Harley Transmission Serial Numbers

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Do you want to learn about the engine, transmission, or any other vital info about your car? Would you like to find out when and where the car was produced? It's easy! You only need to use our free, handy, and intuitive VIN decoder.

  1. Post all your Primary, transmission and driveline questions here.
  2. HD VIN Number Decoder. Although the Harley Davidson VIN number decoder provides the results in a few seconds, let's consider a few symbols from the code and their meaning. The first three characters always identify the manufacturer of the bike. The typical beginning of the code can be 1HD where 1 stands for the USA and HD stands for Harley.

What is a VIN Decoder?

Sep 01, 2021 What do the letters in Harley-Davidson models mean? Harley-Davidson applies a letter to help designate the main components, and even accessories, that a certain model is outfitted with. Use your Harley-Davidson model codes to find guaranteed-to-fit parts for your bike. The modern Harley Davidson is made up of 5 major houses: Touring, Softail, V-Rod, Dyna, and Sportster. Each has a set of.

A VIN decoder is an online tool designed to assist the automobiles buyers and owners know all the data related to a particular car easily and quickly. To use the tool, you need to input the VIN of the transport you are interested in, in the VIN decoder search bar and then click the 'decode' button. Whether you want statistic about your car or you need the information about the auto you want to buy, you will get all the crucial details about it on the screen once you click the decode button.

VIN Decoder is absolutely free

In most cases, when buyers go to a showroom to buy a car, they are uncertain about the features of a certain vehicle. Sometimes they are afraid they might end up buying a car with different features rather than the ones they expected. Sometimes they don't know the origin of the car, the model or even how old it is. If you find yourself in this confusing situation, VIN decoder is your savior. It will eradicate all those fears you have since it provides you with all the vital data about the car you are purchasing.

How VIN Decoder Works?

VIN decoder works straightforwardly. With immense data about all the vehicles, it can access and provide details about any carrier. The information about vehicles stored in VIN decoder includes features such the engine, the make of the car, model, transmission type, the year when it was produced, the place of manufacture, production number and much more. The data stored here is continuously updated and more data added. Therefore, you get the correct and up-to-date data about a particular car. Realtek rtl8723ae driver windows 10.

Hence, the VIN decoder identification can protect you from fraudulent vehicle deals especially when buying a car.

What Vehicles can VIN Decode?

Introduced in 1981 in the USA, VIN system doesn't cover all types of vehicles. Here we have compiled some of the vehicles where you can use the Vehicle Identification Number:

  • Car;
  • SUV;
  • Pickup;
  • Motorcycle;
  • VAN;
  • Commercial Truck;
  • RV and Motorhome;
  • Moped and Scooter;
  • Buses;
  • ATV.

What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

A vehicle identification number is a unique cryptogram for identifying a specific automobile. Basically, it is like a vehicle's fingerprint since no two vehicles can share the same vehicle identification number.

The VIN is a composition of 17 characters (capital letters and digits) that serves as a unique identifier for each vehicle. However, it doesn't include letters I, O and Q. The VIN shows the unique specifications, features, and manufacturer of each vehicle. They help track recalls, registrations, insurance coverage, warranty claims, and theft.

Harley Transmission Serial Numbers List

What does each digit mean in a VIN?

Harley Transmission Serial Numbers

In the VIN number, the first digit shows the country where the vehicle was manufactured, the second and third digits shows the maker or the manufacturer, and the car type respectively. The fourth and the eighth characters represent the vehicle attributes such as brand and the size. The ninth digit represents the security code that classifies the VIN as approved by the maker. The tenth digit represents the model year of the vehicle, and the eleventh digit shows the authorized plant which assembled the vehicle (table below). The last six characters represent the serial number.

