ironhead front sproket question

looking for input from you ironhead guys. whats the biggest front sproket that will fit a 73 xlh? i know ive heard you can go a couple teeth bigger but if you go too big it will rub. im not looking to set a land speed record here just want dont want to be able to drop the rpm's a bit for the highway

I'm thinking a 23 is the biggest you can go. I'm sure some have ran a 24 with a little clearancing but I'm pretty sure you might be a little high geared for take-off. I bet you would have to slip the clutch.

23 is what I read too. When I put mine on I just had to trim a tiny bit on the inside of the sprocket cover. Also you have to run a standard chain (o rings are wider) With that gearing 65-70 mph feels like it is just right rpm wise

i agree with these guys, i run a 23 tooth and before i chopped my sprocket cover
all i had to do was shave a little off the inside on one spot. it makes a big difference
on the highway, you can actually cruise at 70mph and your bike won't sound like
it's gonna blow to pieces .

I'm assuming you're all running 51 tooth rear sprockets- what about a 21 front- 48 rear?

ok thanks looks like a 23 will do it, id rather just do the front since the rears alot more money. im hoping to get this old girl to laconia this year so that should help the ride in. its not too far since im in ny.

I run a 24T front sprocket. had to remove the sprocket cover and dowel pins to clear it.

I have a 23T on mine. I dont have a tach, but it doesnt sound too high at freeway speeds.

Originally Posted by motorhedmike

I'm assuming you're all running 51 tooth rear sprockets- what about a 21 front- 48 rear?

i was assuming a drum rear

I ran a 22-48 and it didn't come alive until about 75. Switched to a 51 and now it feels a lot better.

When we rebuilt my motor and trans, we went to a 22 in the front I think. Stock is 21 right? then I dropped the rear from a 51 to a 48. At 55mph its a dream to ride. Not revving my motor super high and seem to get decent mileage. at 35mph it feels like I am stuck either having to lug the motor along in 4th or downshift to 3rd and keep the rpms a little higher.