Harley-Davidson Big Twin Engine Isn't Like the Sportster Engine

Harley-Davidson Big Twin is built completely different than the Sportster engine. You would think with the Sportster engine being regarded as the most reliable Harley-Davidson engine ever produced Harley-Davidson would of just built a larger version for the big twin. The Harley-Davidson big twin and the Sportster were just designed to do two completely different jobs. The Big Twin engine is more concerned torque production where as the Sportster is made for some higher revving horsepower. Both engine have their highlights and low lights but at the end of the day both engine are one big compromise.
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[@GixxerFoo]

What are you're thoughts on why Harley-Davidson didn't just build a unitized big twin engine based on the Sportster design?

[@tompava3923]

Thank god!✌😎

[@danielcombs3048]

Combining the two designs I think would lesson the amount of models to choose from. Mo money, mo money 💸

[@donwaltman4276]

I think if you go back to 1903, that's how machines were built. It was easier to tear apart and rebuild. Especially for the diy people. I've worked on industrial machinery from the '30's and You had the capability to do that, it's only recently that you would just throw it's away and get another. Great video Gixx !

[@white_devil73]

Money, money, and money.

[@xlr8r3VA]

Because Harley just had to be different. I am glad they are different because all the metric bikes are the same. They all try to copy and outdo each other.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I have had my 1999 883 Harley Sportster for almost 25 years. The engine has 400,000 miles on it and the only thing that has been replaced on the engine with the stator at 250,000 miles. It has gone through 37 rear tires and 17 front tires. There are lots of nice little curvy roads in Florida as long as you get away from the interstate.

[@2014ultra]

That's pretty incredible 😳 hats off to you

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Nice ,🏍️👍👍👍👍

[@freyatilly]

400k? Woah!

[@martincvitkovich724]

Does it have a drive belt? If so, how many of them were replaced?

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@martincvitkovich724 I am on my third belt I got over 100,000 miles out of a belt. Changing a belt on a Sportster is an easy at putting on an endless chain. Still on original sprocket front and rear.

[@spacetruckin6555]

88,000 miles and counting on my '09 1200N. Awesome motorcycle.

[@GMAN420BC]

Always look forward to coming home after work Friday, fire up a doob, and watch gixerfoo !

[@MrTurnone]

One of the only channels I hit the thumbs up before I even watch the vid, I know it's going to be good

[@walterjohnson2031]

Sporties was my first rides and I wish I had my 1967 hifi blue XLCH again!!!!!! Campaigned an XR750 in the old days for three seasons. Played tag with Gary Nixon a couple times before going on an all expenses paid vacation for Uncle Sam to a place called Vietnam. Now in my late 70s I still ride my FLSTN a few thousand miles per year.

[@leonardstanford1877]

I have several sportster customers that have been running Mobil 1 VTwin 20/50 in the primary trans for years no issues stop & think about it if it works in a big twin it will work in a sportster !

[@frankneher9192]

Why not make them all the most reliable bikes possible not just Sportsters. Make made in America mean something.

[@GixxerFoo]

There's so much in the big twin Harley could improve and do just that. Harleys are built around the rebuild concept as opposed to the throw away model.

[@monokheros5373]

ASSEMBLED in America Means something MADE in America means something else entirely AMERICAN OWNED means something else entirely from PUBLICLY TRADED

[@conservativeteacher1987]

I absolutely love EVOs and the 91-2002 Sportsters are my favorites. I rode a 2000 883 as my daily ride for five years. Paid $2,700 for the bike with only 12k miles and sold it for $2,500. Saved me so much money on fuel and was very easy to maintain. I personally would have loved to see Harley produce a beefier Sportster engine due to its simplicity and ease of maintenance.

[@GixxerFoo]

Couldn't agree more! Sadly the Evo Sportster is done, now we've got the Revolution Maxx Engine in the Nightster and Sportster S.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@GixxerFoo how much do you want to bet that the Stormbreaker Evolution Forester copy will have a longer lifespan than any of the crap that Harley-Davidson currently produces. How come the Japanese manufacturers can make a liquid-cooled V-Twin that looks decent. The revolution Max motor is ugly as Sin as well as having its own mechanical difficulties like the milwaukee-eight

[@Bahlzeron]

​​@@frankmarkovcijr5459 what issues are they having with RevMax? Edit to add: I agree the Japanese manufacturers have been making good looking water cooled engines since the '80's. The V-rod was liquid cooled, but was a single model. M8 has (partially) liquid cooled heads, RevMax is liquid cooled (cant decide between ugly and fugly). They made the new sportster look....K-mart plastic.

