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.

Motorcycle Engine

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Colony #7137-22 High Crown Acorn Rocker Box Bolt Kit - 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
4 reviews $51.43

EMGO Top End Engine Gasket Set Triumph 650cc 1963-72 T120 Bonneville TR6 Tiger
6 reviews $77.14

Colony #3020-8 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1992-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin/Twin Cam 1993-Up XL - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $77.00

British Standard Stainless Steel Top Motor Mounts / Head Steadies for unit Triumph Motorcycles
14 reviews $29.86

Colony #9798-20 Front Motor Mount Kit Stock 1957-1984 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $47.38

Colony #2091-12 Replacement Pushrod Covers Late 1979-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $70.39

Colony #3126-36 Pushrod Cover Kit for Adjustable Pushrods 1999 & Up Harley Davidson Twin Cam — Colony #3126-36 Pushrod Cover Kit for Adjustable Pushrods 1999-Up Harley-Davidson Twin Cam - Chrome Plated
$140.00

Lowbrow Customs Rocker Box Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter Fitting - Brass - 1971 - Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, 1971 - 1985 Sportster
6 reviews $26.42

Colony #2967-10 Grade 8 Head Bolt Kit 1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
1 review $65.99

Colony #7825-20 Grade 8 Head Bolt Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - CAD Plated
$43.99

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 1973-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster
2 reviews $42.03

Colony #8104-16 Cylinder Base Nuts 1930-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$20.99

James Gaskets Primary Cover Gasket 1965-1988 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$24.91

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Black Diamond Exhaust Valve Triumph 650 750 OEM # 70-2904
3 reviews $31.01

Colony #9799-20 Front Motor Mount Kit Stock 1957-1984 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
13 reviews $40.61

British Standard Rocker Cap/Valve Cover Set Triumph 350 500 650 Unit Twins
3 reviews $40.39

Grant Piston Rings Piston Rings for Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles - .060 over
$60.45

Colony #2442-8 High Performance Cylinder Studs 1983-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evo
$120.18

Til Death Cycles Dyna Case Saver
$119.12

EMGO Pistons for Triumph 650 c.c. Motorcycles - +0.020
4 reviews $114.66

Colony #2011-8 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1985-1991 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-1992 XL - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $109.99

Colony #2313-19 Upper and Lower Motor Mount Bolt Kit 1936-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
1 review $52.45

Colony #8204-4 Hydraulic Lifter Converters Eliminate Hydraulic Units 1953-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$34.05

Colony #8603-8 Adjustable Pushrod & Solid Lifter Kit 1984-Up Harley-Davidson Evo
2 reviews $102.11

James Gaskets Motor Gasket Kit W/Alum-Foamet Base 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead
$101.74

Old-Stf Cycle Pushrod Cover Keeper Set - Drilled Brass - Big Twin Evo Shovelheads & Knuckles
17 reviews $40.00

British Standard Triumph Cylinder Base Nut Set Unit 650cc 1969-1972 OEM # S692 21-0692
5 reviews $25.32

British Standard Engine Oil Seal Kit - 7 Piece - 1963 - 1972 Triumph Unit 650
21 reviews $50.19

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Tappet Blocks 1969- 1983 for Triumph 650 / 750 Twins OEM # E9352 E9353
2 reviews $99.99

Colony #8225-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Kit 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1985 XL - CAD Plated
2 reviews $31.81

Colony #2322-11 Rocker Arm Cover Stud Kit 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
4 reviews $47.38

Colony #7502-2 Oversize Drain Plug & Tap Kit 1965-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1967-Up Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $46.35

British Standard Rocker Box Oil Feed Pipe for Triumph 650 / 750 c.c. 1963 - 1982 #71-2428
5 reviews $92.41

Colony #3590-3 Oil Line Nuts for 3/8 inch Rubber Lines 1915-1964 Harley-Davidson - CAD Plated
1 review $23.10

British Standard Rod Bearings for Triumph 650 and 750 c.c. Motorcycles - Standard OEM # 70-3586
19 reviews $91.75

