How to adjust suspension on a motorcycle

This video is about adjusting progressive 422 motorcycle shocks on my 2006 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper. many of the same principles for adjusting these motorcycle shocks will apply to other models of motorcycles. But, it’s very important to first check with your motorcycle manufacturer as to the types of shocks recommended as well as the recommended adjustment to these motorcycle shocks.

A number of models of the American Ironhorse motorcycles used the same shocks, mounted horizontally under the frame. besides the Texas Chopper I also know (because I owned one) these Progressive shocks were used on the Legend model (of the American Ironhorse model line) as well. Also, these same shocks were use on the Big Dog K-9. Again, I know this because I’ve owned a couple of those Big Dog k9 models.

The advantage of having these horizontally mounted under the frame shocks is that they help provide a lower rigid frame look to choppers, without having to put up with the harsh ride of a rigid frame. Plus, in my mind, they provide a much cleaner look to any motorcycle. Who wants to look at too big bulky shocks mounted on the sides of your rear tire? (more…)

By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

Hubless motorcycle wheels

Future Custom Motorcycles

Are hubless motorcycle wheels the next big look for true custom choppers?

Hubless or centreless wheels technically speaking are not without hub.
Instead of this, the hub is as large as the wheel itself and the axle is hollow.

Since there are pieces that bolt to hold the inner race,THAT is the hub,albeit a large one.A wheel cannot be hubless or it would roll away on its own.it APPEARS hubless.I’m not saying it doesn’t look cool as hell,I’m just saying the inner race,and the system that clamps it is in effect,a hub,it is just so large you don’t notice it..You don’t need sopkes to make it an axle hub.One piece spun aluminum wheels have no spokes,but still have a central hub.In this case the inner race is used as a hub. (more…)

By biker1, 9 yearsSeptember 16, 2017 ago

customchoppers

Motorcycle suspension bolt – Motorcycle shock bolts – Progressive shock bolt failure

Motorcycle suspension bolt

This is video two of two about my progressive shock bolt failure. to fully understand the situation, I would advise taking a look at the first video that I did about this, the hyperlink is below: https://sandiegocustommotorcycles.info/motorcycle-shock-bolt-snapping/

In this video about the motorcycle suspension bolt failure, I focus on what the cause may have been and a simple way to add a couple second procedure to your annual motorcycle maintenance check, that may prevent this situation from happening to your motorcycle. (more…)

By biker1, 9 yearsSeptember 13, 2017 ago

customchoppers

Motorcycle shock bolt snapping

Motorcycle shock bolt snapping – progressive shocks

Okay, here comes my motorcycle riding story in the category of ‘there I was – thought I was going to die!’. this video is about shearing off the rear bolt that holds one of my two progressive shocks on my American Ironhorse Texas Chopper motorcycle.

I have a lot to say in this video and so it got a little long, now this video should be considered number one of two videos ( working on the second one right now) about this motorcycle riding incident. This first video talks about exactly what happened leading up to and during the bolt that secures my progressive 442 shocks to the frame of my motorcycle snapping off on the freeway.

My two favorite factory built custom choppers, the American Ironhorse and the Big Dog motorcycles both use the Progressive 422 shocks mounted horizontally under a number of their softail models. currently I’m riding the Texas Chopper that shown in this video, but, I have owned, and hopefully will only again, a Big Dog K-9. Both of these great bikesuse the horizontally mounted progressive 422 shocks

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By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

Double Motorcycle Crash

One motorcycle crash leads to another crash. Both riders were alright.

In 2013, two-wheeled motorcycles accounted for 93 percent of all motorcycles in fatal crashes. In 2013, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, 4 percent of all people injured, 18 percent of all occupants (driver and passenger) fatalities, and 4 percent of all occupants injured. (more…)

By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

Old School Choppers

A lot of old school choppers for your viewing pleasure:

Old School Chopper – Harley Chopper

Old School Choppers – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

In the post-World War II United States, servicemen returning home from the war started removing all parts deemed too big, heavy, ugly, or not essential to the basic function of the motorcycle, such as fenders, turn indicators, and even front brakes. The large, spring-suspended saddles were also removed in order to sit as low as possible on the motorcycle’s frame. These machines were lightened to improve performance for dirt-track racing and mud racing. In California dry lake beds were used for long top speed runs. Motorcycles and automobiles ran at the same meets, and bobbers were an important part of the hotrod culture that developed in this era. (more…)

By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

Redwood Motorcycle Run 2017

Redwood Motorcycle Run

Check out the 40th Annual Redwood Run in Piercy California, presented by the Kiwanis of the Redwoods in Humboldt County.

This was June 9th thru June 11, 2017. Really an old-school biker rally. This Redwood run is like a Woodstock type event for bikers. Really, looks like it has it all, the great outdoors, cool looking bikes, babes and music!

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By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

S&S Cycle Engine Assembly

In this video, Wally Cahill asks S&S engine assembly supervisor Travis Egge how the S&S motorcycle performance engines are put together and end-of-line tested.

All S&S T-Series engines have gear drive cams. The cranks are three piece with the mainshafts forged on to the flywheels. There are only two joints where the crankpin is pressed into the flywheels. Check out this video series about our flywheels. https://youtu.be/o0M9yd4i70M S&S crankcases use Timken bearings on the sprocket shaft. The inner cam bearings are full complement straight roller bearings (no spacers) made by Torrington. The outer bearings are ball bearings because of the close tolerance required by the gear drive cams. (more…)

By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

DIY Motorcycle Drive Belt Tension

Checking motorcycle drive belt tension deflection.

Regularly inspecting the drive belt and ensuring it has the correct amount of deflection is important to the life of the belt and also to the other drive train components on your motorcycle.

Most motorcycle final drive belts are designed to require minimal maintenance and adjustment but to also last a very long time. These belts typically last much longer than any chain drive and if properly cared for and maintained can last the lifetime of the motorcycle. (more…)

By biker1, 9 years ago

customchoppers

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles – A Company in Decline?

The problems facing Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The main problem with Harley-Davidson comes down to cost. They are just too damn expensive!

The motorcycle cruiser market is in the same place the car market was back in the day . . . import cars were cheap but viewed as low standard and inferior to American vehicles…nobody viewed them as a threat. Then the big three got complacent and stopped innovating making crap lemons while charging top dollar. Then imports quietly crept up improving, quality, power,looks and reliability and surpassed them. Then American cars were viewed as inferior. They are making a comeback slowly.

I see Harley Davidson going throught the exact same thing.These import cruisers are serious contenders. Harley-Davidson still has the name but consumers are getting smarter. Other import brands catch loyal customers a lot younger. (more…)

By biker1, 9 years ago