Harley Transmission Serial Numbers

Harley-Davidson VIN Number Explained In this article of Tech Tips we’ll breakdown the progression of VIN numbers used by Harley-Davidson and explain what they all mean. That being said this article is written to be a helpful guide, and hopefully you find it as such. Type 3: 1940-1955 - The transmission vent has now been relocated from the kicker cover to the transmission case. There is a vent boss cast into the top of the case just forward of center on the kicker side. It is drilled and tapped for a vent screw (not one of the screws that holds the transmission top in place).

Jun 10, 2012  transmission serial number location I am currently of going through the titling process and the DMV wants a receipt that shows the serial number of the transmission I have on the bike or the MSO. I checked with the company I purchased it from and they stated HD doesn't supply a MSO on transmissions. Sep 26, 2015  show and tell time.

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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.

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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!

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
Harley transmission serial numbers diagram

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

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.

How to Identify Harley VIN Numbers

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.


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.
Harley transmission serial numbers lookup
Always remember that on models built after 1970, the Harley VIN always follows the frame… not the engine!



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 – B1986 – G1991 – M1996 – T
1982 – C1987 – H1992 – N1997 – V
1983 – D1988 – J1993 – P1998 – W
1984 – E1989 – K1994 – R1999 – X
1985 – F1990 – L1995 – S2000 – 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 12002F = FXS 12005H = FLHS – 807H = FLH 1200 Police
1H = FXB – 802H = CLE – 806E = FXEF – 808H = FLH 1200 Shrine
1K = FLH – 80 shrine3G = FLH – 806G = FXE – 809D = FXE 1200
2A = FLH 12003H = FLH – 80 Classic6H = FL – 809G = FXWG – 80
2C = FX 12005E = FXEF 12007G = FXS – 809H = FLH – 80 Police


Example: 3G 12345H1 is an FLH

1980 5 Speed Big Twin

Harley 1980 5 Speed’s used code 5G

1981 thru 1985 4 Speed Big Twin The 5th and 6th digits designate the model code.
AA = FLH – 80AL = FLH – 80BE = FXWG – 80
AB = 80 police chainBA = FXE – 80BF = FXSB – 80
AC = FLH – 80 Shrine chainBB = FXEF – 80BH = FXST
AH = FLHP – 80 Police BeltBC = FXS – 80BG = FXDG – 80
AK = FLHS – 80BD = FXB – 80BK = FXSTC

Example: 1HD1 BE K11BY123456 is a FXWG 1981 5 Speed Harley Big Twin The 5th and 6th digits designate the model code.
AE= FLTAF= FLTC

Example: 1HD1 AF K11BY123456 is a FLTC

Harley Davidson Serial Number Lookup

1982 thru 2002 5 Speed Big Twins The 5th and 6th digits designate the model code.
BH = FXSTDJ = FLHTCFE = FLTCU-I
BJ = FLSTCDK = FLTC ShrineFF = FLHTC-I
BK = FXSTCDM = FLTCUFG = FLHTCU-I W/SC
BL = FXSTSDP = FLHTCUFH = FLHP-I Police
BM = FLSTFEA = FXRFJ = FLHP Police
BN = FLSTNEB = FXRSFL = FLHTCU-I Shrine
BP = FXSTSBEC = FXRTFM = FLHTP-I Police
BR = FLSTSED = FXRP Police windshieldFP = FLTR
BS = FXSTDEF = FXRP Police FairingFR = FLHRC-I
BT = FXSTBEG = FXRS-SPFS = FLTR-I
DA = FLT 82 – 83EH = FXRDFT = FLHPE-I (California)
DA = FLHTP Police WindshieldEJ = FXRCGA = FXDB-D
DB = FLTCEK = FXRP Police C.H.P.GB = FXDB-S
DC = FLHTEL = FXLRGC = FXDC
DD = FLHTEM = FXLR ConvGD = FXDL
DE = FLHTC W/sidecarFA = FLHSGE = FXDWG
DF = FLHTP Police FairingFB = FLHR-IGG = FXDS Conv
DG = FLHTC ShrineFC = FLHTCU-IGH = FXD
DH = FLTC W/sidecarFD = FLHRSG = TLE Police
SH = RLE Police
Example: 1HD1 BH K11GY123456 is a FXST

Sportster VIN Numbers

1970 thru 1980 Sportsters First two digits of the Harley VIN are the model code.
3A = XL or XLH4A = XLCH4E =- XLS
2G = XLT4D = XLA7F = XLCR

Example: 4A 12345H1 is a XLCH 1981 to 1985 Sportsters 5th and 6th digits are the model code.
CA = XLHCB = XLSCC = XLXCD = XR1000

Example: 1HD1

Harley Transmission Serial Numbers Free

CD HY15B123456 is a XR1000 1986 to 1996 Sportsters 5th, 6th and 7th digits are the model code.
CAM = XLH883CAN = XLH1100CEM = XLH883 Hugger
CAP = XLH1200CGP = 1200 CustomCFM = 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.

Harley Transmission Serial Numbers Number


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.