[@robertbarger6439]

Paid 2400 for my 01 sportster put a 1200 kit on it then turned around and sold it for 3200 win win in my books

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@Bahlzeron they are having a multitude of issues with the revmax engine. Foremost is Extreme overheating even with the liquid cooling. They are having electrical issues with their cheap made in Mexico wiring harness. The 13 and a half to 1 compression is almost too much for the starter. If the engine stops in a particular position the starter will not be able to push it over compression when you hit the start button it makes you sound like you stepped on a cat's tail it really does it sounds just like that. Halfway into a guy's 5,000-mile vacation trip his engine seized up. The short front fender allows crap to clog up the radiator. The regulator and electrics are in a vulnerable spot. Fall down and go boom in the boonies with it and you will not be happy. AAA will not come out into the woods to come get you. Just like with the Ducati Scrambler when you have foot pegs that bolt into the engine cases where you come down off that high jump you will break the pegs right off the side of your engine cases. One guy bought one and it's at in the shop so much he told them to repossess the thing. Another one related how it took six months for the dealer to get parts to fix it. In the old days of the 1960s if your BS a dealer did not have a part for your motorcycle BSA wood Air Freight depart from New Jersey.

[@lpd1snipe]

I have owned 12 Sportsters in my lifetime. I currently own a 1968 and a 1975 xlh. In my opinion the worst thing they ever did was in 2004 get rid of the transmission trap door. Now you got to tear the engine down to work on the transmission. I talked to Harley mechanic a while back about this when they came out with the 04's. He said we don't do much transmission work on Sportsters. Maybe not nowadays but back in the day you did.

[@GixxerFoo]

That was Harley's reasoning behind eliminating the trap door, they said the transmissions were just solid reliable. I wish they still had it on the 04 up, l would love to put a Baker 6 speed in there.

[@scruffy4647]

That pic of that blue Sporty is awesome. Now you did it. I just finished painting my 83 Low Rider black. Decisitions, decisions.

[@fearsomename4517]

I like Sportster's but I like my stock '99 Heritage Springer better. Last year evolution motor is bulletproof.

[@rickmancr]

2003 was the last year for the Timken taper roller drive-side main bearing in the Sportster engine. It's also worth noting that 1999 was the last year for the crankpin that was fitted to the flywheels with tapers and nuts, rather than being press fit like a Twin Cam.

[@dutchyjhome]

Although I ride a Sportster now with a Big Twin on board (a 1985 FXR) I really love Sportster engines....especially the XR engines: the XR1000 and the XR1200. I used to have a 2008 XR1200 with 105 Hp and 120 NM torque...man that thing was fast! And gaining power wasn't even my aim to begin with, I just wanted to get rid of the power dip these modern standard XR1200 engines came with from the factory. I got myself a Torque Hammer exhaust from Twin Motorcycles in IJsselstein, The Netherlands and had it installed there together with the new mapping which made the exhaust work most optimal and so some torque and power win was part of this all. These guys are so in to Sportster and Buell engines that motorcycles from all over the world are send to them to get optimized...and so an enormous Twin Motorcycle fan base is growing every year.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

My ideal Harley would be the Sportster engine design but in the size and displacement of My Dyna.

[@GixxerFoo]

I have always dreamed of something like a 88 inch Sportster engine in a Dyna chassis! That 100 inch S&S Sportster motor would absolutely be the ticket.

[@Sam590ss]

I'm a tc guy but my son just picked up a very well maintained XR1200 and I'm hooked! What a fun bike to ride.

[@GixxerFoo]

The XR 1200 is a blast! That motor has a lot of Buell tech in it, they put down about 90 horse stock.

[@stephendrake8145]

Yes it is,just make sure you upgrade your suspension(the X model of 2011-2012) if you have a 2009-2010 model as I don't think Ohlins makes suspension for the XR. Also get a Fuelpak or Power Vision to be able to reprogram your bike on even go to a ThunderMax ECM as the XR comes with wideband oxygen sensors...

[@Sam590ss]

@@stephendrake8145it's a 2009 going with a Power Vision. We're looking to see if Progressive makes rear suspension for the XR.

[@stephendrake8145]

@@Sam590ss The factory Showa suspension from Harley Davidson is excellent although has gotten a bit pricey. The XR has an absolutely huge buss, not the small CAN buss on newer Harley's...

[@Fever_Rides]

I’ve got a M8 street glide and a 88TC Dyna. I want a sportster 48 now. Even though I’m 6’2 and 220, sportsters are a blast to ride.

