1957 Ironhead Sportster. Getting her running. First Kick Start! Part 1

Рет қаралды 20,630

Жыл бұрын

Carb rebuild and getting the 1957 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster Running. Fresh oil, plugs, and carb rebuild.
First start up and working on getting the magneto dialed in
#harleydavidson #ironhead #kickstart #vintageharleydavidson #ladyrider #bikebuild #bikemechanic #motovlog #bikerchick #sportster #1957 #biker
Who the hell is Ironhead Sally? Well here's my channel description:
Old School Bikes and Old School Ways! Ride hard, wrench a lot, and always having a blast.
Bike camping, wrenching, and shenanigans. My husband and I create motorcycle content for people that are tired of seeing all of the fake insta accounts of sponsored boring yuppies. Here's some realness, we are just broke bikers living the low life and getting by. I ride a 1985 Ironhead Chopper as my daily, my touring bike is a 1984 FXR. We have lots of Ironheads and FXRs and are constantly building more, trying to keep these old neglected scoots on the road instead of rotting away in a garage.
Appreciate all the love & support
Keeping it Real! Keep it Sketchy!
FTW💚Sally
Email: ironheadsally@yahoo.com
Ebay Store: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?sid=b...
Ironhead Sally
236 S Third St
PMB# 235
Montrose, CO 81401-3618

Пікірлер: 151

@Thunder_Bear_mg Жыл бұрын

Its really special to see couples like yourselves interested in the same hobby, very cool.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Harley’s brought us together, and now we can both ride and wrench lol cheers

@SlickHeadCustomCycles Жыл бұрын

Dam girl im jealous, i really love that ‘57 , ol’ blue!!!! And im not saying this to be mean, but i really enjoyed seeing your face the first time experiencing the frustration of kicking and it not starting!! Anybody who kicks knows the feeling, and the disappointment of turning the key off, walking away, and taking a break to catch your breath!!! Been there a million times, but stick with it, nothing more exhilarating then when she actually starts up, after all that frustration!!! And just remember, even when she’s not starting, you still look dam cool kicking it. There’s so many men out there that haven’t even tryed it!! YOUR actually doing it!! 🍺 and ya got a good teacher there too!! 🍺

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it! I’ll get her, that first kick start where she finally fired up for me was like the “taadaa” moment, and i am ruined! Gonna be chasing that dragon 🤣that feeling of ur old bike doing as it’s told!! 💪🤣 It’ll be a battle and learning curve but i’ll get there. Appreciate that support! Ironhead Fam

@paulwhitehead4856 Жыл бұрын

Sometimes I miss having an old kickstart harley, and then I watch a video like this and it reminds me how much I love an electric start...but when a kickstart FINALLY starts it's a big feeling of accomplishment, and makes the ride that much sweeter! Have fun Inonhead Sally!!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! Appreciate it! Yes, the one time i got her running on my own kick was like the “ahhhhh” moment of perfect. Thats why u got multiple bikes, the electric start and the kicker 😜 thanks for watching!

@warrenp2022 Жыл бұрын

I'm new to your channel, like what I see so I will keep watching. I have a custom Panhead, 88 inch, kick only in a 1981 FXE frame etc. It has been ignored while I try to get other things done, now it is pouting, wants a new battery before it will start. I have been trying to trickle charge it but no go. So while it waits I have gone back to working on the 1978 Sportster cafe racer I bought at an estate sale in 2016. It is in disquise with different tank and rear fender. The engine was used for 1/4 mile trips in a different frame, then he rebuilt it with new cylinders etc. It is supposed to run, don't know, it has a 4 1/4 (+/-) inch stroke and I suspect very lumpy cams by the modifications, nice Sputhe cases and other goodies. Tires are brand new but 30 years old, brake master cylinders are dry and crusty. I have had the Pan for 25 years but new to Sportsters, hoping I will learn stuff from you two while I look over your shoulder.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you Warren! Welcome to the channel 😁 that Panhead sounds awesome. Cheers!

@greggwolffis7211 9 ай бұрын

Kudos on getting the '57 running!! The engine sounds tight and strong. Love the rake and fork extension. Ride safe and keep the videos coming🙂🙂🙂!!

@antoineirving7927 Жыл бұрын

My first bike was a kick start and I was taught to straddle the seat and kick start in which all of your weight will do the trick and that was back in 1973.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Good deal thank you!!

