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-sportster_history:99xx-01a [2025/01/21 16:58]
– [Engine # / VIN Changes for Sportsters] hippysmack
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+sportster_history:99xx-01a [2025/01/21 20:32] (current)
– [Engine # / VIN Changes for Sportsters] hippysmack
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 ====== Engine # / VIN Changes for Sportsters ======
 [[techtalk:miscres:miscres05#tsb_800-849|Click Here]] to go to the service bulletin page in Sportsterpedia. Click on the "Y" next to TSB# M-828 to download and view the bulletin showing VIN CHARACTER IDENTIFICATION. \\
 
   * **Vehicle Identification Numbers** (**VIN**) have changed over the years for the sake of theft deterrent and inventory. Modern VINs have Government mandated information as well as an individual (one only) number that pertains to one certain bike. Policy, parts and service have been issued by the MoCo based on these numbers as well. For instance, an upgraded part may be substituted for all future use at the local dealership by communication from the MoCo as in,  "Use this new part number instead of the original part for all future models beginning with engine serial number 45678". There are likely many other uses and reasons for the distinction changes in the VIN also. Below is a list of changes in the VIN and how to decipher them.
   * **VIN Lettering** (font): [[techtalk:miscres:miscres05#tsb_800-849|Click Here]] to go to the service bulletin page in Sportsterpedia. Click on the "Y" next to TSB# M-828 to download and view the bulletin showing VIN CHARACTER IDENTIFICATION. \\
   * **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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/173721-vin-pic-comments/page3?t=1863261&highlight=vin&page=3))
   * **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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/181981-best-way-to-preserve-my-vin?t=1960427&highlight=VIN))

Trace: • Sportster History (with VINs & Specifications) • Sportster History - Sub-01A