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Comment on Motorcycle Spawn Helmet Saftey Blue LED Headlights Fits all ATV quad scooter and motorcycle helmets shark arai icon shoei by ttxo3

ttxo3 — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 20:13:41 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Customer service, September 29, 2010

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This review is from: Motorcycle Spawn Helmet Saftey Blue LED Headlights Fits all ATV quad scooter and motorcycle helmets shark arai icon shoei

I acutally bought this prodcut because i thought it was a helmet i guess i wasnt reading it right because i got only the lights in the mail. i was thinking about returning them because i really didnt need them but like the details said it fits into any helmet so i tired them out and they actually dont look as bad. i kind of wish it wasnt $20.00 just for lights but in the end they started to grow on me and i ended up keeping it. The Customer sevice was the best. when i emailed them about returning the product i wasnt expecting them to email me back as soon as they need. They explained everything to me and gave me all the information if i wanted to return it.

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Comment on Donny’s Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936 to Present: Volume II: Performancing the Twin Cam by Anthony H. Schaller

Anthony H. Schaller — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:33:59 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Book Review, March 26, 2009

Anthony H. Schaller (NC) -

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This review is from: Donny's Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936 to Present: Volume II: Performancing the Twin Cam (Paperback)

Awesome text loaded with information that appeals to all knowledge levels. Book contains nothing short of precise, objective, "tribal" knowledge. It's so impressive that if my HD dealership can't incorporate the fixes for my CVO 110, I'll haul my bikes to Toronto from NC to Donny's shop to do the work. Thanks Donny !

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Comment on Donny’s Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936 to Present: Volume II: Performancing the Twin Cam by regnar88

regnar88 — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:46:47 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Outstanding Guide, November 20, 2009

regnar88 (Seattle, WA USA) -

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This review is from: Donny's Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936 to Present: Volume II: Performancing the Twin Cam (Paperback)

One of the best manuals for the Harley Twin Cam motor. Volume I: the Twin Cam was rather poorly written, but chock full of knowledge broken down into understandable pieces. Volume II is easier to read thanks to an improved editor. Donny is the Einstein of Harley engines. Can't wait to get my hands on Volume III!
I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who wants to know exactly how and why the Twin Cam works and how to make it that much better of a motor.

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Comment on Donny’s Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936 to Present: Volume II: Performancing the Twin Cam by Jan Trendowski

Jan Trendowski — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:23:03 +0000

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent Technical book, June 25, 2009

Jan Trendowski (E. Haddam, CT, USA) -

This review is from: Donny's Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936 to Present: Volume II: Performancing the Twin Cam (Paperback)

I genuinely enjoyed both volumes of his Harley Encyclopedia. I am an amateur HD mechanic and have read all of the books by Rook, Buzzelli and every other performance book I could find. Peterson has a deep understanding and interest in HD engines. His comments are all well taken and even Denish's books don't get to Peterson's tech depth, though Peterson doesn't restrict himself to only performance related topics. Many of his chapters are purely engineering analysis and excellent nonetheless. I'm sorry he Didn't begin the projected 12 volume series with Sportsters, but I bought a 2001 TC88 yesterday and his books are the bibles. His writing style is more or a series of comments by category, but very readable and good natured. From a purely objective viewpoint, his books would only appeal to the HD enthusiast who really wants to master the machine. For my part, I loved them. I also recommend Denish (out of print) and Bill Rook's "How to build a Harley Torque Monster" (very available). Bill Rook's book is mistitled as it is truly one of the best and simplest performance manuals out there. Denish goes into deeper depth and is also excellent, but the Peterson books are as detailed as one can get. Both Rook and Denish illustrate their various techniques and thoeries. Peterson has no pictures and is for the technician who already knows how things work.

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Comment on Donny’s Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936-2008: Volume I: The Twin Cam by Charles Oaks "Charley"

Charles Oaks "Charley" — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:46:59 +0000

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

this book is a mess, October 18, 2008

Charles Oaks "Charley" (Texas) -

This review is from: Donnys Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936-2008: Volume I: The Twin Cam (Paperback)

I like to have multiple reference manuals on anything I work on, since what one author may neglect, another will cover. Also, many technical manuals assume their readers to already have previous knowledge and skills. I've been stymied in the past when I'd encounter a statement in a manual like "remove outer cover" and there I would sit, staring at the damn thing, wondering why I can't get the cover off after tugging and wiggling and looking around under and alongside for screws or something thats holding this damn thing on. Then I find, trail and error, push this side, lift opposite side, pops off like it's pressurized. Why the hell didn't it say that in the manual?

