The show starred wool-capped Michael Parks riding around the country, finding adventure on his red 1969 Sportster XLH. Ironhead Sportster When the first Sportsters rolled out of the Harley-Davidson factory in 1957, they were powered by the iconic ‘ironhead’ motor—which would remain in production until 1985. Whereas earlier heads were painted silver, 1969 and up heads were painted black. With all the home motorcycle modifications taking place a new bike customization was inspired. In 1970, the early frames and cases were discontinued. This would be the last year of the kick-start only Sportster. Also for 1979, the mechanical rear drum brake was replaced with a hydraulic disc brake. By this time, Harley-Davidson was a division of American Machine & Foundry (AMF), and AMF allowed minor annual modifications — the Sportster saw no significant changes until the Evolution motor came along in 1986. To commemorate Harley-Davidson's 75th year in production, a special-edition 1978 Sportster was offered, featuring midnight-black paint highlighted by gold trim, gold cast-aluminum wheels, and limited-edition anniversary graphics. Going over it and correcting all the issues, … Other bikes that switched from right to left shift were the Triumph Bonneville and Norton Commando. With the influx of quicker and cheaper Japanese bikes, Harley-Davidson's share of the 750cc and larger motorcycle market had fallen to 21 percent. Inside the rear of the engine cases housed a "unit" four-speed transmission. A large percentage of old Harleys have been "customized" through the decades. 1971 Ironhead Short Chop Thank God There's Harleys . This is why purists believe that 1969 is the last "real" XLCH. With its 61cid, 9:1 CR, and 43mpg the new and improved Ironhead blasted its way down the road in excess of 110mph, but Harley did not stop there! The 1000 (bored to 1100) Ironhead motor sits in a 2003 Harley sportster hardtail frame, and a springer front end. Only 141 XLCH models were sold. Both connecting rods shared a common crank pin, referred to as a 'knife and fork' design. ... Vintage OEM EXTENDED Ironhead Sportster Swingarm 900 1000 IRON HEAD K XLH XLCH . Bendix unit. Choppers have a distinct neck rake angle, and longer front ends that separate it from the appearance of a factory bike. Harley Davidson introduces a bigger, faster, and more efficient 1000cc power house for the Sportster. Sportster fork tubes, from K models up to 1972 models, (and 1971-1972 Superglides) were 33.4mm in diameter. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! These two holes held the supports for the original solo seat. Your choice of mineral or synthetic oils. Although Harley put an end to the Ironhead's career they certainly did not stop its legacy. Ironhead engine. Black Matte Paint Seat has some wear on it (pic). Dream Machines of Texas has a wide selection of new and used motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs from Harley-Davidson®, BMW, Buell, Can-Am, Ducati, and more for sale in Farmers Branch near Dallas TX. His recorded speed of 265.492 mph would stand for fifteen years. The Cycle Electric generator is a complete 12V charging system with a built-in regulator, simple two-wire hookup, higher output, and longer service life. All Sportster models were upgraded to a new, stronger frame and swing-arm, derived from the XLCR. To accommodate a larger battery box and electric starter, the XLH frame was "kicked-back" just above the swing arm pivot In 1975, new federal regulations required all motorcycles sold in America to have left-side shift and right-side brake controls. Article by Tim Cato. Ironhead Sportster Performance Tricks Chris's stroker motor has a few upgrades . Until the 1967 XLH, all Sportsters were kickstart only. AMF-produced Harleys began rolling off the York Pennsylvania assembly line, although the AMF logo had been appearing on gas tanks since 1971. At 500 pounds and sporting a 59" wheelbase, cornering was not its strong suit, but a low center of gravity made the bike easy to manage, even when cruising slow. The 7.5:1 Compression rate, 90 degree valve angle, and four cams offered a never before seen thrill ride to the motorcycle enthusiast of its time. A unique year for Sportsters; 1971 was the last year of the 900cc and first year of the new engine cases. Sportster motorcycles are powered by a four-stroke, 45° V-twin engine in which both connecting rods, of the "fork and blade" or "knife & fork" design, share a common crank pin. A Cafe Racer VIN will start with a 7F. In an effort to re-capture some of its lost market, two new Sportster models were offered in 1977. This respectfully earned it a page in the motorcycle history books. The first production models hit the roadways in 1957-1985. Sales for 1978 topped 17,000 units, the highest in Ironhead Sportster history. 