HARLEY Davidson IRONHEAD Sportster CHOPPER Bobber BUILD / Top End Rebuild

Another episode of the 1976 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster Chopper Build Saga. This time around, I decided to tear down the top. In this video, we go over what was discovered several videos back. The end result is that the motor will need to have the cylinders bored as well as new pistons and rings. I am by no means a professional, but if you have any useful input, feel free to comment below. This is becoming quiet the adventure.
SaddleTramp Merch: saddetramp-mer...
1976 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster Chopper Bobber Series:
• 76 Harley Davidson Iro...
Tripp On Two Wheels:
/ @trippontwowheels
Facebook:
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Instagram:
/ saddletrmp

"GET 2 DA CHOPPA" Arnold S. Almost therapeutic watching your build. Outstanding production value!

[@eviliron76]

Forever iron head, iron head forever! , the most underrated but barely ever beaten, big twin killer

[@trippontwowheels]

Thanks much for the shout out SaddleTramp. I definitely can use all the help I can get. And thanks in advance to anyone who wants to come on over and give me advice. All welcome and appreciated! -Tripp

[@ltsgarage7780]

Tripp On Two Wheels if you were close I would send my head guy over. He loves teaching. Every time he touches a head he teaches me something. I’ve had him get double digits sometimes (rarely but sometimes) get triple digits reworking a already worked set of heads. “Oh good enough” is not perfect.

[@trippontwowheels]

@@ltsgarage7780 And if you were close, I'd take you up on the offer! Thanks man.

[@ltsgarage7780]

Tripp On Two Wheels where are you located?

[@trippontwowheels]

LT's Garage San Antonio, Texas. You?

[@ltsgarage7780]

Tripp On Two Wheels way out west. California. 49 miles north of San Francisco

[@timothyputzke1250]

Back in 79, ( during the gas shortage ) rode a Ironhead from St. Cloud MN to Sturgis onto Yellowstone, into Idaho then back home to MN. The bike didn't miss a beat as long as It had gas in the peanut tank.. Lol Loved that old ride.

[@frogwaffle7]

6yrs ago i pickup a '76 XLH1000 at a yard sale for 1500. Thanks to youtube vids like this & lx forums i got it up and runnin for pennys....Thx!

[@GKnee72]

Hell yeah I learn a lot from both but rather U Tube so I can see exactly what's up..

[@paulfosbery6026]

Hello ST! Just a heads-up...😉...! These are your videos that I get reminders to watch in my e-mail, always to enjoy! None of this recent, You-Tube; annoying; "Live Chatty Stuff"..😠.... (similar to annoying; "Facebook/Twitter" stuff...😠.), which always makes me change channels!.☹️..! Keep up with the "normal" Video Posts, like these! ..😍..! Lovin' the Ironhead! Take care ST!....😁...😁...!

[@hankjohnson2545]

Thank you Saddle Tramp I'm learning a lot from you I want to get an Old Iron Head but I have to save my money first and learn watching you

[@michaelhaddan1965]

Getting closer and closer to breaking down the top end of my '70 Ironhead, no small thanks to your 'class room' videos. Took off my tank and fenders to have them painted soon, and took off my Mikuni carb, cleaning it up, and will rebuild it. You're a good teacher and motivator brotherman. Thanks again~~

[@charlesmanning1851]

Love the T-shirt....Maiden gotta love it.

[@CDLNEPA]

You make this stuff look easy. Can't wait until you fire it up

[@djay6651]

My wife's stepdad has an '83 Ironhead that he basically inherited from a friend that passed. It's been ridden to hell and back and looks it. The only thing that us really an issue are the front breaks are shagge out and it needed the idle adjusted. Also, wearing an Iron Maiden shirt while working on an Ironhead is most appropriate. Up the Irons! \m/

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Ironically that's how I obtained this bike project. A friend of mine's widow wanted me to have it.

[@djay6651]

@@SaddleTrampTV That's the same with my father in law. It sat in the garage for a while and she couldn't bear to sell it, so she gave it to him.

