Its just a motor

[The Beep Goes On]

It's just a motor

If you have a good all-around mechanic, hold on to them. I've been through a few different mechanics and they seem to be more specialist than mechanic. One is good on motors, another metal work, another electronics. It is difficult to find one that knows enough about everything to be of benefit to your ride. You end up going to different people for different things. The big shops do the same; sub out the stuff they can't, won't or don't want to do.

Although it has taken a while I think I am finally at peace with the machine. As the rider you have orders of magnitude more ride time than any mechanic. You learn to pay attention to everything; the smell in the garage when you first enter (gas, oil, fried electronics?), a visual inspection concentrating on trouble spots, lights, oil, gas, battery connections, tire pressure, brakes, idle and throttle response, etc. If you pick up a service manual and read as much as possible concerning your bike's components you can make adjustments and do things that might have previously been too intimidating to attempt. Forums are good. If you invest some time you can save some money and possibly more.

To sum up, think of the bike as a woman (or man as the case may be). She is bigger than you, she is stronger than you, she is also meaner and tougher than you could ever be. You must treat her with love, devotion, attention to detail and the utmost respect. Otherwise, the relationship could come to an end. She could kill you.

 

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[spartacus53]

Re: It's just a motor

I think I almost paid for my mechanics house by now, but he is good and I'll never let him go. I have 2 older Mercedes, they are built to last, but with heavy drivings parts do need to be changed on a frequent basis. Maintaining any vehicle is of the utmost importance, you're good to her, she in turn will be good to you. Both cars are being rebuilt a little at time...

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Re: It's just a motor

I think I almost paid for my mechanics house by now, but he is good and I'll never let him go. I have 2 older Mercedes, they are built to last, but with heavy drivings parts do need to be changed on a frequent basis. Maintaining any vehicle is of the utmost importance, you're good to her, she in turn will be good to you. Both cars are being rebuilt a little at time...

Honesty in a mechanic is crucial; probably the most important. Some of these guys try to act like it's some voodoo magic or something and that it is beyond any mere mortal's skill. I've got some new parts coming ( ) and might run it down to Columbus this weekend...ride-in bike show/rodeo going on. Have never entered a bike show...might be interesting and might get to meet some new people.

 

[mainer]

Re: It's just a motor

Nice Chopper beep. Who built her?

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Re: It's just a motor

Nice Chopper beep. Who built her?

Thanks mainer Aaron Green, Paramount Custom Cycles - out of business now. S&S 113, soft-tail, custom frame and bodywork, but not a one-off. There's probably 15 or 20 running around the country, or so I've been told.

 

[mainer]

Re: It's just a motor

Have never heard of Mr. Green but he builds a he!! of a bike. Thanks for sharing, ride safe.

 

[The Beep Goes On]

Re: It's just a motor

Cool. Here's a blurb about him and other builders...

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/index.php?q=Custom_Chopper_Bike_Builders

"The last builder I spoke with is known for his unique builds and engineering concepts that continue to evolve the motorcycling industry. Although a young gun, Aaron Green is justifiably recognized for his customization skills. Aaron is the owner of Paramount Custom Cycles, which supplies limited production motorcycles to dealers nationwide, along with manufacturing frames, sheet metal, handlebars, and exhaust pipes. “I started in the industry in early '94,” he tells us. “Back then, it was cool to put a 150 tire on the back of your Harley. Custom-built bikes were few and far between, there was not the availability of parts that there is today. Magazines were the ultimate media for the bike shops to get their products out and recognized. Getting bikes in the magazines was difficult, and anyone on those printed pages was the real deal. Nowadays, parts availability is abundant and incredible parts are available for the first-time builder to assemble a motorcycle that looks professional and custom built."

“I find the term ‘Master Builder' is extremely overused throughout the industry and abroad,” says Green. “Everyone who assembles a motorcycle seems to be a Master Builder. This is not the case. The term used to be reserved for certain individuals that, over years of hard work and mastering their trade, reached a thorough understanding of all aspects of their profession. All aspects—from fabrication, to engineering, to mechanical know-how and complete fit-and-finish, right down to electrical and paint. The term is a grand statement that should be awarded only to very skilled craftsmen. Secondly, no one can self-title themselves a Master Builder. For anyone to say they are that themselves is completely out of line."

“I hope to see the term not used in the future, especially when it seems to hype a person up to be something they are not. I believe the industry will tighten up. It takes very smart business decisions to stay in this game—new ideas and new directions, always. Smarter ways of building bikes, from engine to chassis, will only increase in the years to come.”

 

[Tom Phuckery]

Paramount Custom Cycles

If you have a good all-around mechanic, hold on to them. I've been through a few different mechanics and they seem to be more specialist than mechanic. One is good on motors, another metal work, another electronics. It is difficult to find one that knows enough about everything to be of benefit to your ride. You end up going to different people for different things. The big shops do the same; sub out the stuff they can't, won't or don't want to do.

Although it has taken a while I think I am finally at peace with the machine. As the rider you have orders of magnitude more ride time than any mechanic. You learn to pay attention to everything; the smell in the garage when you first enter (gas, oil, fried electronics?), a visual inspection concentrating on trouble spots, lights, oil, gas, battery connections, tire pressure, brakes, idle and throttle response, etc. If you pick up a service manual and read as much as possible concerning your bike's components you can make adjustments and do things that might have previously been too intimidating to attempt. Forums are good. If you invest some time you can save some money and possibly more.

To sum up, think of the bike as a woman (or man as the case may be). She is bigger than you, she is stronger than you, she is also meaner and tougher than you could ever be. You must treat her with love, devotion, attention to detail and the utmost respect. Otherwise, the relationship could come to an end. She could kill you.

I was wondering if you had any issues finding parts for yours?
...or can you point me in the right direction in finding a rear brake caliper?

Thanks for your time.

 

[against the wind]

Yep,, some of these guys think they are doctors.
Depending on whether it is the computer or the exhaust, they will schedule you for brain surgeon or a colonoscopy. I guess it all depends on where they think your brains are.