[@FXFBS540]

I'm 6ft 4, 220lbs. My Sporty is more comfortable than my Softail stock to stock. Changing some stuff up on the softail to make it fit me better now.

[@GixxerFoo]

That 48 is a lot of fun to ride! Those things have some sharp handling.

[@antondahl8945]

I bought my 883 sportster new in 1993. $4,650 from Sandhills Cycle in Eastwood NC. It wouldn't shift properly so i took of the primary cover and performed the shift mechanism claw adjustment. Shifts perfectly to this day with 108,000 miles on engine. The only other repairs required were top end gaskets at 20,000 miles. A common repair on sportsters and big twins of that era. Faulty gaskets. Oil tight to this day. Plus I replaced the clutch plates and brazed up a broken oil tank mount. At 40 grand i replaced the belt drive with a chain drive and taller gearing. I also installed an S&S Super E carb. On one of my three trips out to Sturgis i noticed a black tar like substance oozing out of my ignition module, so i installed a high performance points ignition...works great. Then i also made a custom set of long drag pipes which utilize the stock crossover header pipes. It runs great at 80 to over 100 mph all day in the summer heat out to Sturgis.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome! No one really does their own work like that today!

[@FXFBS540]

I love my M8 Softail and my Sportster. If I could only keep one, it would be the Sportster. It's just the more fun to ride.

[@GixxerFoo]

I wouldn't be surprised that if in the coming years we see a resurgence of popularity in the Evo Sportster now that it's been discontinued indefinitely. They are some really fun bikes to ride, especially when you get a good suspension setup.

[@GJM866]

Great information! Did not know about the differences in the primary drives. Thanks for posting!

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

I did not know that either about the difference in the primary drive..

[@GixxerFoo]

Getting that compensator out of the big twin can save you a lot of headache down the road for sure!

[@joel8034]

At 8 min there's a picture of a wide glide. That picture was taken at Conrad's Harley Davidson. I'm the detailer there and recognized the bike. Then the stairs, popcorn machine and checker tiles on the floor. Awesome!!

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome! I figured the Wide Glide represented that long low slung smooth ride down the road!

[@felipedourado5721]

​@@GixxerFoo As does the Deuce depicted on the very beginning of the video. I feel the WG and the Deuce are kindda "cousings". The WG more raw and pure, the Deuce more refined, but both sharing the same "chopperesque" spirit. All the best e peace from Brazil. ✌

[@PAULY-P]

​@felipe dourado I miss my 2000 Deuce after buying my 2009 StreetGlide. I now have a 2017 BreakOut and couldn't be happier. 😊

[@felipedourado5721]

@@PAULY-P I keep my carburated 2002 Deuce as best as I can. I really adore that bike. But don't get me wrong, eventhough I use the word "adore" to describe my feelings towards her, it doesn't mean I worship the motorcycle parked all the time on the garage. No! I ride the crap out of the bike. As you must know, Brazil has an enormous territory cut by several major and country roads, just like USA, so, always that I can, I'm out on the open road with my beloved Deuce. Everything on her pleases me, the looks, the handling and its versatilty. Just pop a windshield, a well padded seat and a pair of saddlebags and she transforms herself from the "chopperesque" cruiser that I ride locally every day, come rain come shine, to a very passable tourer. Perfect! At least for my taste. I guess the new 117 Breakout is a beautiful and capable heir of the lineage to which the Deuce also belongs. Enjoy your ride! All the Best from Brazil. ✌

[@Kaptain13Gonzo]

I'm on my second Sporty, 05 1200XLR. tons of fun. I don't have a "need" for a big twin. Although, if a Springer Shovelhead were to be available, I'd have a hard time saying 'no'.

[@GixxerFoo]

Spotters are blast! The short wheel base can be a little rough but you get a good suspension on one and it's a game changer.

[@runalongnowhoney]

Replacing drive belt on Big Twin is an all-day project; Way easier on Sporty's. I expected M8 to finally address the issue. Nope. Same-old bring your lunch and checkbook for a belt change.

[@GixxerFoo]

That's no joke! It takes a lot to change a big twin belt! I was hoping they would of changed that on the M8 myself too!

[@billh4301]

My 2022 Fat Bob has removable swingarm plate for belt replacement.

[@runalongnowhoney]

@@billh4301 Though the Primary case must still be removed, right?

[@BMWHP2]

Timken . . . . thats why i have the 2002 Dyna. Hotforged crank and Timken bearings😎

[@GixxerFoo]

They do make a huge difference in those cranks and run out!

