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dhe9 · 05-26-2004, 07:55 PM

had a 74" harley that required tightening all bolts, nuts and screws weekly. i am now finding that my 2003 bambi has a similar problem of screws and some nuts coming loose.

my question is this, is it normal for the items to work loose? to tighten them is easy but it seems strange that i would have to.

thanks,
david h

john hd · 05-26-2004, 08:10 PM

david

my '55 74 inch harley can seem to shed parts as fast as you can bolt them on!

as for your trailer, getting your wheels balanced might be a good idea.

and yes, stuff works loose in my excella too!

john

john hd · 05-26-2004, 08:21 PM

thought you might enjoy....

john

Cracker · 05-27-2004, 06:15 AM

Ahhhhh! So many toys - and so little time!

dhe9 · 05-27-2004, 07:30 AM

must be one of them "import" harleys. no oil leaks :-)

got oil in the primary? ;-)

actually on my 74 i was able to stop all leaks also but required lots of seal, gasket and torquing of things to get to that point. what a pain but i loved it. alas, got rid of it and bought my airstream.

rode for about 40 years but body is getting too old and beat up for all that abuse. too many back problems now.

david

jaco · 05-27-2004, 08:20 AM

johnHD where is that picture taken? Are you through there often?
(Am coveting that Blue Ribbon sign out front of bldg on left) Can't tell if it is iluminated type.

Anyhow is back trouble usually a bi-product of bike riding for years? Hope not.

Very handsome Harley BTW. What is the exact model and size? Is the color stock?

Rog0525 · 05-27-2004, 09:01 AM

Nice bike john hd, and nice anti-theft device in background.

john hd · 05-27-2004, 06:48 PM

david

no oil in primary! just a chain oiler, runs dry by design. all it has for primary drive lubrication is a chain oiler that is controlled by a set screw on the oil pump. kinda like a chainsaw!

that's right folks! a harley that was ment to leak oil by design!

if it doesn't leave a "spot" when i park it something is wrong!

jaco,

the pic was taken last may in dane wisconsin, i get through there every once in a while. beer signs like that are quite common. the really cool ones are the neon ones from the 30's with porclean metal. kinda look like a theater marquee, usually suspended out front of the tavern by chains. read big bucks!

as for my bike, it is a 1955 fl model. foot shift, 4 speed, 74 cubic inches. i still run 6 volt electrics on it just 'cuz i can! mostly restored, looking for a couple of doodads to complete it. any one got a one year only front fender badge? last swap meet i was at they are running around $1500.00!!

and you guys think airstreams are expensive!

anyway, it runs like a top, and can putt along with the new ones no problem! the color is stock, called "pepper red" kinda looks like chevy engine orange. i have seen 4 original bikes this color and it is an exact match.

yes they are hard on the back because rear suspention on big twins was not standard until 1958!

john

overlander63 · 05-27-2004, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john hd

yes they are hard on the back because rear suspention on big twins was not standard until 1958!john

That would be why they are called Hardtails?
Terry

john hd · 05-27-2004, 08:42 PM

terry,

correct!

john

dhe9 · 05-27-2004, 10:00 PM

john hd,

saw a similar pan in san francisco about 10 years ago for sale in a harley clothing store down by the warf. now get this, they wanted 30k for it!!

maybe they wanted to buy an airstream and needed money ;-)

john hd · 05-28-2004, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rog0525

Nice bike john hd, and nice anti-theft device in background.

rog,

an armed population is a polite population!

crime rate around here is pretty low!

john

Rog0525 · 07-02-2004, 10:52 AM

A Harley coloring book for us kids!

Note to self: Must get a life.

Porky Pig · 07-02-2004, 05:46 PM

Although my riding days are possibly over .. and I'm a BMW fan ... I've always lusted after a 56 KHK. Several years ago I passed up an opportunity to buy one of these rare HDs.

MikeL · 07-09-2004, 03:10 PM

Having retired from the motorcycle industry, <harley davidson tech>, I can't help responding to this thread. I see a very similar situation here when comparing HD's and AS. In 1969-70 when AMF purchased HD they we not satisfied with the production numbers and stepped it up. Can't remember the numbers but it was well beyond the number that could be produced and still retain quality. You probably know where I'm going with this by now. After reading about the purchase by Thor and the way AS workers are now paid based on production numbers I now understand why the new AS I purchased was in the condition it was delivered in. Component wise it is ok but the assembly is HORRIBLE I mean HORRIBLE. Half the inside components, dinnett, moniter system, bath door window trim , book racks are install crooked nothing is level or plumb. screws were falling out or missing , refrg. door hindge pins unscrewed and the door nearly fell off. Time or space won't permit telling it all. This vehicle reminds me so much of the HD's I described in that in spite of all this I really like it, but I feel very dissapointed. After taking with customer service they said they would be more than happy to take care of any and all the problems but my dissapointment isn't that they wouldn't take care of them but that they would have so little concern for me a customer who will probably buy another AS some day in spite of this. It just seems that loyality only goes one way as for as they are concerned !