Table of Contents

1987 Sportster

Model Production Numbers

Colors

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Frame VIN Numbers

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 the Evo Sportster frame page in the Sportsterpedia for more information.
Click Here for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

17 Digit VIN for 1987 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 =
1100cc
4 =
883cc
CA =
XLH 883
XLH 883
Deluxe
XLH 1100
CE =
XLH 883
Hugger
M =
883cc
N =
1100cc
1 =
Regular
4 =
Special
Can be
0 - 9 or X
H =
1987
Y =
York, PA
6 Digits
(varies)
Example: (1HD4CAM16HY112016) designates a 1987 XLH 883, stamped on the steering head with a sticker VIN on
the steering head also. The abbreviated VIN appears on engine right case (CAMH 112016)
Example VIN on Frame Reads
1HD4CAM16HY112016
Example Abbreviated VIN on Case Reads
CAM H 112016

Engine Serial Numbers

The serial number is stamped on the case, right side, between the cylinders but is not used for identification purpose of ownership.

Related Manuals and Documentation

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.
Note: Updated manuals sometimes correct mistakes from the original manuals and some are updated simply to add mid year intro models.

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.
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 decide which ones are right for them.

Suggested Manuals:

Pics of Manual Covers.
Below are pics of used manual covers (original and latest editions) related to 1987 model Sportsters.
See the full list of pertinent catalogs in the links above.
Click on any pic below to enlarge:

1987 (all models) Owners Manual
1986-1987 FSM (99484-87)
Original Manual
1986-1990 FSM (99484-90)
Latest Version
1986-1987 Original
Parts Catalog (99451-87)
1986-1990 Updated
Parts Catalog (99451-90)

Specifications

Model Designations

Dimensions

Engine

Capacities

Clutch

Drivetrain

Tires

Rim size and contour are cast or stamped into the exterior surface of the rim.

Models

XLH 883

What is the Current KBB Value? 8)

XLH 883 Deluxe

What is the Current KBB Value? 9)

XLH 883 Hugger

What is the Current KBB Value? 10)

XLH 1100

What is the Current KBB Value? 11)

XLH 1100 Anniversary

What is the current N.A.D.A. Value? 12)


Back to Sportster History Index

1) , 3)
HD Service School service bulletin #596 dated September 16, 1969
2)
HD Service Bulletin #M-800
4)
Harley-Davidson 1979-1985 Service Manual
5)
Harley-Davidson 1986-1990 Service Manual
6)
1986-1990 HD FSM
7)
1986-1990 HD FSM pg 6-1