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Harley VIN information

128K views 21 replies 14 participants last post by  harvey 
#1 · (Edited)
When buying a Harley Davidson, you need to check the VIN of the bike, and make sure it matches then engine and title. If not, there may be something wrong with the paperwork, bike or a replaced engine. Buyer beware.

VIN Decoder:

Frame ID Numbers - 1981 and Later

Example: 1HD1AAK11BYO13478

The frame number is broken
down like this:

1 HD 1 AA K 1 1 B Y 013278

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

1 = Weight Class
1 = Heavyweight
4 = Lightweight
8 = Sidecar

AA = Model Designation

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)

1 = Check Digit

B = Model Year
B = 1981 C = 1982
D = 1983 E = 1984
F = 1985 G = 1986
H = 1987 J = 1988
K = 1989 L = 1990
M = 1991 N = 1992
P = 1993 R = 1994
S = 1995 T = 1996
U = 1997

Y = Plant of Manufacture (York, PA)

T = Plant of Manufacture (Tomahawk, WI)

J = Plant of Manufacture (Milwaukee, WI)

013278 = Sequential Number

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
EF FXRP - Fairing
EK FXRP - C.H.P.
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

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

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

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



Frame ID Numbers - 1970-1980

Motorcycle Serial Numbers
Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is located on the engine crankcase and is the same as the number located on frame steering head.

Example: 1A 13478 H7

1A = Model Designation 1A = FL-1200 6E = FXEF-80 2A = FLH-1200 7E = FLHS-1200 3A = XLH-1000 9E = SS-250 4A = XLCH-1000 2F = FXS-1200 5A = GE-750 3F = SXT-125 6A = SS-350 Sprint 4F = SS-175 7A = SX-125 6F = SS-125 8A = M65-S 7F = XLCR-1000 7B = ERS 2G = XLT-1000 8B = MSR-100 3G = FLH-80 2C = FX-1200 5G = FLT-80 3C = SX-350 Sprint 6G = FXE-80 5C = MC-65 7G = FXS-80 6C = SR-100 9G = FXWG-80 1D = LE Sidecar 1H = FXB-80 2D = X-90 2H = CLE Sidecar 3D = Z-90 3H = FLH-80 Classic 5D = SX-175 5H = FLHS-80 6D = SX-250 6H = FL-80 7D = MX-250 7H = FLH-1200 Police 9D = FXE-1200 8H = FLH-1200 Shrine 4E = XLS-1000 9H = FLH-80 Police 5E = FXEF-1200 1K = FLH-80 Shrine 13478 = Sequential Number H = Decade Code H = 1970 thru 1979 J = 1980 only 7 = Model Season 0 = 1970 1 = 1971 2 = 1972 3 = 1973 4 = 1974 5 = 1975 6 = 1976 7 = 1977 8 = 1978 9 = 1979

Crankcase Identification Numbers
Numbers located on both left and right crankcase halves.

Big Twin: Left Case - Outside, Lower Front
Right Case - Inside, Gear case Compartment

XL Models: Left Case - Inside, Primary Compartment
Right Case - Outside, Near Oil Pump

Stamped at Capitol Drive Facility
Used to identify engine and track production changes

Example: 1588 321 007

15 = Engine Designation
1 = 1200cc Shovelhead
7 = 1000cc Iron XL
14 = 1340cc Shovelhead
15 = 1340cc Evolution
16 = XR-1000
17 = 883cc Evolution XL
18 = 1100cc Evolution XL
19 = 1200cc Evolution XL
20 = 1340cc Evolution, California (1988 - *)
21 = 883cc Evolution XL, California (1988 - *)
22 = 1200cc Evolution XL, California (1988 - *)

88 = Model Year

321 = Day of Production
001 = Jan. 1st 182 = Jul. 1st
032 = Feb. 1st 213 = Aug. 1st
060 = Mar. 1st 244 = Sep. 1st
091 = Apr. 1st 274 = Oct. 1st
121 = May 1st 305 = Nov. 1st
152 = Jun. 1st 335 = Dec. 1st

007 = Number That Day


This should only be used as a guide only. Even Harley-Davidson admit there are some discrepancies in their vin numbers.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Places to look for the VIN:

Frame neck or right side down tube.