Here is a table simplifying the VIN:

VIN DigitMeaning
1st digitCountry
2nd digitRegion / Maker
3rd digitVehicle Type
4th digitVehicle Attributes
5th digitVehicle Attributes
6th digitVehicle Attributes
7th digitVehicle Attributes
8th digitVehicle Attributes
9th digitCheck digit
VIN DigitMeaning
10th digitYear
11th digitAssembly Plant
12th digitSequential Number
13th digitSequential Number
14th digitSequential Number
15th digitSequential Number
16th digitSequential Number
17th digitSequential Number

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

Transmission

World Manufacturer Identifier briefly referred to as WMI code is part of the 17 digits of the VIN. It describes a specific vehicle in terms of the country where it was produced, the manufacturer and the type of the vehicle. It is usually the first three digits of VIN. If a manufacturer manufactures less than 1000 vehicles yearly, uses 9 as the third character and the 12th, 13th and 14th characters of the VIN for the next part of identification.

  • Country — It is represented by the first character in the VIN, e.g., AA-AH represents South Africa.
  • Manufacturer — Represented by the second character e.g.,1G represents General Motors in the US.
  • Vehicle Type — It is represented by the third character, e.g., 1G1 represents Chevrolet passenger cars.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

The 4th to 8th characters are usually set aside to acquire the descriptive features of the vehicle. Almost all the essential data encoded in a VIN is captured here. However, some attributes of the specific vehicle captured are left to the maker to decide. And to make everything more intricate, each maker possesses a unique system of encoding vehicle data into the VIN.

  • Vehicle Attributes — The main data captured here include the engine, restraint system and the body type.
  • Check Digit — It is represented by the ninth digit. It is the security code that classifies the VIN as approved by the maker. It verifies the first eight digits based on mathematical calculations developed by the Transportation Department in the US.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

This starts from the 10th character to 17th character.

  • Year — The 10th character stands for the year the vehicle was built. The years are represented as follows:
    CodeYear
    A1980
    B1981
    C1982
    D1983
    E1984
    F1985
    G1986
    H1987
    J1988
    K1989
    L1990
    CodeYear
    M1991
    N1992
    P1993
    R1994
    S1995
    T1996
    V1997
    W1998
    X1999
    Y2000
    12001
    CodeYear
    22002
    32003
    42004
    52005
    62006
    72007
    82008
    92009
    A2010
    B2011
    C2012
    CodeYear
    D2013
    E2014
    F2015
    G2016
    H2017
    J2018
    K2019
    L2020
    M2021
    N2022
    P2023
  • Assembly Plant — It is represented by the 11th character, and it shows the plant where the vehicle was built.
  • Sequential Number — This is the serial characters of the vehicle represented by digits starting from 12th to 17th.

Where to find VIN?

Authorize code autocad 2004 crack. The VIN can be found on either the vehicle and in the documents. Whether in the documents or on the vehicle, it should be the same. It is essential to make sure the VIN on the record matches that one on the vehicle especially if you are buying a second-hand car.

Depending on the firm which produced a vehicle, you can find VIN in different locations.

Gm Transmission Casting Numbers

  1. On vehicle:
    • The lower corner of the dashboard near the driver (you can also see it from outside). Some manuals call it windshield;
    • Drivers or passenger's door jamb. You can see it whenever you open the door;
    • The front area of the block with the engine, below the hood of the car.
  2. In the documents. You can find it in these documents:
    • Vehicle title;
    • Insurance card;
    • Manuals;
    • Car registration card;
    • Body repair records;
    • Police reports.

Why does a VIN Matter?

There are circumstances in which you will need to check VIN of a vehicle because a lot of information registries utilize it to capture details about the vehicle.

If you are planning to purchase a second-hand vehicle, you can check VIN of the vehicle you want to buy to know more about it such as acquire information concerning its previous owners, repairs and if it had been involved in accidents. You will also be able to know if the maker of the car had at any time issued a recall of the car and whether the repairs in question were taken care of. Lastly, the VIN assist the law enforcement agencies in identifying stolen vehicles.

Is it Safe to Give Out a VIN Number?

Absolutely, Yes. Failure to do so will make anyone interested in buying your car unable to verify some features about the care which you claim your car has. That may make them suspicious of your claims about your car attributes.

