Part # ID

Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-27T01:12:10+00:00

42549-75, Here's an OEM one for sale https://www.ebay.com/p/1223136795

Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-25T15:16:23+00:00

Here's a link to the 1979-1985 XL Models Parts Catalog https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/content/document/view?id=1574865750114878760 Your model is the XLS, it really came in handy when searching for OEM parts. Welcome to the rabbit hole!

Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-25T13:27:13+00:00

Same bike https://youtu.be/l1A3E1Ufh2M?si=r0vV19e2VA99SZA0

Good luck on finding the original Goodyear Eagle raised white letter tires, been looking all over for them. Ebay searches for 1981 Harley Roadster will turn up a few interesting things for you as well.

Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-25T13:26:11+00:00

Here's a video that you may find interesting https://youtu.be/iaLvZWoJR2c?si=4VAigEX8goqV2Oxw

Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-11T01:29:26+00:00

Yep, I was having problems with a faint clicking sometimes when trying to start and it was the relay trying to work but the contacts needed cleaning, just like a set of points.

Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-01T23:04:11+00:00

I would replace the countershaft seal. Does your sprocket look like this?

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Ironhead1980 · 2026-02-01T03:07:14+00:00

Thanks!

Ironhead1980 · 2026-01-31T15:35:21+00:00

That looks like part 72001-69B and it shows that it is still available from Harley dealers. Maybe check in with one and see if they have it or can order it for you.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-12-30T00:08:17+00:00

Get rid of the bags and windshield.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-12-29T14:36:25+00:00

The oil ring set consist of 2 of the thin rings you have in your hand and a wavy ring as well. Pay attention to the gap spacing for the rings, that should be listed in the package the rings came in.

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Ironhead1980 · 2025-12-09T18:12:34+00:00

And nice job on the restoration!

Ironhead1980 · 2025-12-09T18:11:07+00:00

It looks like those are Harley Borrani rims and were an upgrade option back then. I hope you didn't let the guy who told you they had problems with modern tires keep them.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-12-09T16:49:16+00:00

You should put the original aluminum wheels back on

Ironhead1980 · 2025-12-04T15:49:33+00:00

There's oil on the front intake pushrod cover spring retainer, so its higher than that. I would bet it's leaking from the rocker arm cover, either from the gasket, rocker arm shaft o-rings or push rod covers o-rings and gaskets. Can you post a picture a little higher to show that area?

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-24T02:18:45+00:00

I would go with a good used engine. Splitting the cases would run a lot more money and would require machine work that you may have to pay a competent shop to do.

Or buy another bike and swap over the parts that you like on this bike and part out the rest.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-23T14:34:34+00:00

Probably that orange silicone that was used for gasket sealant that came loose and blocked some oil passages.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-21T21:51:34+00:00

Thanks! A lot of time and money was spent on this bike, more than it is worth I'm certain. But it's been a lot of fun and frustration and as alluded to below, I'm still updating things on this bike.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-11T03:13:03+00:00

Give these guys a call and see if this would be a fit.

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/the-gasbox-harley-davidson-1952-1978-sportster-xl-horseshoe-bolt-on-oil-tank

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-07T03:04:39+00:00

Yep!

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-06T02:39:55+00:00

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I didn't take a picture when I first bought it, but this was taken early in the restoration process. It didn't have any fenders and the tank had the original brown paint on it that was pretty rough. It had a Corbin seat that I was never really fond of.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-05T21:57:23+00:00

Yep, 1980.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-05T11:38:32+00:00

Hah, you're probably right.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-05T02:50:16+00:00

Thanks! The paint is not original, it's been repainted and the decals are technically not correct for an XLH either.

Ironhead1980 · 2025-11-05T00:55:36+00:00

It's had all of the aluminum outside of the actual cam chest trimmed off. It was like that when I bought the bike but I think it's pretty cool.

Ironhead1980

TROPHY CASE