Model Production Numbers
Colors
The only numbers used for the purpose of identification are on the right neck and frame downtube.
In 1981, the full VIN was expanded to include country of origin, maker, bike weight, engine displacement, introduction date, a check digit and which factory made it 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.
17 Digit VIN for 1985 Sportsters | |||||||||
Origin | Make | Weight Class | Model | Engine Size | Intro Date / Special Models | VIN Check Digit | Model Year | Assembly Plant | Serial Number |
1 = Made in USA | HD = Harley Davidson | 1 = 1000cc | CA = XLH CB = XLS CC = XLX | H = 1000cc | 1 = Regular 2 = Mid Year | Can be 0 - 9 or X | F = 1985 | Y = York, PA | 6 Digits (varies) |
Example: (1HD1CAH16FY112016) designates a 1985 XLH 1000, stamped on the steering head with a sticker VIN on the right front frame downtube. The abbreviated VIN appears on engine right case (CAHB 112016) 4) |
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Example VIN on Frame Reads: 1HD1CBH15EY112016 | |||||||||
1 | HD | 1 | CA | H | 1 | 6 | F | Y | 112016 |
Example Abbreviated VIN on Case Reads: CAHF112016 | |||||||||
CA | H | F | 112016 |
The engine numbers are no longer stamped the same as the frame. This change was part of the 17 digit VIN system.
The serial number is stamped on the case, right side, between the cylinders but is not used for identification purpose of ownership.
Below are some suggestions for manuals for your ride.
You should have, at minimum, a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and a Factory Parts Catalog for your year model.
Factory Service Manuals (FSM);
The FSM will have the most accurate information, procedures and specs.
Clymer and Haynes make service manuals also for Sportsters but some of the information is in error to the factory FSMs.
And some of the information in the aftermarket manuals is vague in information or procedures but they may have more pictures.
So it is generally said you can get use from both an aftermarket manual and the factory service manuals but get the factory manual first.
Click Here to view the Factory Service Manual page in the Sportsterpedia.
Parts Catalogs;
The Parts Catalog has part numbers of course but it also has exploded parts views.
However, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN ASSEMBLY MANUAL.
And some of the exploded views are confusing or not related to each other on the same pages.
But, all in all, the exploded views do help finding what goes where.
Most of the fasteners listed in the relevant parts catalog individual pages have thread sizes and lengths also in case you need those.
Note: ALL 1980-1985 PARTS CATALOGS LIST PARTS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS.
Below is a simple list of original and “latest edition parts catalogs.
The in-between year books may show different part numbers for the same year model bike.
Click Here to see the Factory Parts Catalog page in the Sportsterpedia for parts catalog uses and a full list of parts catalog numbers from 1957 to present.
(complete list of other parts catalogs and supplement catalogs that pertain to each year model on the bottom of that page)
Some often acquire several year model parts catalogs and that page will help you decide which ones are right for you.
Suggested Manuals:
Pics of Manual Covers.
Below are pics of used manual covers (original and latest editions) related to 1985 model Sportsters.
See the full list of pertinent catalogs in the link above.
Click on any pic below to enlarge:
Below is a summary of an article on the Sportsterpedia Parts Catalogs page regarding parts book errors.
You can also read the full article from this link: The Ironhead Multi-Year Parts Catalog Curse.
Due to all of the errors and non corrected editions, it's always a good idea to acquire several year parts catalogs surrounding your year model.
Which year catalogs you'll need will depend on many factors but the main Parts Catalog page in the Sportsterpedia will help you decide which ones you need.
Click Here to see the Parts Catalog page. A full chart of all the parts catalogs made for Ironheads is at the bottom of the page.
See the Navigation menu on the upper left of this page.
From there you can go to the main Ironhead section menu, the Reference section for general and in-depth procedures, and the Misc Resources for documentation.
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.
Click Here for the main technical menu in the Sportsterpedia.
Also see the “Misc Resources” section on the bottom of that page for technical docs and information.
The 57-69 service manuals and other literature from HD cover multiple years.
And the 1957-1959 “XL” is included with the information in these manuals up through 1969.
However, the 1970-1978 FSM also includes an “XL” model in the specs but does not refer to the 57-59 XL motorcycle.
Starting in 1977, there were also XLT and XLCR models (these are both included in the “XL” verbiage).
The “XL” noted in 1970 and future literature simply refers to a street legal “Sportster” model motorcycle.
The last XLCH was made in 1979 but both “XL” and “XLH” verbiage was used in manuals and literature up through the 2003 manuals.
(referring to the same bikes).
“XLH” became the mantra for the base 883cc model but the manuals also refer to XLH1100 and XLH1200 Sportsters.
1979-1985 service manual is titled for XL/XR models and the specs in are listed for XLH, XLCH and XLS models.
2004-up manuals dropped the “H” altogether. So 2003 is the last year the MoCo referred to a Sportster as an XLH.
Rim size and contour are cast or stamped into the exterior surface of the rim.
What is the Current KBB Value? 14)
What is the Current KBB Value? 15)
85 XLS 16)