How to Identify Harley VIN Numbers
Locating the Harley VIN
Prior to 1961 On Harley models prior to 1961, the engine number acts as the VIN. This number can be found on the left side engine case. Harley models produced prior to 1969 do not carry any frame number.
VIN Numbering Conventions:
1962 – 1969
VIN Numbering Conventions:
In addition, models with 4 digit production numbers have an even-numbered first digit for even years, odd for odd years. Models containing a 5 digit production number will have the first two digits even for even years, odd for odd years.
Why is this important? If the VIN does not follow this even or odd numbering sequence, you can almost guarantee that the VIN has been altered. It is extremely common to find mismatched engines in these early bikes with different VIN numbers than the title paperwork. 1970 – 1980:
Beginning in 1970, Harley started stamping VIN numbers on both the frame and engine case. The exception as noted by our friends at Cyborg Cycles, is the 1979 model . This exception is discussed below.
The only legal VIN number for Harley’s produced after 1970 is on the frame. NO EXCEPTION! It doesn’t matter if the engine case number matches your registration papers, if the frame VIN doesn’t match the registration you have a problem! You might be able to fool a few cops or even someone at the DMV, but don’t count on it. In addition, it should go without saying that any alteration to the VIN is illegal. This goes for restamping frames or adding the original VIN to a replacement frame. If you replace the frame, you need to have a new VIN assigned to your Harley.
Always remember that on models built after 1970, the Harley VIN always follows the frame… not the engine!
![Harley transmission serial numbers lookup Harley transmission serial numbers lookup](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2017/7/4/c/3/3/c33bb9af-2e1c-4b3f-a49d-5dfbc9ed7f19.jpg)
The infamous 1979 Exception
During the 1979 model run, some Harley’s were produced with engine numbers that did not match the frame number. The production date is reported to be from 1/9/79 – 2/7/79, and the frame VIN’s affected are 43000H9 through 48199H9. These models had engines numbered with a separate “crankcase number” instead of the frame’s VIN. This engine number is reported to be a ten digit numeric ID. Rumor has it that Harley went back to the old numbering sequence once the legal ramifications were realized. Regardless of the engine case number, the title must always match the frame VIN. Thanks to Cyborg Cycles for this information.
1981 -2000:
Beginning in 1981, Harley started using a 17 digit VIN number on the frame and an abbreviated VIN on the engine case. As always, the legal title must match the VIN number on the frame. If the title and frame VIN reads 1HD1ELK12BZ123456 , the engine case number should read something like ELKB123456 . VIN number rules described under the 1970 – 1980 Harley models also apply here.
Prior to 1970 the model year appeared in the last 2 digits of the Harley VIN. From 1970 to 1980 Harley used an alphanumeric year code. The code “H” is followed by the last number of the year (i.e. 1971= H1, 1972= H2). The exception is 1980 which was J0.
1981 to 2000 model big twins Single letter in the 10th digit designates the model year.
- Harley Transmission Serial Numbers Number
- Harley Transmission Serial Numbers Diagram
- Harley Davidson Serial Number Lookup
- Enter a VIN (for model years 1981-present). We strongly urge you to take the affected motorcycle to an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer to have the appropriate.
- Locating the Harley VIN Prior to 1961 On Harley models prior to 1961, the engine number acts as the VIN. This number can be found on the left side engine case. Harley models produced prior to 1969 do not carry any frame number. VIN Numbering Conventions: First two numbers are the model year. Letters (up to four) are the model designation.
When buying any used Harley-Davidson, checking the Harley VIN numbers against the title is mandatory. If they do not match exactly you should think about looking elsewhere. Typographical errors on motorcycle registrations are sometimes very common, but don’t take any chances. In some cases a visit to your local department of motor vehicles may be enough to get a VIN typo corrected. However, when buying a Harley or other vehicle with an out of state title, the difficulty in correcting such errors increases dramatically. With strict state regulations increasing every year, you are better off avoiding any problem that may leave you holding a piece of property that cannot be documented. Not only is it illegal to drive, but you leave yourself open to unscrupulous people who could make a legal claim against you and your property.
Harley Davidson VIN Information Guide 1937-1961. Tech's Web Harley-Davidson® Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Info 1937-1961.
If you have a Harley engine with matching title taken from a crashed or salvaged motorcycle, and put that engine into a new frame, the title is invalid. Anyone trying to sell you a post-1970 Harley where the title VIN only matches the engine, but does not match the number on the frame, PASS! Want to upgrade your bike to a new custom frame? You must apply for a new title. While it is nice to have an original Harley with matching engine and frame numbers, only the frame VIN is relevant when it comes to legal registration.
