Staffy
Active Member
LONG but a MUST read for anyone looking into an OPEN PRIMARY….
Before I begin here’s the DISCLAIMER – The views & opinions expressed here are strictly that of the author. They are not intended to reference and/or offend any individuals. Now for the THANKS - A huge shout out to all the members, their contributions and all the valuable input – jokes, music and pictures included. Here a SPECIAL THANKS to Blitz for negotiating a forum discount and to Jim from Karata for extending the same, along with an excellent product line.
So being driven by the urge to sin and tinker with something new I felt it was time to flirt with the idea of getting an Open Primary. After reading just about every thread that had anything to do with an open primary my choice was so called “narrowed”. Had a meaningful conversation with Nelson – Wicked Bastard, got his view and opinion which was VERY helpful - Thank you Nelson. Also, sent a PM to a few members for their input – you know who you are - Thank you.
Now being from NJ and the weekend approaching (great time to ride to PA; that’s where Karata is located) I decided to reach out to Jim from Karata to see if we could get together. The idea here was to get a better understanding of the product offering along with some ideas and advice on size, OBS etc. So I show up Saturday morning not knowing what to expect – SURPRISE!!!!
About JIM – Mr. KARATA himself, keeping it short – As it turns out Jim is MORE that a gentleman, a refreshing change from some of the (not ALL) typically dreaded, self-absorbed and obnoxious individuals in the biking world who believe they know it all, etc. Jim is patient and extremely knowledgeable – well what would you expect from one who has been doing this for 37 years!!! Jim is always taking the extra step to accommodate you and is a TRUE PLEASURE to deal with. All it took was one meeting and I feel like I know the man for years and now, have a friend in the business. At the same time don’t be fooled he is extremely sharp and a phenomenally successful business man.
About the shop – I had the privilege of getting a personalized guided tour of the facilities. This was IMPRESSIVE…exceeded my expectations by far. This is NO hole in the wall outfit, contrary I would phrase this as enterprise class. Jim has made some SERIOUS investments, well laid out floor space with 8 or so CNC machines, multiple work spaces for different stages of production, huge hardening tank – just unbelievable. What was surprising was his huge inventory – if it’s in his catalogue he’s got it in STOCK.
The result – From what I have read and what I saw I more than convinced that this was MY product of choice as it has been for some of you on the forum – so I ended up buying a setup – 4” with an OBS, besides looking good it is STRONGLY recommended. The product is just SOLID. This is what I saw and amazed me – we write/discuss “single piece” motor plates – I saw one being made, just to give you an idea as to what goes on – Our Big Dog motor plates start of as an 80-100 lbs slab of aluminum, after a journey through multiple stations and hours later you see the final product. Mind you that is just the motor plate – the pulleys and their hardening process is just as impressive, then the clutches and the OBS….I can go on and on. One last mention, I was at my Harley dealer today with the Karata “clutch pressure head throw assemble” needed a hydraulic press to insert the “floating button” - one look at the plate and the mechanic was impressed. He was in awe about the construction and the bearing used, couldn’t believe it –went on to mention, he wished Harley would do the same. He was actually familiar with the Karata product line and vouched for it.
Well enough said and truly the purpose of this long winded post is – We all have a choice and there are a few (maybe two-three) options out there. If you are in the market for an open primary do seriously consider Karata, it’s made here in the USA and has true engineering and quality behind all components. Add Jim, MR. Karata to that as well - what more could we ask for?
The follow up PART II will be short, just a few pic’s, a mention about the install and most importantly the performance.
Thank you all.
Before I begin here’s the DISCLAIMER – The views & opinions expressed here are strictly that of the author. They are not intended to reference and/or offend any individuals. Now for the THANKS - A huge shout out to all the members, their contributions and all the valuable input – jokes, music and pictures included. Here a SPECIAL THANKS to Blitz for negotiating a forum discount and to Jim from Karata for extending the same, along with an excellent product line.
So being driven by the urge to sin and tinker with something new I felt it was time to flirt with the idea of getting an Open Primary. After reading just about every thread that had anything to do with an open primary my choice was so called “narrowed”. Had a meaningful conversation with Nelson – Wicked Bastard, got his view and opinion which was VERY helpful - Thank you Nelson. Also, sent a PM to a few members for their input – you know who you are - Thank you.
Now being from NJ and the weekend approaching (great time to ride to PA; that’s where Karata is located) I decided to reach out to Jim from Karata to see if we could get together. The idea here was to get a better understanding of the product offering along with some ideas and advice on size, OBS etc. So I show up Saturday morning not knowing what to expect – SURPRISE!!!!
About JIM – Mr. KARATA himself, keeping it short – As it turns out Jim is MORE that a gentleman, a refreshing change from some of the (not ALL) typically dreaded, self-absorbed and obnoxious individuals in the biking world who believe they know it all, etc. Jim is patient and extremely knowledgeable – well what would you expect from one who has been doing this for 37 years!!! Jim is always taking the extra step to accommodate you and is a TRUE PLEASURE to deal with. All it took was one meeting and I feel like I know the man for years and now, have a friend in the business. At the same time don’t be fooled he is extremely sharp and a phenomenally successful business man.
About the shop – I had the privilege of getting a personalized guided tour of the facilities. This was IMPRESSIVE…exceeded my expectations by far. This is NO hole in the wall outfit, contrary I would phrase this as enterprise class. Jim has made some SERIOUS investments, well laid out floor space with 8 or so CNC machines, multiple work spaces for different stages of production, huge hardening tank – just unbelievable. What was surprising was his huge inventory – if it’s in his catalogue he’s got it in STOCK.
The result – From what I have read and what I saw I more than convinced that this was MY product of choice as it has been for some of you on the forum – so I ended up buying a setup – 4” with an OBS, besides looking good it is STRONGLY recommended. The product is just SOLID. This is what I saw and amazed me – we write/discuss “single piece” motor plates – I saw one being made, just to give you an idea as to what goes on – Our Big Dog motor plates start of as an 80-100 lbs slab of aluminum, after a journey through multiple stations and hours later you see the final product. Mind you that is just the motor plate – the pulleys and their hardening process is just as impressive, then the clutches and the OBS….I can go on and on. One last mention, I was at my Harley dealer today with the Karata “clutch pressure head throw assemble” needed a hydraulic press to insert the “floating button” - one look at the plate and the mechanic was impressed. He was in awe about the construction and the bearing used, couldn’t believe it –went on to mention, he wished Harley would do the same. He was actually familiar with the Karata product line and vouched for it.
Well enough said and truly the purpose of this long winded post is – We all have a choice and there are a few (maybe two-three) options out there. If you are in the market for an open primary do seriously consider Karata, it’s made here in the USA and has true engineering and quality behind all components. Add Jim, MR. Karata to that as well - what more could we ask for?
The follow up PART II will be short, just a few pic’s, a mention about the install and most importantly the performance.
Thank you all.
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yeah ...keep us posted with your install and of course the pics!
