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| sportster_history:99xx-01a [2024/01/25 05:08] – hippysmack | 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 ====== | ====== Engine # / VIN Changes for Sportsters ====== |
| * **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. | * **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)) | * **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)) | * **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)) |
| ===== 1979-1980 VIN Info===== | ===== 1979-1980 VIN Info===== |
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| * 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. | * 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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/187217-1971-xlch-vin?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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/187217-1971-xlch-vin?t=2000060&highlight=VIN)) giving the VIN and date of manufacture. |
| * **1979 Exception**: {{ pdf-bulletin:sl-1979-3-2_ml110.pdf |Click here to download/view Service Letter ML-110}} | * **1979 Exception**: {{ pdf-bulletin:sl-1979-3-2_ml110.pdf |Click here to download/view Service Letter ML-110}} |
| * 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)) |
| * The number itself is different, but it's location didn't change from the previous year models. | * The number itself is different, but it's location didn't change from the previous year models. |
| * **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/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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/182308-early-or-late-84-vin-code?t=1964151&highlight=VIN)) |
| * **In 1984**, the right crankcase number (not to be confused as a VIN) moved to the lower face below the gear case (near and under #4 cam) on the outside of the engine. ((HD Service Bulletin #M-885 dated April 10, 1984)) | * **In 1984**, the right crankcase number (not to be confused as a VIN) moved to the lower face below the gear case (near and under #4 cam) on the outside of the engine. ((HD Service Bulletin #M-885 dated April 10, 1984)) |
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| | \\ **Market**| \\ **Make**| \\ **Weight \\ Class** | \\ **Model**| \\ **Engine \\ Size **| \\ **Intro Date/** \\ **Special Models**| \\ **VIN \\ Check Digit**| \\ **Model \\ Year**| \\ **Assembly \\ Plant**| \\ **Serial \\ Number**| | | \\ **Market**| \\ **Make**| \\ **Weight \\ Class** | \\ **Model**| \\ **Engine \\ Size **| \\ **Intro Date/** \\ **Special Models**| \\ **VIN \\ Check Digit**| \\ **Model \\ Year**| \\ **Assembly \\ Plant**| \\ **Serial \\ Number**| |
| |1 = \\ Made for \\ USA \\ \\ 5 = \\ Made for \\ HDI|HD = \\ Harley \\ Davidson |1 = 1200cc \\ (heavy) \\ 4 = 883cc \\ (middle)|CN = XL 883 \\ CP = XL 883C \\ CR = XL 883L \\ CS = XL 883R \\ CT = XL 1200C \\ CV = XL 1200R \\ CX = XL 1200L \\ CY = XL 50 \\ CZ = XL 1200N \\ LA = XR 1200 \\ LE = XL 883N|2 = 883cc \\ air cooled \\ EFI \\ \\ 3 = 1200cc \\ air cooled \\ EFI \\ \\ 6 = 1200cc \\ precision \\ cooled EFI |1 = Regular \\ 2 = Mid Year \\ 3 = Regular \\ Calif. Model \\ 4 = Special \\ Edition \\ 5 = Special Ed. \\ Calif. Model \\ 6 = Mid Year \\ Calif. Model \\ 7 = Mid Year \\ 8 = Mid Year \\ Calif. Model|Can be \\ 0 - 9 or X |7 = 2007 \\ 8 = 2008 \\ 9 = 2009|K = \\ Kansas \\ City, \\ MO|6 Digits \\ (varies)| | |1 = \\ Made for \\ USA \\ \\ 5 = \\ Made for \\ HDI|HD = \\ Harley \\ Davidson |1 = 1200cc \\ (heavy) \\ 4 = 883cc \\ (middle)|CN = XL 883 \\ CP = XL 883C \\ CR = XL 883L \\ CS = XL 883R \\ CT = XL 1200C \\ CV = XL 1200R \\ CX = XL 1200L \\ CY = XL 50 \\ CZ = XL 1200N \\ LA = XR 1200 \\ LE = XL 883N|2 = 883cc \\ air cooled \\ EFI \\ \\ 3 = 1200cc \\ air cooled \\ EFI \\ \\ 6 = 1200cc \\ precision \\ cooled EFI |1 = Regular \\ 2 = Mid Year \\ 3 = Regular \\ Calif. Model \\ 4 = Special \\ Edition \\ 5 = Special Ed. \\ Calif. Model \\ 6 = Mid Year \\ Calif. Model \\ 7 = Mid Year \\ 8 = Mid Year \\ Calif. Model|Can be \\ 0 - 9 or X |7 = 2007 \\ 8 = 2008 \\ 9 = 2009|K = \\ Kansas \\ City, \\ MO|6 Digits \\ (varies)| |
| |**Example**: (1HD1CT3169K455181) designates a 2009 XL1200C as stamped on the right steering head. \\ There is also a sticker VIN on the right front downtube. \\ The abbreviated VIN appears on engine right case (CAHB 112016)|||||||||| | |**Example**: (1HD1CT3169K455181) designates a 2009 XL1200C as stamped on the right steering head. \\ There is also a sticker VIN on the right front downtube. \\ The abbreviated VIN appears on engine right case (CT39455181)|||||||||| |
| |Example VIN on Frame Reads (1HD1CT3169K455181)|||||||||| | |Example VIN on Frame Reads (1HD1CT3169K455181)|||||||||| |
| |1|HD|1|CT|3|1|6|9|K|455181| | |1|HD|1|CT|3|1|6|9|K|455181| |
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| |{{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_01_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_02_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_03_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_01_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_02_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_03_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | 1968 XLCH Engine VIN ((photos by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1862513&page=3)) ||| | | 1968 XLCH Engine VIN ((photos by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/173571-xlch-68-primary-cover-case/page3?t=1862513&page=3)) ||| |