Never accept a Harley or other vehicles without a legal title. One such case involved an individual restoring a Harley originally purchased without proper papers. Some deadbeat and his lawyer came along and claimed the Harley was his. Without enough money to pay an attorney, and lacking any legal title or receipts, the poor guy was forced to give the bike to this shark in order to avoid a lawsuit. This may sound like extortion but it happens all the time. Don’t become another horror story. Take precautions when investigating the authenticity of the Harley VIN and registration.
There has always been much debate over bikes with matching numbers and their true value. In my opinion, any Harley being sold as “rare” or “limited” is usually anything but that. As with beauty, value and rarity are often in the eye of the beholder. If matching numbers makes a motorcycle more valuable to you, then only you can put a value on it. Just don’t expect the next person buying that Harley from you to think the same way.
Locating the Harley VIN
Prior to 1961 On Harley models prior to 1961, the engine number acts as the VIN. This number can be found on the left side engine case. Harley models produced prior to 1969 do not carry any frame number.
VIN Numbering Conventions:
- First two numbers are the model year.
- Letters (up to four) are the model designation.
- The last numbers are the production run number.
1962 – 1969
VIN Numbering Conventions:
- First two numbers are the model year.
- Letters (2-4) are the model designation.
- The last numbers are the production run number.
In addition, models with 4 digit production numbers have an even-numbered first digit for even years, odd for odd years. Models containing a 5 digit production number will have the first two digits even for even years, odd for odd years.
Why is this important? If the VIN does not follow this even or odd numbering sequence, you can almost guarantee that the VIN has been altered. It is extremely common to find mismatched engines in these early bikes with different VIN numbers than the title paperwork. 1970 – 1980:
Beginning in 1970, Harley started stamping VIN numbers on both the frame and engine case. The exception as noted by our friends at Cyborg Cycles, is the 1979 model . This exception is discussed below.
- First two numbers are the model code.
- Next 5 digits, position 3-7 is the production run number.
- The last 2 digits designate the year.
The only legal VIN number for Harley’s produced after 1970 is on the frame. NO EXCEPTION! It doesn’t matter if the engine case number matches your registration papers, if the frame VIN doesn’t match the registration you have a problem! You might be able to fool a few cops or even someone at the DMV, but don’t count on it. In addition, it should go without saying that any alteration to the VIN is illegal. This goes for restamping frames or adding the original VIN to a replacement frame. If you replace the frame, you need to have a new VIN assigned to your Harley.
Always remember that on models built after 1970, the Harley VIN always follows the frame… not the engine!
![Harley transmission serial numbers lookup Harley transmission serial numbers lookup](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2017/7/4/c/3/3/c33bb9af-2e1c-4b3f-a49d-5dfbc9ed7f19.jpg)
The infamous 1979 Exception
During the 1979 model run, some Harley’s were produced with engine numbers that did not match the frame number. The production date is reported to be from 1/9/79 – 2/7/79, and the frame VIN’s affected are 43000H9 through 48199H9. These models had engines numbered with a separate “crankcase number” instead of the frame’s VIN. This engine number is reported to be a ten digit numeric ID. Rumor has it that Harley went back to the old numbering sequence once the legal ramifications were realized. Regardless of the engine case number, the title must always match the frame VIN. Thanks to Cyborg Cycles for this information.
1981 -2000:
Beginning in 1981, Harley started using a 17 digit VIN number on the frame and an abbreviated VIN on the engine case. As always, the legal title must match the VIN number on the frame. If the title and frame VIN reads 1HD1ELK12BZ123456 , the engine case number should read something like ELKB123456 . VIN number rules described under the 1970 – 1980 Harley models also apply here.
Harley VIN Model Year Designations
Prior to 1970 the model year appeared in the last 2 digits of the Harley VIN. From 1970 to 1980 Harley used an alphanumeric year code. The code “H” is followed by the last number of the year (i.e. 1971= H1, 1972= H2). The exception is 1980 which was J0.
1981 to 2000 model big twins Single letter in the 10th digit designates the model year.
