Dual carb 1948 Panhead in March '09 Magazine - Harley Forum

GypsyTom · #1 01-27-2009, 07:58 PM

That was a very interesting and informative article.
A hundred percent accurate and factual. Very well done.

YouTube - Joe Gardella's Harley Davidson

Buzz Kanter · #2 01-27-2009, 08:03 PM

Don't know him well at all, but have seen this bike in Florida and again in New York with him riding it all over the place. Couldn't say how long it took to collect the parts or build the bike but it certainly is very impressive in peron.

And it runs strong - maybe not down the drag strip - but pretty good on the street.

Hammerhead Pat · #3 01-28-2009, 09:11 AM

A push button sportster kid

You may have just started something here

, but it's good to hear how things actually are. Does he race that thing with the tour-pack attached??

frisco-rigid · #4 01-28-2009, 03:27 PM

Hey Gypsy

I bet you're telling the truth but we don't really have a way of knowing..

This is one of the reasons I always sugg that guys be Very Wary of buying already customized sickles.. You simply cannot tell what has been done poorly if it's hidden..
If a guy wants a "custom" sickle he should build it his own self or be in on the build with a trusted builder/friend..

I've known guys that fit your description of this dude.. They're more common than we wish..

Fenderplayer · #5 01-29-2009, 10:39 AM

Either way, it's a nice bike and still interesting.

Oglethorpe · #6 02-04-2009, 07:36 PM

Yeah, it's a "nice bike" - if you enjoy listening to a Panhead which sounds like a flatty with an eighth-inch clearance at all four tappets!

Buzz Kanter · #7 02-04-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Yeah, it's a "nice bike" - if you enjoy listening to a Panhead which sounds like a flatty with an eighth-inch clearance at all four tappets!

Not sure what that means. Can you explain? Thanks.

admin · #8 02-17-2009, 11:52 AM

I figured Joe Gardella should get a chance to air his side of the story. He asked me to post this here for him (guess he doesn't want to be a member here):

"Gypsy Tom or should I call you Dave. What a tough review of my effort at bringing something different to the motorcycle world. Do you feel better after getting that off your chest are you a better man now? I have no intentions on insulting you just setting the facts right. 1) "Fairy tale" in refrence to my 48 , I believe the twin carb 48 pan is reality a running riding motorcycle built by my very own hands. 2) "Mish mash" What!, please explain. 3) You might have once known me personally but you have turned your back for the last 20 years without comunication from all the people whom you called your friends. 4) "Collecting parts for 27 years" One of the first parts purchased is the transmition that was out of a 48 chopper that I bought when I was still living in daddys house (10 years in my current house plus 15 years in the house I bought from you is 25 years do the rest of the math) 5) "Snot nosed push button sportster kid" I still have that sportster(my first motorcycle bought when I was 18 years of age) it is a 1970 XLCH (kick start in case you forgot). I did do the machine work and install an electric starter for a season but then removed it, did not like the extra mass. 6) "Period Modified" I cant help what others put in print. I have always refered to the 48 as a "Modified.......Period" (count the dots Dave). Nothig here very funny let alone Hilarious 7) "Video on you tube" I must admit a bit embaressing, at the time of the video the bike had about 1 mile on it since the completeion of the build. When I fired it up a hydraulic lifter colapsed and the 50 year old coil shorted on the circuit breaker side to the case causing for the loss of one cylinder and a lot of clatter. Both problems solved by replacing the coil and just a refire of the motor 8) "Three months to build" Yes I have built many Panheads in three months, including four 1948 pans (three proper restorations one of the three fetured in Easy Rider Magazine Oct 95 and the twin carb unit now being debated in American Iron Magazine.) 9) "100 mph on a 1/4 mile strip" My claim is, I believe this 1948 panhead is capable of those figures base on a marked off test strip where the bike has been run to 100 mph indicated on a fresh rebuilt and certified speedo. 10) "doofuss"... What? no responce nessassary look at the photos and decide for your self. 11)"Legend in his own mind" Again not worth commenting. 12)"Tour pack" I hauled the bike to Florida in February unloaded it, filled the tour pack with a tooth brush and some clothes and went touring on a new build bike with only the used 50 year old coil as a failure and a rejetting of the carbs.13) The Europeans bike was a bad deal for both parties a trans stud pulled loose when they adjusted the primary chain (The trans I bought from you Dave) They also shorted out much of the wiring harness by installing euro mandated turnsignals. A faulty weld also caused an oiling system problem. The issue was not discussed at my front door by gun point. I went to the Germans to attempt to relolve the matter and yes they did have a pistol loaded and cocked int a jacket pocket. I clerly heard the uncocking of a gun hammer upon the completion of our conversation, a real shame. To many false statments to comment any further on the european deal. 14) "bought previously alterd" I proudly built this 1948 from scrath using original parts, home made parts and a few period aftermarket assesorios never have I said otherwise. 15) "Shady character" Who has been in exile for the last 20 years and what have you accomplished in those years? I hope all who viewed The bike this year in person at several AMCA meets and other shows (where several first place awards have been issued) or in the American Iron magazine enjoyed my work more than Dave (GypsyTom) by taking pleasure in slandering me. At least we now know you are still alive Dave, Alias "GypsyTom" "Junkman" "Mary Jane"."
Joe Gardella

unclepsycho · #9 02-17-2009, 10:09 PM

I am glad to read Joe's side, there obviously was something going on in thier past, and this aint the place to air it.
Thank you for your side Joe. it is a nice bike.

Buzz Kanter · #10 02-17-2009, 10:46 PM

Hmnnn....no response from GypsyTom. Wonder why not?

Hey I saw and heard this bike being ridden around in Florida and then, a half year later bumped into him on this bike in New York state in a parking lot in front of a supermarket where he was picking up food.

It's a runner and a stunner!