Hello everyone, I want to assemble a brand new ULH, is there any experienced seller to recommend? I want to source all the new parts I need. Thank you for helping me answer.
-
-
This is easier and more difficult than you think.
The chassis is the easy part. You can fit a U series motor in any big twin frame 1936 up. The easy way is to buy a complete chassis kit from v twin:
It won’t be authentic, but it will be new parts of fair to dubious quality/fit.
Transmission is same as ohv models
Engine is where you’ll spend time. It starts here:
You have to buy every single part, one by one, including all hardware. It’s a lot of parts and quite expensive.
Biggest challenge are connecting rods. The ones for sale with stepped pin are often .010 oversized on the big end. You can remove and replace the races with std size so to use a straight shouldered pin and t and o flywheel.
cams are also very expensive.
you can also do a full oil pump upgrade
Bruce over at enfield racing also has one set of aluminum 80” cylinders, pistons and valves. They are eye popping in price and very lovely.
be forewarned you will likely spend more building a new ulh than you will buying an authentic one. It is very expensive buying all the pieces. Keep in mind you must buy hundreds of pieces of special hardware to assemble the bike and power train. -
-
And here’s my own journey of assembling a flatty from pieces
Comment
-
I purchased a set of Andrews cams for my big twin flathead. They're not cheap either, but at least another alternative.
Eric Olson
Membership #18488Comment
-
Freeman;
I have to ask: Why not explore finding an authentic ULH?
At least be open to the idea.
In my, limited experience, you will spend less money and TIME if you can find a mostly complete bike or basket as compared to trying to piece a bike together one part at a time.
Consider your budget.
How much authentic ULH you can purchase COMPARED to what it would cost for UHL engine parts, transmission, frame, front end, wheels, sheet metal ect, ect, ect.
And Hey if you have to have a flat head; don't rule out an Indian!!!!!!!Comment
-
Many repro ULH parts are more expensive than their knucklehead or panhead equivalent (cylinders, rods, cams).
You can make the engine substantially more powerful by substituting aftermarket flywheels for originals. Shameless self-promotion: http://victorylibrary.com/80PER.htm
How original must it be? All of the U engines used the relatively small (and expensive) Linkert Model M 1-1/4" carburetor. Something more modern is cheaper and more powerful.
Do you need OEM cases with title? $$$$.
The ULH is 1937-41 only, and with aluminum heads 1940-41 only.Comment
-
Freeman, have you considered an Indian Chief? Harley-Davidson V, and U series big twins were called H-D Indians in their day. The Indian Chief is much easier, and affordable to do and they are well supported by the aftermarket industry, and knowledgeable people here on the AMCA forum. If you're into getting attention I guarantee an Indian Chief will draw more attention than any Harley-Davidson, and if you want a B-T flathead that is easy to get parts for, the Chief is (about) equal to a UL Harley.Eric Smith
AMCA #886Comment
-
I fear, Folks,..
We do not appreciate Freeman's question.
He needs to assemble a brand new vehicle, and our traditional perspectives of reconstruction are irrelevant.
But I fear suggesting Tedd as well!
....CottenLast edited by T. Cotten; 04-03-2022, 04:30 PM.AMCA #776
Dumpster Diver's Motto: Seek,... and Ye Shall Find!Comment
-
I did gather that from Freeman's initial post, Tom, and I guess his question relates to the country he lives in. Unfortunately, we know that even a reproduction copy of a H-D, B-T sidevalve is impossible to pull togehter due to some parts that will never be reproduced (i.e. motor cases). However, I mentioned the Indian Chief because I think everything is being reproduced, so making a legal copy is possible.Eric Smith
AMCA #886Comment
-
-
Cotten makes a good point.
So Freeman;
Here are a couple of links to two of my favorite suppliers of "agricultural equipment" based in the Pacific
Comment
-
BT Flathead case are available from W&W in Germany.Originally posted by exeric View PostRobbie Knight Amca #2736Comment
-
Ahhhhh Yes, the old swap meet specials, i remember those daze. Have the whole Motorcycle bought in pieces for dirt cheap and accomplished in under 3 hrs~including the beer pit stops. Just my humble opinion, but i would start with a mild chopper and work my way around that Mr. Freeman. Today, it will cost You an Arm and a Leg to throw one together piece by piece. Oh well, Oley & Wauseon are right around the corner~of the world for You, i see you reside in Beijing?
https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L50160206 -------> With a Title~ if it's legit?
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mp...462744582.html -----> Just a few hint'$, for what's it worth.
https://greenville.craigslist.org/mp...458671938.html -------> I know, it's a UL.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...454110801.html --------> Yes Yes, no 80s in 47'. Rebuilt to 8o''.
Just a little taste of what you'd be up against buying used. New, i believe almost all of the major pieces can be purchased brand new. Like Robbie say, W&W make a lot of Flatty sTuFF. Then there's the usual U.S. catalog outlets like J&P, V-Twin, Custom Chrome, that carry a limited amount of vintage spares.
https://www.wwag.com/cgi-bin/WebObje...BoCg0wQAvD_BwE ------>W&W (GERMANY).
*M.A.D.*Last edited by JoJo357; 04-04-2022, 03:17 AM.Comment
-
There are still VLs out there which are not mega-money. And a completely repro bike will surely be titled as a new vehicle? Does that mean all kinds of safety equipment and emission tests not needed on a historic motorcycle?Comment
Comment