[@4570duplex]

Just a couple of thoughts on those heads that I hope might save you some trouble down the road. First, if that motor is of unknown history, but you suspect it's never been apart, it may have the original valve seats. When this motor was new, we still had leaded premium gas, and those seats are meant to be used with that leaded premium. Once leaded premium became unavailable, we started seeing some pretty rapid valve seat wear. The solution is to change them out for valve seats of a modern material, such as stellite, which is compatible with unleaded gas. There may be a way to tell if this has already been done by simply removing the valves and inspecting the seats. Maybe Scooter's can help you with this. Second, these things are pretty hard on valve guides. The rockers tend to push the valve stems sideways a bit as they push the valve open, which ovals out the guides. As an aside, Dan Baisely in Portland, Oregon modifies the rocker tips by cutting them off and welding a roller tip onto them, which eliminates this side thrust. I had him do that on my rockers the last time I went through my motor. Anyway, if the guides are worn, it will not only burn oil, it will also not properly cool the valves. The valves transfer heat to the heads through the guides, and if the guides are loose and are not making full contact with the valve stems, the valves (and seats) will overheat and possibly fail. "Fail", in this case, means dropping the valve head off of the stem. You can imagine what that will do to the motor... So, yeah, I kinda hate to be the bearer of possibly bad news, but it pays to check this stuff. Your gasoline leakdown test doesn't tell you everything you need to know. Sorry... but, as they say, "forewarned is forearmed".

[@bryansanford]

Exactly another adventure :-) (excessive analyzing, educating, researching) # Ironheads that Rock

[@KowboyUSA]

Had one of those octagonal oil bags on my '69 XLCH.

[@wolfeyes9357]

The old grey beards like me use to knurl the pistons and low and behold.....35 thousand miles later, still good and going strong!!!

[@dragonclaw88]

love scooters...wish we had a shop like it somewhere close

[@gitanopnmex]

Cool project.

[@ator5906]

Thank you Saddletramp for being yourself and bringing us along on your adventures! You caught my attention when you traded the newer bike for the Evo (I own one) and I kept watching because of your personality. God bless.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks, man. That means a lot.

[@ABud12921]

Hey drummer! Thanks for another awesome video and taking the time to share with us! The ole ironhead is gonna be a firecracker! Don’t blame you on peeling some of the inners out of those cylinders, new rings and pistons, yeah you got it goin on! Value seats lookin good, might want to give those rods a wobble, check for slack. Gonna be a great build! I was at Kenny’s yesterday (Tuesday) got my new tires mounted for my RG, hung out in the shop lookin at the builds, how bout the ole flathead with the left side side car?!? Those guys are awesome builders! Great to see ya again brother! Come hang out with us for Mardi Gras! I’ll send you the info. You be good to yourself also brother! Blessings your way!🧷✌️

[@darrenstephens4412]

cool bikes and cool T Shirt

[@jamesbutterson5218]

Got to get up to get down with the Sportster sickness! 👊💨

[@michaelporter5745]

As an owner of TWO piece of shit 77 ironheads.... this channel brings me peace. I appreciate you dude.

[@GKnee72]

You can fix them up and if not I'll take them off your hands! I have a 73 ironhead myself and just bought a 90's 1200 even though I'm partial to the older ones!

[@Supermankev2001]

I always like watching because you are so much more advanced than I when it comes to your bikes.Ride safe see ya on the next one .

[@maddutchman9218]

The iron head is the slant six of the motorcycle world....You can beat the hell out of them and they just keep on going....

[@rj40oz97]

Cool seeing support from north California, eureka, Humboldt Co.

[@ryanbassett2091]

Nice to see you Rockin the Maiden shirt!!

[@jackprentice9498]

Have you done a video on worst road rage? That would be a cool video

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

Your gonna bring her back to life Brother no doubts, one breath at a time, keep doing you brother 💯✌️😎

[@GJM866]

Great video and information. I owned a 1983 Harley XLH ironhead sportster back in the 90's. Mint condition, and ran like a top. Owned it for a few years and put about 2500 miles on it. Never had an issue. Wish I had it back now!