[@BMWHP2]

@@GixxerFoo This one has a stage 4 kit in it and pumps out 107hp and 162nm. I guess, only 2000 to 2002 models can handle those numbers without getting into trouble.

[@bill392]

I love my '09 Sportster 1200 Custom with 4.5G tank. Never getting rid of it.

[@GixxerFoo]

That bugger tank makes all the difference on the Sportster!

[@masterofnonetv8361]

Spot on about the sportster tq, hammer performance has engines packages that will get 130+ hp but only 95 or so on tq.

[@Dynachop420]

A lot of people don’t know about hammer but dude those 1275 kits are no joke I built one once and it would eat any m8 alive from stop light to stop light not the long run though

[@ilevilminko4642]

My '93 Heritage has odometer on it's second round. Bought it from a friend who rode it a lot. Has some kind Screaming Eagle stage set on it, never been opened and runs good.

[@seH2i]

ALL HAIL the Master ! Thank you Gix. Years ago I purchased a low mile 2003 Sportster xl883r. Where I live here in Central Pennsylvania most roads are hilly, not mountains. The 883 was sluggish going up long grades UNLESS I twisted that throttle like a bandit upon approach then exceeding Bonneville Salt Flat speeds midway up. LOL So I inquired with The Wizard ( long time Service Manager at Schaeffers Harley Davidson) and another tech sbout this issue. The recommendation? The Feuling Reaper 505/515 Bolt-in REAPER cam. The result? Great low to mid range power. ( IMPRESSIVE ACTUALLY ) I've since sold that machine. My stable now includes: 1996 Dyna Low Rider Convertible Black. 2007 Ultra Classic Olive Pearl. 2012 Sportster 72 Matte Black. Grandfather John Pennsylvania Livin The Dream ps: last year when I learned of the Sportsters demise I purchased a low mile ( 3,892 ) 2012 Sportster 72, Matte Black in good condition for $7,500 out the door. ( I do a lot of business at Schaeffers so they take care of me ) SPORTSTERS RULE

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you for the support! You've had some awesome bikes over the years! Sounds like you still have a garage full of awesome machines!

[@larserikolofosterling2338]

Glad to hear about the Fueling cam. I just bought the 505/515 cam for my 883. And the Feuling economy beehive springs with titanium keepers. It can't be a bad thing to get the weight of the valvetrain down bit too! I love this "tractor" engine. See you on the roads !

[@seH2i]

@@larserikolofosterling2338 Absolutely. I bought a 2012 Sportster '72' 1200 about 6 months ago and the previous owner put that Feuling Reaper cam in it. Wow - the sound like you said is awesome like a tractor. SPORTSTERS RULE.

[@d1mennis]

I use 3 different oils on my Evo and 20w50 synthetic in all 3 holes on my Twin Cams.

[@GixxerFoo]

On the Evo that's a really good idea in my opinion, they weren't running synthetics engine oil in anything in it's day.

[@wrtoomes600]

I enjoy listening to your motorcycle knowledge. Thank you.

[@eddiegerlach7121]

I like the customization options, which I feel may be limited in a unitized option. I have an 04 Low Rider TC and my wife's is an 05 XL1200C Sporty..both carbed. ♥️

[@GixxerFoo]

Those are some really good years! The 04 and 05' Sportsters with the carbs had the good heads on them too!

[@freyatilly]

​@@GixxerFoo ... so they did sportsters with carbs and fuel injected in those years?

[@semperfipar1299]

Great video! The real difference between the engines is one is designed to sell you parts and the other is not. All of the arguments for divorced engines and transmission fall flat in the face of Polaris big twins on the Indians and Victories and the Sportster for that matter pre 2004. The sportster transmission is bullet proof. The power for the sportster power plant has always been pretty close with horse power and torque being close together which is optimum like 75 hp 70 torque. A gear drive primary? The only reason Harley big twin does not have one is because they want to keep selling you chains and the associated parts that you will tear up if you upgrade the engine. Torque delivery has nothing to do with chain drive primaries. When it comes to torque a chain drive verses a gear drive? Take the gear drive. I have always said this. In a comparison of engine design a sportster motor with the same displacement as the divorced big twin and the sportster would destroy it all of the way around and not fall apart in the process. Another advantage of the sportster power delivery is the displacement pretty much matches the torque and horsepower with the proper cams. I remember looking to upgrade and walking to the back go the dealer service department and seeing every big twin bike Harley made up on the lifts being repaired and no sportsters and they sold more of those bikes at the time. On a side note, the lower end on my Victory drive train is almost identical to the sportster with the exception of the gear drive primary. It shifts the same and has an easy right side belt change. The Victory engine oil has no problem lubricating the gears and cooling the clutch. I know guys that dump engine oil in the sportster primary and have never had a problem. I love my sportster.

