2008 Sportster

Harley's 105th Anniversary
Major changes for 2008 Sportsters include the change to 25 mm hollow axles (front and back) and 1200R's get the 1200C's larger fuel tank. Also notable is the 1200N becomes available outside the United States with different tail pieces and tail lights.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Example: 1HD1CV3148K123456 appears on steering head.

Motorcycle Designation	Manufacturer	Motorcycle Type	Model	Engine Type	Introduction Date	VIN Check Digit	Model Year	Assembly Plant	Sequential Number
1=To be sold in US 5=To be sold in outside US	HD=Harley Davidson	1 = 901 cc & up (Heavyweight Motorcycle) 4 = 351-900cc (Middleweight)	See Models below	2 = 883CC 3 = 1200CC	1 = Regular 2 = Mid Year 3 = California 4 = Cosmetic or special intro date 5 = Cali\Cosmetic 6 = Cali\Midyear	Can be 0 - 9 or X	8 = 2008	K = Kansas City, MO
1	HD	1	CV	3	1	4	8	K	123456

VIN CODE ¹⁾	MODEL Name
CN	XL 883 Sportster 883
CP	XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom
CR	XL 883L Sportster 883 Low
CS	XL 883R Sportster 883R
CT	XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom
CV	XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster
CX	XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low
CZ	XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster

Specifications

Models

Model Year Changes

Summary of MY changes for 2008:²⁾

25mm wheel bearings and hollow axles.
New Head Gaskets (no o-rings on cylinder dowels, can be flipped up/down, retrofit to prior years).
1200R gets refreshed with 1200C fuel tank, 883R wheels w/ blk highlights.
883R no longer sold in US (but still available in HDI, UK, Japan, Brazil).
Jiffy stand interlock switch (not on all HDI models?).
New rubber shifter pegs (retrofits).

Nightster 1200N is offered for HDI, which includes these changes for HDI 1200N's.