1954 Automatic

[Ricks]

Pete, I just ordered a pair. So cheap I figured, what the heck!

[pd]

I don't blame ya , Rick . I'd do the same .

Please , let us know how those work out .

[Sonrisers]

Do these shoes have to be modified?? or do you think they will just fit? Look the same to me.

[Ricks]

Do these shoes have to be modified?? or do you think they will just fit? Look the same to me.

I will give a report on these as soon as I get them.  They look like they should fit without modification.

[Ricks]

I tried those shoes I ordered. They just are not right. The radius of the shoe is bigger than stock, and the shoe itself is longer. I probably could get it to work on the brakes, but with the clutch, it needs the correct radius to sit on the hub properly.

Picture 1:  As delivered with springs
Picture 2:  New shoe in back, stock in front. New shoe 1/8" wider, which would have been easy to fix
Picture 3:  Sock shoe on top, new on bottom. Notice how much longer new shoe is. I belt sanded this down to close stock length
Picture 4:  New on left, stock on right
Picture 5:  New shoes on clutch. You can see here they just don't fit right. The radius is too big, and the shoe is too long.

We will call those a failed experiment! I know there are some out there that are truly a 5" radius: if I could match up a pair in person I would give this another shot. I know Bill Miller had found some, but that company is no longer around.

[Ricks]

Here is a comparison of a stock kickstand and a 2" extended one.  The extended kickstand bike sits much more upright, and looks better imo.

[pd]

Close , but no cigar on those shoes .   At least they didn't cost a ton .

Thanks for being the cavy , Rick .

So , the search continues .

 That 2" does make a noticeable difference .  I guess she was right .

[Ricks]

 That 2" does make a noticeable difference .  I guess she was right .

How did you know I was Irish?  LOL

I feel that the 54 has more power  than the 53.  I wonder if the port work I did made the difference?  I almost want to pull motor apart and try the same things on it.

[pd]

Just a lucky guess ...

What did you do to your 55 ports ?

[Ricks]

Opened up the inside of the crank, cleaned up the transition of the crank port, cleaned up the ports on the head.

[pd]

All of those steps eased the transition of fuel mix from the carb to the exhaust , not to mention the crank shaft is a bit lighter . Build an expansion chamber and you'll have a white knuckle bike .

[Ricks]

All of those steps eased the transition of fuel mix from the carb to the exhaust , not to mention the crank shaft is a bit lighter . Build an expansion chamber and you'll have a white knuckle bike .

Yeah, I bet I'm up to 4 1/2 horsepower now!

[pd]

 When are you gonna add the brake parachute mod ?

Seriously , any gain in motor performance is more than welcome .

I've been thinking about inserting a sleeve in the intake throat to maybe gain a bit better rotary valve performance .
My motor may have too much clearance there .

[Ricks]

I finally got around to taking care of a couple of things that were left on this bike.  I picked up an ignition tower and key switch from Wayne at Portland last year and hooked it up. No more ghetto wire hanging to ground out the motor.  I also installed the tail light and wired that up.  I am going to work on getting this one registered and insured, so I can ride it to town.

[kartjockey]

We should all be styling when we get to Portland!