Cycle Standard Rear Motor Engine Mount 1967-1981 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster OEM 16203-67
4 reviews $90.97

James Gaskets 4 Speed Transmission End Cover Gasket 1936-1986 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$4.77

Gasbox Front Motor Mount Spacer Plate Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Panhead UL OEM 438-48 24795-48
5 reviews $15.00

British Standard Base Gasket with Impregnated Wire for Triumph Motorcycles OEM #70-6309
9 reviews $11.16

James Gaskets Complete Rocker Cover Gasket Kit 1984-1991 Harley-Davidson Evo Big Twin
$88.41

Colony #2966-10 Grade 8 Head Bolt Kit 1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - CAD Plated
3 reviews $44.00

British Standard Metric Timing Side Crankshaft Bearing for 1972-80 Triumph 650 750 Unit Twin Motorcycles OEM # 70-3835
$87.90

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Intake Valve Standard Triumph 650 / 750 1963-83
1 review $21.49

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Exhaust Valve Standard Triumph 650 / 750 1963-83
5 reviews $21.49

James Gaskets 5 Speed Transmission End Cover Gasket 1987-2006 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$4.70

James Gaskets Rocker Cover Gasket Kit 2007-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster
3 reviews $83.44

Colony #8224-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Kit 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1985 XL - Chrome Plated
9 reviews $40.61

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead
$40.59

British Standard Triumph Patent Plate with Rivets
7 reviews $16.01

Colony #9641-16 Head Bolt Kit 1952-1953 Harley-Davidson K Model - CAD Plated
$85.45

Gasbox Top Motor Mount 2007-Up Harley Sportster Models - with EFI Ignition Coil Relocation
4 reviews $39.95

Colony #3019-8 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1985-1991 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-1992 XL - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $77.00

Colony #8221-20 Head Bolt Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
8 reviews $76.76

Colony #8220-20 Head Bolt Kit 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$76.76

#2233-12 Rocker Arm Shaft Washer O-Ring Kit Harley Shovelhead 66-84 — Colony #2233-12 Rocker Arm Shaft Washer O-Ring Kit 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1984 XL
21 reviews $6.05

British Standard Side Cover Allen Hardware Set - Triumph 650 / 750 c.c. Motorcycles 1969 & up
7 reviews $22.86

Colony #3031-4 Upper Inner Pushrod Covers 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1936-1983 OHV Big Twin - CAD Plated
1 review $34.05

British Standard Triumph Copper Head Gasket 9 Bolt - 650cc Triumph twins 1963 & up OEM # 70-4547
7 reviews $33.96

Colony #2306-16 Electrical Terminal Plate 1959-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$33.84

Colony #9772-22 Lower Motor Mount Allen Screw Kit 1986-1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $33.84

Colony #8807-17 Motor Mounting Kit Upper & Lower 1970-1984 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $33.67

James Gaskets Primary Cover Gasket 1967-1976 Harley-Davidson XL
$6.73

Colony #7710-18 Head Bolt Washer Kit 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson 45's/75's/80's with Aluminum Heads - CAD Plated
1 review $33.31

Colony #7823-12 Pushrod Covers 1948-Early 1979 Harley-Davidson Panhead & Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
4 reviews $64.80

Colony #3310-17 Motor Case Kit 1932-1936 Harley-Davidson 45's - CAD Plated
$64.35

Colony #8412-1 Throwout Bearing Assembly 1941-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's
$64.09

Old-Stf Cycle Ironhead Sportster Rocker Box Loop Oil Lines - Brass
13 reviews $64.00

Colony #8142-34 Motor Case Kit Acorn Head 1979-1995 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead/Evo - Chrome Plated
$63.61

Colony #7629-14 High Crown Acorn Rocker Box Bolt Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$62.27

Colony #8777-20-P Smooth Allen Head Bolt Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$62.27

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Black Diamond Intake Inlet Valve Triumph 650 750 OEM # 70-4603
3 reviews $31.01

Colony #9918-8 Rocker Arm Stud Nut Kit 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead - CAD Plated
2 reviews $19.12

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