Hey all, let me start out by saying I don't know much about classic Harleys, and I'm looking for some community help. My father rode his whole life, but unfortunately passed away when I was very young, so it was not something we were able to share. He had a few bikes but his baby was a 1944 Flathead 80. Fast forward 20 years and here I am.

Long story short, I know jack-**** about this bike, and I want all the info anyone can share. The numbers on the frame are partially destroyed, leaving only a 'L44' visible. The numbers on the case are '44UL15**'. From my reading this seems to make the bike a 1944 UL 74ci Flathead. This seems to contradict what I 'know' from the family that this is a Flathead 80ci.

Can anyone pass on some knowledge?

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look up bruce parmer 111 and buy his books - no one on the planet knows more info then him

second a factory parts book and some info is available service wise

you can ask on this site and others are out in the e web as well -

you can join a local chapter of the AMCA, all guys owning antique machines and you may find a local guy who owns and rides a flathead and fixes or has some one who does for things beyond your reach

it was not uncommon to make a 74 into an 80 back in the day probably what it is

some pictures would be nice - start with getting it running again

 

Number on the frame is a casting/foundry #, using the Bruce Palmer III book it will help date the frame. Other parts of the frame, front end, transmission etc will have similar numbers including some date stamps to help you identify if all of the major components are year appropriate. Motor #'s are the only ones that count for Registration purposes.

Pics, pics, pics. And welcome.