Engine cases:

Evo/TC: Left side, base of rear cylinder AND inside right side cam chest....



Cam chest: (For production code for Evo engines)





Sportster:



NOTE: Old frames, before 1970 had frame casting numbers on the neck area, but they were not VINs.



Flathead: Left side engine case.







(1966-1969) Pan-Shovels/Pans: Left side, between cylinders.





Shovelhead cone engines (1970-1984) : Right side, in front of front tappet block.








AMF Service Bulliten regarding digits:

 
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#3 ·
When I transferred title this summer, the Minnesota DMV made me verify the number on the engine to confirm that it was original to the frame. I found that interesting. (...and not sure what would have happened if it did not match.)


A question for you regarding the number:

Does the "Sequential Number" refer to the production number of the model I have? (i.e. in your example, is this the 13,278th produced of this model?) or is this something else?

Deeday
 
#4 ·
Yes.

After 1980, Harley VIN number should be 17 digits. The general breakdown of the 17-character (post 1980) VIN is as follows:

Example: 1HD4CAM104K400506

* Characters 1 through 3 identify the motorcycle as a Harley Davidson model (ex: 1 HD).

*Character 4 determines the bike's weight class (heavyweight, lightweight, and sidecar).

*Characters 5 and 6: determine model designation.

*Character 7 indicates engine type.

*Character 8 signifies the bike's introduction date.

*Character 9: Check digit.

*Character 10 indicates the bike's year of manufacture.

*Character 11 tells what factory the Harley was built in.

*Characters 12 through 17 are the ID number of that particular motorcycle; they're a numerical designation telling what bike this was in sequence coming off the assembly line.
 
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#8 ·
You are correct. 1= made in the USA. HD= brand
 
#9 ·
#10 ·
Harley Davidson VIN Decoding:

First Digit:
Market Designation
1 = Domestic
5 = International

Second & Third Digit:
HD = Manufacturer and Make
Harley Davidson

Fourth Digit:
Motorcycle Type
1 = Heavyweight
2 = Middleweight
(901 cc and larger engine displacement)

Fifth & Sixth Digit:
Model Designation
BH = FXST – Softail Standard
BJ = FLSTC – Heritage Softail Classic
BK = FXSTC – Softail Custom
BL = FXSTS – Softail Springer
BM = FLSTF – Softail Fatboy
BN = FLSTN – Softail Deluxe
BP = FXSTSB
BR = FLSTS – Heritage Softail Springer
BS = FXSTD – Softail Deuce
BT = FXSTB – Softail Nighttrain
BV = FXSTI – Softail Standard (fuel injected)
BW = FLSTCI – Heritage Softail Classic (fuel injected)
BX = FLSTFI – Softail Fatboy (fuel injected)
BY = FLSTSCI
BZ = FXSTSI – Softail Springer (fuel injected)
CA = XL883
CJ = XL883 Custom
CG = XL1200 Custom
CL = XL1200 Roadster
CM = XL883L
DA = FLT 82-83
DA = FLHTP Police Windshield
DB = FLTC
DD = FLHT – Electra Glide
DH = FLTC w/ Sidecar
DJ = FLHTC
DK = FLTC Shrine
DM = FLTCU
DP = FLHTCU
EA = FXR
EB = FXRS
EC = FXRT
ED = FXRP Police Windshield
EF = FXRP Police Fairing
EG = FXRS-SP
EH = FXRD
EJ = FXRC
FB = FLHR-I – Road King (fuel injected)
FC = FLHTCU-I – Ultra Classic Electra Glide (fuel injected)
FD = FLHR – Road King
FE = FLTCU-I
FF = FLHTC-I – Electra Glide (fuel injected)
FG = FLHTCU-I – Ultra Classic Electra Glide w/ Sidecar (fuel injected)
FH = FLHP-I Police
FJ = FLHP Police
FK = FLHTC-I Shrine
FL = FLHTCU-I Shrine
FM = FLHTP-I Police
FN = FLHPE (Japan)
FP = FLTR – Road Glide
FR = FLHRC-I – Road King Classic (fuel injected)
FS = FLTR-I – Road Glide (fuel injected)
FT = FLHPE-I
FV = FLHT-I
FW = FLHR-I Shrine
FX = FLHRS – Road King Custom
FY = FLHRS-I – Road King Custom (fuel injected)
GD = FXDL – Dyna Lowrider
GE = FXDWG – Dyna Wide Glide
GG = FXDS Convertible
GH = FXD - Dyna
GJ = FXDX – Super Glide
HA = VRSCA – V-Rod
JA = FXSTB-I – Softail Nighttrain (fuel injected)
JB = FXSTD-I – Softail Deuce (fuel injected)
JD = FLSTN-I – Softail Deluxe (fuel injected)
SG = TLE Police
SH = RLE Police