VIN is not a sensitive element like a social security number, and there is no harm in giving it out to whoever is concerned. While the Vehicle Identification Number is unique for a specific car, it cannot put your safety at risk if you give it out. Sincerely speaking, some VIN is placed in open areas on the vehicle where anyone can access them easily such as on the dashboard. Besides, you are always driving around every day with your license plate suspended on your car. Also, any license plate can be effortlessly convert to a VIN on the same site.

Example of VIN Decoding

The vehicle identification number is used to identify your car. It consists of unique letters and numbers with special meaning and offers information about your car. There are various reasons you may want to decode it. Maybe you are replacing a part of your car, and you need to get the same replacement part, or perhaps you are buying a car, and you want to be sure about its features as claimed by the owner. Whatever the reason you want to decode it, you will get a lot of information about it.

Here is an example of VIN decoding:

VINYearManufacturerModelEngineTrim
1FTFW1CT5DFC103122013FordF-1503.5L V6 TURBOFX2 SuperCrew 5.5-ft. Bed 2WD
1GC5CZEG0F00171062015ChevroletSilverado6.0 Li3500 LT
4T1BG28K81U7902072001ToyotaCamry2.2L L4 DOHC 16VCE
WBA5B3C50GG2523372016BMW5-Series3.0L L6 DOHC 24V535i xDrive
JN1AZ4EH7DM4301112013NissanZ3.7L V6 DOHC 24V370Z Coupe

How to Lookup a VIN?

Start by inputting the VIN of the car in the VIN decoder search bar. You will get the history of the car you are looking for such as the general info about the car, if it was involved in an accident, crash and manufacturer recalls among other information. You will also know the appropriate equipment of the car which may include the kind of air conditioning, windows, and reupholster. Check VIN to see the odometer readings, and also see archival photos, if they exist for your car.

How can I Decode a VIN?

Now you understand the primary information concerning VIN; you are prepared to continue to the next step which is the epitome of the whole process. What should you do next? To decode your vehicle, you should follow these four steps, and you will get the information you need about your vehicle for free.

  1. Enter your VIN into VIN decoder search bar.
  2. Click on the 'Decode' button.
  3. Receive free information about your vehicle in a matter of seconds.
  4. You can access the report using your laptop or your phone.

From what you have read here from the start up to here, the process is very straightforward and thanks to our free VIN decoder, you don't need to pay anything. So, don't risk the next time you want to buy a second-hand car.

Consider using our decoder today. It is absolutely free, reliable, fast and it will come in handy next time you are purchasing a car. Give it a try, and you will never regret your decision!

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For all your Harley Davidson motorcycle. Transmission and Drivetrain: Sort By. Sort through the categories or use the search function by part number or keyword. Nov 10, 2009 - While it looks old, we feel the old Harley transmission is 1916. The front of the serial number it will start with the letter of its year, being F for. Feb 16, 2010 - Hi dpjr. There is no breakdown for the transmission number and the primary has no numbers. If you could give me the engine number I will give.

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Terry's Tech - Harley VIN Numbers

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Harley Davidson VIN Information

This information is a combination of years of experience plus information available on the internet. There are a few sites out there with much more detailed VIN info, this is just a guide to get you started.

1903-1930

  • VIN information is sketchy at best. Model designations changed like the weather.. this was the beginning and things changed rapidly. There are sites out there with more information about all of this, but even they admit it is not accurate.

1930 - 1969:
Example - 47EL1234

  • The engine number is the VIN and is located on left case.
  • There are no frame numbers until the 1970 model year.
  • First two numbers are the year.
  • Letters (up to four) are the model designation.
  • The last numbers are the production number.

-- Extra info for 1962 - 1969: --

  • If production number has four digits, the first number will be even if the year is even, odd if the year is odd
  • If production number has five digits, the first two numbers will be even if the year is even, odd if the year is odd

1970 - 1980***:
Example - 1A 123456 H8

  • Numbers on both frame and engine. These numbers will match exactly if the bike is all original (with the exception of some 1979 models, see below).
  • First two digits are model code.

