Ok guys and gals,

I just read over some of the receipts (from the previous owner) that were supplied when I purchased my bike.

It looks like the bike feels so strong due to some internal modifications.

The bike was modified from 9.5:1 to 10.5:1 compression, larger exhaust valves, stock intake valves, bored intake and throttle body, some gear changes, and some drag pipes.

Are the modifications I have similar to what others have done to their Ironheads?

 

yes. they are. some have done more, some less.

 

How reliable have the bikes been for others?

Anything extra I should do, in terms of engine care, to keep the motor healthy?

 

reliability of a modified bike largely depends on the quality of the parts and installation.

Just keep oil in it and ride it.

 

run good gas, watch your timing. Is it kick only? that should be fun.....

 

Yeah its kick only, but usually kicks over within 5 kicks - sometimes on the first kick!

It runs super strong, but recently developed a leak below somewhere - thinking it might be from the bottom if the generator only tho.

Another thing is that when i shift into fourth gear, on the freeway, the bike starts a rattling sound with light ckinkering noise..... what can this noise be?

 

given the harmonic characteristics of a solid mounted shaker like an iron head, it could be anything. I'd start by going over the ENTIRE bike and checking fastener tightness. **** loosens up pretty quickly sometimes. blue loctite is your friend. If everything is tight, have someone do a visual inside the tranny trapdoor.

 

My '71 XLCH had 11-to-1 stock. It worked fine.

 

11:1 compression on an Ironhead?!

Do you have a sound clip you can share?

I bet it sounds BAD as a MFer

 

I don't know what the compression is on my IH but if you want to listen click here:

http://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvq_Mg.../videos?view=1