Current Issue | September/October 2010, v20n7
Products
Departments
IronWorks’ HeroesBy Steve Storz, Dan Fitzmaurice, and Rick Doss
As IronWorks celebrates its 20th Anniversary year, we’ll be checking in with people whose biking roots run long and deep, asking them to dredge up some memory nuggets from their personal history to share with all of us. You can expect authenticity, inspiration, and recollection laced with nostalgia from industry icons. Why are we doing this? Because we want to show respect and pay props to the people who have influenced us. And besides, you can’t know where you’re headed unless you appreciate where you’ve been.
Feature Bikes
Detail Driven SoftailBy Trish Horstman
photos by Stephen Berner
It’s not too often we see a bike built mainly with stock parts that stands out in the crowd. Some of us work hard to make our bikes unique and spend thousands to beef up our motors, put them in aftermarket frames, change all the tins, lights and controls, in an attempt to differentiate our machine from the one parked next to it at the local watering hole. This 1988 Softail belonging to Randy Fettis proves that you can accomplish that goal without redoing your entire bike—because it’s the small details that really count.
An Indian CustomBy Paul Holdsworth
photos by Stephen Berner
While attending the Willie’s Tropical Tattoo bike show this past Daytona, IronWorks spied this great-looking Indian Chief, owned by Joe Marrolli and his wife Kathy.
We walked by this bike a few times as we scoped out the bikes that were parked out front, not to mention the bikes parked in the back which were also part of the official bike show. To be honest all the bikes that showed up were great to see.
Facelift 1966 FLHBy Stephen Berner
Obsession is a harsh taskmaster. Just ask Colin Glynn, owner of this pristine 1966 FLH. As a young guy, Colin had seen a King of the Road, a 1965 Pan, and decided right then and there, that was the bike for him. That year, that model, say no more, deal done. Now, as an adult who’d had a long string of H-Ds under him, it was time to find the machine of his dreams.
Suicide ChopBy Mike Chase
By some measures, a bike with no front brake, a foot clutch, and a hand shifter by your left leg might be considered dangerous. Isn’t it suicide to ride a bike like that? Taking into consideration all of the comforts and safety features available on modern motorcycles, a bike without the now-standard amenities is just beyond the consideration of many riders—and for good reason. (Tongue firmly planted in cheek.)
Feature Stories
Virtual BrotherhoodBy Marilyn Stemp
photos by Minnie Snyder
If you’re tired of visiting blogs peopled with characters who eagerly inflict their predictable opinions on the rest of us, here’s a fresh option. Members of Chopperweb.net do way more than spout opinions. They’ve developed a virtual brotherhood that’s the equivalent of pulling off the road to help a fellow rider in need.
IW Road Stop | California’s HighwayBy Margie Siegal
There are rides and then, there are rides. There are technical rides along mountain roads, long days in the saddle trying to get from point A to point B, and social rides with a club, going to somewhere special.
IW Product Review | Ladies’ Joe Rocket JacketAdeline Cannone
Occasionally I’m challenged to take a step outside my comfort zone. Like when an opportunity came my way to try out a Joe Rocket jacket. At a slim, non-curvy 5’8” most women’s cuts simply do not fit me well and are too “girly” for my taste. But after checking my options, I took the plunge and chose a Joe Rocket Lotus 2.0 textile jacket in bright purple.
Spotlight
Kraus Motor CompanyBy Stephen Berner
I met Satya Kraus a few years ago in Sturgis, introduced by mutual friend Bob Seeger, Jr. of Indian Larry Motorcycles. Seeger, Jr. has introduced me to a lot of folks (thanks, Bobby), but one of the most interesting guys I’ve met through the Heavy Hitter connection is Satya.