1A = FL/FLP-1200
2A = FLH -1200
3A = XL - XLH-1000
4A = XLCH-1000
5A = GE-750
6A = SS-350 Sprint
7A = SX-125
8A = M65-S
7B = ERS
8B = MSR-100
2C = FX -1200
3C = SX-350 Sprint
5C = MC-65
6C = SR-100
1D = LE Sidecar
2D = X-90
3D = Z-90
4D = XLA
5D = SX-175
6D = SX-250
7D = MX-250
9D = FXE - 1200
4E = XLS-1000

5E = FXEF-1200
6E = FXEF-80
7E = FLHS-1200
9E = SS-250
2F = FXS - 1200
3F = SXT-125
4F = SS-175 6F = SS-125
7F = XLCR-1000
2G = XLT-1000
3G = FLH-80
5G = FLT-80
6G = FXE-80
7G = FXS-80
9G = FXWG-80
1H = FXB-80
2H = CLE-80 Sidecar
3H = FLH-80 Classic
5H = FLHS-80
6H = FL-80
7H = FLH-1200 Police
8H = FLH-1200 Shrine
9H = FLH-80 Police
1K = FLH-80 Shrine

  • Third through seventh numbers are the production numbers (always five numbers over 10000
  • last two digits are the year code

H0 = 1970
H1 = 1971
H2 = 1972
H3 = 1973
H4 = 1974
H5 = 1975

H6 = 1976
H7 = 1977
H8 = 1978
H9 = 1979
J0 = 1980

1979***:

  • Some 1979 engines had totally different numbers. This was a factory idea that was quickly changed after they were notified that it made the bikes look stolen to some law enforcement agencies. The production date range is 1/9/79 - 2/7/79, and the frame VINs affected are or should be 43000H9 through 48199H9. The 'crankcase number' is reported to be a ten digit numeric ID.

1981 - 2000***:

  • 17 digit VIN on frame. Engine has a partial VIN and the numbering is out of sequence, but you will know if the engine and frame belong together or not.

Frame ID Numbers - 1981 -2000
Example: 1HD1AAK19BY123456

1HD1

1 = Made in U.S.A.
HD = Harley Davidson
1 = Weight Class

  • 1 = Heavyweight
  • 4 = Lightweight
  • 8 = Sidecar

AA = Model Designation

MODEL DESIGNATIONS:

FL/FX Models
AA FLH - 80
AB FLHP - 80 Chain
AC FLH - 80 Shrine Chain
AD FLH - Classic
AG FLH - Classic w/ sidecar
AH FLHP - 80 Belt Deluxe
AJ FLH - 80 Heritage
AK FLHS - 80
AL FLH - 80 Shrine Belt
BA FXE - 80
BB FXEF - 80
BC FXS - 80
BD FXB - 80
BE FXWG - 80
BF FXSB - 80
BG FXDG
BH FXST
BJ FLST/FLSTC
BK FXSTC
BL FXSTS
BM FLSTF
BN FLSTN
BP FXSTSB

FLT/FXR Police Models
DA FLHTP - Windshield 1984 and later
DF FLHTP - Fairing
ED FXRP - Windshield
EK FXRP - C.H.P.
EF FXRP - Fairing

Dyna Glides
GA FXDB-D Daytona
GB FXDB-S Sturgis
GC FXDC
GD FXDL
GE FXDWG
GG FXDS-CON
GH FXD

Sidecars
SA CLE Purchased w/FLH
SD CLE Purchased w/FLH
SE CLE Separate
SF TLE Purchased w/FLTC/FLHTC
SG TLE Separate
SH CLE Purchased w/FLHX
GX TLE
HX RLE
KX TLE Ultra

