Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012

SAY IT ISN’T SO!!

WHAT THE HECK IS THE MOTOR-COMPANY THINKING!

I was catching up on some reading today on the haps in the industry and I ran across this article…

 

Say It Ain’t True! The Motor Company Goes Electric?

Harley-Davidson-electric

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April 1, 2012 | By: Patrick Garvin

It’s finally arrived — the day old school bikers and the HD faithful have feared for decades. The Motor Company has gone electric! Somebody check hell for snow.

That’s right folks, due to a tightening noose strung up by the EPA, along with overall pressure to foist a “greener” company onto the public, The Motor Company is rolling out its first-ever electric bike. And to add insult to injury, they’re debuting this debacle at Sturgis — the mother of all motorcycle rallies.

Most of the rumblings and ruminations over the past few years have been rumors of a liquid-cooled Touring bike, but it’s looking like the research and development staff in Milwaukee has waltzed right past that notion and gone full-bore tree hugger on us with the XL-E.

Details remain sketchy, but here’s what we do know at this stage of the game: The XL-E will be powered by a Hitachi electric motor said to be capable of 100 miles per hour. The battery technology is somewhat of a closely guarded secret with boastings of longer run times than any other electric bike on the market. Currently the maximum range on most electric bike is about 100 miles, Reported claims on the XL-E cite a range in the neighborhood of 250 miles between charges.

A company rep said a major concern is that the V-twin faithful might be turned off by the lack of the patented motor noise and lack of exhaust pipes. Really? You think?

The Motor Company says it has addressed these concerns by adding a hidden subwoofer system that is tucked away in a decorative faux exhaust system that will be linked to the throttle. That way, when you roll into the throttle on the XL-E you will experience the same rumble you get from a gas-powered hog. A full accessory line is expected to follow, including luggage, windshields and interchangeable “exhaust” systems and upgradable engine noise.

Is this the future of bikes coming out of Milwaukee? One insider raised the specter of the entire lineup becoming electric or water-cooled as early as 2018. I can’t wait to throw a leg over this electric beast to see what it has to offer. Stay tuned for a full report from me after the Sturgis launch in August.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

SHOVEL HEAD FOR SALE

Rico is selling his bike. This bike has won numerous awards and..well I should let him tell you the story. Here are a few pictures.

73EX73prime73rear73Ft

4 sale

Vintage H.D.

$12,000

Titled/Registered as 1973 H.D.

: Original 1952 chassis:

Frame, Hydra glide front end, transmission, oil bag, primary covers Etc.

:1973 H.D. 80ci. Shovel head engine.

H.D. = cases, heads, cylinders, cam cover, lifter blocks, oil pump,66 rocker boxes

*All genuine & rebuilt by Rico Fodrey -Hi Bond Modified with guarantee!!

Strong Solid Reliable

QUALITY HOT ROD PARTS:

S&S flywheels, H.D. rods, Manley stainless steel valves, cast iron guides with seals, J&E forged pistons, Zippers-red shift cam, Crane lifters/pushrods,S&S super E carb

:1952 H.D. 4 speed transmission

Ratchet lid, ANDREWS close ratio gears - shafts – smooth shifting clutch gears, BARNETT Scorpion Clutch, BDL belt drive, 25 tooth sprocket, spin on oil filter -hidden behind Transmission, buttery smooth hand clutch & reverse = 1 up/3 down, shifting(4 hot ridding).

: 1952 H.D. chassis components.

Frame–all stock. Original working neck lock & keys

Hydra Glide – front end, polished legs/drum break, 2” under tubes, 1949 only Domed fork tube caps, 18” vintage Dunlap rim/star hub wheel.

Oil Bag & Primary cvrs. – Foot shift assembly linkage etc.

: Tech sheet –

ORIGINAL BATES SEAT –hidden mount & black springs as true to era.

Custom stainless steel oil lines,

16’ /3.5 rear flanged hub wheel - 10’ Performance Machine stainless steel rotor & 4 puck brake caliper, Chrome 49 tooth sprocket.

1958 foot break & MC – customized pedal =shortened & leaned Fwd.

Foot pegs custom mounted 3’ lower & 8’ back from standard = Lt. is behind kickstand mount, Rt. On brake pedal pivot shaft = Strong & Solid enough to stand on while riding.

Custom made Exhaust pipes – slit vintage dragster turn out/up tips.

Custom made Vintage style curvy solid fender & 3/8 stainless tube fender struts.

1972-3 FXE’s only. 4 Gal. gas tanks = more fuel & are early shapely looking unlike others – 1946 cat eye dash, repro. 1952 Speedo.

Custom made Alum. Side mount license plate with 1947 Indian taillight.

Foot controls, mounts, linkage etc. powder coat black = disappear/blend into chassis.

Vintage, stainless steel, 5 ½’ teardrop headlight.

Custom vintage style stainless steel 1 piece tapered Handle bar riser & Hi Bond stainless steel 10’ narrow Vista Bars.

50s H.D.Alum. Clutch/brake levers & customized 50s auto “swan” mirror.

Rare smooth/tapered throttle housing.

50s/60s - Heillings & Stelling. Hot rod, 4 ½ Louvered air cleaner.

#2 Hi Bond, Popsicle kicks pedal.

Black Paint, clear coated then - old stylized pinstripes BY 50+ yr. legend DAVE WHITTLE.

Sure to be many stories behind the build, those are best told by Rico himself.