Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
| Both sides previous revision Previous revision | Next revision Both sides next revision | ||
|
sportster_history:99xx-01a [2018/01/30 03:45] hippysmack [History of Sportster VIN Changes] |
sportster_history:99xx-01a [2018/04/17 22:40] ixl2relax |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| * **The only legal VIN number for Harley’s produced from 1970 and up is on the frame**. It doesn’t matter if the engine case number matches your registration papers or not, if the frame VIN doesn’t match the registration, it's not legal. It also should be noted that any alteration to the VIN is illegal. This goes for re-stamping frames or adding the original VIN to a replacement frame. If you replace the frame, you need to have a new VIN assigned to your Harley. ((http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-vin.html)) | * **The only legal VIN number for Harley’s produced from 1970 and up is on the frame**. It doesn’t matter if the engine case number matches your registration papers or not, if the frame VIN doesn’t match the registration, it's not legal. It also should be noted that any alteration to the VIN is illegal. This goes for re-stamping frames or adding the original VIN to a replacement frame. If you replace the frame, you need to have a new VIN assigned to your Harley. ((http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-vin.html)) | ||
| - | * **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/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 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)) | + | * **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/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/forums/showthread.php?t=1960427&highlight=VIN)) |
| | | ||
| ====== Charts of VIN Changes Over the Years for Sportsters ====== | ====== Charts of VIN Changes Over the Years for Sportsters ====== | ||
| Line 44: | Line 44: | ||
| * **From 1962–1969, VIN numbering was the same as before with an added twist**. Models with 4 digit production (serial) numbers have an **even-numbered first digit for even years** and **odd numbered first digit for odd years**. Models containing a 5 digit production number will have the first two digits even for even years and odd for odd years. ((http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-vin.html)) | * **From 1962–1969, VIN numbering was the same as before with an added twist**. Models with 4 digit production (serial) numbers have an **even-numbered first digit for even years** and **odd numbered first digit for odd years**. Models containing a 5 digit production number will have the first two digits even for even years and odd for odd years. ((http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-vin.html)) | ||
| * If the VIN does not follow this even or odd numbering sequence, you can almost guarantee that the VIN has been altered. It is extremely common to find mismatched engines in these early bikes with different VIN numbers than the title paperwork. ((http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-vin.html)) | * If the VIN does not follow this even or odd numbering sequence, you can almost guarantee that the VIN has been altered. It is extremely common to find mismatched engines in these early bikes with different VIN numbers than the title paperwork. ((http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-vin.html)) | ||
| - | * **The first VIN of a new pre - '62 model year** was always, for instance 66XLCH1001 (if the first model stamped of that year were to be a Sportster..and a XLCH). All 69 and earlier model year vins all have a minimum of 4 sequence numbers. These #'s were stamped sequentially regardless of model. For example it is possible to see 66XLCH4996, and then see 66FLH4997. Although the engines were made in batches, so in this theoretical instance the XL would have been the last of a batch, and the FL engine being the first of a batch. ((Murdog1968 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) | + | * **The first VIN of a new pre - '62 model year** was always, for instance 66XLCH1001 (if the first model stamped of that year were to be a Sportster..and a XLCH). All 69 and earlier model year vins all have a minimum of 4 sequence numbers. These #'s were stamped sequentially regardless of model. For example it is possible to see 66XLCH4996, and then see 66FLH4997. Although the engines were made in batches, so in this theoretical instance the XL would have been the last of a batch, and the FL engine being the first of a batch. ((Murdog1968 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) |
| * **The first VIN of a '62-'69 model, all else the same would be something like this**: | * **The first VIN of a '62-'69 model, all else the same would be something like this**: | ||
| - | * **For the first 1962 XLCH** - 62XLCH2001 ((joestuff of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) | + | * **For the first 1962 XLCH** - 62XLCH2001 ((joestuff of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) |
| - | * **For the first 1963 XLCH** - 63XLCH1001 ((joestuff of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) | + | * **For the first 1963 XLCH** - 63XLCH1001 ((joestuff of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) |
| * **For matching serial numbers against number of bikes sold that year**: | * **For matching serial numbers against number of bikes sold that year**: | ||
| - | * 68XLCH14001 would be bike production number 12000 ((joestuff of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) | + | * 68XLCH14001 would be bike production number 12000 ((joestuff of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=707989&highlight=VIN)) |
| **Examples of Good and Bad Serial Numbers ('62-'69)** | **Examples of Good and Bad Serial Numbers ('62-'69)** | ||
| - | |**1962-1969 Odd / Even Rule - Remove the model code and last 3 numbers of the Serial Number (which leaves the bold numbers in VINs below)** \\ **The remaining digits in the serial number(s) must be even for even years and odd for odd years** ((DR DICK of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1876619&highlight=VIN))||||| | + | |**1962-1969 Odd / Even Rule - Remove the model code and last 3 numbers of the Serial Number (which leaves the bold numbers in VINs below)** \\ **The remaining digits in the serial number(s) must be even for even years and odd for odd years** ((DR DICK of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1876619&highlight=VIN))||||| |
| |Engine \\ Numbers|4 Digit Serial|5 Digit Serial| | |Engine \\ Numbers|4 Digit Serial|5 Digit Serial| | ||