Seventh Digit:
Engine Type
A = VRSCA 98 HP HDI only V = Carbureted
W = Fuel Injected

Z = VRSCA Eighth Digit:
Introduction Date & Special Models
1 = Regular Intro Date
2 = Mid-year Intro Date
3 = California Model
4 = Anniversary Model

Ninth Digit:
VIN Check Digit
Varies; can be 0 through 9, or X.

Tenth Digit:
Model Year
L = 1990
M = 1991
N = 1992
P = 1993
R = 1994
S = 1995
T = 1996
V = 1997
X = 1998
Y = 1999
Z = 2000
1 = 2001
2 = 2002
3 = 2003
4 = 2004
5 = 2005
6 = 2006
7 = 2007

Eleventh Digit:
Assembly Plant
Y = York, PA
K = Kansas City, MO

Twelfth Digit - Seventeenth Digit:
Serial Number
 
#11 ·
Place your VIN in this decoder and it'll do the work for you: Compliments of Bog Boyz Head Porting.

Big Boyz Head Porting - Vin and Engine Number Analyzer

If you look at the numbers inside the cam chest of EVO engines, it decodes like this:

1595-206-006

That ranslates to:

Engine type: 15 - 1340cc

Year: 95 - 1995

Day Of Production: 206 - July 25 of that year.

Unit produced that day: 006 - Sixth engine made that day.

For the record, July 25 1995 was a TUESDAY. :D
 
#14 ·
#15 ·
Frame/Vin/Crankcase ID #’s & Model Identification

Frame ID Numbers

There are three tables listed here.

The first is Frame ID Numbers - 2001 and later.
The second table is Motorcycle ID Numbers 1981 and Later.
The third is Motorcycle ID Numbers 1970-1980.

Frame ID Numbers - 2001 and Later
17 digit VIN on frame.
Abbreviated VIN on engine. The legal VIN number is on the frame.

Example: 1 HD 1 DJ V 1 3 1 Y 500001

1 = Made in USA
5 = Made for the Canadian market

HD = Harley Davidson
1 = Weight Class

1 = Heavyweight (901 cc and larger)

DJ = Model Designation
FL/FX Models
BH = FXST
BL = FXSTS
BM = FLSTF
BR = FLSTS
BS = FXSTD
BT = FXSTB
BV = FXSTI
BW = FLSTCI
BX = FLSTFI
BY = FLSTSI
BZ = FXSTSI
DD = FLHT
DC = 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
GJ = FXDX
GH = FXD
GK = FXDP
GL = FXDXT
GX = SIDECAR TLE
HA = VRSCA
HX = SIDECAR RLE
JB = FXSTDI
KX = SIDECAR TLE ULTRA
?? = FXDP POLICE
?? = FLHTCUI POLICE
?? = XL 883 POLICE
?? = TLE SIDECAR POLICE
?? = FLHRSEI
?? = FXDWG3
?? = FXSTDI
?? = FLSTC
XL Models
CJ = XL 883C
CA = XLH 883
CA = XLH 1200
CE = XL 883H
CG = XL 1200C
CH = XL 1200S
CJ = XL 883C
CK = XL 883R

V = 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
V = 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

3 = VIN Check Digit (Can be 0-9 or X)
1 = 2001
2 = 2002

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

500001 = Serial Number
Production
2001 - 234,461
2002 – TBD

Frame ID Numbers - 1981 and Later

Example: 1HD1AAK11BYO13478

The frame number is broken
down like this:

1 HD 1 AA K 1 1 B Y 013278
1 = Made in U.S.A.

HD = Harley Davidson
1 = Weight Class
1 = Heavyweight
4 = Lightweight
8 = Sidecar

