1949 Panhead

So I got my dad into biking a few years ago, and since then I am proud to say that his taste has developed perfectly :)

He just imported this beautiful 1949 FL Hydra-glyde from Connecticut.

It was restored about 10 years ago, hence all the shiney bits are nice, and the colour is a bit gaudy. It also has some modern modifications - 12V electrics, auto-advance, S&S carb, etc.

I managed to kick it into life for a bit but when it cut out I couldn't manage it again - its not easy to kick over! I am so chuffed though - our first Harley Davidson, can't wait to have a ride!!!

Cheeky Video

Snapped this riding home on the bike last week. Was worried about dropping my iphone but it was well worth it.

Later that evening however, I tried to ride the bike up to my parents and it died and wouldn't start again. The battery also started to die.

So this coupled with the fact that the brake lights aren't working suggests to me that there is some electrical problem that I need to investigate.

I'm back to riding the bandit. To be continued....

The Store...

So those of you that have been reading this blog for a while will know that I sell a few things to aid fellow shed lovers!

Hmm, that sounded a bit rude, but what I mean is that if you are building a motorbike at home - you need to stock up on some Homle Valley Customs essentials!!

Take a look at my online shop - http://holmevalleycustoms.bigcartel.com/

I have recently updated it with everything that I sell - individual components, and cost effective sets.

The latest products for your perusal are my aluminium footpegs;

And the latest and best in modern fashion - the Holme Valley Customs T-Shirt!!

So have a look and see if there is anything you fancy. You want something specific/different/custom - drop me an email and I'll do my best :)

holmevalleycustoms@hotmail.co.uk

Tw@tter

So in the interest of being on point with social media - I have started a twitter account for HVC

https://twitter.com/HVCustoms

Go check it out and add me...follow me....re-tweet.... whatever..!?

Done!

BOOM!

So the last few weeks have seen me put the bike back together. Everything has been cleaned/polished/painted/chromed.

My dad has a compressor so we decided to paint it all ourselves. No problem for the black - easy and convenient. But I will never bother with colours again - its far too much hassle. You spend hours rubbing everything down, and then put a coat of paint on and it fucks up for some strange and unknown reason and you have to start all over again.

Anyways its Ancona Blue and Diamond Silver (my dad has an old Beetle so they are both 70's VW colours!) with a gold pinstripe.

I got the bike back together and took it for MOT Saturday - it passed!! So I will be riding it down to the Trip Out this weekend. Come and check it out!

Engine

*Gleam*

Back at it

Finally got some time on the XS this weekend. Moving into my house and generally living it up has kept me away from the shed - especially as its all located up at my parents place! It was good to be back  8)



So after blasting the engine, I gave it a clean with some Jizer, and then carefully hand washed it with some soap to get any crap off.



Then I left it to dry for a few days and masked it up best I could



Cracked out the BBQ paint and went at it...



I was pleased with how it went on - painted really well! I'll keep popping up this week and putting more coats on / turning the engine round to get into all the fiddly places!

Also my dad has got an paint gun and compressor so had a go with the bodywork...



OOooo!!! That's VW's "Diamond Silver". Cant wait to have it back on the road! but I doubt the painting will be finished any time soon ::)