@specialse Жыл бұрын

Great looking bike....nothing like knowing ever single part.......very brave wearing soft shoes when kick starting !!! 😎

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank youuu!!! And i’d say it was more naive than brave lol 🤣

@kderby2204 Жыл бұрын

The old iron heads were harder to kick than the big twin. I used to kneel on the seat to pump it up and kick it hard. You'll get it!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’ll give that a shot, learning the technique. Cheers!

@kevinzanahogan Жыл бұрын

Yes! You got her running! Can't wait to see you ride her.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Wooot thanks Kevin! Next thing is tires and brakes and continue to get that carb and timing and magneto all set right. Then i’ll be ready to ride her. Appreciate the support! 🤩

@keeto56 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations ! You did it!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Wooot! Thank you! I got some big plans for this bike!

@bradleyyounger8499 Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a beast! Who needs tires or brakes lol. I wouldn't be able to resist. Ive spent almost a whole season on 25 year old tires before 😂

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Ahhh i’m not that much of a dare devil, want to go thru her a little more before i take her out, checking all the bearings and brakes lol and have dry rot on a tire. Cheers!

@rizzo3689 Жыл бұрын

came across your videos looking at restoring older Harleys and instantly subbed. love your enthusiasm. and I'm lucky to have a wife that's in to bikes as much as you guys are. can't wait to see more!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

That is awesome! Rare to have couples that can share a love of motorcycles! Its alot easier when ur both on the same page in ur passion! Cheers and welcome to the channel! 😁

@scottcobbley1189 Жыл бұрын

I got my first Sportster, a 1957, when I was 31 years old. I’m watching her kick start this bike. It causes me pain just watching. I’m 76 years old now and I still have a bad right knee from that Sportster. All I can say, is, be careful. And get rid of that Bendix carburetor too lol. This bike also shifts on the right side and brakes on the left. In an emergency it is no Bueno.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it Scotty! We are being careful and i’ma make sure the timing is set good to avoid nasty kickback. Will be a learning curve on this bike lol. Thanks for watching!!

@markjulianoriginalhooli2217 Жыл бұрын

😖 I destroyed mine on a 73 in 1976

@ronetuley Жыл бұрын

Hey congratulations on getting your 1957 900 running. That is sure a beautiful bike and whoever did the rebuild must have her torqued up with a bit more compression. I wouldn't fret on the kicking part; in time you will have that mastered. Me and my 8-year son Levi love watching your videos. There are very few people on KZfaq that wrench on what they ride, and very few Iron heads, shovelheads and Evo videos of people taking cross country road trips like you and your husband do. Ride safe my friends

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Wow! That is so great, I appreciate it! Not long before Levi can ride with you 🤩 teaching him a love for older Harleys. Thanks, we definitely ride and wrench and try to keep it interesting. LoL Cheers!

@benderbender1233 Жыл бұрын

kick thru & h0ld dwn like ur hubs d0es. she d0es s0und real healthy! 🤘😎🤘

@bradwiebelhaus7065 Жыл бұрын

Good job.

@markusdunkelbeck6270 Ай бұрын

Ich freue mich soo für Dich.

@peteulfig9205 Ай бұрын

That's a really nice looking bike. I have a 71 Ironhead rigid frame kick chopper. Has a 95 Wide Glide front end with 10 over tubes. Love that bitch. So I'm quite familiar with kick only bikes. Lose those damn tennis shoes get a good pair of riding boots on your feet and it will be much easier to kick that bike, trust me on this Sally. Also when you're preloading it pay attention to what stroke you're on. Intake or exhaust then start your kick from the top like your husband said and kick through the stroke try not to let your foot fly off so the paddle flies back up but you also don't want to hold it down once it starts you should just be able to take your foot off the pedal Nice N Easy after it starts good luck and don't give up but I don't see that in you

@dick3872 Жыл бұрын

Makes me smile.😎👍

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Cheers 🤩

@ecrusch Жыл бұрын

Great video. Nice bike!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

@mrdrivebytrucker 2 ай бұрын

Bitchin little bike. I like the rake on the frame. I’ve been kick starting bikes all my life. There’s a real knack to it for sure

@ironheadsally 2 ай бұрын

Oh yeah i am learning for sure 💪 gonna be a cool bike if i can ever finish the freaking thing! lol

@stanleybaker5860 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic to hear it burst into life. Kick starting Harleys is an art. Each one is different. Keep at it. Took me months to perfect kicking my Shovel. Nice.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it Stanley! Thank you, Going to get lots of practice! 🤩 be so worth it once i get the technique down. Ur right, it is an art!

@stanleybaker5860 Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally By the way, as far as I'm concerned Sally its not a Harley if the air filter cover doesn't stick into the inside of your right leg. Just my thought. Cheers.

