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From 1981 VIN number are alike current 17 marks... and there should be number in frame neck. Engine number in original engine should be 13 marks so 4 first marks from frame number are dropped, other marks should be same. New "EVO-style" frame came in 1982 models.
Depends on your state what requirements your DMV give about VIN number, other states requires frame is numbered other states requires engine number other states both.
All harley's after year 1969 have number stamped in to original frame, there is of course aftermarket frames
From 1977 there came new primarycase and shifter, gear lever is on primaryside sticking trough primary case. If gear lever is in right side engine is older than 1976.
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