[@ChopperFisher]

As a moto youtuber myself i LOVE being able to look up a bike that i might be buying and find a dude like you, keep killin' it love the content 🙌 subbed 👊

[@GKnee72]

I need a wrench like that for my rebuild!

[@reiddon85]

Great video , i recently picked up a 1980 sportster iron head 1000 limited edition and am slowly learning so far your videos have been the most informative

[@mikeashbaugh7773]

I have to do the same thing, when I work on one of my bikes, I have to take at least 2 out !!!! Hahaha

[@shanewright6958]

Great video keep up the great work 👍👍

[@ShawnM94]

Just bought me a 1977 sportster 900 ironhead. Should be getting delivered soon. No clue how to, or what to do but it'll be fun to restore.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

That's weird. Being a 77, it should be a 1000. 73 was the last year for the 900 and first year for the 1000. Sounds like fun though.

[@ShawnM94]

@SaddleTrampTV all I was told, was it was 996 cc. It's been sitting for 3 years. He said it ran great before he put it up, but the clutch was dragging. It also leaks a bunch of oil lol. This will be my first bike that wasn't brand new

[@simonholley6256]

Great vid,love the funky intro music.

[@malcsayer7133]

Sorry to hear your iron head has an S.T.D.... week on penicillin should cure that ...😄. Seriously looking forward to more. Malc

[@TheMilitaryBiker]

Great video mate, some good looking bikes in that shop.

[@carlosdeleon7475]

Tinkering is the name of the game😎🔧🔩

[@dougschwarz6699]

As always, more great content.

[@zechariahjunior9736]

instaBlaster.

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

Sweet video dude. Scooters is cool place ! Some awesome bikes! That man knows his stuff ! Lots time making this video with filming so many locations ! Well done Amigo 👍🏽

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks bro

[@georgejed2255]

My Moto is "It's Always something". One thing leads to another... With anything, not just motorcycles. Sometimes it fun. Sometimes... It's NOT. LOL

[@RoadRashHD]

Up the Irons, cannot wait to see this build

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thank, man.

[@TexRider]

I did the same thing with my 1997 evo. it had over 330,000km on it. I did the pistons, rings, valve guides, cam and lifters. She is like new now. I just need a starter jack shaft for it now. Take care

[@tomswope4208]

Lol..... I was sure if you had a car. For a second I was like.......hey what the hell! 😂

[@ltsgarage7780]

It’s an iron head sportster. Of course it has a clip inside the side cover! With the heads. Pull the springs and oil seals. The take some lapping material & a lapping tool. Lap the existing valves. Put on new springs & keepers plus valve guide seals. You’ll have a great set of heads! Then, buy a super thin head gasket and bring up your compression a bit. I think your motor is a 1976? If it is change the cam also. With a lower over lap and a bit of lift. It will make much more cylinder pressure. It’ll be a great motor!

[@29687ray]

100%

[@kennethlaw5216]

No reason to lap the valves if they aren't leaking gas through.

[@ltsgarage7780]

Kenneth Law if he gets all new springs , Seals. It certainly can’t hurt now can it? Besides, it’s been sitting for a long time.

[@lskiller1903]

LT's garage is absolutely correct, better to do it now than after the top end heat cycles several times and then starts leaking. Plus the heads are off and on the bench, plus if he wants to sell the bike in the future, a great selling point is it's had a complete top end basically.

[@ltsgarage7780]

LS Killer correct. Put in valve seals reset the valves. (lapping) springs. Then find a good cam for it. The 70’s were the gas wars of America. So the motors basically had broom sticks for cams. The high lift cams meant the paint on the broom stick handle was lifting off. It was really hard in the 70’s to buy a street cam that had any lift to it. Back then I had mine custom ground. I digress. Lap those old valves. Get them set in place. Who knows. One could be stuck down right now???? Doing this kind of work is much easier to do with it torn down the first time.

