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

Sort by

S&S Cycle Hooligan Kit - 883cc to 1200cc for 2000 - 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Models - Wrinkle Black
3 reviews $1,640.66 $1,822.95

S&S Cycle S&S 1200cc Hooligan Kit for 2000 - 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportsters - Silver
1 review $1,568.66 $1,742.95

Colony #3152-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1957-69 Harley Davidson Sportster XLCH — Colony #3152-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1957-1969 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH - Parkerized
$9.68

Colony #2325-3 Oil Pump Plug Kit CAD 1952-54 Harley Davidson K KH — Colony #2325-3 Oil Pump Plug Kit 1952-1954 Harley-Davidson K/KH - CAD Plated
1 review $23.93

#3094-1 Distributor Adjuster Plate Reproduction Harley-Davidson Twins 1947-64 — Colony #3094-1 Distributor Adjuster Plate 1947-1964 Harley-Davidson Twins/K/KH/Sportster
$14.52

Colony #3028-4 Upper Inner Pushrod Covers 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1936-1983 OHV Big Twin - Parkerized
3 reviews $34.05

Colony #1017-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware 1971-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$220.29

Colony #1017 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Hardware 1971-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $179.07

Colony #9507-8 Cylinder Base Stud Set 1986-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster
$90.20

Colony #2024-4 Headbolt Covers L1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $52.14

Colony #9751-11-P Cam Cover Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1986-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$21.66

Colony #9750-6-P Sprocket Cover Master Cylinder Smooth Allen Mounting Kit 1986-2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$13.40

Colony #8783-8-P Cam Cover Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $18.62

Colony #2994-8 Allen Center Motor Mount Kit 1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$11.90

Colony #2993-8 Allen Center Motor Mount Kit 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$11.90

Colony #1015 Complete Show Bike Kit Knurled Allen Hardware 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$169.13

Colony #1015-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $204.64

Colony #1014 Complete Show Bike Kit Knurled Allen Hardware 1991-1993 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$166.28

Colony #1013 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Knurled Hardware 1994-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $166.28

Colony #1022 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Knurled Hardware 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$159.18

Colony #1014-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware 1991-1993 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$196.13

Colony #7903 Complete Show Bike Kit Acorn Hardware 1974-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $339.27

Colony #7902 Complete Show Bike Kit Acorn Hardware 1971-1973 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$339.27

Colony #8786-5-P Sprocket Cover Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$11.90

Colony #2222-11-P Cam Cover Smooth Allen Screw Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$23.01

Colony #8784-4-P Sprocket Cover Smooth Allen Screw Kit 1971-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$7.82

Colony #8790-28-P Rocker Box Smooth Allen Bolt Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $38.59

Colony #8491-2 Point Cover Screws Cap Head 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead/XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $5.96

Colony #2779-8 Tappet Screw and Nut Kit 1929-1973 Harley-Davidson Side Valves 1952-1953 K Models
$30.25

Colony #2595-13 Top Motor Mount Hardware 1952-1972 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1957-1972 Sportster - CAD Plated
3 reviews $22.00

Colony #2570-2 Crank Pin Nut Set 1981-1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Parkerized
$18.98

Colony #2569-2 Crank Pin Nut Set 1954-1981 Harley-Davidson Sportster/KH - Parkerized
1 review $18.98

Colony #2743-2 Oversized Ignition Timer Cover Stud Kit 1980-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin/Sportster - Zinc Plated
$13.92

Colony #2824-1 Crankcase and Chain Housing Drain Plug 1965-1984 Harley-Davidson FL 1971-1984 FX 1967-1992 Sportster - CAD Plated
$7.26

Colony #2254-2 Pushrod Cover Adaptors 1990-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster
3 reviews $115.05

Colony #2262-4 Pike Nut Headbolt Covers 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Chrome Plated
$54.14

Colony #2255-36 Adjustable Pushrod Cover Kit 1990-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $140.00

Colony #2232-4 Headbolt Smooth Covers 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $52.14

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 #2228-16 Motor Mount Button Allen Kit 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$33.84

Colony #2217-8 Motor Case Allen Screw Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$23.01

Colony #2231-4 Tappet Anti-Rotation Allen Screw Kit 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
5 reviews $20.31

Colony #2259-8 Swingarm End Cover and Nut Kit 1993-2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$21.12

Colony #2222-11 Cam Cover Allen Screw Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$17.88

Colony #2410-1 Pivot Stud 1973-1978 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$16.70

Colony #2287-1 Pinion Gear Shaft Nut 1954-1981 Harley-Davidson Sportster/KH - Parkerized
1 review $9.08

Colony #2293-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1991-1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Zinc Plated
$7.15

Colony #2384-4 Pinion & Sprocket Shaft Lock Plates 1972-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1957-1980 XL
1 review $6.05

Colony #2219-2 Point Cover Button Head Torx Screws 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$4.38

Colony #9887-20 Upper Pushrod Cover Kit 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$50.08

Colony #2140-40 Early Style Pushrod Cover Adaptor Kit 1990-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $155.00

Colony #2020-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug 1957-1970 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
$35.13

Colony #9878-13 Motor Case Fastener Kit 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$28.60

Colony #2018-8 Head Bolt Washers 1984-Early 1985 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/XL - CAD Plated
$28.97

Colony #2067-8 Motor Case Allen Kit 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$22.83

Colony #9879-31 Motor Case Fastener Kit 1977-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
2 reviews $18.76

Colony #2061-8 Cam Cover Phillips Screw Kit 1971-1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$16.94

Colony #2075-8 Allen Motor Case Bolt Kit 1991-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$16.38

Colony #2100-16 Lifter Base Phillips Screw Kit 1950-1953 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1952-1956 K Models - CAD Plated
$18.52

Colony #9967-4 Top Motor Mount to Cylinder Head Hardware 1993-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-Up XL - Zinc Plated
$12.74

Colony #9640-16 Head Bolt Kit 1952-1953 Harley-Davidson K Model - Chrome Plated
$107.17

Colony #9202-12 Pushrod Covers 1984-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evo 1986-1990 XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $66.63

Colony #9797-20 Front Motor Mount Kit Allen Head 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$59.38

Colony #9110-9 Head Bolt Covers Acorn Head 1973-1984 Harley-Davidson XL - Chrome Plated
$49.97

Colony #9211-16 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1973-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $56.49

Colony #9212-16 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1973-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$45.27

Colony #9747-16 Head Bolt Allen Screw Kit 1957-1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$46.35

Colony #9407-1 11/16"-16 Thread Repair Tap Harley-Davidson All Split Cases
$37.66

Colony #9831-28 Rocker Box Screw Hex Head Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $31.14

Colony #9829-28 Rocker Box Screw Kit 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$31.14

Colony #9830-28 Rocker Box Screw Kit 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$25.84

Colony #9833-24 Rocker Cover Allen Screw Kit 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX 1986-Up XL - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $23.91

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

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