Hey, I've never touted myself as a mechanic, but I like to do as much as I can to save money and have the knowledge in case I'm out on the road with a busted bike.

Probably Mr. Petersen does not have that problem. I've no doubt Donny is an crackerjack mechanic on Harleys, but his book is poorly organized, horribly edited and I feel more than a bit cheated.

I found a duplicate sub chapter in the first section and actually flipped the pages back and forth a couple of times thinking the printer had inserted the same page twice. Nope, different page numbers, same text.

One of the first photos I saw was a the inside of an evo head next to a twin cam head. The twin cam head was just a black blob without detail since it had carbon buildup on it. Completely useless.

I was expecting more cookbook fixes, how-to's with photos and illustrations and exploded diagrams. What I got was a collection of stories about visits to the powers-that-be at Harley and motorcycle trips, jumbled up with engineering explanations that are too general for me to use. While it was kind of cool reading about the secret inner workings of HD, that's not why I got the book and there is page after page of it.

I'm just a guy with a 2003 wide glide that wants to work on it and since I don't wrench for a living, need quite a bit of help from manuals. Perhaps my second run through this book can yield some helpful hints, but honestly, I don't really hold much hope.

Can't really recommend this book, except as a curiosity.

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Comment on Donny’s Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936-2008: Volume I: The Twin Cam by Alan E. Biggs "A. Biggs"

Alan E. Biggs "A. Biggs" — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:23:47 +0000

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

Enlightening, November 16, 2008

Alan E. Biggs "A. Biggs" (Baghdad, Iraq) -

This review is from: Donnys Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936-2008: Volume I: The Twin Cam (Paperback)

This intuitive and concise explanation of the Twin cam engine is by far one of the easiest technical reads I have encountered.
Donny Petersens conveyance of physics, geometry and how they apply to basic principals of engine dynamics makes the understanding seem simple.
I am certain that all one needs to do is study this, and the successive volumes to be able to understand enough to troubleshoot any problems
with his or her twin cam engine! Knowledge is power.
I'll not digress and insult any female journalists, AIM magazine and ALL of it's contributing writers make it the premeir Motorcycle monthly.
Thanks again Donny for sharing!

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Comment on Donny’s Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936-2008: Volume I: The Twin Cam by Unlucky Frank

Unlucky Frank — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:42:03 +0000

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

Yoda Speaks, July 20, 2008

Unlucky Frank (Lalaland, CA United States) -

This review is from: Donnys Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley Davidson 1936-2008: Volume I: The Twin Cam (Paperback)

Anyone that has been sucked into the Harley mystique and owns one of these expensive power mills owes it to themselves to read anything and everything by Harley Technical writer, Donny Petersen. Donny is the Jedi Master of Harley Davidson power trains. Donny's monthly tech articles for the extremely popular AMERICAN IRON magazine are indispensable guides for Modern Harley owners and mechanics. His articles are the primary reason I own a subscription to the magazine. I've learned a lot about Harleys from this man. His technical writing is brilliantly comprehensive to the expert and the layman. Donny is an invaluable teacher and second to none.

This volume contains articles about the Modern Twin Cams (1999 to the present). I suspect this series is going backwards in time if it is the first in a 12 volume set. What's covered in this volume is the introduction of the Twin Cam engine in late 1998, early Twin Cam problems, timing chest and gears, the history of Harley oil leaks, air flow problems, modifying Twin Cams into older frames, the clunky (my words) new 6 speed tranny, and the introduction of the 2007 96ci engine. My guess is that subsequent volumes will contain more indepth articles on the Twin Cam 88, 96, and 110 CVOs, while regressing to the earlier engine designs.

Here's hoping that Donny covers the entire gamut of Harley engine evolution going back to EVOs, Shovels, Panheads, and Knuckleheads. (Starting with the 1936 Knucklehead means there will be no coverage on the 1909-1936 Flathead.) Even though I don't own any of these older mills, I'll surely purchase every volume. Donny makes reading the history of Harley engine design fascinating, to say the least. And must own reading for owners of these older engine designs.

