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 Sportster Motorcycle Engine

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Colony #3445-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Nut Kit 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1985 Sportster
2 reviews $31.81

Colony #3639-2 Intake Manifold Rubber Seals 1978-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead & Sportster
$7.70

Colony #2062-8 Cam Cover Phillips Screw Kit 1971-1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
1 review $14.52

James Gaskets Primary Cover Gasket 1952-1969 Harley-Davidson XL
$8.87

James Gaskets Primary Cover Gasket 1977-1990 Harley-Davidson XL
$8.84

Colony #2440-2 Crankcase Vent Fitting and Hose 1977-1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $13.22

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$26.16

Colony #9832-28 Rocker Box Hex Screw Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$25.84

Colony #8936-3 Pivot Bolt Washer & Spacer 1973-1978 Harley-Davidson XL - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $25.71

Colony #9817-15 Electrical Terminal Plate 1970-1974 Harley-Davidson FX/XL - Parkerized
2 reviews $25.00

Colony #2704-3 Crankcase Oil Strainer Kit 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1937-1973 Flatheads
2 reviews $12.10

Colony #2280-16 Rocker Cover 12 Point Screw Kit 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX 1986-Up XL - Chrome Plated
$23.01

Colony #2226-4-P Sprocket Cover Smooth Allen Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$11.17

Colony #8780-4 Pushrod Tappet Adjuster Locknuts Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins/45's/XL/K models OEM# 18570-38
1 review $11.00

Colony #2650-13 Top Motor Mount Hardware 1957-E1972 Harley-Davidson XL 1952-1972 Big Twin - Parkerized
1 review $21.78

Colony #8438-16 Cylinder Base High Crown Cap Nut Set 1957-1985 Sportster 1969-Up Triumph - Chrome Plated
$21.60

Colony #2285-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1993-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Zinc Plated
1 review $7.15

Colony #8101-6 Swingarm End Cover Kit 1973-1984 Harley-Davidson FX/FL 1979-1992 XL 1981-1987 FXR - Chrome Plated
1 review $21.12

Colony #9751-11 Cam Cover Allen Screw Kit 1986-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster 86-Up - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $20.85

Colony #8931-16 Rocker Cover Allen Head Screw Kit 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX 1986-Up XL - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $20.85

Colony #2308-2 Rocker Arm Cover to Frame Bracket Stud Kit 1978-1985 Harley-Davidson XL/XLCH - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $20.31

Colony #8894-9 Cam Cover Screw Kit 1952-1970 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL/XLCH/XLH - Chrome Plated
$20.00

Colony #8895-9 Cam Cover Screw Kit 1952-1970 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL/XLCH/XLH - CAD Plated
$19.80

Colony #3138-4 Rocker Arm Oil Line Fitting Kit 1957-84 Harley Davidson — Colony #3138-4 Rocker Arm Oil Line Fitting Kit 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson FL/FX 1957-1984 XL - Parkerized
1 review $19.36

Colony #2494-3 Ignition Module Side Cover Button Allen Screw Kit 1986-2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $6.38

Colony #8729-12 Rubberized Cork Pushrod Cover Seals 1957-1979 Harley-Davidson XL 1936-1947 Knucklehead
1 review $9.08

Colony #2917-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1970-1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster
$18.15

Colony #9529-12 Pushrod Cover O-Ring Seal Kit Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evo/Twin Cam/Sportster
3 reviews $8.78

Colony #9835-8 Chrome Countersink Washer Set for 5/16" Flat Head Socket Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
$16.73

Colony #3721-1 Ovesize Allen Timing Plug 1970-1998 Harley-Davidson Dyna 1970-1999 Softail 1970-2003 Sportster - CAD Plated
$7.58

Colony #3171-12 Rubber Pushrod Cover Seals 1936-79 Harley Davidson Knucklehead Sportster — Colony #3171-12 Rubber Pushrod Cover Seals 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead 1957-1979 Sportster
1 review $7.45

Colony #9624-16 Cylinder Base Nuts Harley-Davidson Sportster & 45's - Parkerized
$13.78

