Peoples Champ – Motor Stuff

Here are a couple pics of where we’ve started. We’re using a 51 panhead right side case and an 82 alternator shovelhead left case. The magneto is a cheap $20 Fairbanks Morse XD from the late 70’s. I made the adapter collar and internal gear set here in the shop.

We are doing a lot here to get the motor to the next level. A generator shovelhead alone is a pretty rad motor but if we’re building a competition level bike, it’s just nowhere near enough. Polished cases, heads, carbs, cam cover, and chrome on everything else. We’re also dual-carbing the heads to run a pair of Mikuni VM36’s. The original distributor hole will be filled and machined smooth to give that area of the case an extra level of detail. We’re rebuilding the motor from the flywheels, up just to make sure the insides match the details given to the outsides. The mag was a crazy amount of work but she’s all set to go. The head work will be a little bit of machining and a whole lot of tig welding.

Both I and Charlie are taking a lot of chances with this bike. The machine work I’m doing is more than I’ve ever accomplished in the past. The frame work that Dorius has banged out was all about mashing together all the best of the different era frames. We’re pushing the limits of our skills and we’re trying to remain fearless as we steadily approach disaster. We just hope folks at home and at Born Free Show can understand and appreciate that, sink or swim – we’re trying to really give folks something interesting to look at.

Give myself (@speed_club) and Dorius (@charliedorius) a follow to see more. Thanks!

SALE ~ Vintage ’64 Vespa VNB

Vintage ’64 Vespa VNB

Body in Great Shape. Beatles Yellow New paint. Motor rebuilt from split cases up. Nothing overlooked. Everything new. Electronic ignition. Stock 125cc motor w/ newer 3 port 150cc top end. Mikuni Race carb set up. New wire harness which I already routed through out the entire body. All you need to do is reassemble and plug in the stator and reg/rectifier (also new and included) and you’re ready for spring. You name it, I’ve fixed, cleaned or replaced it. Looking for quick cash for yet another project.

Come and get it today for $1200. Easy winter resto project. Hell, I’ll even help you if you want.

Doug Armstong’s XS650 Dirt Tracker

I met Doug about a year or more ago. I picked up a titled ’73 xs650 frame and motor from him via good old eBay for the low – low price of $100. We drove from Minneapolis, all the way out to Oak Grove to make the deal. Doug rolled this monster out of his garage while we were there. Talk about one fine piece of work. 19″ front and 18″ aluminum rear off an old dirt bike. Perfectly used Wassell tank, dual Miki carbs, bates seat, and he finished it off with one of those hard-to-find bicycle style kickers. Call it a Dirt Tracker or call it a bobber, this thing was the bike that got me turned on to xs650 chops. I actually saw this bike on ebay about 6+ months ago. Wonder if anyone ever picked it up? Doug – you rock. Midwest Moto Culture. Great job. Pleasure to add to the chopper blog.