Month: August 2018

Here’s a cool video my buddy Dan made as he followed me in one of my training rides. https://youtu.be/pwocvEqkmCk

Took the machine on a last ride before the Cannonball event. A nice relaxing ride. Loading up in two days.

Well once again I am working on the EX. I have come to terms I may never be truly “ready”. But right now I can honestly say I’m ready. I had to laugh tonight as I injected oil into the crankcases and tightened the special made plug. One final snug and it spun; assumed case stripped. However the plug fell to the ground and here is what I saw:

I laughed out loud! With a little finesse I was able to walk the threaded part out.

I installed the original 107 year old plug back in.

Finished the belt and chain tension, ensuring proper wheel adjustment.

Next to move on the luggage rack from a fat tire bicycle. Fitted up nicely with some slight bending to clear the belt sprocket.

Hose clamp installation kit extra!

Finally ended the night with a perfect oil venting system. Routed the crankcase vent from the original “through the frame” routing to external. Also used a “collection can” to make sure no raw oil was exiting the system. Worked out perfect.

Ain’t pretty but extremely functional.

As I reflect at the past two years resurrecting this machine from a 65 year hibernation, I couldn’t be happier. The support I have received has me speechless. The help from experts in this field leaves me humbled. The understanding from my wife is a miracle. So as the days are getting closer, and we will be loading up soon, I have to say I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. This Cannonball has me hooked. As Cole stated, “The drug called the Cannonball” has me addicted. No cure.

I’ll leave you with this final video of a race ready 1911 Excelsior Model 4K, battery ignition, total loss oil and total loss electrical, 30.5 cubic inch, 4 horsepower engine.

And a few images.

Good night. Another day tomorrow.

Today was spent getting trailer ready with workbench (thanks Andy for the help!), lighting, and assorted hooks.

Tomorrow install luggage rack and brake lights.

I have 471 miles on the bike and am done riding until the event. We have proved the oiling and electrical systems.

Event tires to be installed this week. All good!

I want to take a moment to thank some of the folks that are making this effort possible. I thank you so very much for your financial support.

Susan Piontek

Deluxe H-D Restorations https://deluxehdrestorations.com/

Harley-Davidson Sport Center https://www.hdduluth.com/

Harley-Davidson Breitenfelde http://www.hdbreitenfelde.de/index2.htm

Greg Allen Insurance http://www.gregalleninsurance.com/

Nick’s Anvil Inn and patrons chipping in the Cannonball jar

The Klein Collection Texas

Robert Galvin

Phil & Hauck

Frank & Joan West

The Hinderholtz family

Larry & Kris Chester

Tom Weatherston

The HOH breakfast club

Wasted Space Riders Club

T-shirt and pennant buyers

I’m sure I have forgot some, and will review my notes to make sure I thank everyone.

20 days to go!

Another ride tonight.

Dialing in oil consumption. We have had an over-oiling situation. After many inspections and testing we are dialing in the proper amount of drip. After tonight’s ride I am dripping in 0.057 ounces per mile. Still too high in my opinion. So we are on track to adjust appropriately.

My weep hole “filter”

Is working!

150 mile ride planned for Saturday. Slow and steady.

22 days!!!!

This project has seriously become my second “job”. I’m spending four to six hours every day after my real job preparing. Learning every day. I love it! Spent time tonight diagnosing over-oiling situation. This oil fitting going into the right side case was not properly sealing. There is a check ball and spring inside that needs to seal as the crankcase has pressure. It was not. I was able to work it over and seal it.

Next was to install the proper gasket under the left side ball valve. There was not one there which may be the reason we had some oil seep.

While the front pulley was off I replaced the lagging.

And installed new belt.

So…I feel pretty good right now with the progress. The pressure is mounting; albeit a good pressure.

Next is lighting. Need to install a brake light. Hmm.

Slow and steady!

A great day 145 miles! This duplicates stage 1 next month. Bike ran flawless. More riding tomorrow.

Went for a ride today. 77 miles one way. Stopped at Brent’s house for a look over and monitor oil drip.

66 miles in stopped for gas. Used 0.93 gallons so I know I will have over 100 mile range.

Now heading home and will put on another 80 miles.

A huge milestone day!!

Another flawless ride last night. Bike loves 38 MPh. Interesting to drive with a lot of control in the timing grip; as much as throttle grip. Here is a chart from my ride yesterday.

I also installed a air horn at bottom of carb. I’ll try this tonight when I go on another ride.

29 days to go! We are getting ready.