1.   |   site map, copyright 2014-2021 www.classic-motorcycle-build.com. Also for 1979, the mechanical rear drum brake was replaced with a hydraulic disc brake. One carburetor fed both front and rear cylinders. Valve guides were changed to cast-iron to provide better lubrication to the valve stems. All Sportster models were upgraded to a new, stronger frame and swing-arm, derived from the XLCR. If you stumble onto this blog and have an old Sportster and are not a member of that group I would recommend you find it. Using the XLCR's frame, the new XLS model had cast wheels, extended front forks, 2-into-1 exhaust pipes and a 16" rear wheel. The Sportster bottom end was nearly the same as the Harley K-Series flathead motor. All model Sportsters from 1970 thru 1978 had the same frame and swing arm. The first production models hit the roadways in 1957-1985. Whether it was or not makes for a good debate. Many motorcycle enthusiasts today argue that it was not the Ironhead's power that made it so famous. Ironhead sportster 1972. Valve guides were changed to cast-iron to provide better lubrication to the valve stems. Production numbers were very low, with reportedly 299 Confederate Sportster XLs, 45 Sportster XLCHs, and 15 Sportster XLT models sold. An XLS Sportster VIN will start with a 4E. The XLT was not popular with buyers, nor was the other new model, the XLCR Cafe Racer. Sportster engines, the 45 cubic inch R, D, G & W Models 1929 side-valve motors, and the 'Big Twin' side-valve motors, which were: the flathead74.0 cu in (1,213 cc) Models V, VL etc. It wasn't until the Evolution Sportsters came out in 1986 that the older models were referred to as "Ironheads". Power was also increased, pushing top-speeds past 110 mph. The issue with an ironhead or ANY other older HD engine is people only do this or that, and never do EVERYTHING, which leads to failures. This is why, when you find an old bike that's original or not that far off, the best thing to do is restore it correctly or consider selling it to someone who will. The first was the XLT, set up in touring style with a thicker seat, touring handlebars, saddlebags, and windshield. It was also one of the last years they made right side shift.   |   about Discarding any unnecessary parts, and making the bikes lighter subsequently supported the theory that the motorcycle would reach higher speeds. Fork tube diameters were increased to 35mm, manufactured first by Kayaba and then by Showa. Applies to all XLH & XLCH Ironhead Sportster Motors from 1954 – 1976 Crisp Clean Offset Printing on 120lb Bright White Paper 24″X 36″ Condition is “New”. Wet clutches are quieter, but are a harder pull at the clutch lever. Bud Ekins, the famous Hollywood stunt man, appeared in several episodes. After three months, 20,000 photos, and more than our share of hurdles (especially finding parts), we’ve completed another Redline Rebuild time-lapse video. Each valve was operated by its own cam, simplifying valve train geometry. As the longest production series in the nation the Ironhead Sportster earned a reputation that would continue to follow it well into the 21st century. It was still a great looking, powerful street-bike, and more reliable than ever. Expand Cart. Back then no one would have ever thought the Sportster would still be in production over 50 years later. Harley-Davidson Sportster History 1966 to 1979. Back in 2011, Bill from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, sent us these pictures of his 1971 Ironhead Short Chop.. Bill: "This is my first bike, a 1971 Ironhead short-chop.I spent three years pulling the bike apart and rebuilding it. Headlight works (Hi-Low), Taillight works, Horn works - Brake light not working. When Harley-Davidson bolted their new overhead-valve motor to the K-Model frame in 1957, the Sportster legend began. In 1973, the Sportster frame was modified. . The Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced continuously since 1957 by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The fiberglass seat and tail section, known as the 'boat-tail' was available for the second and last year. These two holes previously held the supports for the original solo seat. The Ironhead Sportster Garage gave me an education. Related posts: The OHV Sportster was further development of the series, turning up the heat … AMF's remedy was to continue using the existing engine cases and route the gear-shift linkage across the back of the engine, thus avoiding the expense of re-tooling. They reward you with a direct line to the history of motorcycling though, and an old ironhead is an incredible bike to ride. Seat padding was reduced to give a lower ride height. 