Is the Harley Davidson ironhead Sportster engine still going?
The Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster engine was designed to last a long time, and lots of them are still going strong. But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need.
Which is the most time consuming part of an Ironhead engine build?
The most time-consuming part of an Ironhead engine build is the bottom end. Repairing the lower end requires specialty tools and skills, and can take considerable time to properly measure and rebuild. Aside from the labor, factor in the cost of parts and special tools needed.
How often should you change the oil on an ironhead Sportster?
Warm oil does it’s job much better than cold oil. Also the oil should get hot enough to evaporate any condensation (water) that accumulates from temperature swings. Many early Sportsters didn’t come with an oil filter. If your bike doesn’t have an oil filter you have best be changing that oil every 1500 miles religiously.
What’s the minimum clearance for an Ironhead engine?
If you swap your cam cover with a new one, or change your cams, always check the clearances. The factory service manual calls for .0005″ to .002″ minimum clearance. Maximum cam end play is not as important (.001″ to .006″). Ironhead cam removal is easier when the four push rods are removed, although the tappets can just be loosened to remove them.
What happens to the oil in an Ironhead bike?
When you crank or start the engine oil is then forced out the breather. As long as it stops after a minute or two you are probably OK. The longer the bike sits between starts the more oil there will be.
What’s the difference between a 79 and 81 Ironhead?
The XLCR frame was used for 1979 thru 1981. Seat and rear fenders must be 79 to 81. The oil tank and covers are unique to 1979. 80 and 81 have an oil tank and covers that are similar to but not the same as 79.
When did the Ironhead twin cam motorcycle come out?
The Twin Cam was designed in the late 90s for more like 150-200,000 miles. But the Ironhead motor dates to 1957, with a switch to an alternator from a generator in the late 60s and a bump from 900ccs to 1000ccs in 1972. Back in the 50s when it was designed 25,000 miles was a LOT for a motorcycle.
How many Ironhead Sportsters were made in 1979?
They were available in 9 colors. AMF/ Harley built 6,525 XLH Sportsters that year, and another 5,123 XLS Sportsters, plus 151 XLCH Sportsters and 9 XLCRs. If you do a Google search for “Ironhead Sportters” you’ll find a few websites and owners clubs.
What kind of valve train does a Harley Davidson Sportster use?
Be sure to also check out a new Harley Ironhead Sportster Valve Train, and a new set of Harley Ironhead Sportster Engine Mounts.
Is the ironhead Sportster derived from the Flathead?
Although the Sportster four-cam design is derived from the Harley 45 flathead, it’s still pretty complex. During installation, if the breather valve is not correctly timed, the gear case does not get properly lubricated. This can have disastrous results at higher RPMs.
The Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster engine was designed to last a long time, and lots of them are still going strong. But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need.
Be sure to also check out a new Harley Ironhead Sportster Valve Train, and a new set of Harley Ironhead Sportster Engine Mounts.
What kind of frame does a ironhead Sportster have?
The 1000 (bored to 1100) Ironhead motor sits in a 2003 Harley sportster hardtail frame, and a springer front end. It was also one of the last years they made right side shift. Electric key start, kick start was removed for the custom ceramic pipes.
What kind of parts are in a 1979 Harley Ironhead?
1979 HARLEY DAVIDSON IRONHEAD SPORTSTER no money spared on this build. Kustom Tech, Lowbrow Customs, Biltwell, Old Stuff Cycles, Acme choppers, David bird, Led Sled, LC Fab, S&S, anti gravity. Just to name some of the custom parts used on this build. Runs and Rides great.