Author Topic: For Vintage Sportster Geeks  (Read 2507 times)

Online Dave Swanson

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For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« on: May 15, 2022, 12:13:30 PM »
I have had a Harley 1964 XLCH torn down and packed away for almost 20 years.  It is time to get this together while I am still above ground and have most of my marbles in one place.   Many of the side jobs have been completed over the years, but the bike remains completely un-assembled, at least until the other day when I tackled building the wheels. 

Since I know there are those that have a soft spot for old HD on this forum I will occasionally post an update on my progress.  This will NOT be a build thread. 

It doesn't look like much but this is a huge milestone in this restoration!  The bike was ordered with the optional equipment Champion alloy rims, which are quite rare today.  The wheels will be shod with correct Goodyear Grasshopper replicas called Dirtman and made by Allstate.  The spokes and nipples are original HD and have been cad plated back when it only cost an arm, not an arm and a leg like today.






Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Online cliffrod

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2022, 12:24:53 PM »
Very cool, Dave. 

I don't think I have ever had any Champion rims and a quick look online didn't reveal much info..     Looks like the profile is very similar to the more common Borrani & Akront lighter weight rims vs the typical heavy profile Borrani rims commonly found on older HD.   Any markings?   Who manufactured them?
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2022, 12:32:38 PM »
Very cool, Dave. 
 Who manufactured them?

Champion   :grin:   

They are pretty much in the uber rare category today.  Not many bikes were spec'd out with them and those bikes that  were ordered with them got the hell beat out of them. 

front 43008-60, rear 43010-64
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online cliffrod

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2022, 12:44:28 PM »
I wondered whether they were a Champion product or a branded item sold by Champion.   

Do they say Champion on them anywhere, just the HD part number, ?  Are those the only profile style of Champion rims.   Pretty sure I have had (and probably still do) have some common heavy profile HD rims that only have a part number stamped on them without the "BORRANI" stamp like others do.  We always assumed they were Borrani rims that for some reason didn't have the Borrani stamp because they appeared to be identical when side by side.
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2022, 12:44:28 PM »

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2022, 12:57:41 PM »
I wondered whether they were a Champion product or a branded item sold by Champion.   

Do they say Champion on them anywhere, just the HD part number, ?  Are those the only profile style of Champion rims.   Pretty sure I have had (and probably still do) have some common heavy profile HD rims that only have a part number stamped on them without the "BORRANI" stamp like others do.  We always assumed they were Borrani rims that for some reason didn't have the Borrani stamp because they appeared to be identical when side by side.

There are no manufacturer ID stamped on the rims.  Just the HD part number stamps.   The certainly have the look of Borrani. 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline moto-uno

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2022, 01:36:49 PM »
  On my '74 XLH , they came stock with the Borrani rims . Spent way too much money making it faster , but never
ever considered changing the wheels . The usual then , Axtell barrels , S&S crank ,Sifton cams , countless clutches !
Peter

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2022, 03:17:26 PM »
I have been making constant progress.  It's in the home stretch now. 





Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline cookiemech

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2022, 03:42:34 PM »
Love seeing your work, Dave!

Offline kballowe

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2022, 03:57:17 PM »
Very nice.

We're gonna need more pictures !

 :bike-037:

Online Sykestone8886

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2022, 04:04:04 PM »
Good job Dave I always admire your work.
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Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #10 on: September 15, 2022, 06:45:09 PM »
How does that rear brake work?
MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #11 on: September 15, 2022, 06:49:07 PM »
How does that rear brake work?

Early Sportsters had the rear brake pedal on the left via a crossover shaft, and shifted on the "right" side.  Sportsters main competition were Brit bikes back then.
« Last Edit: September 15, 2022, 07:01:10 PM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #12 on: September 15, 2022, 06:50:31 PM »
Very nice.

We're gonna need more pictures !


