Hi, I am a rookie here. My elderly neighbor has asked me to research a 1969 HD that was her husbands and has been in the garage since 1978. I have the title with the vin number (13 digits) and the 8 digit ID number. Where would I start?
Thanks in advance for all advice.

 

The vin on a 1969 Harley would be in this format 69FLH1234 this number will appear on the left side of the motor. The first 2 numbers are the model year, the letters the model and the remaining numbers the production numbers. This example would be a 1969 FLH electraglide 1200 cc. After 1970 they changed the VIN format and they went by the frame number, which matched the motor. Example 2A12345H1 This would be a 1971 FLH 1200cc. Give us what numbers you have and we can give you some further info.

 

Thanks I appreciate all the advice and wisdom you can share.
69FL5558

 

What you have is a 1969 low compression 1200 cc motor. The difference is that the FLH has high compression pistons and a H cam which was supposed to be for higher performance. This is the last year for the Flat side motor and the upright distributor on the right side. First year for the right hand front brake and last year for the generator. This a very sought after model. Flatsides or Generator Shovels bring a premium over the later cone motor (equiped with alternators and a cone shaped cam cover on the R. Side). If this is in the original configuration and in good condition you can probably get between $8,000 and $12,000.00 for it. The attached photo is a 68FLH which is similar and is close to stock. If it had original paint it would be worth near the upper limit. Post pictures of what you have.

 

 

Tell her its to old but you'll help her out and take it off her hands for $500. and she'll have to put on new tires and a new batt. HeHe

 

Well!! I feel like one of those lucky people on the Antiques Roadshow. Ok, so I will compare the pictures and verify everything that I can. It also has a side car. Where do I find the numbers to find out about it?
I really appreciate all the help with this. Thank you. Tammy

 

Most side car ID tags are behind the seat or under the seat.

 

Tammy, the sidecar may not necessarily be the same year as the bike and I don't know whether H-D identified all sidecars in the same manner but the photo below may help. It shows part of a serial number stamped on the sidecar frame tubing and the first five characters are 39 LE 2. In this instance, 39 = 1939 and LE = Sport Sidecar. (I've blacked out the three numeric characters after the 2.)

I don't have any personal experience with sidecars so I don't know how easy it will be to spot the serial number if it's there. Shown horizontally across the top of the photo is what's called a sidecar spring. My parts catalog shows two of them and they run parallel with the sidecar body. That may help with location of the serial number. Eric

 

There are 3 basic FL type side car frames. 36-57, 58-76 and 77 to 84. The 36 to 57 had mechanical brakes, the 58 and up and hydraulic drum brakes. The 58-76 model rear mount attached to the swingarm, round or square. The 77-84 attached to the right rear down post behind the battery. Side car wheels up to 76 were the same as the 36 to 66 style wheel hub. The 67 and later side car body was made of fiberglass.