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.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Engine

Sort by

Colony #3754-1 Circuit Breaker Base Retainer 1936-1964 Harley-Davidson All Models
$21.45

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

Colony #3124-12-P Motor Case Polished Allen Mounting Kit 2017-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Chrome Plated
$32.40

Colony #3124-12 Motor Case Knurled Allen Mounting Kit 2017-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Chrome Plated
$27.00

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

Colony #3739-1 Chain Housing Plug 1980-1984 Harley-Davidson FLT 1983-1984 FXRT
$13.75

Colony #3738-1 Pinion Gear Nut 1990-1992 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$15.40

Colony #3722-2 Sprocket Cover Pin 1941-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's
$9.90

Colony #3731-2 Crankcase Bolt Set 1930-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$14.30

Colony #3730-2 Crankcase Bolt Set 1930-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
$14.30

Colony #3729-2 Crankcase Bolt Set 1930-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Parkerized
$14.30

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

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 2007-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster
$119.93

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

Colony #3401-16 Rocker Cover Allen Screw Kit 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX 1986-Up XL - CAD Plated
$13.55

Colony #3395-8 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1991-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$5.32

Colony #3394-10 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1977-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$6.29

Colony #3648-16 Headbolt Set 1957-1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$51.78

Colony #3638-4 Pushrod Cover Seal Kit 1991-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster
$11.00

Colony #3637-2 Oil Line Tube Seals 1992-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$6.60

Colony #3619-1 Cylinder Bracket 1932-1950 Harley-Davidson 45's w/Cast Iron Heads - Parkerized
$45.00

Cycle Standard Nose Cone Cam Gear Cover - Black - 1993-99 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$174.03

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

Cycle Standard Engine Stabilizer Link - Chrome - 1982-94 Harley-Davidson FXR 91-94 Dyna 80-08 Touring
1 review $73.06

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

Cycle Standard Tie Link - Chrome - 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportsters
2 reviews $57.39

Cycle Standard Rocker Box D-rings - Polished - 1948-65 Harley-Davidson Panhead
$103.32

Colony 8761-7-P Timing Cover Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1970-1992 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead/Evo - Chrome Plated
1 review $14.51

Colony #3603-12 Pushrod Cover O-Ring Seals 1979-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$8.78

S&S Cycle Hooligan Kit - 1200cc to 1250cc for 2000 - 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models - Silver
$1,640.66 $1,822.95

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 #8703-2 Oil Pump Screen Check Relief Plug 1981-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$12.34

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

Colony #3229-5 Circuit Breaker Post Rebuild Kit 1930-1948 Harley-Davidson Al lModels
$17.86

Colony #3209-4 Lifter Base Screw Kit 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$10.65

Colony #3273-20 Valve Spring Cover Kit 1931-1941 Harley-Davidson 45's - Chrome Plated
$127.60

Colony #3057-4 Lower Valve Spring Cover Kit 1952-1956 Harley-Davidson K Models
$88.00

Colony #3058-10 Rear Motor Mount & Sprocket Cover Mounting Kit 1983-1985 Harley-Davidson XL - Zinc Plated
$27.50

Colony #3051-1 Oversized Drain Plug 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson FL 1971-1984 FX Chain Housing 1967-1992 XL Crankcase - Zinc Plated
$7.26

Colony #3033-2 Rear Motor Mount Nut Kit 1962-1978 Harley-Davidson XL/XLH/XLCH
1 review $19.36

Colony #1028-P Complete Show Bike Kit Polished Allen 2017-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Chrome Plated
$245.03

Colony #1027-P Complete Show Bike Kit Polished Allen 2007-Up Harley-Davidson VRSC - Chrome Plated
$173.38

Colony #3690-16 Plain Head Lower Motor Mount Kit 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Parkerized
$40.70

Colony #3687-15 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Side Valve Big Twins - Parkerized
$39.88

Colony #3682-16 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1958-1965 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$33.55

Colony #3681-16 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1958-1965 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Parkerized
$30.80

Colony #3680-16 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - CAD Plated
$40.70

Colony #3679-16 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1936-1957 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$44.28

Colony #3552-6 Clutch Cover Mounting Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson XL - Chrome Plated
$8.47

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 with Metal Cam Cover Gasket - 1993-99 Harley-Davidson 80 inch Big Twin
$36.14

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

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