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Ironhead Sportster Motorcycle Talk (1957-1985) For all those that wanna talk about Ironhead Sportster Motorcycles

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  #1  
Old 6th February 2023
HarleyAsh HarleyAsh is offline
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Sportster/Buell Model: XLC Ironhead
Sportster/Buell Year: 1978
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Default Brake Lever

I am on my first Harley, 1978 Ironhead. I have smaller hands than a 4 year old and wonder if I can get an adjustable lever that doesn't look too after market as want to keep it looking correct or are there any adjustments I can make myself to help? hope you can help
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  #2  
Old 6th February 2023
joe s joe s is offline
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You can try 81-up controls if you can handle the re-wiring. They have more ergonomic levers.
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  #3  
Old 8th February 2023
kitabel kitabel is offline
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The lever is a compromise between travel (free vs. full tension) and effort.
How strong is your grip?
I wrote some comments on my site here: http://victorylibrary.com/brit/2LS-2.htm#lever
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Old 9th February 2023
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I put new style controls on my 78 last summer.
think they came off a 2016. got the whole shebang on marketplace, for around $40, because the dude upgraded to chrome.

https://youtu.be/t_734xjmoeY

all you need is the wiring diagram (sportsterpedia), and an afternoon.

Just make sure you get the right size master cylinder, since our bikes have dual rotors up front.
I didn't

--EDIT--
also need a couple fittings and an AN hose to adapt the new master to the existing brake Tee
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Old 10th February 2023
JB in NC JB in NC is offline
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For your original '78 controls, there are contour levers available that bring the lever closer to the grip. The trade-off is that you lose some travel. As an example, Drag Specialties part numbers DS273903 and DS273904. Other suppliers have similar offerings.

Jim
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  #6  
Old 11th February 2023
HarleyAsh HarleyAsh is offline
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Thank you guys, very helpful.
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