I found a Sportster engine for sale. What are the first things I should check or replace?

When starting with a used engine of unknown history, it's wise to at least perform a top-end refresh. This typically includes new gaskets, checking cylinder and piston tolerances, and inspecting the valve train. This gives you peace of mind and a reliable starting point.

What are the easiest ways to get more power from my stock Sportster engine?

The most common and effective "Stage 1" upgrades are improving airflow. This means installing a high-flow air cleaner and a less restrictive exhaust system. These two changes allow the engine to breathe more freely and will deliver a noticeable performance gain without ever opening up the motor itself.

I'm rebuilding my engine. How important is it to replace all the hardware?

While not always strictly necessary, it's highly recommended. Engine hardware is subject to countless heat cycles and stress, which can cause it to stretch and weaken over time. Using new, high-quality head bolts, case bolts, and other hardware ensures proper torque specs and a leak-free, reliable engine for years to come.

Raw Motorcycle Engine

Sort by

Colony #3351-4 Rocker Arm Thrust Washer Kit 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$12.09

British Standard Ignition Pillar Bolt - Triumph / BSA
7 reviews $7.60

Colony #2146-2 Tappet Oil Screen & Spring 1970-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
2 reviews $10.42

Colony #2496-2 Tappet Oil Screen and Spring 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
$6.96

Colony #3558-1 Sprocket Shaft Seal 1939-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's
$6.60

S&S Cycle Quickee Adjustable Pushrod Set - 1991-2022 Harley-Davidson XL 1999-2017 Twin Cam 2017-2023 M8
$188.96 $209.95

Colony #3528-2 Manifold Intake Nipple Brass Seals 1923-1924 Harley-Davidson DCA/DCB 1925-1929 74" 1928-29 61"
$7.87

Colony #3526-2 Brass Intake Manifold Seals fits 1917-1923 Harley-Davidson 61"
$7.26

Colony #7120-4 Aluminum Valve Retainers - All Harley-Davidson Davidson OHV 74's
$35.13

Gasbox Strong Arm Top Motor Mount - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evolution
$74.95

Colony #3145-4 Rocker Box Drain Tube Kit 1936-1937 Harley-Davidson 61 Knucklehead
$35.00

Hawg Supply "Swirl" Engine Cover 1936-1954 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Machined Finish
$99.99

Colony #3557-1 Sprocket Shaft Bearing Retainer Seal 1955-1968 Harley-Davidson 74's
$8.25

Colony #3556-1 Sprocket Shaft Seal 1940-1954 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$6.60

Award Cycle Finned Timing Cover - Triumph Pre-Unit Generator Models
$749.99

Cycle Standard Isolator Motor Mount - Front - 1991-2017 Harley-Davidson Dyna
3 reviews $108.56

Cycle Standard Isolator Motor Mount - Rear - 1999-2017 Harley-Davidson Dyna
1 review $125.41

Cycle Standard Isolator Mount - Rear - 2004-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $24.96

Colony #3658-8 Circuit Breaker To Coil Wire Fastener Assembly 1949-1964 Harley-Davidson Twins/K/KH/Sportster
$9.90

Colony #3657-8 Circuit Breaker To Coil Wire Fastener Assembly 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson All Twins
$9.90

Cycle Standard Front Motor Mount 1982-94 Harley-Davidson FXR 80-08 FLH FLT
$31.61

Cycle Standard Complete Rear Rubber Motor Mount Kit 2014-Up Harley-Davidson Sportsters
$151.83

James Gaskets Complete Rocker Cover Gasket Kit 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster
$62.60

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 1957-1971 Harley-Davidson Sportster
1 review $37.10

Colony #3671-1 Starter Solenoid Plunger Cover 1965-1988 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1967-1980 XL
$9.68

Andrews V4 Camshafts - 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$454.46 $504.95

S&S Cycle Quickee Adjustable Pushrod Set With Chrome Covers- 2004-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$294.26 $326.95

S&S Cycle Quickee Adjustable Pushrod Set - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
2 reviews $202.46 $224.95

S&S Cycle High Performance Hydraulic Tappet Set - 1984-99 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-90 XL
1 review $343.76 $381.95

S&S Cycle Precision Hydraulic Tappet Set 2000-Up Harley-Davidson XL 2017-Up M8 1999-17 Twin Cam
$251.96 $279.95

