There was a machinist near me that profiled cams and did lots of prototype work on those for the HD factory . I learned a lot watching him , he was a man of few words . Watch him if you wanted to learn , but be quiet . I was in the shop , cutting valve seats on a Shovelhead , I owned . He had a huge sign “ Do Not Enter wearing Colors “ . I local dude rolls in on a hot , big cube Panhead . He comes in wearing colors and screaming “ I can’t start this MFer , you built without push starting it . “ Bob very easily layed down his project , proceeds to pickup a hammer and goes out to the old pan . Tells the guy “ out of the shop with colors or I’ll destroy this in front of you ! I don’t go to your living room uninvited , you respect me !” I’m 18 years old think this can’t end well . The guy comes out to the bike . Bob says try to start it . Dude retards it, climbs on the pedal it will not budge ! I’m like WTH ! He asks me you want to try , I get on it and can’t budge it either . He starts in on Bob . Bob says “ hey I don’t care if you have to push it , I built what you ask for a Bad Ass Pan . Get the hell out of here , NOW ! “ Bob, returns to his project . Get to lookin at the Pan , it had at lease a 3/8 plate stroke between the case and jugs . I have no idea how many cubes it was but it was huge . Really funny stuff the ignition was twist 2 wires together where the ignition switch was supposed to be ! He twisted the wires , starts rolling it jumps on and jumps the clutch , it rattled to life . Sounded like a pro stocker , off he went . Bob Hoe was the machinist name . He was a famous Harley engine and chassis builder years ago .
All you really need to do is get a steel plate to replace the sole of your left foot and learn how to ride sideways.
I'd go look at the newer Triumphs if you could get a kit to make em shift on the right side. All old British bikes and Ironhead Sportsters here, left side shift slows my brain too much.
^^^Funny, I had to look at my feet to think about that. I'm so used to shifting with my left, it would probably confuse me to change it. Like switching to a GP shifter after going regular for years. Mines a 2019 Thruxton R that I've modified a bit from stock. Painted it this color to see if I would like it enough to paint my 52 Chevy (OEM Spring Green). Suspension is all factory. All I've done to the engine is a cat delete, shorty pipes and a tune. The 4 is because its the 4th bike I've 'built'. The blue one belongs to my brother and its an 13(?) Bonnie. Added the fairing and paint as well.
I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same. Showa? One day I'll upgrade them, unless I get another bike.
The Jalopy Journal
