Hard ti Kick Panhead

[billpedalino]

Bill,

It's hard to say that this misalignment is causing all the kicking issues. With that said, that is very severe misalignment shown in the photos.
The maximum allowed , while to much, is 0.030". The photo images appear as though there is all of 0.250" or more of misalignment on your primary drive system.
This will cause hard kicking but I'm also a little skeptical as it being the entire issue you are experiencing.

You mentioned frame repair. Did you happen to check crankcase to frame fitment?
If so, was it checked with the engine fully assembled or with bare crank cases?

Duke Kleman

After careful consideration and a revised out-of-line measurement of almost 0.300", I've decided to go with WASCO for the frame repair. I'm also fairly well convinced that this is the cause of the hard-kicking. I had a long conversation with Richard at WASCO and I'm assured by his knowledge, equipment, and approach. AND.. he's a very nice man! Also, given that this frame was SO bad when I received it, I've asked him to go over the entire frame and either verify all dimensions and measurements or correct them. I'll be sending it to him in early January, hoping to have the bike back together by the Spring. Fingers crossed.

[dukekleman]

Bill,

While it's a hard task to except at this point in the project, it is the right decision. I use to design and build frames, I know the work involved all to well.
I'm glad you found someone to take care of the frame service work it'll require.

Duke Kleman

[jgbrown59]

Bill,

I had Richard / WASCO fix an early 47 Bullneck frame in 2019. He had to replace the lower frame tubes from the sidecar mount to the lower seat post bracket (both sides) and fix significant cracks at the lower motor mount, plus several other issues. It came back beautiful and correct, couldn't tell anything was done to it. The motor and tranny aligned perfectly. I also sent him a late 48 Pan frame in early 2021 that needed the left side of the front motor mount repaired, another great job. I agree, Richard is a very nice guy and great to work with.

Like they say, wrap that rascal, the heavy pool noodles and gorilla tape are your friend.
47Frame-4.jpg

Good luck, I'm looking forward to hearing how this story unfolds.

Jim