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I couldn’t help myself! 

Pictures speak louder than words. Enjoy this video update. ​​​

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What a journey this has been. Everyone I have met has told me the linkages will be my biggest hurdle. Well I am happy to say with the help from Ken, Tim, Frank, Dan, Jeff, and Ron the bike now has functional linkages. Have a look at these videos and look at the complex arrangement of these pieces. Happy we were able to save some of the original pieces. 

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Happy to announce the bike will be “on tour” at the following bike shows:

Mama Tried http://mamatriedshow.com/

Bikes at the Brewery http://www.bikesatthebrewery.com/

Cycle Showcase http://cycleshowcasestl.com/

Come and visit! 

Well well look what I received yesterday! 

This has been a dream for me for years. Now it’s a reality. The clock is ticking to finish this project and put some practice miles on. Here’s the website for more information:

http://motorcyclecannonball.com/

Another week has gone by with a huge forward momentum! The bike has been delivered to a top secret location for a two-week vacation. During this time a lot of linkage work will be completed. Both throttle and ignition controls are operated by a series of rods and clevis that make up all the linkage. Here is the bike ready for a road trip. 

Arriving at the remote workshop we could compare a set of original linkage pieces from a different 1911 Excelsior to a completely new set for my bike. 

Quite a complicated arrangement! I am extremely lucky and grateful for true friends to make this all happen. Here is one example of an original 1911 linkage piece (on the left) and a completely new piece made by one of these guys. 

Also was able to have a look inside the ignition and cam area to discover a stamped cam gear with 1911. 

So all is moving ahead at a good pace. Stay tuned for the next update. 

Well this is coming together nicely! The rear tire and tube installed. All went smooth. There is a definite trick to installing these clinchers. After mounting tire using two tire irons, I installed new hub bearings and assembled. Running true! I am a happy camper. Now to install on frame. 

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Well the rear wheel assembly is finally ready for a rim strip, tube, and tire; lots of rubber! All bolts installed on wood pulley. Final holes drilled. 

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And a few coats of wood preservative.

Stay tuned for the rubber update! 

Spent time tonight preparing the hand grip sleeve components to be welded together. Going to make a few extras. 

Also installed handlebars on tonight! First to ensure handlebar ends have good threads. 

Starting to look like a motorcycle!