early 73 or late 73?
I do not know myself. www.sportster.org is traditionally the best source for historical details. Someone else may come along who knows.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
Impossible to tell. There is no difference between early and late in 1973. Why do you care? Just curious?
As for the serial (vin) number......
If the first 2 digits are 3A......... you have an XLH
If those 2 digits are 4A................. you have an XLCH.
The next 5 digits are the numbers as the engine came off the line.
The lower the 5 digits the earlier the engine.
This is the only way to determine if your bike is early or late 1973.
There were 9,875 XLH models made in 1973.
There were 10,825 XLCH models made that same year.
So if your number is 22225 you have an early 1973.
The next letter is 'H' and it stands for the manufacturer (Harley Davidson).
The last digit is the year the engine was made. In your case this should be a 3.
Hope this helps answer your question.
pg
As for the serial (vin) number......
If the first 2 digits are 3A......... you have an XLH
If those 2 digits are 4A................. you have an XLCH.
The next 5 digits are the numbers as the engine came off the line.
The lower the 5 digits the earlier the engine.
This is the only way to determine if your bike is early or late 1973.
There were 9,875 XLH models made in 1973.
There were 10,825 XLCH models made that same year.
So if your number is 22225 you have an early 1973.
The next letter is 'H' and it stands for the manufacturer (Harley Davidson).
The last digit is the year the engine was made. In your case this should be a 3.
Hope this helps answer your question.
pg
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
No.
AMF runs from 1970 to 1984 (approximately) and the only real difference are an original AMF machine would have the AMF decals on it. Other than that, no difference.
pg
PS: Tell me, which parts are different between an early and late 1973?
AMF runs from 1970 to 1984 (approximately) and the only real difference are an original AMF machine would have the AMF decals on it. Other than that, no difference.
pg
PS: Tell me, which parts are different between an early and late 1973?
Last edited by piniongear; May 15, 2011 at 12:41 PM. Reason: added PS
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From:
I believe early 73 head bolts have 6 sides and late 73 head bolts have 12 sides. If the bike is all together and stock its an early 73 if it doesn't have blinkers and late 73 if it has blinkers. The tail light is also different from early to late 73.
Mine is an early 73.
Mine is an early 73.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
I believe early 73 head bolts have 6 sides and late 73 head bolts have 12 sides. If the bike is all together and stock its an early 73 if it doesn't have blinkers and late 73 if it has blinkers. The tail light is also different from early to late 73.
Mine is an early 73.
Mine is an early 73.
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