1981 – B | 1986 – G | 1991 – M | 1996 – T |
1982 – C | 1987 – H | 1992 – N | 1997 – V |
1983 – D | 1988 – J | 1993 – P | 1998 – W |
1984 – E | 1989 – K | 1994 – R | 1999 – X |
1985 – F | 1990 – L | 1995 – S | 2000 – Y |
Harley VIN Model Codes
Big Twins
As if things weren’t confusing enough, Big Twin’s have a different set of model designations in the Harley VIN depending on whether they are a 4 speed or 5 speed model. 1970 thru 1980 4 Speed Big Twin The first 2 digits of the Harley big twin’s VIN digits are the model code.1A = FL/FLP 1200 | 2F = FXS 1200 | 5H = FLHS – 80 | 7H = FLH 1200 Police |
1H = FXB – 80 | 2H = CLE – 80 | 6E = FXEF – 80 | 8H = FLH 1200 Shrine |
1K = FLH – 80 shrine | 3G = FLH – 80 | 6G = FXE – 80 | 9D = FXE 1200 |
2A = FLH 1200 | 3H = FLH – 80 Classic | 6H = FL – 80 | 9G = FXWG – 80 |
2C = FX 1200 | 5E = FXEF 1200 | 7G = FXS – 80 | 9H = FLH – 80 Police |
Example: 3G 12345H1 is an FLH
1980 5 Speed Big Twin
Harley 1980 5 Speed’s used code 5G
AA = FLH – 80 | AL = FLH – 80 | BE = FXWG – 80 |
AB = 80 police chain | BA = FXE – 80 | BF = FXSB – 80 |
AC = FLH – 80 Shrine chain | BB = FXEF – 80 | BH = FXST |
AH = FLHP – 80 Police Belt | BC = FXS – 80 | BG = FXDG – 80 |
AK = FLHS – 80 | BD = FXB – 80 | BK = FXSTC |
Example: 1HD1 BE K11BY123456 is a FXWG 1981 5 Speed Harley Big Twin The 5th and 6th digits designate the model code.
AE= FLT | AF= FLTC |
Example: 1HD1 AF K11BY123456 is a FLTC 1982 thru 2002 5 Speed Big Twins The 5th and 6th digits designate the model code.
BH = FXST | DJ = FLHTC | FE = FLTCU-I |
BJ = FLSTC | DK = FLTC Shrine | FF = FLHTC-I |
BK = FXSTC | DM = FLTCU | FG = FLHTCU-I W/SC |
BL = FXSTS | DP = FLHTCU | FH = FLHP-I Police |
BM = FLSTF | EA = FXR | FJ = FLHP Police |
BN = FLSTN | EB = FXRS | FL = FLHTCU-I Shrine |
BP = FXSTSB | EC = FXRT | FM = FLHTP-I Police |
BR = FLSTS | ED = FXRP Police windshield | FP = FLTR |
BS = FXSTD | EF = FXRP Police Fairing | FR = FLHRC-I |
BT = FXSTB | EG = FXRS-SP | FS = FLTR-I |
DA = FLT 82 – 83 | EH = FXRD | FT = FLHPE-I (California) |
DA = FLHTP Police Windshield | EJ = FXRC | GA = FXDB-D |
DB = FLTC | EK = FXRP Police C.H.P. | GB = FXDB-S |
DC = FLHT | EL = FXLR | GC = FXDC |
DD = FLHT | EM = FXLR Conv | GD = FXDL |
DE = FLHTC W/sidecar | FA = FLHS | GE = FXDWG |
DF = FLHTP Police Fairing | FB = FLHR-I | GG = FXDS Conv |
DG = FLHTC Shrine | FC = FLHTCU-I | GH = FXD |
DH = FLTC W/sidecar | FD = FLHR | SG = TLE Police |
SH = RLE Police |
Sportster VIN Numbers
1970 thru 1980 Sportsters First two digits of the Harley VIN are the model code.3A = XL or XLH | 4A = XLCH | 4E =- XLS |
2G = XLT | 4D = XLA | 7F = XLCR |
Example: 4A 12345H1 is a XLCH 1981 to 1985 Sportsters 5th and 6th digits are the model code.
CA = XLH | CB = XLS | CC = XLX | CD = XR1000 |
Example: 1HD1 CD HY15B123456 is a XR1000 1986 to 1996 Sportsters 5th, 6th and 7th digits are the model code.
CAM = XLH883 | CAN = XLH1100 | CEM = XLH883 Hugger |
CAP = XLH1200 | CGP = 1200 Custom | CFM = XLH883 Deluxe |
CHP = 1200 Sport |
Example:1HD1 CEM 15GY123456 is a XLH883 Hugger
Confused yet? See Model Number page for a description of Harley model numbers.