@Bass.Player Жыл бұрын

I had a 57 Sportster in the 60's, I still remember the serial number 57XL2381... Put a panhead distributor in it with a small battery and it will be real easy to start...

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Ohh thats too cool! Mine is 2881 🤩 oohhh thank you for the insight, great idea! Appreciate it!

@mdk3637 Жыл бұрын

57XL3160 here; thirty plus years ago. Boots with a heel and anger to kick it. Nice work

@LadyTam55 Жыл бұрын

CONGRATULATIONS almost makes me miss kicking my 59 in the winter in Oklahoma. In my younger years.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you @LadyTam55!

@nickfury8823 Жыл бұрын

Kick ass! Miss you guys!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Nick! Hope all is well and the Dutchess is treating u well 🤩

@nickfury8823 Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally Just grindin over here! But the Duchess is a peach! Yall txt me sometime, still got punkin?

@Indobiker61 Жыл бұрын

Make some decent fork stops you will need them. Good luck on this kickass bike

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Definitely, that is high on the list, this bike is super floppy! Poor tank has dents. Cheers!

@williammiller1732 Жыл бұрын

Congrats great looking bike

@hdevo80 Жыл бұрын

Aranyos vagy! Imádnivaló! George from Hungary!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

🤩 cheers George, thanks for watching!

@ukusagent Жыл бұрын

You can try a trick that was in the 1979 580 CCM Works Replica Owners Manual, put it in 1st Gear then pull it backwards until it stops , it will be just over compression , take it out of gear and just kick it through , It may work for you on this Harley

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks! It’s worth a shot! this bike is a nightmare to find neutral unfortunately lol

@ukusagent Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally It could be worse I tried kicking My Dad's Panther 600 single with the ignition set wrong and it launched Me over the Handlebars into a load of cardboard boxes 😂

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

@@ukusagent oooff! That sounds like a helluva flight! 🤣

@user-uc8nx8eq7h Жыл бұрын

Excellent - the α and Ω of Fe Heads! It is really nice to see your Alpha (’57) and your Omega (’85) happily sharing the same stable. To ease the kicking process - I wouldn’t suggest altering your current kicker arm - best to keep it original. However, by using another generic arm and adding about 2” to the straight portion you would get about 20% more kicking torque to offset the resistive compression(s). If the extended arm doesn’t work out you can always return to what is there now.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it! Yes the bookend Ironhead years is sweet. And thank you, that is a good idea. Will be a trail and error to get timing and carb dialed in and then set up for me. Cheers!

@donrice8026 Жыл бұрын

a hint when kicking thru use the bent leg u will hurt yr knee also kicker arm to the bottom of stroke and it won t kick back leave it there intill engine starts or stops moving been kick startlng HD and big bore singles 50 years HAPPY TRAILS

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks Don! I’ll give that a shot, i been rewatching the kick video i fast forwarded thru to see what i need to adjust, need follow thru, and a lead boot 🤣🤣 cheers and thanks for watching!

@davidpayte8566 Жыл бұрын

Too Cool! Ok, I'm jealous 😂

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

My back, my legs, my ass are all sore 🤣 if that makes u feel better lmao! this bike is gonna whoop my lil ass into shape

@vernegibb621 Жыл бұрын

That bike will make you work for it😆

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Oh it sure is! 🤣 getting my workout, once everything is adjusted right for the altitude and get the cobwebs off her it should be golden lol

@b-man569 Жыл бұрын

Sweet. Sounds healthy !! New sub. Here. Luvin yur channel

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it! Welcome to the channel! 🤩

@earlharrison9284 Жыл бұрын

you will get a sportster knee you go girl your bad ass !!!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks Earl! She’s already kicked back a couple times, lol powerful little brat, gotta give her some act right 🤣

@douglas9607 8 ай бұрын

I got an extended kick arm. Can't recall who sold it but it's out there. Stroker kicker. Good luck. I've got a '69 XLCH.

@ironheadsally 8 ай бұрын

Oh cool, that would be sweet, use all available space! Thanks

@douglas9607 8 ай бұрын

added leverage too@@ironheadsally

@Masterwokeyman 15 күн бұрын

Take it to sturgis, lol

@eggheadrocks8224 Жыл бұрын

You guys rock!!! im so jealous, I sold my Harleys last summer after being downsized and really miss that roar of them coming to life. Dont get me wrong, I love my Honda, but just doesn't have that same excitement of the first start up of the day that a hog gives ya...when a Harley cranks up its like the bike and you give each other a big high five and are ready to rule the day.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

True! It doesnt compare to the power felt when a Harley starts. Cheers and ride safe!

