Starting in 1970, the only numbers used for the purpose of identification are on the right neck and frame downtube.
( except for the MoCos short-lived decision otherwise) See under Engine Serial Numbers below to reference “the 1979 Exception”

• 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.

9 Digit VIN for 1979 Sportsters
Sportster Model (first 2 digits)	Serial Number (next 5 digits)	Manufacturer (2nd to last digit)	Model Season (last digit)
3A - XLH 4A - XLCH 4E - XLS	10,000 and up	H - (1979 HD)	9 - (1979)
Example (4A 11790 H9) designates a 1979 XLCH 1000, stamped on the engine right case and right side of the steering head on the frame 3)
Example VIN on Frame Reads: 4A 11790 H9
4A	11790	H	9

The engine serial numbers were still stamped in the case but longer used for identification purpose of ownership on 1970-up model Sportsters.
That is, except for the early 1979 VIN debacle by the MoCo.

• From January 9 to February 8, 1979, (1200, 1340 and 1000cc) motorcycles had the VIN stamped on the engine number pad instead.
  Click Here for more information on the 1979 Exception in the Sportsterpedia.
• Otherwise, the engine VIN is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase between the cylinders.

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2
• Displacement: 60.9 ci / 997.5 cc (1,000 cc advertised)
• Compression Ratio: 9:1
• Bore: 3.188 in / 81 mm
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
• Horsepower: 61 @ 6,200 RPM ⁴⁾
• Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
• Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
• 4 Cams
• Oil Pump: Gerotor type oil pump. Click Here for the IH Oil Pump section of the Sportsterpedia.
• Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):
  • Minimum: 4-7 psi (idle)
  • Maximum: 10-20 psi (3500 rpm)
  • Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi
• Fuel System: Keihin “butterfly” carburetor. Click Here to reference the main Ironhead carb page in the Sportsterpedia
• Spark Plugs
  • #4 for break.
  • #5 for everyday use and hard service.

• Fuel Capacity:
  • XLH, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l ⁵⁾
    Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
  • XLS, 3.6 gal / 13.627 l
    Reserve: .06 gal / .227 l
• Oil Capacity: 4 qts. / 2.83 l (quoted from -85 FSM)
  • Actual amount on oil change is closer to 2.25 qts Click Here for more information.
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

What is the Current KBB Value? ⁶⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ⁷⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ⁸⁾

• Dual Sport

• All models:
  • Front - 9 spoke cast wheel (assembly #43311-78).⁹⁾
• XL and XLCH
  • Rear - 9 spoke 18“ cast wheel (assembly #40962-79).¹⁰⁾
• XLS
  • Rear - 9 spoke 16” cast wheel (assembly #40963-79). ¹¹⁾

Back to Sportster History Index