Motorcycle How-To Tech Articles

The following articles were written for the mechanically inclined person who owns or has access to a fair amount of tools, has some mechanical background, and is willing to learn new skills.

Although there are numerous ways to approach any given problem, we have found these methods to be practical, reliable, and economical, while still providing a quality outcome.

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Cylinder Boring and Honing

For the DIYer, boring motorcycle cylinders with a $200 hand-held tool will take much longer than a $5,000 shop machine can do it in. But, whether cylinder boring is done in your home garage or at a machine shop, the results will be as good as the operator.

Read: DIY Motorcycle Cylinder Boring

Read: DIY Motorcycle Cylinder Honing

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Cylinder Heads

If you need valve guides, aftermarket ones are available for most classic bikes. Worn guides are usually pressed out and new ones pressed in.

Read: Remove Valve Guides

Read: Install Valve Guides

Read: How To Lap Valves

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Repair Stripped Threads In Aluminum

There's not too many 40 year-old aluminum engine cases that don't have a stripped thread or two.

Read: Repair Stripped Threads In Aluminum

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Aluminum Polishing

Polishing aluminum engine parts can be done by hand, but a buffing wheel is much faster.

Read: How To Polish Aluminum Engine Parts

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Motorcycle Carb Rebuild

Bendix Carburetor Rebuild

Linkert DC Carburetor Rebuild

Tuning The S&S Super B

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CAUTION

If you work on your motorcycle's engine and are unsuccessful, your bike doesn't run. If you work on your motorcycle's brakes and are unsuccessful, your bike doesn't stop.

Working on brake systems is not something to be taken lightly.

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Rebuild Brake Caliper

We all know that one front caliper with one big rotor will out-brake two front calipers with two small rotors. But back in the seventies, they were the best brakes Harley had, and they sure looked cool.