@eduardogarza5602 Жыл бұрын

Chulada de chica...

@willowsmutt8313 Жыл бұрын

Im so jealous... 58 would be my birthyear. Cant find a decent ironhead here

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

It’s always a gamble buying ironheads, they are either loved or abused. Hope u find one! Cheers!

@Rif_Leman Жыл бұрын

Congrats on getting her running. It seems that you have a solid machine. That has to be encouraging! Just fyi: Every magneto bike that I have personal experience with was a beast to kick start.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes she’s strong and solid! And that may have something to do with it too! We havent adjusted anything on the magneto but i’ve heard that they are harder to kick, i’ll get her lol

@Rif_Leman Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally " i’ll get her lol" Of that I have no doubt. Y'all make a great team.

@feloniousmonk3049 Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally There's a lot more rotational resistance from all the magnets and coils inside when driving a Magneto ignition system that adds a lot to having to get the engine rpms up when kick starting. If the motor has been stroked and compression added, as well as a larger bore, it's all cumulative making it tougher to start.

@matthewwoerner7935 Жыл бұрын

You can add sissy bar it will be awesome

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Wow that makes a lot of sense thank you! Lots of resistance

@flyingaxeman7343 Жыл бұрын

I sometimes pretend to kickstart my bike and when my foot gets to the bottom i press the button and boom , just like that. I wish I could afford a lift like yours right now , on the upside I have the same blue funnel.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Yeah thats a whole lot easier haha! That lift comes in handy, we got it on a trade for labor lol and the trusty funnel, we will always have in common 😁 ride safe and enjoy!

@ridingfree70 Жыл бұрын

Great job you guys. I would love to see a narrow drag bar on the bike. Those black bars look like an after thought and are to wide. Enjoy, I love that bike!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you! And i agree the bars a little wide for my liking, they’ll go on a other bike lol

@michaelsaxer7251 Жыл бұрын

Love your 57 ironhead your so lucky I'd love to have that bike suck a kick ass ride 100%

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael! I’m digging it, gonna be some work for sure tho lol, cheers!

@jerrynugent4098 Жыл бұрын

On that Bendix carb make sure the spring on the float wraps around and lays on the inside of the float bowl...In other words you should have to push the spring in with a screw driver then slide the float bowl up then pull out the screw driver... Hope this helps...

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you Jerry! Yes that does help, i was guessing and pushed it in to get the bowl to sit flush on the gasket, i wasn’t sure if that was how to do it, the spring in there has a weird orientation. Appreciate it!

@ulanarni8804 Жыл бұрын

Kickergrüße aus Deutschland

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Vielen Dank fürs Zuchauen! 😁

@johnkelly6942 Жыл бұрын

Those tall handlebars don’t help one bit with the kicking on this machine. Lower bars give you better leverage, easier to control the front end when you’re trying to get it going.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Good call, yes, i want to change the bars, too tall for em anyways, the front end with the raked angle is super floppy, so definitely some modifications coming! Thanks!!

@Masterwokeyman 15 күн бұрын

S &s carb super b, lol 11:57

@Dynachop420 4 ай бұрын

So fuckin rad I love iron heads….. you ever messed with a shovster?

@ironheadsally 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! No experience with a shovster, not gonna cut up a good engine, if i ever get a broken tranni case ironhead then i might, but the solid rigidity of the sportster drive train is the gold! lol

@michaelsaxer7251 Жыл бұрын

Such a kick ass ride i meant

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

LoL yah i figured, or hoped so 🥺🤣 lol

@chuckhand8622 5 күн бұрын

Get rid of that damned Mag and put a dizzy back in it!!!

@jerrybigrig9475 Жыл бұрын

👍😎👍

@carlo6230 Жыл бұрын

The dude.. 1 kick

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

I know right, frustrating, but he’s been kicking harleys for years. I’m learning lol

@johnthonig1692 11 ай бұрын

I have a 1955 model K

@ironheadsally 11 ай бұрын

Awesome!

@king_slayer6631 6 ай бұрын

Your partner is v luckey guy....J.

@ironheadsally 6 ай бұрын

😁 thanks, i’m lucky too having a mechanic on duty lol! Cheers and thanks for watching

@kennyh5083 Жыл бұрын

nice scoot!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks Kenny!!

