“I have been exploring the possibility of putting on another Cannonball event in 2014. Although no route has been chosen, it would be coast to coast.” Isam wrote on Facebook. “Allowing motorcycles built in 1936 and earlier. The entry fee would be $2500.”

He further wrote “In order to pull it off I would need at least 60 riders willing to commit to the event before we can move forward. I currently have about 20 riders who have committed to the run. If you or anyone you know wants in please contact me and I’ll put you on the list.”

The first Motorcycle Cannonball (in 2010) was limited to 1915 and older motorcycles. The ride went from Kitty Hawk, NC to Santa Monica, CA.

The second Motorcycle Cannonball was held in 2012 for 1929 and older motorcycles. It went from Newburgh, NY to San Francisco, CA.

By allowing motorcycles made up to and in 1936 in the 2014 Motorcycle Cannonball, Lonnie would be allowing all Harley VLs, including the 80-inch Harley VLH, some of which were offered with 4-speed transmissions. It would also allow rare and valuable first year 1936 EL Knuckleheads. Of course, the newer the motorcycle ridden, the lower it will score on similar results to older models – if the score is important to the rider.

For more information check out www.MotorcycleCannonball.com.

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This project started in 2010, when I visited the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC. The Motorcycle Cannonball Run cross country race, for pre-1916 bikes, stopped there. The visit allowed me to check out both the W.T.T. collection and the Cannonball entrants. The collection at Wheels Through Time is one of the finest collections of early motorcycles and memorabilia in the country.  It’s a must visit for any motorcycle enthusiast: http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/ .

While examining their collection, I came across a very rare early racer. The bike in question is a 1921 Harley Davidson SCA (Single Cylinder Alcohol) serial #1 racer. Looking at this old racer, in as raced condition, most would ignore it in favor of the bright and shiny restored bikes. These rusty relics are often worth way more than the bright and shiny restored bikes. As they say, it’s only original once!

1921 Harley Davidson SCA Factory Racer #1 from the Wheels Through Time Collection

In the early 1920′s, the engine displacement for short tracks was reduced from 61ci (1000cc) to 30.5ci (500cc), in the interest of safety. As a result of the displacement change, the folks at the Harley-Davidson factory race shop looked around for a way to build a competitive 30.5ci single cylinder race motor. They realized they could remove one cylinder, piston, and rod from their existing 61ci V twin pocket valve race motor and get the 30.5 ci. single cylinder engine they needed.

The pocket valve engines are also referred to as I.O.E. (intake over exhaust) engines having an overhead intake valve and a flat head style exhaust valve below it. This design allowed the intake valve to be quickly changed if a problem arose, which often happened with a one piece cast iron cylinder and head.

1921 SCA #1 Blanked Off Twin Racing Engine from the Wheels Through Time Collection

As I examined the motor on the SCA racer, I realized it was not all that dissimilar to the 1921 Harley-Davidson Model J engine that was on my workbench at home. I decided it would be cool to try and build a replica racer that folks could see, hear, and touch. Building an exact copy was not in the cards. Harley-Davidson factory racing engines in this period used special early narrow engine cases bearing racing serial numbers. If you could find a set of cases, or any of the ultra rare internal bits that made them so fast, the cost would be too high for my budget. Fortunately, the basic engine layout is very similar to the Model J production motor.

My 1921 Harley Model J V Twin Engine Before Conversion to a Blanked Off Single

When you do a project like this, there is a steep learning curve. First off, the oldest Harley motor I had worked on previously was from the mid 1950s. The engines from the early 1920s, are a very different animal. When I got back to my shop, I tore into my 1921 V twin motor and found the internals were in pretty good shape, considering it’s 90 years old. The one thing that was missing, were the piston rings. This engine was on display in a museum for many years, and the rings were probably removed to keep the cast iron cylinder and piston from rusting together. These early cast iron rings are rare and hard to find. I managed to pick up a junk 1918 Model J motor that just happened to have a good usable piston and rings that would work in my cylinder. Problem solved, or so I thought.

Turned out the piston used a later larger diameter wrist pin, which would require a shift to a later model drilled rod. These rods are slightly longer than the early rods, but that didn’t present a problem. It does raise the compression slightly, by pushing the piston father up the bore, but the engine stroke remains the same. I had a set of these rods stashed away. The crankshaft would have to be disassembled, rebuilt for a single, and then rebalanced.

I contacted my friend Jim Haubert, who worked for the Harley-Davidson factory, and asked him to modify my crankshaft. We decided to use the rear forked connecting rod, and the race from the front rod, to contain the center roller bearings in the big end. When Jim got the replacement rod, he realized the pressed in big end bearing races needed to be replaced. He didn’t have a fixture to safely replace the bearing races.

