Differences
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sportster_history:99xx-01a [2018/01/12 07:06] ixl2relax ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation |
sportster_history:99xx-01a [2018/01/30 03:45] hippysmack [History of Sportster VIN Changes] |
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| * **A VIN isn't cut and dried as some guys perpetuate it to be**. There are circumstances when a VIN number can be legally re-applied to a later motor by the owner if he is fixing his bike legally. Once he gets signed off by the authorities, he is under no obligation to retain the original VIN stampings. So, when he sells that bike with the later motor with the home stamped early serials he has obeyed the law, and the bike is legal. Back in the day, it was very common to see KH bikes with new XL factory motors carrying the orig KH numbers. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin&page=3)) | * **A VIN isn't cut and dried as some guys perpetuate it to be**. There are circumstances when a VIN number can be legally re-applied to a later motor by the owner if he is fixing his bike legally. Once he gets signed off by the authorities, he is under no obligation to retain the original VIN stampings. So, when he sells that bike with the later motor with the home stamped early serials he has obeyed the law, and the bike is legal. Back in the day, it was very common to see KH bikes with new XL factory motors carrying the orig KH numbers. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin&page=3)) | ||
| * **In April of 1981**, the MoCo issued a service bulletin acknowledging that the "6" and "9" characters used in the stamping of engine and crankcase numbers could be interchanged. If that turned out to be the case on factory stamped numbers, this would still be a legitimate and acceptable number. Also included with this bulletin is a chart showing legitimate characters used for VINs by the MoCo. ((HD Service Bulletin #M-828 dated April 21, 1981)) | * **In April of 1981**, the MoCo issued a service bulletin acknowledging that the "6" and "9" characters used in the stamping of engine and crankcase numbers could be interchanged. If that turned out to be the case on factory stamped numbers, this would still be a legitimate and acceptable number. Also included with this bulletin is a chart showing legitimate characters used for VINs by the MoCo. ((HD Service Bulletin #M-828 dated April 21, 1981)) | ||
| - | * **Early-Late 1984 Models cannot be deciphered from the VIN**. You need to depend on the parts that are on it for that. For instance, look at the lower front of the engine. E84 has a generator, an unmistakable, easy to identify component. L84 should have an oil filter in the same location. ((IronMick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1964151&highlight=VIN)) | + | * **Early or Late 1984 Models cannot be deciphered from the VIN**. You need to depend on the parts that are on it for that. For instance, look at the lower front of the engine. E84 has a generator, an unmistakable, easy to identify component. L84 should have an oil filter in the same location. ((IronMick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1964151&highlight=VIN)) |
| * **Preserving your VIN while painting / powder coating frame**. Leave a small area with the numbers bare and mask the numbers before painting the frame. Pulled the tape off when done and apply a clear coat over the frame and the small bare area with the numbers. Not too noticeable and you will be able to see the frame numbers. ((Just John of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1960427&highlight=VIN)) | * **Preserving your VIN while painting / powder coating frame**. Leave a small area with the numbers bare and mask the numbers before painting the frame. Pulled the tape off when done and apply a clear coat over the frame and the small bare area with the numbers. Not too noticeable and you will be able to see the frame numbers. ((Just John of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1960427&highlight=VIN)) | ||
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| ===1981-1985=== | ===1981-1985=== | ||
| * **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 ((HD Service Bulletin #M-800)). The engine number was no longer stamped the same as the frame. An abbreviated version was stamped into the right side engine case which is the exact same as the frame numbers but certain designations were left out. including country of origin, maker, bike weight, intro date, check digit and plant of origin. | * **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 ((HD Service Bulletin #M-800)). The engine number was no longer stamped the same as the frame. An abbreviated version was stamped into the right side engine case which is the exact same as the frame numbers but certain designations were left out. including country of origin, maker, bike weight, intro date, check digit and plant of origin. | ||
| - | * The new 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) is used on all models including the Classic Sidecar. This new nationwide system is designed to provide improved theft protection and more specific vehicle information to Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Inc. and government agencies. | + | * The new 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number(VIN) is used on all models including the Classic Sidecar. This new nationwide system is designed to provide improved theft protection and more specific vehicle information to Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Inc. and government agencies. |
| - | * The full 17 digit VIN is stamped on the steering head and on a label located on the right front downtube. The abbreviated version consists of the model designation, engine displacement and model year codes followed by the serial number. | + | * The full 17 digit VIN is stamped on the steering head and on a label located on the right front downtube. The abbreviated version consists of the model designation, engine displacement and model year codes followed by the serial number. |
| - | * The number itself is different, but it's location didn't change from the previous year models. | + | * The number itself is different, but it's location didn't change from the previous year models. |
| - | + | * **In 1984**, the right crankcase number (not to be confused as a VIN) moved to the lower face below the gear case (near and under #4 cam) ((HD Service Bulletin #M-885 dated April 10, 1984)) | |
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