FLT/FXR Models
AE 1981 FLT
AF 1981 FLTC
DA FLT 1982 and 1983 only
DB FLTC
DC FLHT
DD FLHTC
DE FLHTC w/ Sidecar
DG FLHTC Shrine
DH FLTC w/Sidecar
DJ FLHTC 1986 - present
DK FLTC Shrine
DM FLTCU - Ultra
DN FLTCU - Ultra w/Sidecar
DP FLHTCU - Ultra
DR FLHTCU - Ultra w/Sidecar
DS FLTCU - Ultra Shrine
DT FLHTCU - Ultra Shrine
EA FXR
EB FXRS
EC FXRT
EE FXRDG
EG FXRS-SP Sport Edition
EH FXRD
EJ FXRC
EL FXLR
EM FXRS - CON
FA FLHS
FB FLHR-I Injected
FC FLHTCU-I Injected
FD FLHR
FE FLTCU-I Injected
FF FLHTC-I Injected

XL Models
CA XLH
XLH 1000cc 1981 - 1985
XLH 883 1986 - 1987
XLH 883 Deluxe
XLH 1100
XLH 883 1988 - present
XLH 1200
CB XLS 1981 - 1985
CC XLX 1981 - 1985
CD XR-1000, 1983 - 1985
CE XLH 883 Hugger 1987 - present
CF XLH 883 Deluxe 1988 - present
CG XLH 1200 Custom
CH XLH 1200 Sport

K = Engine Displacement

  • K = 1340 Shovelhead
  • H = 1000 Ironhead XL
  • L = 1340 Evolution
  • M = 883 Evolution XL
  • N = 1100 Evolution XL
  • P = 1200 Evolution XL

1 = Introduction Date

  • 1 = Regular Introduction
  • 2 = Mid-Year (January)
  • 3 = California Special
  • 4 = Daytona (March)

9 = Check Digit

B = Model Year

  • B = 1981
  • D = 1983
  • F = 1985
  • H = 1987
  • K = 1989
  • M = 1991
  • P = 1993
  • S = 1995
  • V = 1997
  • X = 1999
  • C = 1982
  • E = 1984
  • G = 1986
  • J = 1988
  • L = 1990
  • N = 1992
  • R = 1994
  • T = 1996
  • W = 1998
  • Y = 2000

Y = Plant of Manufacture

  • Y = York, PA
  • T = Tomahawk, WI
  • J = Milwaukee, WI

123456 = Production Number

2001-up***
Example: 1HD1BBL191J123456

  • 17 digit VIN on frame. Abbreviated VIN on engine.

1HD1

1 = Domestic/International

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  • 1 = US/Domestic
  • 5 = International

HD = Harley Davidson

1 = Weight Class

  • 1 = Heavyweight (901 cc and larger)
  • 4 = Lightweight (900 cc and smaller)
  • 8 = Sidecar

BB = Model Designation

FL/FX Models

BB = FXSTDI
BH = FXST
BJ = FLSTC
BL = FXSTS
BM = FLSTF
BR = FLSTS
BS = FXSTD
BT = FXSTB
BV = FXSTI
BW = FLSTCI
BX = FLSTFI
BY = FLSTSI
BZ = FXSTSI
DC = FLHT
DD = FLHT
DG = FLHTC Shrine
DJ = FLHTC
FB = FLHRI
FC = FLHTCUI
FD = FLHR
FF = FLHTCI
FG = FLHTCUI With Sidecar
FH = FLHPI

FL = FLHTCUI Shrine
FM = FLHTPI
FP = FLTR
FR = FLHRCI
FS = FLTRI
FT = FLHPEI
GD = FXDL
GE = FXDWG
GH = FXD
GJ = FXDX
GK = FXDP
GL = FXDXT
GX = SIDECAR TLE
HA = VRSCA
HX = SIDECAR RLE
JA = FXSTBI
JB = FXSTDI
KX = SIDECAR TLE ULTRA
PE = FXDWG3
PF = FLSTDSE
PG = FLHRSEI2

XL Models

CA = XLH 883
CA = XLH 1200 or XL883
CE = XL 883H
CG = XL 1200C

CH = XL 1200S
CJ = XL 883C
CK = XL 883R

L = Engine Type

  • L = 1340 Evolution
  • M = 883 Evolution
  • P = 1200 Evolution
  • R = 1340 Evolution Fuel Injected
  • V = Twin Cam 88
  • W = Twin Cam 88 Fuel Injected
  • Z = 1130 Revolution