[@GixxerFoo]

Sportster is awesome! It really is a shame Harley didn't use that same design platform and build the big twin off of it. But you like said it would just be too reliable at the end of the day.

[@semperfipar1299]

@@GixxerFoo Having both products in my garage, Sportster and Judge and doing my own wrenching I can see the shortfalls of both. For the Harley it was just sticking with the past design but the upper and lower engine design was perfect for the pushrod being on its own gear cams. The triple row chain will never wear out and the sacrificial part is the tensioner block. Snapped a few belts, my fault. The Judge has all of the reliability with a modern design taken from the Sportster. The gear drive primary looks like they took a picture of the sportster and eliminated the chain. They copied the secondary belt just like the sportster. The transmission feels and shifts identical to the sportster. The Victory cam chain is a gear for each on the lower just like the gear for each pushrod. The Victory has its shortfalls when you change the exhaust and its lack of adjustment of idle fuel/air. All electronic and O2 sensors at idle not adjusting the mix off throttle with an annoying decel. popping. No stock timing adjustment or even being able to check it with a light. I'm thinking a carburetor would have been a better fit or me finally taking it to have the computer fuel adjustment made. LOL! Things that are easy on the Sportster are not easy on the Victory.

[@masterofnonetv8361]

I wish the sportster had its starter bolts on the outside instead of behind the primary cover

[@freebehindbars8654]

I always have multiple motorcycles in the garage. Currently have two HD’s, a M8 SGS & Sportster Custom. Finding myself getting bored with HD. I don’t have time to tour and the Sportster doesn’t fill that sport itch I still have. Looking at a 23’ Super Duke Evo at the local dealership and one of the HD’s is going. Hard to believe I’m struggling with which. Everyone says the Sportster but I actually enjoy riding it more than the 800+ lb Glide. It’s a beautiful big Cadillac, just haven’t connected with it like bikes throughout the years, especially for what it cost me.

[@peteradamou809]

Maybe try a 2018- up Fatbob😉

[@freebehindbars8654]

@@peteradamou809 Only HD’s worth buying are the Pan America or either Glide. Not interested in the other offerings.

[@theodavies8754]

I had an 883 but never really liked the right side of the engine. Chain drive and solid engine mount. Went to a 1340 FXDL, got a '99 TC88 FXDL now. I don't break things or skip servicing. No issues with the cam tensioner shoes at 25k miles. Chrome all the covers has given up,dry miles only so probably got stored in a shed at some point. It's getting all the covers replaced while they are mostly all still available.

[@GixxerFoo]

You can always have those covers powder coated black and save some money. I like chrome myself but there just isn't any real chrome shops around anymore, they have been regulated right out of business. That was the funny thing about the early 88's some of those things would eat tensioners and others like yours never had an issue.

[@javierosorio5169]

Dude I regret selling my 2006 1200 custom stage 2 eagle, to my coworker . I got a 2007 fat boy for the torque because girlfriend wants to ride along all the time now . Carburetor is more powerful then fuel injector. If can go back I would.

[@GixxerFoo]

1200 is super fun bike but it's not great two up, it can be done but getting yoy a Fat Boy for that was a good call. I bet you're old 1200 ripped with some cams in it!

[@nbitt1319]

Always look forward to your videos. Gained a ton of Harley knowledge from you 👊🏽

[@mikaldene7146]

From a machinist point of view, unitized would be a pain to machine if that's your intent. Bulky cases would be harder to hold properly. I'm all about simplicity and less complex machining setups which lead to unintended mishaps. Although, I've never had to machine Sportster cases, it appears to be more complexed when you consider the clamping aspect of a bulky unitized case.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Ahhh those cases will be cast.

[@MrBluto99]

The Sportster did NOT inherit the 3 row primary chain from the XR750, it has been 3 row since 1957...in fact the 883 used PN 40005-57B chain right up to the end in 2022.

[@stephendrake8145]

Yes the XR750 came some some 15 years after the first K Model Sportster{later X Model after 1957) and has no parts in common other than the XR1000 which used XR750 heads...

[@normangraber1047]

Actually the K model used a three row chain from the very beginning in 1952, the number of links changed in 1957.

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Splitting cases takes so much more work and cost more money at the end of the day. I love the simplicity of the TC or BT engine. Buddy of mine just asked me to barter Tattoos for rebuilding his 2011 Sporty Transmission. Truth is, it would cost less to throw a used low mileage 1200 engine in than it would be for me to rebuild his trannny.