Andrews J-Grind Camshaft - L1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
$226.76 $251.95

Andrews A2 Camshaft - L1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
1 review $226.76 $251.95

Andrews A2 Camshaft - 1948-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$226.76 $251.95

Andrews N-Grind Camshaft - 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$231.26 $256.95

Andrews EV46 Camshaft - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$226.76 $251.95

Andrews N4 Camshafts - 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 2000-02 Buell
$454.46 $504.95

Andrews N4 Camshafts - 1991-1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1994-99 Buell
$454.46 $504.95

Andrews N2 Camshafts - 1991-1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1994-99 Buell
$454.46 $504.95

S&S Cycle 500 Camshafts - 1991-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$575.96 $639.95

S&S Cycle 482 Camshafts - 1986-2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$575.96 $639.95

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 1993-99 Harley-Davidson 80 inch Big Twin
$30.10

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 1970-92 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$30.09

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit with Metal Cam Cover Gasket - 1970-92 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
1 review $36.14

S&S Cycle V80 Series Complete Assembled Evo Long Block Engine - Natural
$7,519.95 $7,999.95

S&S Cycle SH93 S&S Shovelhead Engine - Complete Harley Big Twin Motor
$9,399.95 $9,999.95

S&S Cycle S&S P93 Series Complete Assembled Panhead Engine
1 review $10,806.19 $11,495.95

EMGO Top End Engine Gasket Set with Head Gasket Triumph 750cc 1973-1983 T140 Bonneville TR7
$59.15

Cannonball Oil Pump 1936-52 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Panhead - Replaces OEM# 26201-41 26201-48
1 review $1,052.69

Cannonball Tappet Guides 1936-47 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Replaces OEM# 18610-36 18600-36
1 review $1,125.79

Cannonball Harley Flathead Engine Crankcase 1937-1948 - Replaces OEM# 24515-37
$3,652.49

Cannonball Crankcases 1948-1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead - Replaces OEM# 24520-48
$4,265.75

Cannonball Crankcases 1941-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Replaces OEM# 24520-41
1 review $4,295.10

Grant Piston Rings Piston Rings for Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles - .040 over
$60.45

Grant Piston Rings Piston Rings for Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles - .020 over
$60.45

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Outer Camshaft Bushing for Triumph 500 / 650 / 750 Twins OEM # E10286
1 review $17.77

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Intake and Exhaust Valve Spring Set for 1963 - 1972 Triumph 650 Motorcycles OEM # 99-7037 70-4221 or 70-7400
1 review $54.24

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Valve Guide Intake Exhaust Standard Size Manganese Bronze Triumph 650
3 reviews $19.44

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Chrome Moly Pushrods for 650cc Triumph Twins Race or Street Use
11 reviews $80.30

British Standard Main Roller Bearing for 1966 - 1972 Triumph 650 Unit Twin Motorcycles OEM # 70-2879
13 reviews $198.47

EMGO Pistons for Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles - Standard
2 reviews $114.66

EMGO Pistons for Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles - +0.040
1 review $114.66

Colony #2877-2 Spring Guide Collar Set 1929-1980 Harley-Davidson All Models
2 reviews $9.68

Colony #2385-1 Oversized 9/16-18 Thread Tap for Stripped Drain Hole 1965-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1967-Up Sportster
3 reviews $37.66

Colony #2413-6 Crank Pin Nut Lock Plates 1954-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$7.57

Colony #2284-2 Tappet Oil Screen 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softail
$5.95

British Standard Engine and Transmission Lock Tab Set - 1963 - 1972 Triumph 650 with 4 Speed Gearbox
14 reviews $20.86

Colony #8011-4 Rocker Stud Bushing Kit 1930-1952 Harley-Davidson 45 Solo
$48.52

Colony #7519-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1948-1952 61c.i. Harley-Davidson Panhead
$55.00

Colony #7506-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1948-1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead using 1966-Up Shovel Top End
1 review $55.00

Colony #7505-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1941-1947 Harley-Davidson 74 Knucklehead
$55.00

Colony #7122-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods - 1948-1952 Harley-Davidson 74's
$55.00

British Standard Side Cover Allen Hardware Set - Stainless- Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles 1963 - 1968
12 reviews $42.35

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

NO SPAM, EVER. JUST GREAT STUFF. YOUR INFO IS NEVER SHARED.