Harley Hummer with Honda twin engine

Message

lstmanstanding · Wed Nov 21, 2007 8:32 pm

I am hoping to get some advice/info/pictures from someone who has modified a Harley Hummer by adding a Honda twin motor to one. I have seen a couple of examples, but at the time I did not have a Hummer project so I did not pay attention to how it was done. I now have found a 1959 Harley Hummer (165) that came with no engine. I have access to a Honda twin & would like to combine the two. tmontalvo@austin.rr.com
Thanks in advance for any assistance.

slimcolo · #2 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 5:05 am

lstmanstanding · Thu Nov 22, 2007 6:09 am

Why? Because I like the looks of the Hummer. Because, in it's current condition, it has little value. Because I don't want to spend a ton of money restoring a 2 cycle drivetrain that couldn't get out of it's own way. because the honda twin is a more modern, more powerful engine that will acheive highway speeds. That is important to me because I don't have the money to restore a museum piece that will be on permanent display. Anything I invest what little money & spare time I have in, had best also have a practical use. While I appreciate the opportunity to share my motives with you, if you or anyone else out there has useful advice-I would appreciate it.

Patrick · #4 Unread post by **Patrick** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:49 am

I cannot help you on what your trying but welcome to the site.

Patrick

slimcolo · #5 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 7:12 pm

Good point on Honda being more powerful but will the DKW (Hummers were DKWs built in the 30s and 40s after war HD and BSA both took over the DKW rights)frame take the more powerful motor? (if you add frame supports, try to bolt instead of weld: Then if you want to restore at later date OK) What if you need other parts? (the Hummer was last produced in 61 all Hummers were 125cc, 165cc versions were Pacers, Rangers and Scats) These were hard to find parts 30 years ago. You're biggest obstacle will most likely be getting title. Try to find an engine , with same chain orientation, that will fit in frame (the hummer frame is rather small) with out modification. (you'll need to build new mounts) May want to give up on twin and use single. Also with Honda motor, where will you put electrics? Will you use Hummer or Honda controls or a combo of both?

BUT you're best (cheapest and easiest) bet may be to get a Honda and modify it to look like hummer.

Axman · #6 Unread post by **Axman** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 12:24 pm

I will say this much, nothing is impossible if you have the money to throw at it. I found a bike at a bike shop once that was fitted with a Yamaha parallel twin. It was one of those so-called "chopper" kits that generally accept an S&S Super but the guy who built it decided he wanted to fit it with a Yamaha engine. I found it to be an exceptional bike that didn't follow the "me too" V-Twin attitude.

badinfluence63 · Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:03 pm

axeman,

I found it to be an exceptional bike that didn't follow the "me too" V-Twin attitude.

You kill me. Some people love that V-twin attitude. While not the best design say like the guzzi or the beemer its a good looking motorcycle. You make it sound like while not the only design to embrace it is wrong to embrace it at all. Your sending a bad message. Its okay to design a v twin look isn't it? You post all over here denouncing the v twin, the HD etc... Thats BS really as they are as every bit as viable as any other machine. Its a preferance. Some people like and can afford those Orange county machines. And they look cool. The Honda VTX 1800 while a V twin looks great and at a great price. Those beemer Sport tourers are awsome. And then there's the wonderful Goldwings, 2 wheeled pieces of art and funtion.

Myself I have owned a Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph and HD's. I felt mechanically competent on an HD. I have great memories of all my bikes. Nor am I against any other machines in any way...even those smarmy appearing BMW riders

I don't mean it. A co worker is a beemer rider and when they all get togther they are all as uniformed as the best paneled Biker MC.

Maybe you should consider lightening up on the public bias,eh? Did someone on a V twin make you feel bad?

Its challenging like saying your mother wears army boots.

I was under the impression this was a site where all machines were welcomed. Metrics and Domestics alike? If I am wrong let me know and I will take my dog and pony show somewhere else. If this is suppose to be for all bikes then consider dropping the public campain against v twins.

You have your opinion and that is mine.

mydlyfkryzis · Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:48 pm

badinfluence63 wrote:axeman,

I found it to be an exceptional bike that didn't follow the "me too" V-Twin attitude.

Maybe you should consider lightening up on the public bias,eh? Did someone on a V twin make you feel bad?

wow. you are a little heavy handed on this.

I think he is right. Orange County Choppers, et al, a solely into the "V-Twin" attitude.

How often do you see a custom with anything else but a V-Twin?

Back in the 60's and 70's, the Custom was as likely to be a Triumph as a V-Twin. No longer.

V-Twins are great . My Favorite is Ducati. I love them.

Oh wait, no large custom outfits using that v-twin. Or MG, or any other twin.

So I think Badinfluence hit the nail on the head. I detected no bias there, just the observation that most customs are V-Twin.

dean owens · Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:55 pm

badinfluence63 wrote:I was under the impression this was a site where all machines were welcomed. Metrics and Domestics alike? If I am wrong let me know and I will take my dog and pony show somewhere else. If this is suppose to be for all bikes then consider dropping the public campain against v twins.

You have your opinion and that is mine.

don't worry about leaving, but just to let you know... i thought this site was a site for all bikes but there are some people on here for whatever reason love to trash certain kinds of bikes. seems to be harleys... but especially choppers. it wears me out. i'm with you. if it has two wheels i'm good. it might not be what i would pick to ride, but i ain't going to trash it or it's rider. i guess there will always be those people.

Axman · #10 Unread post by **Axman** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:13 pm

You misunderstand me. It's not the V-Twins I dislike. I have owned them and would own another if given the chance. What I dislike is the public opinion that V-Twins are where it's at or even "bigger is better". I just find it exceptional when someone decide to build something different and a custom built inline "chopper" style motorcycle fits that perfect. Don't assume that I'm against V-Twins or HD's. Like I've said, I have owned examples of both so it's not the bike it's the general attude people have about them.

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Harley Hummer with Honda twin engine

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