Starting in 1970, the only numbers used for the purpose of identification are on the right neck and frame downtube.

• The frame is stamped with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)identification.
• There are still other stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
  But the only numbers used to identify the entire bike for ownership purposes is the VIN number stamped in the right side neck.
• In addition to the neck VIN, an identification label is located on the frame giving the VIN and date of manufacture.
  This label was required by law for identification.¹⁾
• The serial number is the 3rd through the 7th digit. All serial numbers run consecutively regardless of model year. ²⁾

Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia for more information.
Click Here for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

VIN for 1970 Sportsters
Sportster Model Code (first 2 digits)	Serial Number (next 5 digits)	Manufacturer (second to last digit)	Model Year (last digit)
1C = XR-750 3A = XLH 4A = XLCH	10,000 and up	H = Harley Davidson	0 = 1970
Example: (3A13675H0) indicates a 1970 XLH and is stamped on the right side engine case and on the frame with the addition of a label on the steering head showing the VIN and date of manufacture. 3)
Example VIN Reads: 3A13675H0
3A	13675	H	0

The engine serial numbers were still stamped in the case but longer used for identification purpose of ownership on 1970-up model Sportsters.

• Starting with the 1970 season, the engine VIN is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase and on the frame.
  However, 1970 is a one year engine with exception of some early 1971 models with cases carried over from the 1970 batch.
  The VIN pad is in a different position from every other year which is between the front two lifters. ⁴⁾

The following illustrations are displayed for historic and period specific parts identification only. Refer to the original OEM documents for additional information. ⁵⁾
Click on any illustration below to enlarge.

• Engine type: Air Cooled, Overhead Valve, V-twin ⁶⁾Iron Head
• Displacement: 54 ci / 883 cc
• Hemi-spherical style heads
• Bore: 3 in / 7.62 cm ⁷⁾
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 9.68 cm ⁸⁾
• Piston Displacement: 53.9 cu. in. / 883 cc ⁹⁾
• 90 Degree Valve Angle
• Compression: 9.0:1 ¹⁰⁾
• Horsepower: 58 @ 6800 rpm ¹¹⁾
• Torque: 52 ft-lb / 2.191 Nm @ 3800 rpm ¹²⁾
• Fuel System: Tillotson Carburetor ¹³⁾
• Carburetor Main Jets:
• Carburetor Slow Jet:
• Engine Idle Slow Speed:
• Engine speed for setting ignition timing:
• Fuel Tank Capacity:
• Oil Tank Capacity w/Filter:

• Fuel capacity: 4 gal / 15.14 l or 2.2 gal / 8.328 l ¹⁴⁾
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l ¹⁵⁾
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l ¹⁶⁾
• MPG: 50mpg (est.)

¹⁷⁾

• Constant Mesh - Foot shift
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • Engine: 34
  • Clutch: 59
  • Transmission: 20 (XLCH 19)
  • Rear Wheel: 51
• Gear Ratios (XL,XLH)
  • 1st: 11.16 to 1
  • 2nd: 8.08 to 1
  • 3rd: 6.11 to 1
  • 4th: 4.42 to 1
• Gear Ratios (XLCH)
  • 1st: 11.74:1
  • 2nd: 8.50:1
  • 3rd: 6.43:1
  • 4th: 4.66:1

¹⁸⁾

• Tire pressure
  • Front: 24 psi / 1.655 bar
  • Rear: 30 psi / 2.068 bar

Tire pressure based on 150 lb rider. When weight is exceeded by 50 lbs or more, increase the rear by 2 lbs and front by 1 lb. Repeat for each additional 50 lbs of weight. ¹⁹⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ²⁰⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ²¹⁾

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