OT Cannonball Run HD

[chaterlea25]

Hi All,
Just back in the house after getting the 1923 HD model F fired up for the first time after a complete engine rebuild
and 99% of the rest of the bike components repaired to boot 
I have been flat out working on it for the last few months, neglecting everything else and missing out on this fantastic weather
There are still some bits and pieces that need fettling but at least its running
It is due to be shipped to USA in the 3rd week of July for the September Cannonball event, so time is pressing 

http://motorcyclecannonball.com/riders/

John

[Butch (cb)]

Wow - I've seen coverage of that before, looks like a really good gig. Enjoy.

[Beeza]

#66. No photos though!!

[RichardL]

John,

Should I take it your's is the #66 bike and Tom is your son? [Edit: Uhh, just re-read Tom's bio.  I don't think he could be your son, being born in '44] The Cannonball Run stops pretty close to my home and the route comes within 30 miles on September 13th. Will you be along all the way? If so, would that be driving a support vehicle or riding a more modern bike? Do you know of any objection or prohibition  against "ride-behinders" going along for a few miles?

Richard L.

[chaterlea25]

Hi Richard,
Yes its the number 66 bike,
Tom is a friend and customer of mine
I will be driving a support vehicle for Tom and number 123, Charles Falco who is riding a 1928 Black Ariel (500ohv)
As far as I know "support" riders are not allowed in the main body of riders?
I have heard of riders following on on modern bikes for parts of the route though
It would be great to meet up with you over there

John

[duTch]

 Good luck with it John- I'll try and keep tabs on it, last one was harder to follow as no definite team to target...first I saw it in 2012, I picked up a bug through the blog site I was on (I think it was the Buck Carson Sloper or maybe an Aussie with a BSA as well).

 To be honest I reckon the race will be easier than trawling through the rider profiles...

[chaterlea25]

Hi All,
Finally I got some miles up on the HD today, a round trip of about 75 miles
A couple of friends calle round on their bikes and we headed off through Kinsale and its tourist traffic  and on out to the "Old Head".
After refreshments a further run along the coast to Timolegue and finally across country home
The weather is scorching here presently (for Ireland)    so needed to keep a lookout for melted road tar 
The foot clutch on the HD takes some getting used to 

John

[muskrat]

Good one John. That 1st ride out after a rebuild is always a bit nerve racking.
Looks good mate but is that front hub correct?
Cheers

[chaterlea25]

Hi Muskie,
Yes, nerve racking 
I had done about 10 miles on the country roads near my house before today's foray onto roads with traffic
Certain modifications and upgrades are allowable (and recommended) on the Cannonball
Originally the HD would have run beaded edge (clincher) tyres and had No front brake fitted 
The bike came to me with the rebuilt rear and honyamkawazuki front wheel
There are internal and external band brakes on the rear wheel, operated by a foot pedal and handlebar lever
Modern carbs are not allowed

John

[muskrat]

I'd find it hard to ride a bike with no front brake. i only use the rear for emergency or trail braking in corners.
I snapped the front cable going into stop corner at Amaroo racetrack. Threw her back another gear and went round speedway style.
Are you going over?
Cheers

[Greybeard]

Now that is a saddle!

[chaterlea25]

Hi Muskie and GB,
Yes I am booked to go with the HD's owner and drive a service van for him and number 123 on a Black Ariel4

The saddle I was told is a "Police" option, ?
Its on a sprung post with a few inches of movement, It seemed comfortable enough yesterday

John

[RichardL]

John,

Is it possible to tell if the motorcycle in this '20s photo with my dad and uncle is the same or similar model?

Richard L.

https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=2728.msg17967#msg17967

[Greybeard]

John,

Is it possible to tell if the motorcycle in this '20s photo with my dad and uncle is the same or similar model?

Richard L.

https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=2728.msg17967#msg17967

I can see the tank cutouts and a similar headlamp.

[chaterlea25]

Hi Richard
I would agree that the bike in the photo is a HD, as it seems to have carbide lights that would make it a model F (I think)
The J's had coil ignition and electric lights
You can make out the gear lever near the rider's left knee, same type forks as well
I could not hazard a guess as to what year though,

John