AA = Model Designation

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

1 = Check Digit

B = Model Year
B = 1981 C = 1982
D = 1983 E = 1984
F = 1985 G = 1986
H = 1987 J = 1988
K = 1989 L = 1990
M = 1991 N = 1992
P = 1993 R = 1994
S = 1995 T = 1996
U = 1997

Y = Plant of Manufacture (York, PA)
T = Plant of Manufacture (Tomahawk, WI)
J = Plant of Manufacture (Milwaukee, WI)

013278 = Sequential Number

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
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
Dyna Glides
GA FXDB-D Daytona
GB FXDB-S Sturgis
GC FXDC
GD FXDL
GE FXDWG
GG FXDS-CON
GH FXD
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
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
EF FXRP - Fairing
EK FXRP - C.H.P.
CG XLH 1200 Custom
CH XLH 1200 Sport
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


Frame ID Numbers - 1970-1980

Motorcycle Serial Numbers

Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is located on the
engine crankcase and is the same as the number located on
frame steering head.

Example: 1A 13478 H7

1A = Model Designation
1A = FL-1200 6E = FXEF-80
2A = FLH-1200 7E = FLHS-1200
3A = XLH-1000 9E = SS-250
4A = XLCH-1000 2F = FXS-1200
5A = GE-750 3F = SXT-125
6A = SS-350 Sprint 4F = SS-175
7A = SX-125 6F = SS-125
8A = M65-S 7F = XLCR-1000
7B = ERS 2G = XLT-1000
8B = MSR-100 3G = FLH-80
2C = FX-1200 5G = FLT-80
3C = SX-350 Sprint 6G = FXE-80
5C = MC-65 7G = FXS-80
6C = SR-100 7T = SST-250
1D = LE Sidecar 8F = SST-350
2D = X-90 9F = SX-350
3D = Z-90 9G = FXWG-80
5D = SX-175 1H = FXB-80
6D = SX-250 2H = CLE Sidecar
7D = MX-250 3H = FLH-80 Classsic
9D = FXE-1200 5H = FLHS-80
4E = XLS-1000 6H = FL-80
5E = FXEF-1200 7H = FLH-1200 Police
8H = FLH-1200 Shrine
9H = FLH-80 Police
1K = FLH-80 Shrine

13478 = Sequential Number

H = Decade Code
H = 1970 thru 1979
J = 1980 only

7 = Model Season
0 = 1970
1 = 1971
2 = 1972
3 = 1973
4 = 1974
5 = 1975
6 = 1976
7 = 1977
8 = 1978
9 = 1979
 
#18 ·
Hi,

I'm interested is it possible from the VIN number read out other data, such as color or engine power(HP). In particular I'm interested for engine power that is incorrectly entered on the importation documentation of motorcycles importation in Europe more specifically Italy before 10 years. Specifically enrolled to 1340 ccm engine has 093 KW and not to 47kW as write in all catalogs. I would not mind but I have really a big difference in annual vehicle taxes, so instead of some $ 9, I have to pay $ 100 annual tax.
I am the owner of this FLHTCUI 1 1/2 years.
In order to prove the correct engine power I would need some sort of certificate or something like that where the correct information for my motorcycle!?
VIN 1HD1FCR14VY(XXXXXX)
If someone are able to help me, I'd be very grateful.
 
#20 ·
Dave...

I am looking at an old school bike. I am trying to find some history, and a paper trail. The information i have is as follows:

Title #: 24726377
Vin: SJ7110PA
On Bike: 3A52433H2

seller is a dealer that says he bought from a broker. Due to some laws the dealer can not disclose the name on the title, or the state the title was issued in.

Would this be a wrecked bike put back together, a home build or something else ?

can you shed some light on this for me ?
Thank you in advance...
 
#21 ·
Thats all :cowdung. Tell the dealer you want to see the title or NO deal. If you paid cash , the title would HAVE to be handed to you at close of deal. If you financed the sale, the title would be sent to the lender .

Long and short of it is ; the dealer is hiding something from you . I'd find out or walk away and never go to that dealer again.
I'd tell the dealer just that .!!
 
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