hi everybody, im from argentina, sorry for my very very bad english, I will try to explain my question the best I can... I have an ironhead engine with this number vin 61xlch1603 and i want to know what it mean this number, I try to find but I canīt do it, if someone can help me, couse I have to buy the parts and I donīt know what year is and thats stuffs... if someone understand me and can tell me I will be glad, thanxs very much!

 

You have a '61 kick-start Sportster. That last 4 numbers in the VIN are just sequential & unique to your bike.

 

what Dickey said...

 

1961 eXperimental Lightweight Custom Hot
Sequential Serial# 1603

 

This is not a 69 ? Because in the next picture the code says that this is a 71








This figures like a 61

 

That chart is for 70 and newer. A 61 would use the older pattern. That pattern is first 2 number = year, next 2-4 letters = model designation and last 4 numbers is production sequence. So, 61XLCH1603 is 1961 XLCH Sportster, sequence 1603.

 

No; the "H1" code only applies to big twins made after the conversion to the cone motor in '70. You have a '61.

 

so way my engine looks different?!?! what is this?!?!

 

quito, welcome to the forum. Your English is fine but the engine is not a 1961 model.

The area you indicated with a red oval wasn’t part of the case casting prior to 1967 models. It was added for some, but not all, 1967 Sportsters to accommodate an electric starter. However, it was not there for the XLCH, only for the XLH.

But your left case is even later than 1967. Notice in your above photo that I placed a blue arrow pointing to casting number 24534-72 which wasn’t used until 1972 models.


Also notice the orange arrow pointing to a casting date code. I can’t be sure what that date code says but the first number indicates the month the case was cast—for example, 1 would indicate January. The last two numbers indicate the year the case was cast. What are the numbers on that date code? They look like 3/73 and if so then that would indicate the case was cast in March 1973.


Stamped on the bottom (underneath) of each case half you may find crankcase production numbers and they may be formatted similar to the following example: 773-1234. Can you please let us know what numbers you find under the cases and then I’ll explain exactly what they indicate.


And can you post a photo of the right-hand case because that may also help with identification. Thanks.
Eric

 

now im in work, later I will take the photo and send you, thanx very very much 4 your helps guys, I try to make my dream come true, and you help me for do it!!