Panhead Jim,

Articles by Panhead Jim

How it Works: The Motorcycle Clutch

How it Works: The Motorcycle Clutch

In his latest missive from the shop, Panhead Jim lays out for us the ins and outs of a motorcycle's clutch - how it works and why it's such a complex item.

By Panhead Jim 04 April 2018

How It Works: The Motorcycle Kickstarter

How It Works: The Motorcycle Kickstarter

While it may seem archaic, the kickstarter is still, well, kicking around here and there. In this article, Jim gives us a handy primer on its ins and outs.

By Panhead Jim 15 March 2018

Transmission Primer: 1933 Harley-Davidson VL Three-Speed

Transmission Primer: 1933 Harley-Davidson VL Three-Speed

Unlocking the mystery of what's inside your motorcycle's transmission case.

By Panhead Jim 09 January 2018

Show Me Your War Face - A Day at the War Run

Show Me Your War Face - A Day at the War Run

Choppers and mini-bikes descend on Eastern NC for a day of riding and racing.

By Panhead Jim 21 December 2017

Twin Rivers Chopper Camp Out: A Weekend with 200 of Your Closest Friends

Twin Rivers Chopper Camp Out: A Weekend with 200 of Your Closest Friends

A weekend filled choppers, rock 'n' roll and cold beer, all on the banks of the oldest river in North America.

By Panhead Jim 09 November 2017

Tennessee, a '33 Harley, and Me

Tennessee, a '33 Harley, and Me

Of course sometimes things go wrong that you can't just fix, no matter how many tools you shove in your tool roll, but that is just part of the adventure...

By Panhead Jim 02 November 2017

Motorcycle History

America's Greatest Daredevil: Evel Knievel

America's Greatest Daredevil: Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel played such a huge role in defining motorcycle culture that it's now hard to separate the man from the myth. We break down the facts of his extraordinary life.

By Panhead Jim 09 June 2017

Motorcycle History

How Harleys Became Known as 'Hogs'

How Harleys Became Known as 'Hogs'

Ever wondered why people refer to Harleys as "hogs?" The answer goes back a century and may surprise you.

By Panhead Jim 20 April 2017

Wobbly Wheels Suck - How To Balance Motorcycle Tires

Wobbly Wheels Suck - How To Balance Motorcycle Tires

In case you didn't already know this: Wobbly Wheels Suck. This How To Balance Motorcycle Tires article will help make sure the wobble wont happen to you.

By Panhead Jim 21 March 2017

How To Change Motorcycle Tires

How To Change Motorcycle Tires

One of the joys of motorcycling is doing things yourself. Learn how to change your motorcycle's tires, instead of paying someone else to do it.

By Panhead Jim 09 March 2017

1947 Harley-Davidson UL Bobber – Vintage Review

1947 Harley-Davidson UL Bobber – Vintage Review

Take a ride down memory lane with Panhead Jim and this 1947 Harley-Davidson UL Bobber Vintage Review.

By Panhead Jim 30 November 2016

Motorcycle History

The Flxible Side Car: A Different Angle on Sidecar Design

The Flxible Side Car: A Different Angle on Sidecar Design

Panhead Jim takes a look at the fascinating history of the Flxible Side Car Company.

By Panhead Jim 17 November 2016

Motorcycle History

The Legend of Patti Waggin: Burlesque Dancer and Motorcycle Racer

The Legend of Patti Waggin: Burlesque Dancer and Motorcycle Racer

The Legend of Patti Waggin: Burlesque Dancer and Motorcycle RacerThe Legend of Patti Waggin: Burlesque Dancer and Motorcycle Racer Beautiful...

By Panhead Jim 31 October 2016

Rider Destinations: The Blue Ridge Parkway

Rider Destinations: The Blue Ridge Parkway

Rider Destinations: The Blue Ridge ParkwayNow that the weather is starting to cool down and the leaves are changing to their Autumn hues, it's a...

By Panhead Jim 20 October 2016

1964 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide - Vintage Review

1964 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide - Vintage Review

A review of the classic 1964 Harley-Davidson FLH Duo-Glide.

By Panhead Jim 10 October 2016

Rider Destinations: The Loneliest Road in America

Rider Destinations: The Loneliest Road in America

Panhead Jim explores US 50, the loneliest road in America.

By Panhead Jim 15 September 2016

1972 BMW R75/5 - Vintage Review

1972 BMW R75/5 - Vintage Review

1972 BMW R75/5 - Vintage ReviewVintage Review - 1972 BMW R75/5 When it comes to the latest machines to roll out of the factory on two wheels, the...

By Panhead Jim 06 September 2016

Rider Destinations: Arches National Park

Rider Destinations: Arches National Park

Rider Destinations: Arches National ParkIt's hard to deny that Utah has some of the best riding in the United States, so picking just one spot to...

By Panhead Jim 30 August 2016

Mountainous Adventures on Old Motorcycles

Mountainous Adventures on Old Motorcycles

Panhead Jim and some friends take their vintage motorcycles to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

By Panhead Jim 22 August 2016

Rider Destinations: Mesa Verde, Colorado

Rider Destinations: Mesa Verde, Colorado

Rider Destinations: Mesa Verde, ColoradoRider Destinations: Mesa Verde, Colorado This is the first installment of a series of articles highlighting...

By Panhead Jim 09 August 2016

Bad Luck Comes In Threes: Brakes, Belts and Drums

Bad Luck Comes In Threes: Brakes, Belts and Drums

Bad Luck Comes In Threes: Brakes, Belts and DrumsBad Luck Comes In Threes: Brakes, Belts and Drums Vintage motorcycles have a way of testing a...

By Panhead Jim 22 July 2016

How to Ride an Antique Harley-Davidson

How to Ride an Antique Harley-Davidson

How to Ride an Antique Harley-DavidsonWhen you ride a more than 80-year-old motorcycle, people tend to ask you a lot of questions. Outside of a...

By Panhead Jim 14 July 2016

Riding Into the Darkness

Riding Into the Darkness

Writer Panhead Jim finds himself alone in the dark with his not-so-trusty 1933 Harley-Davidson.

By Panhead Jim 05 July 2016

The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Does Vintage Too

The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Does Vintage Too

The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) now offers a course on vintage motorcycles called the Harley-Davidson Early Model elective.

By Panhead Jim 14 December 2015

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