Good day, on a 1970 XLH, is the VIN on the engine and the frame? And if so, they should match correct? Kinda new to the sportster world and just wanting to do my homework. Thanks, John

 

All motorcycles, starting with 1970, have the VIN on the frame. It is not a legal requirement that the engine VIN match the frame VIN, but it is something that we like to have - having the original engine in the frame. Pay considerably less money if the numbers do not match.

Of course, there must be legal title paper with the frame VIN on the paper.

 

John, I tried a couple of times to post this after checking the preview but no good so I'll skip the preview and see what happens.
Originally a 1970 XLH would have had a VIN stamped on the engine and the frame. Originally they would have contained nine characters each, matched each other in full, and been formatted similar to the following example: 3A12345H0.
3A = model code = XLH
12345 = sequential production (Strange as it may sound, H-D also referred to this five-character section as a serial number. For 1970 models it should be 10000 or higher. The even-odd code that was used for the 1960s does not apply to 1970 models.)
H = manufacturer = H-D. Later on the H was also referred to as a decade code because it was used for 1970–1979).
0 = model season = 1970 in this instance, when combined with the H as decade code for the 1970s.

You may or may not find a five-pointed star at each end of the VIN. Most I’ve seen for 1970 have them but some do not. It may be that some early-70s engines did not have stars.


It seems that all, or at least most, 1970 model Sportsters had the engine VIN near the two front pushrod tubes as opposed to being further back and between the inlet pushrod tubes as we usually see for 1971-later.


Don’t be surprised if you find a number boss on the left crankcase. It was still cast-in as part of the case for 1970 model Sportsters although obviously it was not stamped.


The frame VIN should be on the right-hand side and probably on a large boss which is part of the steering head forging. The boss will probably be near the bottom of the forging.


If you’re not sure what VIN characters usually look like for 1970 then you could post a photo. Cover a few sequence characters if you’re concerned about the VIN being on the internet.
Eric

 

Mick and Eric, thanks for the replies. I found the same info Eric over at terry-zone.com but your additional info is very helpful. I drive down to look at the bike on Friday and want to have my ducks in a row. I'm waiting for pictures of the numbers in the meantime and though I don't think there's any funny business, nothing will ruin a sale like bad numbers or tampered with numbers.