There was no frame identification for purpose of ownership on 1957-1969 model Sportsters.
However, there were stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia.

The only numbers for the purpose of identification were on the engine case.

• For 1957-1961 models, the engine serial number is stamped on the left side of the engine case between the two cylinders.
  First 4 or 5 digits are the year and bike model followed by a series of 4 or 5 numbers that established the individual serial number for each bike.
  

Click Here for more specific information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

Engine Serial Number for 1961 Sportsters
Model Year (first 2 digits)	Model (next few digits) (up to 4)	Sequential Serial# (remaining digits)
61	XLH XLCH	(example) 12345
Example: (61XLH 12345) indicates a 1961 XLH model and is stamped on the Left Engine Case Between the Cylinders 1)
Example Serial Number on Engine Reads: 61XLH12345
61	XLH	12345

• XLH, XLCH

• Wheelbase: ²⁾
  • XLH, 56.5 in / 143.51 cm
  • XLCH, 57 in / 144.78 cm
• Overall Length:
  • XLH, 87 in / 220.98 cm
  • XLCH, 83.25 in / 211.45 cm
• Overall Width:
  • XLH 34 in / 86.36 cm
  • XLCH, 29.5 in / 74.93 cm
• Overall Height:
  • XLH, 40-1/2 in / 103 cm
  • XLCH, 42 in / 106.7 cm
• Saddle Height:
  • XLH, 26-7/8 in to 29 in / 68.26 cm to 73.66 cm
  • XLCH, 30-1/2 in / 77.47.2 cm
• Road Clearance:
  • XLH, 2-1/2 in to 4-5/8 in / 6.35 cm to 11.74 cm
  • XLCH, 4-1/8 in to 6-1/2 in / 10.47 cm to 16.51 cm ³⁾

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 ⁴⁾
• Displacement: 53.9 ci / 883 cc (900 cc advertised)
• Compression Ratio: 9:1
• Bore: 3 in / 76.2 mm
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
• Horsepower: 55 @ 6,300rpm ⁵⁾
• Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
• Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
• Weight:
  • XLCH - 188lbs.
  • XLH - 204 lbs.
• 4 Cams
• Oil Pump: Gear driven 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):
  • Idle, with spark retarded (Min: 3-7 psi)
  • Normal riding conditions: 10-14 psi (6 psi at 20 mph)
• Fuel System: Linkert DC carburetor. Click Here for the main Ironhead carb page in the Sportsterpedia.
• Spark Plugs
  • #4 for everyday use.
  • #5 for hard service.

• Fuel Capacity: ⁶⁾
  • XL, XLH 3.75 gal / 14.19 l ⁷⁾
  • XLCH 2.25 gal / 8.51 l
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

• Multi-Disc dry clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.⁸⁾

• Constant Mesh - right side foot shift ⁹⁾
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth
  • XLH:
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 21
    • Rear Wheel: 51
  • XLCH:
    • Engine: 34
    • Clutch: 59
    • Transmission: 20
    • Rear Wheel: 51
• Standard Gear Ratios (XLH)
  • 1st: 10.63 to 1
  • 2nd: 7.69 to 1
  • 3rd: 5.82 to 1
  • 4th: 4.21 to 1
• Standard Gear Ratios (XLCH)
  • 1st: 11.16:1
  • 2nd: 8.08:1
  • 3rd: 6.11:1
  • 4th: 4.42:1

Tire pressure (based on a rider weighing app. 150 lbs or more).
For each 50 lbs of overload, increase rear tire pressure by 2 lbs, front by 1 lb ¹⁰⁾ but not exceeding manuf max tire pressure.

• XLH:
  • Front: 3.50 x 18
  • Rear: 3.50 x 18
• XLCH:
  • Front: 3.25 / 3.50 x 19 (tire Pressure: 14 psi / .96 bar)
  • Rear: 4.0 x 18 (tire pressure: 18 psi / 1.24 bar)

• 2,014 produced
• 1961 offered a creased edge on the fuel tank.

$1,250 (when new)¹¹⁾ What is the Current KBB Value? ¹²⁾

$1,335 (when new)¹³⁾ What is the Current KBB Value? ¹⁴⁾

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