Reaming new Harley VL pinion side race to fit pinion shaft

[Buster]

Steve Solcombe book says to ream inner flywheel side of bushing to 0.0045" and outer cam side of bushing to 0.002". I know the special reamer is difficult to obtain. I have new pinion shaft and new bushing. Can I ream this pinion bushing straight thru at 0.002" or will this create a problem. If not what dimension should I use. Just curious, what is reason for original much wider clearance at inner side of bushing. Thanks!

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Buster, yes that was the original Harley spec using their special tapered reamer. I'm guessing it was something to do with the lubrication system, or to allow for the flywheel assembly flexing slightly in operation. Today we usually have to straight bore it and I've estimated two to three thousandths clearance will do the job. So far so good.