1 = Introduction Date

  • 1 = Regular Introduction
  • 2 = Mid Year (January)
  • 3 = California Model
  • 4 = Anniversary Model

9 = VIN Check Digit (Can be 0-9 or X)

1 = Model Year

  • 1 = 2001
  • 2 = 2002
  • 3 = 2003
  • 4 = 2004
  • 5 = 2005
  • 6 = 2006

J = Assembly Plant

  • J = Milwaukee, WI
  • T = Tomahawk, WI
  • Y = York, PA
  • K = Kansas City, KS

123456 = Production Number

*** From 1970-up, the title always goes with the frame, not the engine. A notarized bill of sale and a copy of the title is sufficient proof of ownership for an engine, not for a frame. The exception to this is 1969 and older, which do not have frame numbers for registration or titling purposes. This only applies to Harley Davidson. For other makes and models, please check with an appropriate source. Also note that not every state follows this, so check with your local DMV before attempting to register a bike made from parts. It is far better to be smart than to be stupid.

The forum takes lots of updates and maintenance. This is not free


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Technical: Serial and Other Numbers
Scott Lange with help from Jerry Raino and Dave Hennessey

Serial and Other Numbers

Identifying your K Model or Sportster requires looking at a lot of numbers to determine what year the motorcycle is, and whether many of the parts are original to the bike. The following descriptions of 'numbers' applies specifically to Ks and Sportsters, and in general to all Harley-Davidsons up to 1969.

A Word About Years

There are two kinds of years we'll be dealing with here. First, there's the calendar year, which runs from January 1 to December 31. Then there's the automotive model year, which runs from September 1 to August 31. Since the beginning of time, car, truck, and motorcycle manufacturers have introduced their shiny new models after summer's over, and people are heading back to work and school. This is four months – one-third of a year – ahead of the calendar year!

Harley Transmission Serial Numbers For Sale

The first 1960 model year motorcycle that appeared on the dealer's showroom left the factory around September 1, 1959. The individual parts, particularly basic things like engines and frames, were often made a month or two ahead of time. So that first 1960 may have parts manufactured in July or August 1959.

When we speak of a change occurring during early/mid/late year, we are referring to the model year. In some cases, it is possible to narrow it down further than that, but in most cases it isn't. If we really have no idea, we will use 'sometime during the year'. Other books and websites often use 'mid-year' to mean 'sometime during the year', but we'll try to reserve the term 'mid-year' to really mean 'middle'.

Motor Seral Number ('VIN')

Almost every vehicle ever made has a manufacturer's serial number located somewhere on it. There was no industry standard, so each manufacturer made up their own numbering scheme, and affixed it to the vehicle wherever it wanted. In 1981, the U.S. Department of Transportation mandated a standard 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) scheme, and for motorcycles, mandated the VIN be affixed to the frame. But before that…

From the early days, up to and including the 1969 model year, Harley-Davidson stamped the serial number of a motorcycle into the left engine case. The frame did not have a serial number. The serial number followed the code:

YY MMMM SSSSS 62 XLCH 2373
YY – a two character (numeric) model year, last two digits 62
MMMM – one-to-four character (alphabetic) model designation XLCH
SSSSS – a four or five character (numeric) production sequence number 2373

The production sequence number gets complicated.

Before 1960, the sequence number started with either 1000 or 1001 - NOT 0001. Although the common wisdom has long been 1001, there have been a few documented cases of a serial number 1000 uncovered. We will use 1000 through the remainder of this article.

The sequence number runs with the basic motorcycle model, not the different variants. Dubstep youtube. So the first few 1959 Sportsters might have been numbered 59 XLH 1000, then 59 XLCH 1001, then 59 XLH 1002, then 59 XLCH 1003…

From 1960 through 1969, Harley started an unusual odd/even scheme. In years ending with an even number (example: 1960), the sequence numbers ran 2000-2999, then skipped to 4000-4999, then 6000-6999, then 8000-8999, then 10000-10999, then 12000-12999. In years ending with an odd number (example: 1961), the first digit of the production number was always odd. So it ran 1000-1999, then skipped to 3000-3999, then 5000-5999, etc.

