I don't know all the model codes and I don't talk with most people in model codes but if I'm ordering parts or anything like that it's generally quicker to do so. If I ask for parts for an FXBB they know straight away what bike I've got, if I ask for parts for a Street Bob it could be a Softail or a Dyna so they'll ask what year etc.

But as someone else said, 90% of the time I do my own research and go in with the actual part number to save the guy behind the parts counter making mistakes.

 

Yeah, the Japanese and Euro bikes make a crap load of engines, and one, two, or three styles, so they usually use some simple letter code + engine size, like my GS(sport bike circa 1980) + 1100 = GS1100E. Pretty easy.

Harley makes just a couple of engines, but a crap load of different style models, so their naming system seems a bit cryptic, at least until you understand a few things.

Here's some reading for your pleasure. It's kind of fun once you start to understand it.
https://www.getlowered.com/blog/harley-davidson-abbreviations-deciphering-the-code/
https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/blog/deciphering-harley-davidson-motorcycle-model-designation-codes/

 

 

It’s not just motorcycles. As a guitarist, I think one reason I’ve never owned a Marshall amplifier is that I’ve never learned to read the “code” they use to designate one model from another. It’s all a jumble of alpha-numeric characters that means nothing to me. Fender amps have names like “Deluxe Reverb” or “Super Reverb” making it easier to relate to.

 

It takes a bit of research for sure. I went aftermarket for the Marshall for now, Ceriatone 18.