Colony #9793-9-P Upper Motor Mount Smooth Allen Kit 1986-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$13.40

Colony #9771-8-P Center Motor Mount Kit Smooth Allen Kit 1991 & 1993-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $13.02

Colony #8402-2 Point Cover Acorn Head Screws 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead & Sportster - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $5.96

Colony #9402-1 Timing Plug 1970-Up Harley-Davidson OEM# 720 - Chrome Plated
$11.00

Colony #8816-10 Oil Pump Mounting Allen Kit 1954-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$10.42

Colony #7817-1 Acorn Head Motor Sprocket Nut 1957-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$10.37

Colony #3386-8 Cam Cover Allen Screw Kit 1971-1985 Harley-Davdison Sportster XL Models
$9.68

Colony #2828-1 Crankcase and Chain Housing Drain Plug 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson FL 1971-1984 FX 1967-1992 XL - Chrome Plated
$9.68

Colony #8782-4-P Lifter Base Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1957-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $9.56

Colony #3311-1 Motorcase Breather Pipe Nipple Harley-Davidson 1952-1984 K/XL 1965-1967 FL/FLH
2 reviews $8.47

Colony #9845-4 Lifter Base Hex Screw Kit 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$7.45

Colony #8495-1 1937-1986 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Transmission & Sportster XL Motor Case Drain Plug OEM# 707 - CAD Plated
3 reviews $6.78

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

Cycle Standard Rocker Box Covers - Chrome - 1986-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$146.59

Colony #9843-8 Chrome Countersink Washer Set for #10 Flat Head Socket Screws Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #2068-10 Allen Screw Motor Case Kit - 1977-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$31.35

Colony #3443-2 Point Cover Mounting Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster 2017-Up Touring Models - Chrome Plated
$6.05

Colony #8325 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1954-1956 Harley-Davidson K Model - Chrome Plated
$310.34

Colony #8325 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1954-1956 Harley-Davidson K Model - CAD Plated
$245.74

Colony #8324 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1952-1953 Harley-Davidson K Model - Chrome Plated
$311.08

Colony #8321 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1977-1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$226.60

Colony #8319 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1971-1973 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$262.21

Colony #8317 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1967-70 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH and 1970 XLCH - Chrome Plated
$280.70

Colony #8315 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1957-1966 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL/XLH - Chrome Plated
$273.26

Colony #8315 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1957-1966 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL/XLH - CAD Plated
$247.50

Colony #8815-15 Oil Pump Stud & Nut Kit 1952-E1971 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$19.12

Colony #8814-15 Oil Pump Stud & Nut Kit E1952-1971 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$21.52

Colony #7352-16 Heat Treated Acorn Head Bolt Kit Late 1973-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$57.94

Colony #7151-16 Heat Treated Acorn Head Bolt Kit - 1957-Early 1973 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$57.94

Colony #7150-8 Acorn Head Cam Cover Screw Kit - 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$29.70

Colony #7115-2 Acorn Head Countershaft Sprocket Cover Screw Set - 1957-1969 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1952-56 K Model - Chrome Plated
$14.74

Colony #9774-8 Oil Pump Mounting Allen Screw Kit 1991-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$8.20

Colony #9759-4 Lifter Base Allen Screw Kit 1991-1994 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$9.16

Colony #9752-4 Oil Filter Adaptor Allen Screw Kit 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson XL - Chrome Plated
$4.76

Colony #9748-16 Head Bolt Allen Screw Kit 1973-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$49.97

Colony #9643-16 Head Bolt Kit 1954-1956 Harley-Davidson KH Model - CAD Plated
$85.45

Colony #9642-16 Head Bolt Kit 1954-1956 Harley-Davidson KH Model - Chrome Plated
$107.17

Colony #9614-10 Oil Pump Mounting Kit Late 1971-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$9.56

Colony #9112-9 Head Bolt Covers Cap Head 1973-1984 Harley-Davidson XL - Chrome Plated
$49.97

Colony #8870-21 Lower Motor Mount Kit Acorn Head 1986-1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$33.67

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