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With the outpouring of support, I wanted to give you an update on where we are with the rebuilding of the Shim Kit. I purchased a new Plano tackle box to replace the broken one from Dick's Sporting Goods. It arrived today, and I have attached a pic. The reason I chose this particular tackle box is because it would fit in a USPS Medium Flat Rate Shipping Box. With the shipping and Insurance running around $18.00 each way, I didn't want to go to a larger box because of the increased shipping costs. It's a tight fit, but I am able to get around 120 shims and all of the tools I send with the kit so that the inspection/install can be done. I have brokered a deal with Jason M. (a VR.ORG Member) who has very generously sold me shims to add to the new kit at a fraction of the cost of new! I spent the entire weekend tearing down two motors I had to harvest the shims. Today, I received a "Mystery Package" from an unknown VR.ORG member with 20 shims in it. Whoever you are, Thank You Very Much! The VR.ORG Club made a very generous donation to the rebuild of the Shim Kit, I think we ALL know who to Thank for that! For ALL of the members who donated to the Rebuild of the Shim Kit, I Thank each and every one of you Very Much. With the arrival of the shims from Jason M. I think the Shim Kit will be back in business. Because of the way our engines "Mature", the valves sink deeper into the cylinder head, decreasing the amount of clearance between the top of the valve stem, and the bucket that contacts the cam lobe. When there is NO more clearance, the cam lobe will bend the valve stem OR the valve will rip the camshaft out of the cam tower. Either way, the result will be that the head will need to be rebuilt or replaced which means the engine will need to be removed from the frame. Both of these projects are very costly to say the least. The checking of the valve clearance, and replacement of the bucket shims can be done without removing the engine. It is also a great time to replace those leaking Valve Cover Gaskets. I'll let everyone know as soon as Jason M's shims arrive. Thanks again for everyone's help, I'll keep you posted, Earl

Ok so new to the site new to the bike and struggling with our local DMV here in Mn. They want a engine number as well as the vin number to put the bike in my name........... can anyone tell where it would be? I think I may have found it, but not sure........

We had something similar on the old site. I've added "Unanswered Topics" in the menu under the "Browse" tab. I think that this is an important feature. Especially as we try to welcome new members into our family. I know that it can be disheartening when you join a site, ask a question, and feel that you are ignored. It is not usually the case but feels that way to the new member. It's just easy to overlook questions, especially if they are asked in a from that is not often visited. So please, from time to time, take a look at the "Unanswered Topic" page and lend a hand when you can. There are a lot of OLD posts there now but the new ones will be at the top as we go.

In another forum that I belong to we have a traveling box that also ships Med flat rate. We had a stainless steel box made up so that it would be USPS proof. It just fits inside of the flat rate box so no packing at all needed. When it has jammed in the machinery it stopped the USPS machines but the box survived with just a small scratch/dent. Just a thought.

I didn't know it was there... The dark mode sure reduced the eye strain for me Ahhhhh!

Regardless of bike my practice is to spray a bit of lube around the intakes at the base of the carbs, then a touch of up and down pressure on the carb body before the final pull up.. Can save the sealing boss of the intakes.

I have found a slim wooden rod, like a small hammer handle to be invaluable as a pry bar in removing my '83s carbs. Just be careful not to apply pressure to any linkage.

I have a few mowing rules. 1. I hate mowing. 2. I will always be the last person on the block to mow for the first time in spring, and NEVER before May. 3. I hate mowing. 4. I will always be the first person on the block to mow for the last time in fall, and NEVER after September. 5. I hate mowing 6. I NEVER fertilize, that only makes for more mowing. 7. I hate mowing. 8. Drought and that lovely shade of brown that grass gets to is a good thing, I NEVER water, that promotes mowing. 9. I hate mowing. 10. NEVER EVER will I mow twice in the same week, never for any reason. Did I ever mention that I hate mowing? And then there is that @cowpuc character that like to poke the bear, thinks that no one can read thru things like s&*w that he is realy trying to say SNOW.

Hi Puc: Haven't read the entire thread. BUT whatever you do, DO NOT settle for a 'second best option' 1978 model. Friend had one, and spent most of his life savings trying to get that weird Beastie to run right. NIGHTMARE. Never got it right. Just in case you might think it fit...~ Hugs, WRIDR