best choice... But the riders will figure that out for themselves.

Everybody has their own way to get down the road. I like the hot rod '15 Harleys with the extra inches, later valve train parts, etc. And they go fast!

It will be a great event, no matter what bikes and what modifications go on the ride. People who worry about the rules will get worried. But rules are made to be broken.

Regards,
Pete Young

(02-03-2010 12:30 PM)jurassic Wrote:  hi brad, i feel the same way you do. i have no problem with the wheels and brakes,as they are a real safety issue.most of the other things you mentioned do have me wondering though. one of the reasons i decided to allow more riders in to this event is simple . as time goes by i have been contacted by very serious ,and capable riders ,with correct machines who understand the true essence of this event. the way i see it is if we have 70 riders on paper today ,we may have 60 or so actually show up in kitty hawk,and even less by the time we make it out of north carolina. this event will quickly weed out the unprepared rider,and i believe also that the bulk of the machines that actually finish will be period correct,and if they are not then i believe they are just cheating themselves. personally if i make it to the finish ,i want to know in my heart that i did it on a real 95 year old motorcycle.the rules on the website are vague ,and john and i are now working on all the rules ,both for the event ,and for the machine and rider. i hope to have these rules finished,and posted by the middle of feb.

[Buzz Kanter]

I was caught in the crossfire of this. I very much wanted to be on this ride with a machine we can all be proud of BUT I could not find a real one or the parts to properly build one. So I bought the closest I could and had been upgrading it to a 1915 spec. Except for a 1915 transmission, which I discovered is basically unobtanium. So I settled for a 1916 trans on my mostly otherwise 1915 Harley.
Now, through a stroke of luck I found and bought a correct and mostly original 1915 Harley so my problems have been solved. But I doubt many others will be as lucky as I just got. So I still feel for them - the people who want to ride a proper and correct machine but simply can not find the bike or parts. Quite a dilemma.

[knossos]

Hi Buzz. I'm glad that you found what you were looking for. If other folks are still in need of a pre16 bike, there are loads of British examples, for very reasonable prices (reasonable in comparison to a 15 HD)

Pete
http://www.occhiolungo.wordpress.com

(02-23-2010 06:54 PM)Buzz Kanter Wrote:  I was caught in the crossfire of this. I very much wanted to be on this ride with a machine we can all be proud of BUT I could not find a real one or the parts to properly build one. So I bought the closest I could and had been upgrading it to a 1915 spec. Except for a 1915 transmission, which I discovered is basically unobtanium. So I settled for a 1916 trans on my mostly otherwise 1915 Harley.
Now, through a stroke of luck I found and bought a correct and mostly original 1915 Harley so my problems have been solved. But I doubt many others will be as lucky as I just got. So I still feel for them - the people who want to ride a proper and correct machine but simply can not find the bike or parts. Quite a dilemma.

[jurassic]

hi buzz ,forgive me if there was any crossfire.the thing that really seems to have sparked everyones imagination,in my opinion,is the true nature of the event. that no motorcycles after 1915 can run.why? because pre 1916 bikes are special ,and they are different.1915 saw innovations that changed oversized bicycles into motorcycles,and in the same year, at its very peak, one of the biggest industries in the country was destroyed. welcome to the club.once you take your first ride on that 1915 harley you will understand.also will you realize how insane this endeavor you've signed on for really is.as we all do.congrats on the excellent looking 15 ,looks like a sweetheart.