1985 Sportster Production: XLX-61 (1,824) XLH (4,074) XLS (616) Throughout the Sportster's 60+ year history, there were many minor changes, but the one major change was a reworked motor design for 1986. Currently the 1957 Harley Sportster Displayed General position fifty five cubic in . Says Yone: “I imagined Harley-Davidson’s MX250 and made a fictitious MX1000…my image was a fictional manufacturer factory bike in the 1970s.” In 1977, the Motor Company offered very limited "Confederate Edition" motorcycles. The Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah have long been a mecca for high-speed competition. The Sportster for 1972 saw several other changes. The magneto ignition used on previous XLCH models was gone; in it's place was the points/coil/battery system from the XLH. Harley Rear Master Cylinder Kit Replaces HD # 42374-77 77+ Big Twins & Sportster Regular price $11.00 $11.00 NEW HARLEY XLH XLCR SPORTSTER … With the Chopper craze in full swing and the growing popularity of the Ironhead Sportster in the early 60s it was only right to see the first Harley Davidson Chopper. Under the control of AMF, build-quality seemed secondary. The Motor Company used several different VIN codes for XL models. The fork sliders were steel, and set up for drum brakes only. Included is engine oil, transmission oil, drain plug O-ring, and oil filter. The "Evo" motors were available in 883 cc and 1,100 cc sizes. Production total for all model Sportsters was 19,960 units. Sold in a quantity of 2. Sportsters were converted to a wet clutch setup in 1971. (1930–1936), Models U and UL (1937–1948), and th… 1976 Harley Davidson XLH 1000 Ironhead Sportster Matching numbers Good running bike. Like inverted screen and milled oil reservoir for faster oil return and less camshaft drag. In fact we’ve rated this among the very best Sportsters in Harley Davidson history. Sales for 1978 topped 17,000 units, the highest in Ironhead Sportster history. The increase also gave a more optimum bore-to-stroke ratio, resulting in a smoother running motor. The softly sprung suspension gave a firm but comfortable ride at highway speeds. Longer stroke rear shocks helped increase rider and passenger comfort. Many Chopper owners run bikes that are not street legal, (No mirror, turn signals, or plates) thus keeping the Bobber tradition alive.   |   contact This led to a 101-day strike by union workers. The new carb also sat closer to the motor, causing less of an obstruction to the rider's right knee. Consider upgrading to a trouble-free aftermarket generator like Cycle-Electric.   |   privacy policy First year Sportster, the start of one of the longest model runs in motorcycle history, still in production today. This Modification kicked off what is commonly known today as the Chopper. It's the last generator you will have to buy for your bike! New cylinders with 3/16" bigger bore brought displacement from 883cc to 997.3cc (advertised as 1000cc).   |   disclaimer Essentially decals-only in difference from standard models, the "Stars and Bars" flag adorned gas tanks and fender. Harley Sportster models are designated in Harley-Davidson’s product code by beginning with “XL”. In 1986 the ironhead engines were replaced with the new Harley Davidson Evolution engine. The Ironhead Sportster, arguably the loudest and meanest-sounding V-twin ever, enjoyed a 28-year production run. Another Moreover Previously used Harley, Without exceptions . After a stint in the USA, he founded Bull Original in 1999. loved by elementary bikers Or creating Many of these Fable Sportster motorcycles. home Main bearings were also changed, also not interchangeable with earlier models. This would be the last year of … 1973 was the first year that turn-signals became mandatory on all motorcycles sold in America. The XLH swing arm was lengthened accordingly. Ironhead Sportster Whether factual or not one thing's for certain, it was a trend that would change the motorcycle world forever! The kick-start-only XLCH continued using the original frame and engine cases. Serial number 57XL1010, the lowest serial number known for 1957 Sportster. Sadly the Ironhead met its successor in 1985, with the introduction of Harley's newly innovated Aluminum head Evolution engine (883cc/1100cc). In 1968, Harley-Davidson changed the front fork internals which gave an additional 1-inch of travel. The engine ran on 70 percent nitro-methane. In 1970, H-D started stamping corresponding VIN numbers into frames. Harley-Davidson Sportster History 1966 to 1979. At the end of the 2nd World War solders coming back to the States kicked off the Bobber age in the motorcycle industry. As its name implies, a wet clutch sits in oil, a dry clutch does not. And in that time, the Ironhead's fan-base had widened deeply. I don't know what bad things you heard about 883s though. Article by Tim Cato. The 1957 Harley Sportster