Messages

Kip:
I sent a message to your e-mail account.
  Bill

Kip:  If this is the 20" brake rod, then I have one - NOS.
  Bill Ryburn

Brian:
Give me a call. I have a couple of possible solutions to your parking/parking pass concerns.
Bill

Hi Cal: My mistake. The tire I was referring to is in fact the HF 335 in 4.10 X 18, not the HF 355.
   Bill

I have found the Duro HF355 in 4.10 X 18 to be superior to the Chin Sheng in appearance and performance. Absolutely no clearance problems on the Steeltanker chain guard. They are also easy to find.
  Bill Ryburn
  V1893

Brian is correct. The 4.05" maximum width Duro does not rub the chainguard on my late '69 Steeltanker (V1893.) I just measured the distant from the chainguard to the opposing swingarm tube, at the point of the widest part of the tire, and the width is 5".
With the Duro I have about 1/2" clearance on each side, and I had a little more when I was running the CS.
My Steeltanker is running the original Radelli rim and has never been re-spoked. Also has the original chainguard.
Could you possibly have a re-spoked rim that is offset to the right? Or have incorrect spacers at the hub? Do the sprockets align correctly? How much clearance doyou have on the opposite side from the chainguard?
The CS should fit, so something isn't right.
Bill Ryburn

Since you have not stated whether you have a Six Day Steeltanker or Six Day CMF, the tire answer can be different for each of these models. The Steeltanker has fewer choices.
Several of us have numerous times stated that the Duro H335 is an excellent choice for a rear tire. It fits the short swingarm on Steeltankers very well.
I have used both Cheng Shin and Duros and find the Duro far superior for my riding in both Cross Country and MX events on my Steeltanker.
The CMFs Pentons have a longer swingarm and can take a wider and higher profile tire, but I am not sure why you want anything bigger on a 125cc.
Also, Duros are much easier to find than Cheng Shins.
  Bill Ryburn
  V1893

Also, check to see that the copper washer on the lower case screw is not flattened or missing. This is the only case screw with this washer and it is frequently overlooked.
Not sure is this is required for all Sach engines, but is for a 5A.
Bill Ryburn

For a Steel Tanker, the Duro HF335 in a 4.10 X 18 is an excellent fit and easily clears the chain guard.  I have not found a 100/100 X 18 that clears the chainguard, but if you are prepping a show bike, this would be OK.
If you are going to ride, my experience with both the Duro HF335 and with the Cheng Shin C755 is that the Duro provides superior traction, hooks up well in most conditions and has a far superior profile.
I will not go back to a Cheng Shin even if I could find one.
Bill Ryburn

Hi Tim:
I will be attending the AHRMA cross country event in Bonnieville, Kentucky on June 28-29. If anyone can get the bike down there from Detroit, I can bring it the rest of the way.

Bill Ryburn

With the number V3168 (1970's started at about V1900) and missing the triangular gussets on the rear engine mount/frame (which were a distintive feature of the 1971 models), I would think this is a mid to late 1970 model Steel Tanker.

There is a Steel Tank Berkshire listed for sale on bradsbikes.com
Bradsbikes is located in Marietta, Georgia.

Bill Ryburn

John-thanks for checking on the bushings.
Dave- thanks for the link on e-bay. Apparently these won't fit.  The seller ask for the dimensions, and I had to give him an approximation as I have not removed the bushings yet and don't want to until I have sourced some replacements.
Does anyone out there know the dimensions of these swing arm bushings (Penton part # 4-36.000)
My approximtion is:  40 mm length, about 22 mm O.D. and 10 mm I.D.
If someone has an old steeltank swingarm and could measure the O.D for these bushings, this would go a long way in helping me find a replacement.
Bill Ryburn

The Penda rider at the Two Day Qualifer in New Blaine, AR was Chris Jetton.  He had just recently purchased the bike from Mike Parker. The bike ran well.

Bill Ryburn

Good comments. The 90 minute or 2 hour format was just a suggestion. Obviously, any change will have both supporters and critics. Just as any change will have pros and cons.
In addition to being very physically demanding for those that ride both Vintage and PV cross country on the same day, and for those of us out of shape and old, it will also present a fuel problem for some bikes.
Tim was right it that I am tired after 1 hour. However, if I were riding a longer event (and I have), I pace myself differently.  I have also been known to pull off when I was starting to make mistakes. We can all make these type of adjustments.
I am not proposing that we change the cross country format to 90 minute events, but to think about trying it once and see what the participants think.
I also have been thinking more about the European handicap system. I understand that you add the age of the rider and the bike, but how do you apply this handicap?  I think I like the idea. Our Age Class system is nothing more than a handicap system, but treats a 59 year old the same as a 50 year old. Why?  Our Age Class system also tends to promote Sportsman/Ultima class bikes. Unless I am missing something, the European handicap system, while imperfect, appears better than our Age Class system. Eliminating age classes would really redcue the number of classes we have. (This system will probably not be endorsed by those 35-40 year olds ridiing 15 year old XR200s.)
Bill Ryburn