Is the ironhead Sportster a Harley Davidson bike?

Is the ironhead Sportster a Harley Davidson bike?

The Ironhead Sportster has enjoyed a bit of a come back in popularity as it is a pretty unique bike, although fickle at times if you don’t know how to maintain one. Believe me, if you are riding one a lot, they need attention. That’s how I ended up becoming a Harley mechanic.

What kind of water does an ironhead Sportster use?

If you run your early clutch wet, using Barnett wet or dry plates (Highly Recommended) you would use a quart of 20w50, just like 1971 and up. NEWS FLASH –> If you own an Ironhead Sportster YOU WILL BE WORKING ON IT. Maintenance is of the utmost importance.

Where to find technical information on a Sportster?

For general subjects pertaining to all Sportsters, select the Reference section. Because there is some overlap in technical information between the Ironhead and category in the other model section. Select the Miscellaneous Resources for information about resources that can be helpful to servicing and maintaining your Sportster.

What was the casting number on an early Sportster?

Parts stamped with -52A signify design changes that, while different, were not major changes. Most, if not all, early XL and XLH frames will be stamped “47584-56” on the right side of the neck. An XLCH, not coming out until 1958, will have a -58 neck casting number on the neck.

When did the Harley Davidson ironhead Sportster come out?

Short Rod Rollers Fits Sportster & KH Models From 1954-Early 1986 & Big Twin Models From 1973 Thru 1986. (34 Used) .1875-.294 + .0004

How big is the bolt hole on a Sportster head?

The new heads have the right front bolt hole relocated inboard 1/4″, and also use 7/16 fasteners as opposed to the 3/8 fasteners used on the 91-03 models. You can either modify your existing front mount, or more recently a new mount has become available that solves this issue.

Which is the best factory head for a Sportster?

These are ultra-rare Sportster heads and they were the best factory head ever made for a Sportster until the Thunderstorm head came out in 1998. They have very large valves and a pear-shaped chamber with flat squish bands on each side.

Is the valve geometry of a Sportster head the same?

Within a given generation, the heads are mechanically interchangeable between the different models, i.e. all bolt holes line up and no needed features are missing. Valve geometry is the same: 27 degree intake & 31 degree exhaust for a 58 degree included angle, and the location of the valve tips is the same.

Do you have to take care of Ironhead Sportsters?

Theoretically you should have a good one if everything in the engine is within specification and you take good care of it. FUN FACT: Most cheap Ironhead Sportsters for sale are money pits that have been used and abused and are in need of much attention.

How to order chrome struts for ironhead Sportster?

Order chrome struts and covers separately Fender Width: 8″A 20 PERCENT HANDLING CHARGE WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE SALE PRICE IF THIS IS RETURNED FREE SHIPPING IS FOR THE LOWER 48 STATES ONLY Bobbed rear fender kit includes steel fender and chrome tail lamp bracket which includes cateye tail lamp.We suggest pre fitting fender prior to painting.

What kind of Kick Starter does ironhead Sportster use?

Kick Starter. Sportster kick starters are known for bustin’ knee caps. That is a fact, Jack. 1971 and up have a better set of kick ratchets then the earlier 900cc models. They have a gear with a bushing and the bushing should be inspected if the kicker has a tendency to slip through, as that bushing wears.

The Ironhead Sportster has enjoyed a bit of a come back in popularity as it is a pretty unique bike, although fickle at times if you don’t know how to maintain one. Believe me, if you are riding one a lot, they need attention. That’s how I ended up becoming a Harley mechanic.

What kind of oil does an ironhead Sportster use?

If your going to work every day and it’s between 30 and 60 miles one way a 1/2 quart is good. 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.

Kick Starter. Sportster kick starters are known for bustin’ knee caps. That is a fact, Jack. 1971 and up have a better set of kick ratchets then the earlier 900cc models. They have a gear with a bushing and the bushing should be inspected if the kicker has a tendency to slip through, as that bushing wears.

How much slack should an ironhead Sportster have?

DO NOT NEGLECT THE PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. It does not use much oil and it should be changed regularly. Keep the Primary Chain properly adjusted. With engine COLD it should have 5/8″ to 7/8″ slack and HOT 3/8″ to 5/8″.

What kind of oil for ironhead Sportster 20w50?

If you live and ride in the cold weather like 40 degrees and less, 20w50 will work just fine. Winter Riding Tip: run about 1/2 to a quart low, so that the oil warms up faster. If you use your bike to go across town, or real short trips, a quart low is good.

Where to buy parts for an iron head Sportster?

Shop J&P Cycles’ large selection of parts and accessories for your Iron Head Sportster to find the perfect upgrade for your bike, including exhaust components, saddlebags, engine parts and much more.

Theoretically you should have a good one if everything in the engine is within specification and you take good care of it. FUN FACT: Most cheap Ironhead Sportsters for sale are money pits that have been used and abused and are in need of much attention.

When did the first Ironhead sporster come out?

Through its lifespan from 1957 to 1986, the Ironhead powered many different styles of Sportsters. HD released many different configurations of the Sportster, from a Café Racer to flat track bikes. Ironhead Sporsters were one of the consistent sellers throughout the down AMF era of HD.

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.

Can you sell a 1976 ironhead Sportster for free?

Sold as is,needing work,international buyers welcome,can deliver bike to shipper for a additional fee’s,can stored the bike for up to 30 days free,$15.00 a day fee’s after 30 days Will add more photo’s later 1976 Harley Davidson XLH 1000 Ironhead Sportster Matching numbers Good running bike.

Is there a Harley Ironhead motorcycle for sale?

I have a 1978 Harley Davidson 75th Anniversary 1000 sportster ironhead for sale. Don’t know a lot about the bike, I have mostly old honda’s & kawasaki’s.

Is there a 1976 sporster Sportster for sale?

Up for sale is a very rare 1976 Harley Davidson Sporster 1000XLH Bicentennial Edition with 11665 Original Miles. The motor has not been rebuilt, as it hasn’t even been properly broken in yet. It starts right up and runs great, sounds great, just like a Harley should.

What kind of tank does an ironhead Sportster have?

The tank is the original Harley Davidson 2.4 gallon peanut tank with no dents or dings or scratches and was powder coated a darker red with some metallic. The Ironhead decal on the tank is removable if you want. The front and rear fender were powder coated gun metal gray. New Road 6 customs strut bars for rear fender.