featured a solid mount 55 cubic inch Ironhead engine. Approximately 5,300 Sportsters were produced in 1975. Looking back over the decade, the Sportster had come a long way. Just when they thought it could not get any better. The distributor was moved from the right-side engine case to inside the gear-case, now employing an automatic advance mechanism to aid starting. See more ideas about ironhead sportster, sportster, harley bobber. May 26, 2015 - Explore Mike Johnson's board "Ironhead Sportster" on Pinterest. The Ironhead's power was definitely not the only contributing factor. Recent rebuilt motor, new tires, new battery, lots of chrome. Choppers are also known for having all unnecessary parts removed. Took on trade and don't have much history. 1970 was the second and final season of the American TV show "Then Came Bronson". The ironhead was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine, so named because of the composition of the cylinder heads (Iron instead of Aluminium). The XL Sportster, as it was originally called, seemed to be the answer motorcycle-lovers had been looking for. To keep up with the litre-bikes that Japan was offering, the Sportster motor received a bump in size in 1972. The XLCR Cafe Racer was in its second and final year of full production. Oct 26, 2017 - Page 169-Ironhead Pictures of Sportster Scene 1960s Ironhead Sportster Motorcycle Talk (1957-1985) Rubber fork boots ("gators") were seen on 1957 through 1970 Sportsters. Electronic ignition and a solid-state voltage regulator first appeared this year, providing easier starting and less maintenance. New cases were eventually fitted in 1977. The Ironhead Sportster is still in production today. Seat-post tubes were set 1.5" towards the rear, so the upper shock mounts, fender rail mounts got moved rearward. Trips that are less than 15-20 miles are typically not enough to recharge the battery's losses from starting. The 35mm forks had a "pie-slice" brake caliper and cloverleaf rotor, and would later be fitted with dual-disc calipers. The TV show and the bike were both popular, prompting Harley-Davidson to offer a "Bronson Red" paint option for several years. On one end were the racers, who loved its tourquey power and the endless ways to squeeze out more. Redesigned engines cases for 1977 featured a new geroter oil pump, which was not interchangeable with 1957-1976 models. Apr 14, 2019 - Harley-Davidson Sportster History 1966 to 1979 Also this year, the frame was modified, with the steel casting eliminated and replaced with steel straps which covered the two upright frame tubes having the open holes. The Sportster is still in production 60 years later, and the ironhead has the longest production history of any Sportster engine. Quarter-mile times dropped into the mid-thirteens, and by removing the stock exhaust baffles, another half-second could be gained. Inside was a small cockpit and a modified XLR motor, bored and stroked to 1,480cc (89-cubic inches). 1 product rating - Genuine Harley Tachometer Head OEM # 92051-70 Sportster Ironhead XLH XLCH 70-'73 1979 Sportster. The steel castings were eliminated, and replaced with steel straps which covered the two frame tubes having the open holes. Bobber's continued to be popular among riders through the 60s. (NOTE: The screen was full of shavings, pieces of piston rings and some aluminum chunks) A front disc brake replaced the drum brake in 1973. Prone to vapor lock when the engine was hot, the complex Tillotson carburetor was dropped in favor of the simpler It's like being taken back to the late 50s and early 60s every time you fire it up. By 1971, Harley-Davidson was selling an average of 6,500 Sportsters annually, which was triple the amount from a decade ago. The original Sportster engine was the Ironhead engine, which was replaced with the Evolution engine in 1986. Back then no one would have ever thought the Sportster would still be in production over 50 years later. 1957 Harley Sportster XL Motorcycle. Many good-intentioned riders built choppers through the seventies and eighties, cutting and raking necks and removing/throwing away good factory parts. Other Sportster models now benefited the Cafe Racer's dual-disc front brakes and cast aluminum wheels, as well as having Siamesed exhaust pipes, boosting torque and mid-range horsepower. Bikers found that with a longer front end the bike rode smoother at higher speeds. Ironhead Sportster Harley Davidson Sportster Door Handles History Classic Historia Door Knobs History Books Classic Books The muscle behind, (or underneath) the 1957 Sportster was the 55cid 900cc Ironhead. The Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster X Series has been described as one of those rare symbols of American history. Maxima's V-Twin Complete Oil Change Kits