Enjoy the ride!
Note that the information provided here is the intellectual property of Harley-Performance.com and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of the owner. Models covered do not include late models after 2009. Free VIN DecoderAnne Reyes
Decode your vehicle identification number (VIN) for free. Lookup your VIN using VinCheck.info‘s Free VIN decoder to review important details on any vehicle. No credit card required! We offer a full and thorough report compared to other services. For free VIN decoding, type the VIN below and click the Decode VIN button:
If you have a shorter VIN, check it again and copy it correctly. If the VIN is less than 17 characters, then it is most likely from a vehicle built in 1981 or earlier. NHTSA required all vehicles manufactured in 1981 to be assigned a 17-digit VIN.
How to Find the Vehicle’s VIN Number?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is indicated in vehicle title, registration, and insurance documents. Most, if not all, online marketplaces for cars require sellers to post with the VIN so you can do a VIN lookup quickly.
Harley Transmission Serial Numbers Number
Here are some common VIN locations on the car:
- Under the hood (engine block)
- Dashboard (near the windshield)
- Door frame (left-hand inner wheel arch)
- Driver’s side door (near door jamb)
- Some cars may have it on the firewall, steering wheel, and radiator support bracket.
How to Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
Tap into the wealth of data available on millions of vehicles. Each vehicle gets a fixed ID number in the production line called VIN. It is the most reliable way to get vehicle information. Abbyy finereader v11 0 102 583 ocr ce crack. Databases managed by auto makers and US vehicle registration agencies carry the VINs. VinCheck.info works with these entities to update vehicle information into its own database.
Each section of the VIN has a different meaning. Farm frenzy 3 serial key generator. It is based on 1979 and 1980 ISO standards. Please refer to the diagram below for the matching value of each character or section.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, Code of Federal Regulations, the VIN has seven sections describing the following:
Harley Transmission Serial Numbers Diagram
- where the vehicle was built (1st character)
- who made the vehicle (2nd and 3rd characters)
- basic description (4th to 8th characters)
- whether the VIN was authorized (9th character)
- model year (10th character)
- where the vehicle was assembled (11th character)
- serial number (12th to the 17th characters)
Flexible fuel vehicles can be identified by the 2nd, 3rd and 8th characters.
What Does the VinCheck Decoder Provide and How is it Different from Other Reports?
Get more in-depth information on a vehicle in seconds. VinCheck.info’s free VIN decoder covers a range of critical areas you need to know.
- Vehicle details: what other VIN decoders may provide
- country of origin
- name of the maker
- engine type and size
- model year
- transmission type
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- Market value: the estimated average value people are paying for the same car in your area
- Equipment details: air conditioning system, mirrors, safety features, tires, and other related items
- Fuel efficiency: the car’s city and highway mileage per gallon, fuel capacity and type
- Safety rating: IIHS crash ratings
- Crash-worthiness is how a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash.
- Crash avoidance and mitigation refer to technology to prevent a crash or lessen its severity
- Current warranty: type of coverage and warranty status
- Recalls and defects: latest recalls, impact on performance and safety, and available remedies
Where Does the Free VIN Decoder Get Information
The VIN serves as the key to the car’s identity and history. It’s the best basis you have for checking claims about any used car offered for sale. Every free VIN lookup by VINCheck.info taps the following reliable sources of vehicle data:
- Government agencies including highway traffic safety authorities, law enforcement agencies, and motor vehicle departments.
- Auto industry including manufacturers, junk yards, salvage yards, and car dealerships
- Insurance companies
What is VIN Cloning
Not all VINs accurately represent a car’s true identity. A car may have a VIN that actually belongs to another car. VIN cloning is a crime that involves replacing the VIN of a stolen car or a car with a bad history with the VIN of another car of the same model and make. Its goal is to misrepresent or hide the identity and history of a car usually offered for sale. First, the factory-installed VIN plate is pried off and then replaced with a legitimate VIN. With fake ownership documents, the car with the cloned VIN can be easily registered in another state.
Here are the red flags that can point to VIN cloning:
- Price is significantly cheaper compared to cars with similar make and model.
- VIN plate may show signs of tampering.
- VIN lookup results and actual vehicle documents may be inconsistent.
- Vehicle inspection observations are not consistent with documents and VIN decoder findings.
Harley Davidson Serial Number Lookup
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