The 1956 Harley ST165 "Hummer" rebuild begins today!

That Harley is just totally gorgeous, I hope it runs at least half as good as its fantastic looks...lol...lol.
It was a heck of a ride 12 miles each way on 45 mph highway... I had my wife run behind me both ways as my top speed was only 35 as I am still in break in. But it was a fun ride for sure.
 
It was a heck of a ride 12 miles each way on 45 mph highway... I had my wife run behind me both ways as my top speed was only 35 as I am still in break in. But it was a fun ride for sure.
I just knew you would take the proper notice of your speed during breakin even going to the car show with that Harley being a 2 stroke...2 strokers are a little touchy and need to be in the capable hands of those who know their unique idiosyncrasies, it's a good thing your the one that got ahold of this machine and not some wet behind the ears kid with too much money and too little brains and or abilities to do a proper job of things like you have.
 
I just knew you would take the proper notice of your speed during breakin even going to the car show with that Harley being a 2 stroke...2 strokers are a little touchy and need to be in the capable hands of those who know their unique idiosyncrasies, it's a good thing your the one that got ahold of this machine and not some wet behind the ears kid with too much money and too little brains and or abilities to do a proper job of things like you have.
Well, with all the trials so far, I have only logged 106 mile with 25% of that total this past Saturday. Riding around the hood, takes a while, but it is perfect as the speed limit on all streets is 35 so 30 MPH keeps then neighbors from getting excited seeing me circle around for 45 minutes at a time! I have also been trouble shooting issues. After I solved the fuel delivery / leaking problem, My battery was was going down too low and hardly giving me any juice for headlight while running. Thought it was the charging system, but the front light bulb I replaced was 30 watts instead of 25 and it was draining the battery too fast. Installed an LED on Friday and it seems to have taken pressure off the battery. Also mindful of the charge with a trickler. The battery is a NOS that I bought two of. It comes empty and you put the acid in. Might not have set it up correctly initially as I did that many months ago and the battery was charged initially, then sat on my bench for several months before I installed it and charged it again.... time will tell.
 
UPDATE: I guess if you ride your MB for transportation, the break in goes quick. I had not ridden for almost two weeks and still only have about 150 miles on the Hummer. But I have struggled to get past 35mph on a 50 mph top end bike. Noticed a head gasket leak on the last two rides. Think it has been there ever since the exhaust was spitting everywhere and did not notice it between the fins. New head gasket on the way and I hope that solves the no high end power issue.
 
Could the issue be carb jetting?
Hi Jonny, thanks for the reply. This carb only has one jet size for the 165 (#7) Some have changed it by drilling or soldering... but generally, the clip position is the variable for the amount of fuel provided.
 

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Hi Jonny, thanks for the reply. This carb only has one jet size for the 165 (#7) Some have changed it by drilling or soldering... but generally, the clip position is the variable for the amount of fuel provided.
I see. Is the jet part of the carb or can you remove it? I just know for instance on the motorized bike slide carbs the needle is for 1/4-3/4 throttle, and the jet is for 3/4-WOT. With the wrong jet they won't have ANY top end, no matter where the needle is.
Maybe you could try a plug chop? That would tell you if it's jetted right.
 
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