| |**63**XLH**8**133|Vin becomes 63...8| |Check numbers 63 vs 8|1 even & 1 odd number = failed the rule test| | |**63**XLH**8**133|Vin becomes 63...8| |Check numbers 63 vs 8|1 even & 1 odd number = failed the rule test| | ||
| Line 68: | Line 68: | ||
| === 1970-1978 === | === 1970-1978 === | ||
| - | * **Starting with the 1970 season**, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase between the cylinders (except '70-E'71 - see below) and on the right down tube below the neck ((Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)). In addition to these numbers, an identification label is located on the frame below the stamped VIN ((Yoshi of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)) giving the VIN and date of manufacture. This label was required by law for identification.((HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969)) However, the only legal VIN acknowledge by the law (1970 and up) is the one stamped on the frame. | + | * **Starting with the 1970 season**, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase between the cylinders (except '70-E'71 - see below) and on the right down tube below the neck ((Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)). In addition to these numbers, an identification label is located on the frame below the stamped VIN ((Yoshi of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)) giving the VIN and date of manufacture. This label was required by law for identification.((HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969)) However, the only legal VIN acknowledge by the law (1970 and up) is the one stamped 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. 1970 was the last "pre nose cone" engine (Flatside ?). 1970 frame is one year as well, but the later cam covers and rockers can be substituted so you can't be sure what you have just by a casual glance. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1936551&highlight=VIN&page=2)) | + | * **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. 1970 was the last "pre nose cone" engine (Flatside ?). 1970 frame is one year as well, but the later cam covers and rockers can be substituted so you can't be sure what you have just by a casual glance. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1936551&highlight=VIN&page=2)) |
| - | * **Early 1971 models with the 1970 cases** didn't have the star cast before and aft of the VIN but the frame did have them. ((Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin)) | + | * **Early 1971 models with the 1970 cases** didn't have the star cast before and aft of the VIN but the frame did have them. ((Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin)) |
| - | * **Not all 70 or e71 had** motor or frame stars, but all 71s did have the frame stamped though. Some 1970 frames were bare. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin&page=3)) | + | * **Not all 70 or e71 had** motor or frame stars, but all 71s did have the frame stamped though. Some 1970 frames were bare. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin&page=3)) |
| Line 80: | Line 80: | ||
| |{{:techtalk:ih:general:1971_vin_1_by_whitewalls.png?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:general:1971_vin_2_by_whitewalls.png?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_engine_numbers_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ih:general:1971_vin_1_by_whitewalls.png?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:general:1971_vin_2_by_whitewalls.png?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_engine_numbers_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}}| | ||
| - | | Early 1971 Factory Engine Identification Numbers ((Photos courtesy of Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin)) || 1976 Factory Engine Identification Numbers ((Photo courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) | | + | | Early 1971 Factory Engine Identification Numbers ((Photos courtesy of Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1863261&highlight=vin)) || 1976 Factory Engine Identification Numbers ((Photo courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) | |
| | {{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_frame_vin_1_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_frame_vin_2_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}}| | | {{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_frame_vin_1_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_frame_vin_2_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}}| | ||
| - | | 1976 Factory Frame VIN ((Photos courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) || | + | | 1976 Factory Frame VIN ((Photos courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) || |
| === 1979-1980 === | === 1979-1980 === | ||
| - | * Just as in '70-'78, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase and on the right down tube below the neck ((Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)). In addition to these numbers, an identification label is located on the frame below the stamped VIN ((Yoshi of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)) giving the VIN and date of manufacture. | + | * Just as in '70-'78, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase and on the right down tube below the neck ((Whitewalls of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)). In addition to these numbers, an identification label is located on the frame below the stamped VIN ((Yoshi of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)) giving the VIN and date of manufacture. |
| * **1979 Exception**: | * **1979 Exception**: | ||
| * For a period of one month from January 9 to February 8, 1979, (1200, 1340 and 1000cc) motorcycles were produced with the crankcase number stamped on the engine number pad instead of the VIN (frame) number in this location. This change was introduced to allow replacing engines in motorcycles at the factory without the cumbersome - and within some states - illegal re-stamping of the original VIN on the replacement engine crankcase pad. ((HD Service Letter #ML-110 dated March 2, 1979)) | * For a period of one month from January 9 to February 8, 1979, (1200, 1340 and 1000cc) motorcycles were produced with the crankcase number stamped on the engine number pad instead of the VIN (frame) number in this location. This change was introduced to allow replacing engines in motorcycles at the factory without the cumbersome - and within some states - illegal re-stamping of the original VIN on the replacement engine crankcase pad. ((HD Service Letter #ML-110 dated March 2, 1979)) | ||