[@chetlovesamerica6783]

Great video!☆,,,",raining on the rain over here !,,,""Teeeeeee!☆

[@lewhanna6112]

I worked on those at the dealership in the 70's. Go ahead and get Manley stainless valves and bronze guides, it will make a difference. Also, not big money.

[@DeluxeChimp]

Good stuff as always 👍

[@kenvrla9678]

Tramp...your mixed content is awesome, and is and will be the key to your channel success. Keep it comin'!....Ken

[@kidmoto22]

Good vid Tramp...music sounds a little like SuperTramp! Take care Brother....🙏🏼

[@2bad1]

I really like these kinds of videos.

[@JerseyNickMoto]

Another great video, I'm really enjoying following along on this build!

[@stevemetcalfe8012]

Loving the videos man keep up the good work !

[@keithmaxwell2169]

Good video TRAMP I got an ol Iron head too thanks man rubber side down

[@chadwicoff6378]

I wonder about the people that give thumbs down..do they just go around the world in disgust ...is it always the same 5 or 10 people....so many questions.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

There's losers everywhere, man that live for nothing but to do loserly things.

[@gregorykucera4235]

Great thanks for that video. I have a 1982 sportster front sprocket new .you need it it's free

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Sure man! Thanks! P.O. Box 3241 Gulfport, MS 39505

[@lewhanna6112]

We did the whole top end at 12-15,000 miles. The valves might not be leaking, but valve stem to guide clearance will be off. Please go ahead and do the heads. You will be thankful you did.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Great video brother!... I'm getting my cyclinders 10 over as well... Cant wait to see how yours turns out man!...

[@HARMARSCH2]

SaddleTramp All of your videos are interesting. I’m going to follow you on Instagram and Facebook.

[@Running-with-skizers]

Never thought of checking the seats with fuel good old school trick to know

[@robschoufour4825]

Going to rebuild top end on my 77 xlcr as soon as it warms up.

[@jimhayes4000]

Great video . The Dude down at Scooter's seems to be one of the older models that will give out great information if one has the open mind . That being said you and I talked about a Springer on a Sportster awhile back. Question now is do you or any of the subs have info on Springer alignment . Liked your live stream, but thought it was better with just you and the viewers question and answers. A ton of younger generation seeking guidance . You have a leaders voice and a clean channel. Keep up the great videos. PEACE

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I have absolutely 0 experience with springers. But I may end up putting one on this bike in the end.

[@tylerdunn6578]

Iron head is going to have some more compression after all that. Sounds fun almost like putting big bore kit on with keeping the same heads.

[@kennethlaw5216]

I don't think I would have wasted my time pulling that motor down. Yes there was a little wear on the cylinders. But what do you expect from an old bike. Plus the wear was at the bottom of the cylinder and it will hold the compression at the top where it needed it to fire. It's your bike do what you want. You already have it tore down so might as well do it now. If it was mine I would have just ran it to see if it was fling to smoke bad or use oil.

[@jamesbare909]

I’ve had two iron heads and love them. Just subscribed to your channel, seem like a cool dude 😎

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks, James!

[@TheMilitaryBiker]

Yeah buddy, great video as usual mate. Doing a top job on that Sporty. Ride safe mate ✌️🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thank you, Scouse.

[@beardoallin657]

Hey saddletramp nice vida building a chopper myself it'd got a rebuilt tein cam I know not to many like the twin cam but hopefully being rebuilt some of the problems are gone hopefully would of rather gotten an evn but got a good deal, hopefully anyways take care my friend and cheers from Canada eh.

[@sgilman7722]

Just my opinion. I've worked on many shovel heads and found that a .010 bore job is not usually enough. If the cylinder is centered correctly in the bore machine that is only .005 off of each side. If it doesn't clean up on the first or second cylinder bored your ordering .020 pistons and boring them again. The leak down test on the heads is only one test . Valve guides wear and valve stems wear . Iron head sportsters don't have valve guide seals. I never saw an Iron head sportster with over 25,000 miles that didn't need a complete top end rebuild.