Why? One theory is that this was an anti-VIN-forgery scheme. The other theory is this was a nefarious scheme to make people think production was much higher than it actually was, to mask Harley's low sales figures in the 1960's.

The font used for the VINs varied over the years. Here are some photographs of serial numbers.

When Was My Bike Produced?

The serial number was applied late in production, close to the factory door. Historian Jerry Hatfield researched monthly production figures at the Harley-Davidson archives, but found they varied 'all over the place'. Normal production scheduling required things to be made in batches. Sales might not have matched the factory's predictions, so they might have had to catch-up by increasing production of one model while slowing production of another. Harley's book, The Legend Begins, provides annual production figures. Dividing the total production by 12 months can give you a best-guess as to what month your bike was produced, but this will not be truly accurate.

Note: the 1952 K model was late to market. It was was unveiled for the first time to the dealers in Milwaukee at their November 1951 convention.

Try the Shipping Date Guess-O-Meter

Motor Belly Numbers

This section is undergoing revision

'Belly numbers' are stamped into the bottom of each crankcase half. The crankcase halves were cast, mated in pairs, line-bored for the crankshaft, and then numbered to ensure they remained a mated pair. The same sequence number was stamped into each crankcase half. The numbers should match each other, but they will NOT match the serial number of the engine. The code is:
MYY SSSSS 761 3334
M – one-character (numeric) the model designation (See below) 7
YY – two character (numeric) model year, last two digits (See below) 61
SSSSS – a four or five character (numeric) mating sequence number 3334

The M model designation is '5' for K models and '7' for Sportsters.

The YY is the model year that the crankcase halves were mated. This is usually the same as the model year of the bike. However, if you have a very low motor serial number, your belly numbers may have a year code one year below the model year. In some years, the factory mated too many case sets, and then used them up early the following year.

An oddity is that all 1952 K models have 552-XXXX, and all 1957 Sportsters have 757-XXXX belly numbers.

SSSS[S] is a four or five character (numeric) sequence number. Usually, the SSSS of the belly number is within +/- a few hundred of the SSSS of the un-coded VIN, but this is not always the case. We are actively researching this area. The important thing is that the belly numbers match, and the year code is plausible.

Here are some photographs of belly numbers.

Frame Date Codes

Most K and Sportster frames have a date code stamped into the frame. It is on the right side, in the area where the rear gas tank bolt goes through the frame – for the large tanks. On Ks and XLHs, it is under the right rear tank ear, so you can't see it with the tank on. On XLCH with the small tank, it can be seen with the tank on.

M Y H 1
M – one-character (alphabetic) month code (See below) H
Y – one-character (numeric) year code, last digit 1

The month code is as follows: A=January, B=February, C=March, D=April, E=May, F=June, G=July, H=August, I=September, J=October, K=November, L=December

The year code is the last digit of the calendar year the frame was produced.Frames were typically produced a month or two before they were used. So a low VIN number bike will have a date code from the previous year. 1952 K model frames do not have date codes, and only the last few months of 1953 had them. See the Technical article on Frames for more information.

Here are some photographs of frame date codes.

Frame Security Codes Smaart v7 keygen.

1962 through 1969 frames had a Security Code, sometimes known as an Anti-Theft Number, which was stamped into the frame neck. On Sportsters, it was sometimes stamped on the left side, sometimes on the right side. (On Big Twins, it was on the left). The factory used this code to respond to police inquiries, but exactly what it identifies is unknown. The code had the format YNNN or YNNNN where Y was a letter designating a year or year range, and the Ns were three or four numbers. The code will be hard to see if the paint on the head is thick.

Y NNN or Y NNNN D 1234
Y – one-character (alphabetic) year code (See below) D
N – one-character (numeric) digit 1

This code chart comes from Bruce Palmer's book How To Restore Your Harley-Davidson on Big Twins. It generally applies to Sportsters also, however one very early 1970 XLCH frame examined did not have a Security Code. While the 1970 Big Twin frame had both a VIN pad and a Security Code, it is believed the new frame introduced for the 1970 Sportster had only the VIN pad, and did not have the Security Code.

