When did the Harley Davidson Ironhead engine come out?
The Harley-Davidson Ironhead motor is the main reason for the enduring success of the Sportster. Considered by many Sportster purists as the last real Harley engine, the Ironhead is the throbbing powerhouse that lends heart and soul to a long line of Sportsters produced from 1957 to 1985.
Where can I buy ironhead Sportster engine parts?
But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need. We’ve got a huge selection of parts like gasket kits, rocker arms, oil filters, cooling fans, cylinder & piston kits, and hundreds more to keep all the world’s trusty Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster engines going strong for the years ahead.
What was the horsepower of the Ironhead XLCH?
The overhead-valve engine had a horsepower rating of 40, marginally faster than the K’s 38 horsepower, with engine compression of 7.5:1 and a 90-degree valve angle. In 1958 the XLCH emerged — a stripped down, faster and lighter version of the XL.
How big are the cylinders on an Ironhead?
Nevertheless, the XLCH remained a best-seller, outperforming the English 750 cc sport bikes in the speed department. In 1972 the cylinders of the XLCH, bored to 3.188 inches, increased displacement of the Ironhead to 61 cubic inches or 1,000 cc.
The Harley-Davidson Ironhead motor is the main reason for the enduring success of the Sportster. Considered by many Sportster purists as the last real Harley engine, the Ironhead is the throbbing powerhouse that lends heart and soul to a long line of Sportsters produced from 1957 to 1985.
But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need. We’ve got a huge selection of parts like gasket kits, rocker arms, oil filters, cooling fans, cylinder & piston kits, and hundreds more to keep all the world’s trusty Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster engines going strong for the years ahead.
The overhead-valve engine had a horsepower rating of 40, marginally faster than the K’s 38 horsepower, with engine compression of 7.5:1 and a 90-degree valve angle. In 1958 the XLCH emerged — a stripped down, faster and lighter version of the XL.
Nevertheless, the XLCH remained a best-seller, outperforming the English 750 cc sport bikes in the speed department. In 1972 the cylinders of the XLCH, bored to 3.188 inches, increased displacement of the Ironhead to 61 cubic inches or 1,000 cc.
When did the Ironhead XL Sportster come out?
Further modifications to the K in 1957 gave birth to the XL Sportster and thus began the Ironhead era. Although the XL engine displaced the same 883 cc as the earlier K, KH and KHK, it had a larger bore and shorter stroke. This resulted in a better breathing engine producing higher rpm and a higher cruising speed.
What kind of motor oil does a 1972 ironhead Sportster use?
Be sure to inspect primary shoe for wear and to see that it is held in place tight on 1952 to 1976 models. For 1971 and later, with a wet clutch, a quart of 20w50 motor oil works well. No special Harley yuppie juice required. If you have a clutch that likes to drag make up a quart of 1/2 20w50 and half ATF.
When did the XL ironhead Sportster come out?
From 1957 through 1985, the XL Ironhead Sportsers were made in an 883 cc and a 1,000 cc displacement. The name comes from the cast iron heads used for the overhead valve engine and they used the K series frame. The XLCH ironhead was made from 1958 through 1971 in the 883 cc version as a sportier version of the XL Ironhead.
When did the Harley Davidson XL 1000 Sportster come out?
The 1978 Sportster significance in the Harley Davidson history 1978 was the 75th anniversary of the Harley Davidson motorcycle company’s founding. This was a very special year and in celebration of the event, the 1978 Harley Davidson XL-1000 Sportster was released for sale.
Be sure to inspect primary shoe for wear and to see that it is held in place tight on 1952 to 1976 models. For 1971 and later, with a wet clutch, a quart of 20w50 motor oil works well. No special Harley yuppie juice required. If you have a clutch that likes to drag make up a quart of 1/2 20w50 and half ATF.
When was the first Harley Sportster racing made?
The XLCH ironhead was made from 1958 through 1971 in the 883 cc version as a sportier version of the XL Ironhead. Then produced in a 1,000 cc from 1972 through 1985. Then the racing version called the XR-750 was introduced in 1970-1971 with the iron heads as the racing version of the Sportster in a 750 cc size.