Regulars
Steve B by Stephen Berner, Editor in Chief
Brian Klock by Brian Klock, KlockWerks
Bert Baker by Bert Baker, Baker Drivetrain
Sam Kanish by Sam Kanish, The Solo Saddle
Margie Siegal by Margie Siegal
Technical Articles
DIY PowdercoatingBy Neil Taylor
photos by Karen Brown
DIY (do it yourself) powder coating is well on its way to being an accessible, main stream process thanks in large part to the inexpensive, easy to use powder coating guns available from companies like Eastwood. For those not familiar with the name, The Eastwood Company has been around since 1978 making unique automotive and motorcycle restoration products and equipment. The Dual-Voltage Powder Coating System we are reviewing in this issue is another in a long line of innovative products designed for the enthusiast.
ElectricBy Karl Fahringer, Cycle Electric Inc.
This article will cover the basic history and troubleshooting of the Model 58 to the Model 65B two-brush generators. These generators were in service from 1958 to 1984.
MetalBy Ed Loprete, Advanced Welding Institute
When we order aftermarket parts, the hope is they will fit on our machines without any drama and last a good long time. But sometimes, to our great dismay, these parts don’t fit—or don’t fit correctly—and more often than not they don’t last very long. Recently my friend Jason, who rides a Sportster on the hard and nasty roads of Vermont, came to me for some help in fabricating a new license plate bracket for his bike. The cool and groovy side mount unit he had bought, broke off the bike and flew into the proverbial ditch, trying to hide from him. I know; I watched it try to escape and retrieved it for him.
EngineBy Steve “Posie” Pfaff, Delkron
One of the most commonly asked questions we hear at Delkron is: “If I use these parts what will my engine’s compression be?” This seems to be one of the most misunderstood areas of building a performance engine. In this short series of articles we will discuss both types of compression ratios—Mechanical and Corrected—and how to calculate them.
Insurance 101By Doug Quinn, Progressive Insurance
When I see bikes with a new Corbin seat or a set of chrome exhaust pipes, the biker in me gets excited. The insurance guy in me, however, wonders whether the owner’s insurance will cover those items if they’re damaged.
Proper Gasket InstallationBy Ralph Cholez, James Gaskets
photo by Stephen Berner
In these tough economic times, many riders are choosing to service their bikes at home rather than take them to their local shop or dealership. This can be a way to save a few bucks on labor. Keep in mind though; a qualified mechanic at a reputable shop will back his or her work, which will give you piece of mind down the road, especially if your skills are sketchy.
Safe and FoundBy Stephen Berner
I had my first GPS experience this past spring, and I have to admit that it was a positive one. Having to navigate around Northern California for a week is a daunting task for an East Coaster without GPS. Having been through the special hell of getting sketchy directions, not being able to turn around for miles, and hunting for gas stations on prior trips, I really appreciated the “directorial” help that GPS offers.
Smoother Running Without DramaBy Stephen Berner
Here’s the scenario: you own an EFI-equipped bike that’s stock for the most part. Maybe you’ve installed a Stage 1 kit, maybe you’ve snuck on a pair of slip-ons or a nice intake/air cleaner and have gotten away without updating your ECM. Maybe your stock engine is running hot or hesitates a bit. Whatever the situation, you feel your machine can run better: smoother, cooler, more responsive, but you don’t want to spring for big dollars to beef up your engine or pay for a series of dyno pulls.
Paint & FinishesBy Kirk Taylor, Custom Design Studios and Stephen Berner
I’m Kirk Taylor and my shop, Custom Design Studios, has been in business since 1988. We started by satisfying the needs of the motorcycle community because there weren’t many good, reliable painters in this area. By way of background, I grew up in a machine shop where Pops was making Springer and Girder front ends back in the 70’s. So to dispel a common myth, I’m not just a bike painter. I do complete custom fabrication work, ground up customs, and just about everything in between—including service, to pay the landlord.
HellMutts Service ReviewBy Billy/Hell Mutts and Stephen Berner
I like my old comfortable junk. There are some things that just kind of mold themselves to your person after years of contact and develop the patina that can only be achieved through use, abuse and time. You can’t buy this in a boutique, you can only earn it.