LetterYears
A1962 – 1963
B1963 – 1964
C1964 – 1965
D1965
E1965 – 1966
F1966 – 1967
G1967
H1967 – 1968
J1968 – 1969
K1969 – 1970

Here are some photographs of frame security codes.

Part Numbers

Every Harley-Davidson part has a part number assigned to it. Part Numbers are shown in the Spare Parts Catalog, but only in rare instances do these ever appear on the actual parts, and then they are typically painted, to help the retail dealer quickly identify them in his spare parts stock. Some wheels, fenders, and chainguards have the part number painted in an inconspicuous place.

BBBBB-YYS 34961-57
BBBBB – five character (numeric) base part number34951
YY – two character (numeric) year of first use57
S – optional one character (alphabetic) Suffixn/a

The 'year of first use' typically, but not always, is the first year the part was used. However, in some instances, particularly with the first year of a new model, YY may be one year prior.

The Suffix indicates a minor revision. Parts with a Suffix letter replace, and will physically fit on models back to the YY, but they are different than the non-suffix parts, sometimes in a very minor way, but sometimes in a major way. The first revision gets the letter 'A'. Subsequent revisions get 'B', 'C', etc.

The suffix can also be 'R', indicating a Racing part.

Casting Numbers

Most of the cast aluminum and forged steel parts have a raised 'casting number' cast/forged into them. This number has the same format XXXXX-YY as a part number, but you will never see this part number in a Spare Parts Catalog. The reason - it is an factory internal use only part number. Why would there be such an animal?

Harley outsourced aluminum castings and steel forgings. Harley did extensive machining and fabrication, but the castings and forgings required specialized manufacturing capabilities that were cheaper to buy than to build. For inventory reasons, Harley had the outside supplier cast/forge an internal use only part number into the 'raw material' part.

Most castings required machining before becoming an actual part. The raw material Footrest support (left), which has casting number 50950-52, was drilled and tapped to become part number 50951-52.

Many 'parts' are built from 'sub-parts', so the casting number does not identify the part. A K-model Saddle bar ('seat tee') is a good example. The 1952-1953 Saddle bar (Part# 51902-52) uses the outsourced front section (casting #51910-52) with an in-house made rear section. The 1954-later Saddle bar (Part# 51902-54) uses the same front section, but with a different rear section. To confuse matters, around 1959, the front section changed slightly (now casting# 51901-52A), but the Saddle bar's Part# 51902-54 did not change.

So casting numbers do not identify parts. But they can be important clues to the version, or production date, of a part.

Casting Date Codes

Some parts, particularly the cast engine crankcases, covers, and cylinders, have date codes cast into them. These are usually the month and year, but their use, and format, are inconsistent. There are also many miscellaneous casting marks, which might indicate the foundry, or some production sequence.

Here are some photographs of engine casting date codes.

Cylinder Date Codes

The cylinders were date code marked at the base to denote the casting date of the cylinder. There is a capital letter ('I' omitted) which identifies the month of the casting. Then there is a small plate fastened with screws. On the plate are two groups of digits separated by a dash. The first group of one or two digits is the day of the casting and the second group is the last digit of the year.

Cylinders cast in 1957 to 1961 have the part number cast on both sides of the cylinder base and 62 and later have it cast on the spark plug side only. Early 1957 cylinders have the date code on the spark plug side and later 57 cylinders have them on the push rod side. The earlier cylinders are a harder casting material than those with the date codes on the push rod side. The cylinder date codes can precede the bike manufacturing date by anywhere from two to eight months.

K/KH Left Engine Cases - The Letter D

K or KH left engine cases with the letter 'D' stamped near the serial number denotes that the case was a replacement case (made in 1957 or later, or perhaps refurbished existing stock) that was redesigned to use the Sportster 34844-57 transmission access cover. The original K/KH case and access cover used cone-shaped dowels. The replacement 'D' case has straight dowels, and requires that the -57 access cover be used with it.





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