1968 xlch exhaust header question

[bgreene30]

Hi, I was looking at a bike online for a 68 sportster.

When I looked at the motor photo, i became leery as the front header pipe is very blue while the rear is nice and chrome.

Leads me to assume, not sure if correct as I am not familiar with these motors, one cylinder is nice and hot the other is nice and cold.

What are your thoughts?

IMG_0280.jpg

[dlxl66elxl]

Since day one the front cylinder on the Sportster runs hotter that the rear. If you run a colder plug in the front that the rear, you can get identical plug readings. If you run the same plugs, the front will read leaner.

[bgreene30]

Thanks. Has nothing to do with health of motor then? What is typically done? Different plugs up front as suggested?

[dlxl66elxl]

Champion J11Y up front and a J12Y in the rear is the setup you want to use.