Front Cylinder Mock up

The rod was shipped to Steve McPhillips at Moroney’s Harley-Davidson in New York. Steve builds XR-750 race engines for many of the top dirt track racers, so it took a while for him to get to my rod. While the crankshaft parts were touring the country, I started mocking up the empty engine cases in my frame. These blanked off motors were built using either a front or rear cylinder, depending on the rider’s preference. I mocked it up both ways, but since the rear cylinder had a nice wrist pin gouge in the bore, I settled on the front cylinder set up.

Modified Generator/Timer Case

The next problem was the carburetor. I originally used a modified V twin intake, which had the carburetor come out on the right side of the engine. The original Model J  twin cylinder engine used a one inch bore Schebler carburetor. After the initial runs, I realized it needed to be changed to a smaller 3/4″ bore Schebler. I found a guy, who had one, and we worked a trade.

The motor ran better with the smaller carburetor, but still had some problems running properly at full throttle. It was then I realized I had an intake air leak, where the carburetor intake attaches to the cylinder head. This is a common problem and it took a little effort to fix. I turned a straight aluminum intake, and rubber mounted it to the cylinder. This is not period correct, but it allows the motor to run well at all throttle setting.

Part 2 will be shared (with the author’s permission) in a week.

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Buzz Kanter and my 1929 Harley JDH at the end of the 2012 Motorcycle Cannonball at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

After riding it more than 4,000 miles across the US, from New York to California, we pushed it into the truck and hauled it home. Other than my occasional battery charge I had pretty much ignored this terrific old bike.

I have been honored to be named co-Grand Marshall (along with my good friend Dale Walksler) of this year’s Riding Into History event in St. Augustine, FL. The promoters asked if I could help encourage more Motorcycle Cannonball riders from 2010 and 2012 to bring their bikes to this event for display.

May 2013 Kickstart Classic logo. The event is sponsored by American Iron Magazine, RoadBike, Spectro Oils, & Geico Insurance.

So I arranged for the next Kickstart Classic ride to end in St. Augustine, FL the day before the Riding Into History event kicks off. After studying the map, we decided on a 2-day ride  stopping as the guests of the local Harley-Davidson dealers in Charleston, SC, Savannah and Brunswick, GA and then on to Jacksonville, FL. We then ride to the Riding Into History location in St. Augustine, FL.

We got the word out that all Motorcycle Cannonball riders who rode their actual Cannonball bikes register for the KIckstart Classic ride and the show for free. More than a half-dozen signed up, including me with my 1929 Harley. Less than two weeks before the ride I figured it was time to roll up my sleeves and get the bike ready for upcoming events.

Final check and adjustment on 1929 Harley JDH Two Cam after taking it out of an 8 month hibernation.

I pulled the bike out into the sunshine and sprayed it from top to bottom with a degreaser. Then I hosed it down and did it again. After drying it off I spent the next few hours going over the bike looking for loose or missing hardware, and there was plenty. The gas in the tanks smelled worse than anything I can remember in a fuel tank. I drained it and added fresh gas.

Then, more than 8 months since the last time I had started this bike, I went through the usual starting procedure. Ignition off, gas on, full choke, fully retarded I gave it three prime kicks. Then slight choke, fully advanced and a little throttle I flicked on the ignition switch, took a moment to think it through and the motorcycle roared to life on the very first kick. It wasn’t long before it was back to its wonderful lumpy slow idle. I was blown away.

I topped off the transmission case, which always leaked on the Motorcycle Cannonball, and had not gotten any better in hibernation, checked the chains and tire pressure and took off for a short ride around the neighborhood. The clutch needed a little attention, but not much. I rode less than a mile and back home satisfied with the running condition of the bike.

Nice and clean classic Harley engine and transmission after my degreasing. No that kicker pedal is not stock – but is worked when the original exploded halfway across the US in Iowa.

A few days later I pulled the bike out again and did a quick clean and wax of the painted tins with one of those spray on wax deals. I topped off the transmission again, and fired it up. On the rear stand I slide the bike into first gear and let the rear wheel spin as I sprayed the drive chain. Then, back into neutral while I put on my riding gear and went off for a nice 10 mile lunch ride.

Two days from today my 1929 Harley will be trucked down to Charleston for the start of the next all-brands Kickstart Classic ride. All indications are the bike is ready. Sure hope I am.

The next scheduled Kickstart Classic ride will be in New England starting September 26 at Moroney’s Harley-Davidson in Newburgh, NY. For more info visit www.aimag.com.

