Helped Ian Get His Brakes Workin'

Larry and Ashley went out of town this weekend so the shop was closed. That didn't stop the chopper fun from happening though. I talked to Ian and found out that he was over at Bama-Billy's house trying to finish up the caliper change on his XL. Bill was out of town and sometimes you need an extra hand so I headed on over there to help out. Ian's caliper was leaking and acting up so they had drilled it out and put an insert in it to make the threads seal. Unfortunately it didn't work that well so a new caliper was sourced from the usual place. Saturday while Ian was putting it all together it was discovered that the threads in the new caliper didn't match with the threads on the stoplight pressure switch that doubled as the banjo bolt as well. I told Ian about the stock brake light switch set up on my softail and it was decided that a similar set up would work better on his bike as well. So off we went to the HD dealer to get a banjo bolt and order the new pressure switch adapter.

Ian trying to make it work.

My favorite parts guy, Jeremy at Heart of Dixie HD. I used to work here and I know Jeremy will take care of me. He's the kind of guy that doesn't know everything, but he actually cares about getting you what you need. If he doesn't know he will tell you and then go try to find someone who does know so that you can get what you need and get back at it. If you need something go see Jeremy and tell him I sent ya.

Got the new banjo bolt and got back to work. It took a while because the rear pad decided to screw with us, but we finally got it to fit back together and got the caliper bled. Once the new parts come in the new line and the pressure switch set up will get worked into the system. In the meantime we know the new caliper works and Ian can ride a little if he needs to.

Pulling it out for the test ride.

Ian's XL in all it's Chopper Glory!

Kick that damn thing to life!

And a successful test ride ensued with Ian knowing he has a better brake now than he had before. There is not many more parts that can need attention after all the work he's done so maybe soon this bike will decide to just go for a while and not want so much attention.

Remember! Ride It Like You Know How To Fix It!!!!

Big Pink's Not Pink Sporty!

Ian has this weird love of the color pink. I don't understand it, but I guess if his Wife can deal with it so can I ;-) A while back Ian bought this Sporty off of ebay and was happy with it. Then he decided to actually ride it on a road trip or two and suddenly the love affair was on the rocks! With the help of a few friends and some cool new parts I am happy to report that the relationship has now stabilized. It seems that the earlier version of the bike was a bunch of flashy eye catching distractions to keep you from seeing the issues this beast had. Now that a new and MUCH better gas tank has been mounted, the rear fender has been painted to match, a new headlight has been added and most importantly the transmission and carb problems have been addressed she's like a new woman. I look forward to many miles of shared roads with this beast. Wish you could make it to the Bash Ian, but I understand.

Everyone knows about my fetish for upswept pipes, the only thing better are upswept fishtails.

Ian did all the leatherwork on this bike. He's new to the leather game, but is catching on REALLY quick. He's even had a paying customer for some of his work.

That Super Glide style tank just sets off the natural lines of this bike. The old tank distracted you, this on invites you in.

Lean, mean and very clean.......until you get 5 miles down the road. It IS an ironhead so you know there will be some oil slinging somewhere.

Good view if the saddlebag Ian made.

Nice new air cleaner, one day I'll talk him into chopping that cam cover.

The seat with Ian's work for all to see.

Posts will be kinda slow for the next week as I get ready to head out to the Bastard Bash. Stay tuned!