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flathead serial number

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Old Mar 8, 2010 | 08:19 PM
  #1  
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Default flathead serial number

my serial number is 49S****.
It appears to be a wr motor.
does that seem right ?
 

Last edited by dingwad; Mar 8, 2010 at 08:55 PM.
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Old Mar 10, 2010 | 09:31 PM
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If it's a 1949 WR motor I would expect the serial number to be stamped in a similar fashion to the example below:



In my serial number collection I have one example which is 49S++++ but that is a Big Twin Flathead and obvious reasons suggest it wasn't stamped at the H-D factory.

Could you post a partial photo of your serial number. Also have a look at the bottom of each crankcase half near the forward outer edges and let us know if you find anything stamped there.

And you could try contacting the people at beautyofspeed.com:

http://beautyofspeed.com/welcome/ema...O.S%20Homepage

There's some racing bike info on their site. Eric
 
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Old Mar 11, 2010 | 06:52 AM
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My title says 49S****.
The cases are unstamped.
The numbers by the seam are ?48 7998.
The cases have ball bearings.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2010 | 10:54 PM
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Quote: ‘The cases are unstamped.‘

But does it look like the serial number boss was stamped at some point? Please post a clear photo of the serial number boss.

You mentioned the numbers by the seam are ?48 7998. They are called crankcase numbers or belly numbers and I'd like to know what that first character is. I suspect it’s going to be either 3 or 4 but I’d like to see a clear photo.

Are there any casting numbers or casting date codes visible and if so can you post photos of them.

And there’s something else to consider. Harley-Davidson built a 1949 Model S but it was a 125cc single cylinder bike. So if your title says 49S++++ then it's possible that title was originally for one of those single cylinder models and has nothing to do with the engine you have.

I’m going offline for a day or two but I'll check in when I get back online. In the meantime please post those photos. Eric
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 01:24 AM
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Hello my flathead serial number is 495.



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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 11:55 AM
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Quote: 'Hello my flathead serial number is 495.'

Hi paolo, are you looking for info regarding your serial number? If so, can you please elaborate on that and also post a photo. Eric
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 01:20 PM
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Default WR motor numbers

I have a new WR motor that does not have a motor number stamped but matching belly numbers.Bought straight from the factory back when...
How do I translate the belly numbers?
Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2012 | 12:48 AM
  #8  
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Default WR motor numbers

I have a new WR motor that does not have a motor number stamped but matching belly numbers.Bought straight from the factory back when...
How do I translate the belly numbers?
Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2012 | 03:15 AM
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CMC, what makes you think it's a WR motor as opposed to a WL or some other type of similar V-twin?

What are the belly numbers? Can you post photos of them please. And can you post photos of both sides of the engine.
Eric
 
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