[@sadtube788]

My 1999 sportster sport 1275 dogs big twins all day long and I can ride it like a sport bike lol.

[@tonyputman3398]

Good presentation with lots of interesting information. Thanks and God bless y'all!

[@GixxerFoo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the support!

[@crspcritter]

Sportster runs oil through both engine and trans . Big twin easier engine work with trans de attached . I like em both : it is what it is - ✊🏻👍👌good stuff !!! -

[@ludo9234]

I have a 98 m2 cyclone and the engine is such a decent runner. I'll not be selling it anytime soon.

[@freyatilly]

Sweet. Keep rollin'

[@cheyennecombs8756]

57k on my 07 1200N; Barnett clutch at 30k. 136k on my 08 ultra classic stock everything. Both solid

[@GixxerFoo]

That's awesome to hear! You've crushed some serious miles on both those bikes! 57K is pretty impressive on a Sportster, they will do it but they don't usually get ridden nearly enough to make the miles!

[@rykerolaoghaire8781]

Happy Friday Gixx!

[@GixxerFoo]

Finally the weekend! Happy Friday!

[@mrwhite2628]

More great info Gixer! Keep it coming. My experience with the TC engine has not been good. I swore I would never have another one. But I found a super clean 4k mile 08 FXSTC the other day. Not a Duracel bike. I have always loved the way the SC looks and rides. Now it is in the garage with the other 5. 3 Harleys, 2 Goldwings, and a Versy 300. I really need to stay a way from the want adds and Craigslist. LOL!

[@robertbarger6439]

My first harley was a 01 sportster with an 883 but I put a 1200 kit on it my second harley 2012 dyna fat bob with a 103 stage 2 love the 103 next bike will be a street glide special here in 2025 or a road glide special

[@bradleyyounger8499]

I much prefer the divorced trans

[@GixxerFoo]

It makes sense to me, having to split cases and disassemble and entire motor is more of throw away concept.

[@user-xn1bo9rx5m]

who you love is your business not the govt.

[@Jpaydirt]

I like your explanations! but make it even better and get a rode microphone to place on your camera

[@GixxerFoo]

I agree, l have a similar one to a Rhode but l'm not super happy with it. I am going to upgrade to the Rhode.

[@robertlumsden942]

good stuff. i learned some things i did not know. always wondered why engine and trans were separate.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

I hope to leave my M8 107 CI on my Sport Glide stone reliable and box stock. Too old for headaches, breakdowns, and worn out maintenance neglect problems. I service it by the book, with all synthetic oils in all 3 boxes. 20w-50 V Twin Mobil 1 for air cooled motors in the engine, Mobil 80w-90 full syn in the primary and gearbox. Counter balance leaves little vibration.

[@Bass.Player]

In the late 60's I had a 57 XL Sportster that had a dry clutch from the factory...

[@clintwoodruff1187]

Has anyone bothered to check the factory manuel, and recommendations on 'heat of the summer' oil ? It's recommended to go to 'straight weight' oil in the summer temperatures. I think it mentions 50 wt. above 80°. Not sure, but I think I got that right. Anyone??....

[@anonymity6876]

Evo's Rock 🤘👍✌️😎🇦🇺🍻

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I like the Sportsters, but i hate that mini gas tank.

[@GixxerFoo]

The 2.1 gallon will get you around 80 miles, then they have a 3.5 gallon tank. I have one with the 4.5 and it can get you over 150 miles, usually get a fuel light around 130.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

@@GixxerFoo I've never ridden one, but they look like a lot of fun!

[@mobilemechanix1]

Easy to change to larger custom tank

[@normangraber1047]

Dunno, I switched to Victory after many years on H-D and the gear driven primary has no issues with gobs of low end torque. Cams, airbox and exhaust netted 102 hp and 103 ft lbs tq out of 100".

[@thinman8621]

Sportster offers legendary reliability and the 1200's have quite a bit of torque. Fun motorcycle for the crowd that is not "heavy."

[@geraldscott4302]

I have both. I see nothing wrong with the separate engine/transmission on the big twin. I'm also into vintage cars, and all cars have a separate engine and transmission. Sportsters used to have that "trap door" transmission, which made it a lot easier to work on the transmission. Unfortunately my Sportster does not have that. I see it as a very Japanese like design, being easier to manufacture, but MUCH more difficult to work on. I will always take easier to work on above everything else. Fortunately the Sportster has a very reliable, long lasting transmission. I have also owned a couple of pre unit British bikes, and currently own a 2007 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, which, although it was made in India, is a British design. It is a pre unit engine/transmission, and has the shifter on the right. Newer bikes are not designed to be worked on, they are designed to be disposable.

