How do I determine what engine year and size I have with my custom sporty by the engine case number? I know the VIN on the frame is suppose to be able to tell you but how do I figure it out from the engine itself?

 

found this online somewhere years ago....

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.

 

If your engine number is not in the same format as in WHS's reply, your engine may also be custom, in which case post some photos so we can take a close look at it (the engine, not the bike, although we would like that too!)

 

Hello and thanks in advance for any help. i was pretty much given this engine with the frame and title. the numbers dont seem to make much sence to me. but they match on the title. not sure if this is some type of after market engine block. but being able to know what size and stuff would help me in the rebuilding process. i have already been to the MVD and everything checked out good with it the bike and the title and they issued a title to me in my name. any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF.

Interesting photos! Hopefully someone will call by and identify it accurately, but here is a starter.

The number 24584-75 cast into the casing suggests the casting design originates in 1975, although that won't be its finished part number. From the stamped number 779-079-070 we can deduce from this website that the engine is an XL1000, made in 1979. The MICH number could be a factory serial number, but I am not certain about that. Your engine was made before the current VIN system was introduced, which standardised the format Internationally.

Hope that helps!

 

It is a ironhead looks like shifter comes out left side would mean 77 up go to xlforums.net those guys can help you

 

My engine stamp does not exactly match the VIN on the frame. I'm curious as to if my Sportster has the 1200 motor as the vin says it does. Attached is the pic of the engine stamp and bike. If you could tell me what size engine this is it would be greatly appreciated. The engine stamp reads CGPW213900.

 

The engine number is a shortened version of the full length frame VIN. There are plenty of websites which spell out how to 'read' them.

 

 

Email S&S with your full number, they should be able to answer that query! In my experience they are pretty good at replying. My 2008 S&S 107" engine has a longer number than that, in the format *AB01234*. The number is in the same location as Chris's above.