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Donny's Unauthorized Technical Guide to Harley-Davidson, 1936 to Present: Volume VI: The Ironhead Sportster: 1957 to 1985

by Donny Petersen

Ironhead Sportster mechanics in context

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Ironhead Sportster mechanics in context

Covering Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportsters from 1957 to 1985, Donny Petersen’s guide brings together mechanical explanation and period motorcycle culture. It examines the bike’s theory and design, then addresses procedures involving the power train, electrical system, fuel delivery, ignition, and lubrication. Graphics, photographs, and charts accompany the technical material. Stories touching on figures, films, and organizations associated with the era place the workshop content alongside the wider Harley-Davidson world. The combination gives this volume a broader scope than a list of repairs alone, while keeping the Ironhead’s systems as its central subject.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Owners working on 1957–1985 Ironhead Sportsters
  • Motorcycle enthusiasts interested in Ironhead design and mechanics
  • Readers interested in the Harley-Davidson culture of the period

Themes

Ironhead Sportster mechanicsMotorcycle maintenanceHarley-Davidson history and culture

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Book overview

Donny Petersen feels honored to share the wealth of his motorcycle knowledge and technical expertise.

He offers the real deal in understanding the Harley-Davidson. He gives workable solutions for whatever ails the 1957 to 1985 H-D (Ironhead) Sportster. Graphics, pictures, and charts guide the reader on a sure-footed journey to a thorough understanding.

Donny intersperses the technical explanations with entertaining true stories of the hard core lifestyle of these years including The Wild One, Easyriders, the Birth of Hog, Willie G., Steppenwolf, Evil Knevil, the reviled AMF, 1%ers, and who could forget Elvis Presley.

Petersen's insight makes technical issues understandable even for the novice.

This is the eighth volume of twelve of Donny's technical series. Petersen is the dean of motorcycle technology. Donny examines the theory, design, and mechanical aspects of the Ironhead Sportster.

Donny has ridden hundreds of Harley's across four continents doing all of his own roadside repairs. He has acquired his practical knowledge the hard way.

Donny Petersen has the privilege of sharing his technical secrets with easy understanding. He will walk you through detailed mechanical procedures concerning the power train, electrical, fuel delivery, ignition, and the gear head favorite subject of oil and lubrication.

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