[@GixxerFoo]

I think that's the only thing I don't like about the 2004 and up Sportster is they don't have that trap door anymore.

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Don't know what you're talkin about the Gear Drive not being as reliable as chain drive when they update their bikes they go with gear drive for the most reliability

[@user-so2vs2bh2f]

The 1200 Sportster engine has more horsepower per cubic inch than the Big Twin. The Big Twin I think sounds better, and the longer wheelbase looks better, the heavier bikes do better out on the Interstate. The Sportster is a good bike to zip around town on, make short trips, for smaller statured people. I do not believe in knocking peoples bikes though. The Sportsters are less expensive and some people may not be able to afford the other bikes.

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

Always appreciate the great content brother.... Nicely done💯👊🏼😎

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you! Always appreciate your support! I'm hoping to make it up your way this summer to the Ozarks!

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

@@GixxerFoo if you do give me a Hollar.... I would love to meet up with you and shake your hand brother!

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel... Another awesome video...

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

[@MAC-co4cr]

Love your content brother thank you ✌️

[@GixxerFoo]

I appreciate that!

[@johnbrooks241]

Snuck a pic of the Victory twin in there!!

[@GixxerFoo]

Victory and now Indian have the gear driven primary and unitiized design. They always touted that on the Victory back in the day and how it was a modern design.

[@sean8470]

@@GixxerFoo gear superior to chain all day

[@freyatilly]

Love the sportsters. So unbreakable. My first was new in 1988. Since then I've had the 2003 and now have the 2009.

[@rugershooter5268]

I'd think the amount of boom(tq) possible with big twin would require some type of modification from the Sportster model IDK which is actually fastest DWG or XR, but XR whoop butt in the curves I read posts of others with XR needing to do this that and the other thing to get MORE POWER.....come on man, 85hp on 500lb bike built for curves, if you want a drag bike get a V-Rod and oddly they are almost as good in the curves

[@joshuahunt4659]

I found a Buell blast learned on that then went straight to an 02 softail.

[@dennispasquale7291]

don't have to split the cases for trans work but sportster has outboard belt as i have replaced 4 belts before i learned that harley specs are wrong for 5-7 hundred mile hot days last belt at60k and I took control at last 40+k on this belt they tighten up in heat

[@GixxerFoo]

That's another huge perk of the Sportster is the ease of belt changes!

[@danielsullivan7525]

Hey Gixxer, been studying your videos trying to find a healthy bolt in woods cam for my Softail slim s 110 for mid-high range. I rarely ride two up but it's nice to be able to rip when I do. Is the Tw555 the way to go? Anyway you rock dude, great videos!

[@raymondwalls3154]

Had an 88 sporty, bored it over to a 1200 and it would pull the front wheel off the ground and lite up the rear tire with a twist.. My main issue was the vibration! Kept breaking bolts on the headlight assembly

[@masterofnonetv8361]

90's sportsters for the win!!

[@larry68hd11]

Thanks. Always injoy

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you for your support!

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

The separate transmission in a big twin and the Classic Bike moniker if it was British it would be called a pre unit. All the motorcycles used to have separate transmissions in the old days. Harley had to continue to separate transmission with the big twins because of the frames. Of course they could have changed everything but they decided not to. With high-horsepower pre-unit designs the horsepower going through the primary on the left-hand side would cause handling irregularities while it would transfer power to the transmission. While the British went to unit construction the transmission was still in its separate case even though it was attached. You don't need to tear down the whole bike to work on the transmission to way you do with a Japanese motorcycle. Of course most of my Japanese motorcycle Transmissions outlasted the Japanese motorcycle they were attached to.

[@Goldencountry63]

My first Harley typically should have beya Sportster but I went with a 95 dyna FXDL and still own it today. If it was a Sportster I don't think I'd still have it.Ive only ride a Sportster once in my life and it just wasn't enjoyable but in my book the Sportster and it's look is right up there with the Touring Bikes which for that I chose a Road King Classic.

[@Goldencountry63]

Been a...damn typo.

[@Goldencountry63]

ridden...oh boy...

[@GixxerFoo]

Yeah Sportsters are very short wheel base and it does create a unique ride. It's rough lol.

[@pcontiman]

Thanks foo!

[@seH2i]

We appreciate you.

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you!! The extra support means a lot to us here!!