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| |{{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_04_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_05_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_06_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_04_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_05_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| {{sportster_history:1968_xlch883_vin_pic_06_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | 1968 XLCH Engine VIN ((photos by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1862513&page=3)) ||| | | 1968 XLCH Engine VIN ((photos by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/173571-xlch-68-primary-cover-case/page3?t=1862513&page=3)) ||| |
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| |{{sportster_history:1969_xlch883_vin_by_brianbbs67.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{sportster_history:1969_xlch883_vin_by_brianbbs67.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | 1969 xlch vin ((photo by brianbbs67 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1862513&page=5)) | | | 1969 xlch vin ((photo by brianbbs67 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/173571-xlch-68-primary-cover-case/page5?t=1862513&page=5)) | |
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| ===== 1970-1978 Engine # Pics ===== | ===== 1970-1978 Engine # Pics ===== |
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| |{{: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/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)) | | | Early 1971 Factory Engine Identification Numbers ((Photos courtesy of Whitewalls 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?t=1863261&highlight=vin)) || 1976 Factory Engine Identification Numbers ((Photo courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/148449-vin-with-slanted-6-s-in?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) | |
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| ====== Frame VIN Pics ====== | ====== Frame VIN Pics ====== |
| Pics upside down to show numbers. \\ | Pics upside down to show numbers. \\ |
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| {{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_frame_vin_1_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}} ((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_2_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}} ((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|}} ((Photo courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/148449-vin-with-slanted-6-s-in?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) {{:techtalk:ih:general:1976_frame_vin_2_by_4th_of_july.jpg?direct&300|}} ((Photo courtesy of 4th of July of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/148449-vin-with-slanted-6-s-in?t=1612475&highlight=vin)) \\ |
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| === Missing VIN on 70's Neck === | === Missing VIN on 70's Neck === |
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| If the VIN has been removed and painted over, the VIN panel may look smooth after grinding and painting. ((fergerburger of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=748858&page=3)) \\ | If the VIN has been removed and painted over, the VIN panel may look smooth after grinding and painting. ((fergerburger of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/91736-what-frame-do-i-have/page3?t=748858&page=3)) \\ |
| It's pretty easy to coarse grind and then polish up a flat metal panel. \\ | It's pretty easy to coarse grind and then polish up a flat metal panel. \\ |
| Sometimes previous owner's / builders could have bondo'd and painted over the VIN and it still be there under all the crap. \\ | Sometimes previous owner's / builders could have bondo'd and painted over the VIN and it still be there under all the crap. \\ |
| Look for sanding or machining marks where the numbers should be. \\ | Look for sanding or machining marks where the numbers should be. \\ |
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| {{:sportster_history:removed_70s_vin_pic1_by_porider.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by PoRider of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=748858)) {{:sportster_history:removed_70s_vin_pic2_by_porider.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by PoRider of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=748858&page=3)) \\ | {{:sportster_history:removed_70s_vin_pic1_by_porider.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by PoRider of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/91736-what-frame-do-i-have?t=748858)) {{:sportster_history:removed_70s_vin_pic2_by_porider.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by PoRider of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/91736-what-frame-do-i-have/page3?t=748858&page=3)) \\ |
| ==== 1996 Frame VIN Pics ==== | ==== 1996 Frame VIN Pics ==== |
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