One more step.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline kingoffleece

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #13 on: September 15, 2022, 07:01:37 PM »
I see that soon I'll need to switch my screen saver from a BEAUTIFUL red Guzzi that you built to an old Sportster, which I absolutely LOVE.
Can't wait to see it!
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Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #14 on: September 15, 2022, 10:30:49 PM »
I should know this..




I’m dense.. but is there a shoe inside the sprocket?
« Last Edit: September 15, 2022, 10:31:36 PM by fotoguzzi »
MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #15 on: September 16, 2022, 04:48:50 AM »
I should know this..




I’m dense.. but is there a shoe inside the sprocket?

The rear sprocket is riveted to the brake drum.
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline Scout63

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #16 on: September 16, 2022, 06:51:31 AM »
That is one beautiful motorcycle.  I knew that sooner or later someone would make me want a Harley. It only took 45 years Dave.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #17 on: September 16, 2022, 07:52:09 PM »
That is one beautiful motorcycle.  I knew that sooner or later someone would make me want a Harley. It only took 45 years Dave.

Ride a good one and you’ll want one in the garage, Ben….

It’s great to see the progress, Dave.  Wish I had a 900 like that.  Maybe someday.  Can’t wait to see how how nice your bike will be.  Thanks for the new pics.
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

Offline SSGG Geezer

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #18 on: September 16, 2022, 09:11:36 PM »
That is a great looking bike and it is a beautiful job restoring it. I can't wait to see it when you are finished and hopefully hear it via video when you kick it over.

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #19 on: September 25, 2022, 06:28:54 PM »
More bits hung on the XLCH this week. 

The Smiths chronometric tachometer option was 1962 to 1964 only, and seldom ordered,  which makes it exceedingly rare. 



Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline moto-uno

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #20 on: September 26, 2022, 12:18:27 AM »
  Holy crap man , are you still using the original magneto ? Or has it been brought back to as new ?
  Those kickstart Sporty's left a lot of guys with a limp :( .  Peter

Offline s1120

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #21 on: September 26, 2022, 06:35:45 AM »
Looking good!  I so like the looks of a nice older sportster. Back in that era when they were going for the "US built brit bike" idea, instead of a small big twin.
Paul B

Offline jguzzi

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #22 on: September 26, 2022, 07:03:25 AM »
What a great job!  I love your Guzzi rebuilds too. 

I also really like your workspace....show some pics of your garage/work area to inspire us amateurs please.  And thanks for sharing your work.

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #23 on: September 26, 2022, 07:22:32 AM »
  Holy crap man , are you still using the original magneto ? Or has it been brought back to as new ?
  Those kickstart Sporty's left a lot of guys with a limp :( .  Peter

Yes, I am using the original Fairbanks Morse magneto.  It has just returned from Morris Magneto after a thorough overhaul.

"Sportster Knee" was usually caused by a worn kicker ratchet which would allow the kicker to disengage, swing free, resulting in a hyper-extension. 

« Last Edit: September 26, 2022, 07:24:02 AM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #24 on: September 26, 2022, 12:22:20 PM »

I also really like your workspace....show some pics of your garage/work area to inspire us amateurs please.



Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online inditx

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #25 on: September 26, 2022, 12:32:06 PM »
Carry on sir!  :bow:
inditx

This is the day.....

Offline jguzzi

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #26 on: September 26, 2022, 12:46:38 PM »
Thank you Sir....I am duly impressed and inspired.  It is fun to see where you carry out your magic on your beautiful bikes.

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #27 on: September 30, 2022, 07:52:16 PM »
Getting very close to completion.  I have a few things to finish up on the drive side and it will be ready to start.

Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online cliffrod

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #28 on: September 30, 2022, 08:48:52 PM »
Man- that looks good, Dave.  Very, very cool.
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

Offline Canuck750

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Re: For Vintage Sportster Geeks
« Reply #29 on: September 30, 2022, 11:14:55 PM »
Stunning build Dave, as always your bikes are drop dead gorgeous.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

 

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