@kennyh5083 Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally You are one righteous babe! Yer old man is one lucky dude!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Appreciate it Kenny! He’s taught me soo much on working on bikes. Cheers and ride safe out there 😁

@kennyh5083 9 ай бұрын

I wuz born just down the road from HD, and luv iron heads, (hav 3) and I've always kick-started mine using my left foot, always, and it seems to work easier/better that way! Give it a try and see what ya think!@@ironheadsally

@ironheadsally 9 ай бұрын

@@kennyh5083sweet! I will get that a shot, getting her rebuilt now cheers!! 🤘🤣

@MightyMouzMoto Жыл бұрын

Can u pull yourself down by holding the rear fender while kicking to give yourself more leverage?

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Yes, that’ll make it easier, once i get some stops so that the triple tree doesnt smash the tank lol! This bike just flops over as it sits right now lol

@jannetirkkonen4987 Жыл бұрын

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺

@Johnny-df4di Жыл бұрын

Awesome what's the build number on case belly? Mine says 72857

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Sweet! Mines like 28sumthing sumthin lol hard to read lol cheers to ironheads!

@b-man569 Жыл бұрын

Bars are perfect...ditch the risers .

@levidickerman4935 Жыл бұрын

Hey I've got a 58 I would probably be willing to let go

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Nice, hope u get a buyer, we are tapped on new bikes for a whilez

@evaberg7548 4 ай бұрын

You have a wonderful husband

@user-de8ih3ub9w Жыл бұрын

I just saw your video about the 1957 Sportster. I have a question maybe you can help me with. I used to have a 1957 Sportster XLCH but I have no paper work anymore. I do have a picture. It was like yours , no battery, magneto only, small gas tank, and small chrome horseshoe oil tank. Nobody believes when I say it was a 1957 XLCH because, they say, that version didn't come out until 1958. Have I been wrong all this time?

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a sweet bike! But they are right, in 1957 it was just the XL model, it wasnt until the following year that the other models came out. All my husbands ironheads were xlch’s, great bikes!!

@user-de8ih3ub9w Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally Thanks. Maybe you can relate to this. After a ride I'd pull around to the back yard (parked bike in laundry room) and just sit there inhaling the great smell of gas, oil, and hot metal. Newer bikes just don't have that anymore.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Soo true, thats what our laundry always smells like haha! Chain oil and raw motorcycle feel and smell are no longer the norm unfortunately lol cheers!

@sdimeblazer01 Жыл бұрын

What forward control setup are you running on that?

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Not sure, we just picked up the bike a week ago lol, its got some fancy chrome forwards, and they are backwards so the shifter is on the right and brake left.

@choppadee113 Жыл бұрын

Take charge of that machine. You kick like you're afraid of it. Run it through and hold the kicker to the floor. I'm done. I had a '58 Panhead (kicker only) and a '71 Shovelhead (kicker only) for 12 years. Kick it and be in charge !!!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes after watching myself, i could see my own hesitation! I let up before it could start. Gonna kick her down, and hold until she does what she’s told! 🤣

@kansasoutdoors5667 Жыл бұрын

Yall running to raton in july?

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

No, well probably not, havent planned on it lol doing an out of state event the weekend prior so not sure if we can swing back to back with farm and work lol

@kansasoutdoors5667 Жыл бұрын

@@ironheadsally gotcha. Im planning on riding through pueblo then south into ratone. If your plans change hollar!

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Awesome! We might do a turn and burn, its a pretty ride!!

@geoffhall7827 Жыл бұрын

Play some music when you're on time lapse.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

I didnt feel a need to

@robertwojcik4458 Жыл бұрын

She needs an electric start or start doing some squats lol

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

I have an electric start 85 ironhead, gonna get this kicker working, i’ll get there, and once mag and carb are better tuned it’ll be golden. Need more ummppfff. Thanks for watching!

@tomakafrankconlon3207 Жыл бұрын

In todays world what would you say an running Ironhead is worth? . I hate going to stealerships for obvious reason.

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Not running i wouldnt pay more than $2k anywhere in the US. If it’s turn key ready to roll, then i’d say $3k at the absolute max. Can get a great deal if ur ready to do some at home wrenching! 🤩 good luck on the hunt!

@SOSAS1980 Жыл бұрын

What ever someone is willing to pay.

@johnandlorimenomoneefallsw1133 Жыл бұрын

Try hard sole shoe like a boot ditch the sneakers i bet you ll kick it over .

@ironheadsally Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’ll try that, We are going to check all the timing and points in the magneto. Cold starting it is still fighting it a lot. Getting her dialed in! Cheers!