[@dry509]

What engines does Scooter like?

[@hankjohnson2545]

Laughing out loud it's a red would I know from Eureka what's up brother been a long time since I've heard your name Saddle Tramp is a cool dude

[@user-mp2qj6rs9c]

Hey I've seen you wearing a frost cycle shack shirt occasionally. I live pretty close to him. Think his name is Jared. Makes sense that you would know about him dude has more iron heads than you could shake a stick at. Stay safe.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I've actually bought parts from him in the past.

[@roberthagen7024]

As always another cool video .your going to need a bigger shop

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Yeah, I think so too.

[@29687ray]

With new piston new bore go ahead and freshen up the heads. I personally have not worked on Sportsters in 30 years or more. good luck. hows the bottom end? Cams etc.? Check everything. I'm not a know it all just saying from experience.

[@gestoandlane]

Hiya mate, saw you on Scouse adventures live stream and thought we'd check out the channel...glad I did...subbed! :D - We're going to do some serious country hopping on bikes this year so maybe we'll end up in your neck of the woods. :D

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks for the sub! That would be great if you did ride through my area. I'm in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. If you come through, my email is "[e-mail]". Let me know if you do.

[@benderbender1233]

coooool! eye dint kno dat gas trick brutha. ima go do it 2 da heads eye got freshened up to go on my ironhead. c if eye did a good job on em. gotta do same exact thing ur doin to urz to my ole grl. 1979 wasa long time ago! ✌😎

[@brianohara5696]

I’m going to send ya a new garage door !!! Lol

[@jericholewis7209]

Everytime I see your garage I think "nothin but cool." I've always loved the gritty down home environment of a bike shop. Well, it's slowly coming to life. How much horsepower are you gonna end up with?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I have no idea. Whatever it will deliver I suppose.

[@pebear]

I'm not sure but the Evo Big Twin and the Shovelhead are very similar inside. You could say that the Evo was the fix for the Shovelhead in the sense that it's kinda like an all Aluminum Shovelhead (except for the cast iron cylindrical inserts. My guess that the evo sporty is probably a similar type of deal. The guts should be similar.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

They are a lot alike. Harley used the shovelhead design as the basic platform to go off of when they were designing the evo. When the evo sportster came out, the bottom end and transmission pretty much stayed the same for the first 4 years of it's life.

[@pebear]

@@SaddleTrampTV I didn't realize it was as extensive as the tranny. I know the first year of the Evo Sporty they didn't have the 1200, they had a 1100. So they used the same tranny for a while. Cool. The issue of the Shovelhead and Ironhead leaking oil was you had Steel Jugs and Aluminum bodies and for some reason getting these engines to stop leaking oil was a problem until the Evo. Then the Evo's seemed to just run and run like a harley engine never ran that well or long before. Then on the Big Twins they went to the TC88 just because they got sick of the aftermarket guys building their own evo copies. Even the TC88 isn't that bad an engine if you fix the cam chain tensioner. ( I replaced my cams last year on my 01 Fatboy at 65K and hopefully it will run for another uneventful 65K. )

[@GKnee72]

You can help me finish my 73 sporty for some more content!

[@smokefan87]

Another great video were across the state line from yall gotta check out Scooters never been there, thanks man!

[@DEATHMETALCYCLE]

EUREKA, ca!!! Im in ARCATA, CA

[@tbpc1]

Awsome

[@120074]

Tramp have you checked out Low Brow Customs Ironhead maintenance and build videos for Ironheads and other videos. These guys have great maintenance video’s also. Just thought we pass this bye you.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Yeah, I've been watching that. Great stuff.

[@wolfeyes9357]

Those pistons are not that bad....as soon as you install new pistons, they heat up excessively, expand and 95 percent of the time when you look at them within 3 month's, the pistons usually are scorned a bit!!!! Nature of the. true beast.....an ironhead!

