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I’m sure this is a sticky somewhere but I can’t find it. I have a 1988 sportster 1200 but the heads I have are cast with an 86 at the end. I did a google search and that coupled with the intake valve being 1.84” I think I have a pair of 86 1100 heads or a modified 883 head. Someone has been in these things. The intake runners have been smoothed out I see no evidence of casting lines. They look great with only a blemish or two here and there. So what do I have here? If they’re 1100 heads they’re pretty rare. I don’t usually have that kind of luck. So any help is appreciated.
The number we can see on your top photo is the part number for the original bare casting, not the finished and machined head, so don't be mislead by what you see there! It is quite feasible that the same casting can be machined to produce either an 883 finished head, an 1100, or 1200 finished head, each of which will have different final part numbers.
Agreed. But the intake valve size matches the 1100.
The 1100 was made in 1986 and 1987, so may well have -86 part numbers, but so also may later models. Also bear in mind that when that engine was made Harley made a fraction of the number of bikes they make today, possibly less than 30k total, when manufacturing processes were very different to those used today. It is quite possible your heads and ports are stock. You can check your VIN on the H-D website, by going to the Owners tab, which will confirm exactly what you have. It is possible it is a 1987 model not sold until 1988, hence would be an 1100. It is also possible it was made in late 1987 but is a 1988 model!
The 1100 was made in 1986 and 1987, so may well have -86 part numbers, but so also may later models. Also bear in mind that when that engine was made Harley made a fraction of the number of bikes they make today, possibly less than 30k total, when manufacturing processes were very different to those used today. It is quite possible your heads and ports are stock. You can check your VIN on the H-D website, by going to the Owners tab, which will confirm exactly what you have. It is possible it is a 1987 model not sold until 1988, hence would be an 1100. It is also possible it was made in late 1987 but is a 1988 model!
How in the world you find anything useable historically in all that Adverising????
I find no place to enter a VIN... But, I may be Handicapped!!!!!!
Head casting numbers
