The Lindbergh Ride, 2022

[joe fxs fxr]

Any update on Stewart?

[RichO]

Maybe when the big twin Excelsior went away in 1924 that's why the 1925 Super X Excelsior had the transmission case cast with the engine cases and had gear primary drive like the later 1928 101 Indian Scout.

[Steve Swan]

Thanks for that pic! Nice to see assemblies/mechanisms that are normally covered up. Looks like the engine sprocket is probably 15t-16t to a 40t+ clutch sprocket, so very similar tooth circle to JD, the distance between shaft centers much closer than JD, so less chain to absorb shock of every rotational engine pulsations... Wondering if there is room for an O-ring chain to give a try at least to slowing down stretch...? Also wondering if JD Cannonball fellows run into similar stretch/wear...? I know on my '27 JD rider, i now have 1,300 miles on it and after around mile 700, i have not had to adjust the primary nor secondary chain...

[jolsen]

A shot of Hans' bike with the cover off during replacement of the primary chain to complement Alex's post above. Surprising that the small sprocket didn't need replacing too. (www.johnolsenphoto.com)

R1N2 Hans AMCA.jpg

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Thanks for sharing all these details.

when reading about which items failed, and possible reasons, it starts becoming clear how the industry evolved.

r and d seems to have meant “let’s see what our customers say broke.”

[Steve Swan]

As to the primary chain, we each went through several chains during the ride. The chains are single row, just like the rear chain. Without additional helper rows, they do stretch a bit. The small diameter engine output gear, and the short running length put a lot of stress on the chain as well. Another contributor to wear is the primary design. Although we have a primary cover, it has large openings at the bottom for the clutch linkage and arm, the front generator drive belt, and at the top for the trans detent gate actuator. As a result, when we rode through the rain, there was water spraying on the primary, when we rode dirt roads, the chain picked up dirt. At each gas stop we made sure to spray chain lube on the running primary chain though the top hole. I think we did pretty well, considering. We would get between 3 to 5 days out of a primary chain. I don't think any of us replaced our rear chains!

Thanks, Alex, for your replies on lubrication and primary chains. Indeed, you, Gene and Hans have created memories that last a lifetime having made such a momentous trip which gives testimony to the Excelsior brand and you fellows' work bringing these machines back together for a 3,500 mile ride.

[bernhardt]

As to the primary chain, we each went through several chains during the ride. The chains are single row, just like the rear chain. Without additional helper rows, they do stretch a bit. The small diameter engine output gear, and the short running length put a lot of stress on the chain as well. Another contributor to wear is the primary design. Although we have a primary cover, it has large openings at the bottom for the clutch linkage and arm, the front generator drive belt, and at the top for the trans detent gate actuator. As a result, when we rode through the rain, there was water spraying on the primary, when we rode dirt roads, the chain picked up dirt. At each gas stop we made sure to spray chain lube on the running primary chain though the top hole. I think we did pretty well, considering. We would get between 3 to 5 days out of a primary chain. I don't think any of us replaced our rear chains!

[bernhardt]

I can give some info on the oil pump. It actually is a pump. It has a worm gear driven plunger, that can be adjusted for more or less flow by screwing the plunger in and out. The plunger is about the size of a pencil. At the bottom of the pump is a check valve, attached to the curling oil line. The check valve is supposed to have 2 springs and balls in it. Mine only had one ball and a weak spring and was not working well. I think that's one reason why I was over oiling on the ride.

[Steve Swan]

Steve, I believe it to be a metering device like the Super X had high on the other side and to the rear. 101 Scout had one that was similar. On the photo above that one you can make out the hand pump top next to the top frame bar next to the shift gate like Super X. Rich

Thanks Rich, for the explanation, so akin to Harley's mechanical oiler and total loss i assume. Excelsior machines had a lot of innovative designs, less than few of which i am familiar with....

i'm looking forward to Gene's return, am curious to know why primary chain wear was ongoing.

[RichO]

Steve, I believe it to be a metering device like the Super X had high on the other side and to the rear. 101 Scout had one that was similar. On the photo above that one you can make out the hand pump top next to the top frame bar next to the shift gate like Super X. Rich

[Steve Swan]

is that an actual oil pump or is it a metering device controlling gravity feed?

[jolsen]

Here's a close-up of Gene's Excelsior in Elizabethtown, KY after about one quarter of the ride and lots of rain. A mechanical feast. More views at www.johnolsenphoto.com

R1N10 Genes AMCA.jpg

[JoJo357]

Fantastic Voyage, which always leads to a great read for those who couldn't make the trip. Best wishes to Stewart. Thank You very much for sharing the memories, and re-enacting this historic Lindbergh journey.

*M.A.D.*

[jolsen]

The B&W film shots from the trip are starting to come out. Here is Hans' Excelsior in a vintage pose near Concord, WI.

R1N1 Hans shed AMCA.jpg

[frichie68]

Very good, Gene, epic ride & write-up with years of preparation!

I can only imaging the painful letdown it was for Stewart, hoping for a rapid return to "normal" for you, sir.