[@getoffmygrass6974]

I know you’re more of a purist when it comes to your motors, at least that’s the vibe I get but do you plan on keeping the iron stock or are your u gonna go a little bigger on displacement, maybe a Wiseco kit? Maybe have the crank trued while you have it apart or even weld it so that engine will not have to be opened again for awhile, just curious(money grows on trees down there right?). Great work Tramp,? I dig it.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Nah, I plan to keep it as close to stock for what it is. Motors tend to go further when when they are left as close to their original platform as possible.

[@kennethwise7108]

I'd send it to Tatro for making a hot rod out of it

[@jigz77]

Hey buddy, Time to pass on my 79 1000 sportster to the next generation. Wondering if you have thoughts on how to price it. 100% original except for missing stock carbs and air filter cover. Bunch of after market and stock parts. pipes, seats, blinkers, trim pieces, calipers, fenders, handlebars… Around 35k original miles. Electrical and transmission redone. Ran great, but been sitting for a good 5yrs on a trickle. Whole life in a CA garage. A couple of chips, but original red paint in great condition. 3rd owner. I appreciate your thoughts.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I would look at what they're selling for right now.

[@jeffreynye3019]

You seem to be a dam good wrench! What do you do for a living?

[@backyardbuilder6939]

Iron heads never a bored moment they are a pain to fix and they will eat thought your wallet but once they are running and running right they are a blast

[@snuka33]

Awesome video S.T. ! it's rainy and cold tonite here in Georgia : your video sure lifted my spirits. By the way I noticed one of those chops in Scooters had a jockey shift....is that anything you'd ever consider adding?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

No, but that's always an option. Would have to figure out a foot clutch scenario too if I went that route.

[@johnnyblade9272]

Gonna be another bike you'll know inside and out just like the "Tramp"... I wonder what nickname you'll give the 76? By the way, what are you gonna do with 3 bikes?? I'm hoping you'll show some love to the Heritage Softail soon... I really like that bike.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I guess ride them one at a time. I have no idea about the name. Will have to see how everything comes out in the end. Video on the softail coming up next.

[@SteelCity82]

What wrench were you using to pull the heads?

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

Hey amigo , do you habe a line on some cylinders and pistons ? Harder to find a good set . thanks

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Check out bmikarts.com

[@jamesderbaum9678]

Be careful using Andrew's cams, twice I was snake bit but fortunately on the second time I caught it. The front exhaust cam on the first set their timing mark was 9 points off. I I had installed the cams and took them out for x then I compared the cams with the timing marks. That's how I found it the second time I bought the same Andrews R5, and the front exhaust cam was 16 points off the line that marks. Who would have thought. I called Andrews and they offered to send you cams but I have already found the mistake. I told them they need to pay attention to their inventory. I also have a story about paughco frames,. I must say though the Andrews R5 cams haul ass!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks

[@charliewright4840]

It's ah BOM LoL nah U got good fans. We like ya.

[@cris-vv1pn]

Yo Tramp what is called when the clutch is used my foot change gear by hand??

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I know it as a suicide clutch with a jockey shift.

[@cris-vv1pn]

Found out yesterday what is was called watch video off guy changing from normal to suicide clutch looks well dodgy to me thanks for the reply your the only one that gave me reply Thank you my friend from UK

[@buddylee6477]

THE REDWOODS ARE IN CALIFORNIA

[@dry509]

Where are you if you don’t mind?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

South Mississippi.

[@pebear]

I got a 73 XLCH that has sat for almost 3 weeks now. Hoping for 45 Degrees to I can exercise it. I like to run my bikes at least twice a month in the winter months and presently I'm living in Cleveland for the last 2.5 years. It's not all that much different than my Native CT / Western MA except that back in New England we got more snow than here just southwest of Cleveland. I think it's a crime to let your bike sit. So sad to see. I get guys coming up to me all the time and telling me I got an X that only has Y miles on it and it's from like 1982. I'll be like so what it's got no miles but the dam thing has been sitting for 40 years and you think that it's just going to come alive because I'm some kind of Motorcycle Jesus or something?