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The parking lot at Wheels Through Time before the KIckstart Classic vintage motorcycle ride.

The first Kickstart Classic was started by me (Buzz Kanter) and my friend Dale Walksler of Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley.

Stickers for the first Motorcycle Kickstart Classic ride in 2011.

It was a way to get some friends together to enjoy a couple of days of vintage motorcycle riding from Wheels Through Time down to the Barber Museum outside Birmingham, AL in 2011. I rode my 1936 Harley EL, first year Knucklehead.

A mountain top stop on the first Kickstart Classic vintage motorcycle ride.

We rode through some amazing twisty mountain roads outside of Maggie Valley and stopped every once in a while to check the bikes and socialize with other classic motorcycle enthusiasts along the way.

This first ride was so popular with the 40 riders they were asking about the when the next one would be before we finished the first one.

The start of the second Kickstart Classic motorcycle ride in 2012. Sponsored by American Iron Magazine and BAKER Drivetrain.

The second ride also started at Wheels Through Time and, sponsored by BAKER Drivetrain, it grew to about 70 riders. We rode from Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, NC to the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) national motorcycle meet in Denton, NC.

The shiny red dual-carb 1949 Harley Panhead bobber I rode on the second Kickstart Classic. Notice the 2 Linkert carbs, suicide clutch and white knob jockey shifter?

I rode my shiny red dual-carb 1949 Harley Panhead hot rod.

The next Kickstart Classic is scheduled for May 15 & 16, 2013 from Charleston, SC to St. Augustine, FL. We pull into St. Augustine the day before the Riding Into History classic motorcycle show and charity fundraiser. Once again, this ride will be lead by Dale Walksler and me, and we are both honored to be the Grand Marshals of the Riding Into History event.

This May 2013 ride, sponsored by Spectro Oils, GEICO Insurance and American Iron  Magazine, will likely have more older bikes than usual as we have invited all past Motorcycle Cannonball riders to join us on their actual Cannonball bikes. The 2010 ride was limited to 1915 and earlier motorcycles, and the 2012 ride allowed up to 1929 motorcycles.

Oil leak, what oil leak under my 1929 Harley JDH Motorcycle Cannonball bike? The Team American Iron Magazine Motorcycle Cannonball Support Staff T-Shirts are sold at www.greaserag.com.

There is a special Motorcycle Cannonball display area at this year’s Riding Into History event. I plan to ride my 1929 Harley JDH “Two Cam” that I rode 4,0o0 miles across the US on the 2012 Motorcycle Cannonball.

For those who can’t make it to the May North Carolina/Georgia, Florida ride, we have just announced a second 2013 Kickstart Classic ride in the New England area September 27 and 28 starting in Newburgh, NY and ending outside Concord, NH in time to be part of the fun Pewter Run for antique motorcycles.

This September 2013 Kickstart Classic is sponsored by American Iron Magazine, BAKER Drivetrain, GEICO Insurance, Spectro OIls and RoadBike magazine. Registration information and details will be posted on www.aimag.com in June 2013.

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Dual-carb Harley Knucklehead drag race motorcycle

No front fender, dual carbs (possibly British Amals), low bars, open primary, bobbed rear fender and where is the stock oil tank?

Also, check out the radical placement of the footpeg and clutch activator way back by the rear axle.

What else do you see that can add to our understanding of this bike?

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My “Crustoration” 1948 Harley Panhead as featured in in a step by step project build the pages of American Iron Magazine many years ago.

So just for fun, I thought I’d share some photos of dirty 1948 Harley Panheads – the first year Pan and last year production big twin vintage Harley with a springer front end. The Harley factory did offer a few 1949 Harley Panheads with springers, but they are quite rare.

The other side of my “crustoration” 1948 Harley Panhead after we found and added some crusty old saddlebags. I took this photo in Milwaukee at Harley’s 105th anniversary in 2008

A dirty and crusty classic Harley is one thing, but how about a rusty one? And they don’t come much more rusty than Dave Monahan’s Panhead I photographed and also featured in the pages (and on the cover) of American Iron Magazine a couple of years ago.

Dave Monahan’s rusty classic 1948 Harley Panhead

In spite of how it looks, Dave’s bike, which he totally rebuilt mechanically, starts up easily and runs like new. He likes to bring it to bike events, park it and walk away to listen to the comments.

Dave Monahan riding his rusty 1948 Panhead

Harley-Davidson sold Panheads from 1948 through 1965. In 1948 Harley produced 198 ES Panheads, 4,321 ELs, 334 FSs and 8,071 FLs. The E-series Panheads (61 cubic inch) retailed for $635, and the F-series (74 cubic inch) retailed for $650.