My only complaint with Donny is that I think he's a little too forgiving of the new '07 and '08 EPA induced Harley design. These closed loop engines run far too hot and lean for an air cooled motor. IMHO, unmodified engine longevity and performance has got to be a serious issue with the newer Harleys. Donny has touched on the future of the Twin Cam due to overwhelming EPA constraints and the possible death of the Harley air cooled mystique. It could spell the end of the Classic Harley Davidson look. (I know there are some bearded diehard enthusiasts that are frowning right now. Man, I feel your pain. I have a little tear in my eye too.) Things are changing. The future is the water cooled design of the Harley V-Rod. If you own an '07 or '08 Twin Cam, you owe it to yourself to do some online research into overheating, "parade mode", and the O2 sensors. As far as I know, Donny has not mentioned the "wideband" O2 sensors fix for reducing the lean condition of these motors in any of his tech articles for AMERICAN IRON. I could be wrong, having possibly missed it or skimmed over it. And an investment into an oil cooler is a must. I did some online research into this for two of my friends that own '07 TC96s. And I have to say, I'm just grateful that I own an '06 TC88.

Other than this minor quibble, this is the man to read when it comes to understanding Harley power trains. If waiting to buy 12 volumes of tech articles is a little daunting, a subscription to AMERICAN IRON is in order. If for no other reason than to get Donny Petersen's tech articles. (Sorry Genevieve, but AMERICAN IRON needs more swimsuit models posing with the customs. Just a suggestion, Chris.)

Thanks, Donny. Keep up the great work. I always look forward to reading your knowledgeable articles.

ENJOY.

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Comment on German Helmets – DOT German Motorcycle Helmet 115 Matt by Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:21:08 +0000

Great Helmet at Great Price, December 6, 2010

Michael Goodson -

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This review is from: VCAN V136 Blue X-Large Full Face Helmet (Automotive)

This is a well made helmet and it is very affordable. I used it as my first helmet during my training course. It is very comfortable and served me well during the training. I still use it now on my own trips on the city streets and highways.

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Comment on German Helmets – DOT German Motorcycle Helmet 115 Matt by Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:25:40 +0000

Not bad for the price, January 22, 2011

KLH (Central Virginia) -

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This review is from: VCAN V136 Silver Medium Full Face Helmet (Automotive)

I purchased this helmet to use for some regular go-kart outings with some buddies from work. I figured if we were going to go a few times, it would be worth it to spend a little money on a nice helmet rather than using the nasty, sweat-covered ones at the track.

The helmet arrived in great condition and comes with a nice bag/sack to keep the helmet in when it's being transported or not being used. This really is a nice addition to help minimize any scratches on the visor - especially during transport. I found the vents (one on the front at the mouth, and one on the top of the helmet) to be sufficient but also could have possibly been a little larger to allow slightly more air through the front. During our racing sessions (typically 20 minute heats), I had to crack the visor open one notch once or twice during the race just to get a nice breath of fresh air.

The design on the helmet is awesome as well.

Where the helmet fell significantly short for me was on the fit. Overall the helmet fit well - but the forehead region was EXTREMELY TIGHT and EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. As in, after wearing it for less than 5 minutes I was already starting to get a headache. But, I didn't have time to send this helmet back for another in time for our first race so instead I peeled out all the interior padding and went to work on the foam with my dremel tool (for rough cutting) and some 80 grit sand paper (for smoothing). After about an hour of cutting a little here and there, the fit is now PERFECT! I first karting session, we raced three 20 minute heats and I didn't have the slightest headache afterward. I know that everyone's head is a little different... maybe I just have a big forehead. :) While I'm sure that my modification voided any kind of warranty or insurance, it fits great now and is only being used for karting - albeit they are 9HP karts with a top speed of about 45mph on a good day.

Design : 5
Affordability : 4
Fit : 2
Venting : 3
OVERALL : 4

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Comment on German Helmets – DOT German Motorcycle Helmet 115 Matt by Keli J. Thomas "Infrequent Buyer"

Keli J. Thomas "Infrequent Buyer" — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:12:00 +0000

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Amazing to have a helmet that fits, July 15, 2010

Keli J. Thomas "Infrequent Buyer" (Seattle Suburb, WA) -

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This review is from: VCAN V136 Silver Large Full Face Helmet (Automotive)

Bought this helmet because my hand-me-down was a "small". Apparently my giant dome is a "large". It's soooo nice to not have a cramped head. Came well packed, no damage, arrived on time. Great padding, nice chin strap with tab to help quick-release and snap to keep the strap out of the way. Love it, but am hoping I never need to test it's quality. ;-) Though it feels pretty sturdy and a more inclined friend told me it's a quality lower cost brand. Over all, very pleased!

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