[@PinksAdventures]

Nice and bright...like they should be!😉👍...looks good!...thanks for sharing...stay safe out there!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦

[@GixxerFoo]

Thank you! We appreciate the support!

[@mikeking9777]

Love my 1996 HD XLH 1200 sportster. It aint goin anywhere.

[@Rollanotheronemyfriend]

Can a belt drive primary be used on a late model 103 twin cam? Thanks I enjoy your videos.

[@GixxerFoo]

Yes, absolutely! There's all kinds of kits out there to go to a belt drive primary.

[@Rollanotheronemyfriend]

@@GixxerFoo how would a belt drive be adjusted? Being the engine and transmission are basically one unit.

[@dynaordie8083]

Love my dyna and I love my sporty... but harley themselves are an enormous disappointment

[@raybrensike42]

Reading comments on high mileage Sportster motors. I always thought the Sportster motor was the better motor.

[@vincentiusrioyoshilistyo6601]

Actually, I'm about to trading in my 2013 XL883L with 2011 Fatboy 96 ci. My father wants a bigger engine instead of keeping my Sporty, though I already had a 2004 Roadking. Such a hard decision though I've been in love with my Sporty

[@UnburiedVA]

How do you learn all this stuff man love your Channel

[@GixxerFoo]

We appreciate the support over here spreading the good word!

[@robert-wr6md]

Thanks very interesting.

[@GixxerFoo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robert6761]

An EVO motor and a Sportster motor are basically the same.

[@ronaldledgerton878]

Get this guy a set of drumsticks

[@tonyhenley8284]

I agree that maybe now the MoCo are using the Sportster as a gateway for new riders or for women. However the Sportster was introduced to compete with imports which at the time were much lighter and faster than big twins of the day. Big twin Harley’s were horribly slow back in the day. Sure there were things one could do to make them faster but imports and Sportsters were fast from the get go. All of the Harley drag bikes back in the day were built on the Sportster platform.

[@trentspight3027]

You know Mr. Billy Lane,

[@keithschipiour4684]

Which one makes a better boat anchor?

[@GixxerFoo]

They are all pretty heavy 😄😬

[@JohnnyRebKy]

You can run a much better oil in big twins bec you don’t have to worry about the clutch slipping 👍. Motorcycle oil is designed to allow enough friction for clutch to work. So it actually lubricates the engine less so the clutch can work properly. A big twin doesn’t share a clutch with engine oil so you can run an auto racing oil in them and they will run quieter with less top end noise and run cooler. I been doing it for years. I quit trying to explain it to people they don’t wanna hear it. They ain’t understand that using motorcycle oil is a compromise. It allows MORE friction which means less engine lubrication so the clutch will work. So I run an automotive racing oil in the engine….and run a motorcycle oil in the primary Why racing oil ? Because it still has a high zinc content. Regular car oil doesn’t have the zinc it used to have. Racing oils for old iron V8 engines works great in harley big twin. I used to run valvoline full synthetic VR1 racing oil in my Dyna. Instantly stopped the top end chatter noise and ran cooler. Now I use Amsoil racing oil which they actually recommend for old shovel head Harley’s and older that run hotter instead of their v twin oil. Why? Same reason I explained earlier. It lubes the engine better than Vtwin and makes them run cooler

[@XxXxsilentkill]

Unit construction seems to be the way these days just about every high volume manufacturer regardless of HP torque displacement build that way and you don’t hear omg got to split my engine cases to fix my gear box because bikes are just so mechanically reliable. There is nothing wrong with non unit construction and it certainly suits the look of the big twins but in some ways it also makes them look a little Old school. Just imagine image what a unit construction gear driven cam M8 sized sportster engine could of been like.

[@donrice8026]

they aren t haters there just full of envy K models started the closer pitch three row primery chain HAPPY TRALS

[@DeBa1226]

Gixx! How you like Zippers Muscle 107 kit?!

[@dennisharrison4744]

I just don't like the wieght that's why I got a sportster if I go any other direction be going back to a honday or yamaha

[@peteradamou809]

You definitely be around Harley Davidson a long time

[@sean8470]

sportster is better and more reliable than the big twin

[@jirvin3170]

What's the biggest engine your able to swap out the on the 2015 sportster 48?

[@rsgabrys3080]

-------------------------- no bike on planet earth......has more love/dislike disdaining yet endearing attributes than the one n only HD Sportster.....

[@GixxerFoo]

😀 You wanna start a fight, start a conversation in a bar on the Sportster lmao. There's some very strong feelings on both sides about that bike.