Wrench This ™ Panhead t-shirt sold at www.greaserag.com

If you like Panheads, here is a pretty cool t-shirt design from Wrench This ™ sold at www.greaserag.com. Click on Panhead T-Shirt for more info or to purchase.

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Classic Harley 1926 JE project from Craigslist ad

I called on the ad, spoke with the seller and drove up to Rhode Island with a pocket of cash the following week. The photo above is what the bike looked like as purchased. I took that photo of this dusty almost restored old Harley twin in the seller’s driveway.

Classic 1926 Harley JE project as purchased.

It had seen a lot of work done on it a few years ago and then left to sit untouched long enough to get pretty dusty.

Rebuilt engine, but work was not finished on this 1926 Harley JE

The seller claimed the entire engine was rebuilt and ready to run many years ago. It has sat since then. It also came with a few boxes of spare parts. I trucked the bike home to clean and polish it up to see what I was dealing with here. I also oiled the top and bottom of the engine “just in case.”

Above it what it looked like after I spent a couple of hours washing, waxing and polishing the motorcycle from one end to the other. I also conditioned the leather saddle, inflated the tires and thoroughly lubed both the primary and drive chains. The correct primary cover was included with the spare parts.

There are a few other projects I need to finish before I start on this one.

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Spectro Oils and GEICO are sponsoring the Kickstart Classic May 2013 event, which is now in its third year. This ride is from Charleston, SC to St. Augustine, FL.

We’d like to remind everyone that this event is open to all make, models and years of motorcycle. Stock or custom, classic or chopper. Motorcycles with kickers ride up front and electric start only motorcycles ride in the back to pick up any parts that fall off the old ones up front.

All riders and passengers need to register for the is ride ($100 per rider or passenger gets an event t-shirt, event stickers, free meals, special hotel discounts and event support), and we are limited attendance to the first 100 to register. Registration is free to all Motorcycle Cannonball riders (but they still need to register) who ride his or her actual Cannonball bike (2010 or 2012). Click here for the registration form.

If you’d like to meet up with our group but can’t join us for the entire ride, here is a listing of our planned stops:

Tuesday, May 14. Welcome Reception and Open House at Low Country Harley-Davidson in Charleston, SC.

Wednesday, May 15. Leave from Charleston and ride to Savannah Harley-Davidson in Savannah, GA for lunch and an Open House. Then ride to Golden Isles Harley-Davidson in Brusnwick, GA for a dinner reception and Open House.

Thursday, May 16. Leave from Brunswick, GA and ride to Adamec Harley-Davidson @ Regency in Jacksonville, FL for lunch and an Open House. Then ride to St. Augustine, FL in time to enjoy the Riding Into History events over the next couple of days.

The Kickstart Classic will be lead by Buzz Kanter of American Iron Magazine, and Dale Walksler of Wheels Through Time. Dale and Buzz are also the Grand Marshals of this year’s Riding Into History.

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Buzz Kanter riding his 1915 Harley on the first Motorcycle Cannonball ion 2010.

This photo was taken at Coker Tire’s headquarters on my way riding across the US on the first Motorcycle Cannonball ride in 2010.

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The young men (and classic Harley sidecar rig) in this picture are members of the Flying Squadron, a unit of the American Red Cross in Great Britain during WWI.  Made up of more than a dozen young men, the Flying Squadron was on duty 24 hours a day and seven days a week.  Even after dark, two members of the Squadron were always on active duty with the others “on call” if a problem should arise. All Red Cross calls that were made after midnight were routed to the Squadron’s direct line.

Due to the nature of their “missions” and the times in which they occurred, the Flying Squadron was allowed to do whatever was necessary without pre-approval from higher ranking members of the Red Cross.  This led to some interesting solutions to the many problems they were faced with.  One such episode took place at the end of WWI, when London was overrun with American and British soldiers with no particular place to go or proper lodgings.

The Flying Squadron’s solution was to open up the Red Cross buildings and use them as temporary barracks once the staff had left each day. Soldiers were given food and blankets before being escorted to an office chair, desk or spot on the floor to sleep.  Then they were awaken early each morning and fed as the Flying Squadron converted the rooms back to offices.  It seems this went on for some time before the rest of the staff at the Red Cross had any idea what was going on.

Members of the Flying Squadron used a variety of vehicles to carry out their duties around London, including the Harley-Davidson motorcycle pictured above, equipped with a sidecar.  They prided themselves on being able to make it to any call within 3 minutes and you can bet that motorcycle could be heard roaring through London in the middle of the night as they rushed to help those in need.

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