are designed to ease the oil change process in your H-D motorcycle. Sales for the 1972 Sportster nearly doubled from the previous year, with just under 18,000 units sold. Electric key start, kick start was removed for the custom ceramic pipes. Article by Tim Cato. Starting in 1967 and until 1969, the Motor Company made two cases for the Sportster, one for the kick-start XLCH and one for electric-start XLH. The Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster X Series has been described as one of those rare symbols of American history. One thing that can be fairly stated is the Harley Davidson Ironhead has made its mark on history, and is here to stay as a classic American Legend. Long live the Ironhead! Purchase History; Buy Again; Selling; Saved Searches; Saved Sellers; Messages; Notification. All Sportster models, including the XLCH, shared the frame and engine cases from the XLH electric start. . 1 product rating - HARLEY XL H IRONHEAD SPORTSTER 1967-1978 KIDNEY OIL TANK BAG OEM # 62507-67 A $52.92 Trending at $94.74 Trending price is based on prices over last 90 days. Fits: 1957-1985 Harley Sportster Ironhead XL (Except 1979) Chrome drag pipes features a 28" long front pipe and 36" long rear pipe, that will mount with stock brackets. The 883cc displacement (advertised as 900cc) was derived from a 3.81" stroke and a 3.00" bore. This beast (the Ironhead Sportster) continued to tear up the highway until 1972 when Harley Davidson decided it was time to increase the power of this road demon. To increase profits, the corporation began streamlining production and cutting the workforce. A post-1970 Sportster VIN will start with a 3A or 4A. We’re talking about the 1957 Sportster XL Ironhead, which was the very first Sportster, the granddaddy of them all, you might say. . Custom Harley's have continued to make their mark on this industry with speed and success. With over 50 years of innovation it is still arguably the best production line of motorcycle in the world. . time Harley Sportster negelect For the reason that Harley Sportster Is a very slightly is available . Harley-Davidson Sportster History 1966 to 1979. Later in the year, Sportster models switched from Bendix to Keihin carburetors. Engine's/bikes owned by 30 people in it's life tend to get basterdized. 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 two frames and engine cases were produced from 1967 through 1969. Owned by Manning/Riley/Riveria, the pilot was famed Harley-Davidson factory rider Cal Rayborn. Ironhead Sportster Sportster Chopper Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Harley Davidson Chopper Old Scool Old School Chopper Bike … The bike you see here is Yone’s imagining of a 1000cc Harley motocross bike, based on a 1977 Harley-Davidson XLH1000 (Ironhead) Sportster. The streamliner body was a 15-foot-long aluminum tube, with a cross-section of only 23 inches. The engine is a two-cylinder, two valves per cylinder, pushrod V-twin. 2 product ratings - Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster 1000 Rear Cylinder Head 16684-71 XLCH XL AMF Harley-Davidson was now just one of dozens of divisions in a corporation, and quality control was becoming an issue. Ironhead motors were used to power Sportsters from 1957 through 1985. It was produced from 1957 until 1985 and was replaced by the Evolution engine in 1986. This respectfully earned it a page in the motorcycle history books. Get the best deals for ironhead sportster parts at eBay.com. The new overhead-valve motor, fitting neatly under the gas tank, sported twin cylinder jugs sitting 45 degrees apart, topped off with a pair of cast-iron cylinder heads. We buy used bikes! On the other end were the customizers, who embraced the clean, integrated symmetry of the compact V-twin engine. The factory brochure proclaimed the 1978 Sportster as the "quickest, most powerful, most agile yet." It was here that a Sportster-powered streamliner motorcycle broke the world speed record in 1970. With a large, dual rear seat and short sissy bar, the XLS was decidedly un-Sportster like, and curiously named the "Roadster". It was also geared higher, and carried a larger 3.5 gallon tank. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. They are another great bike. However one thing is for certain. Your Ironhead's generator really doesn't charge the battery until engine rpm is considerably higher than idle. To help celebrate America's 200th Birthday, Harley-Davidson offered special Bicentennial Edition models, with commemorative decals applied to the gas and oil tanks. Classic drag pipes for the Ironhead Sportster. Over the next 13 years (1972-1985) Harley continued to improve the performance of an already perfect ironhead sportster power plant. 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