Ok guys found a 49 with following vin# 49 FL 74**. Belly # 249-52** according to owner belly #s match but have not seen pictures. Question is on the belly doses the first # 2 indicate this is a 61 inch. Thanks Billy

 

Never heard about the belly numbers indicating engine displacement, but that doesn't mean they don't. Know the vin #'s indicate engine displacement, E and EL were 61 in.

 

Can tell you my 49 EL has matching case numbers that start with a '2', but I do not know if that is a hard and fast rule. Think I would be more concerned that the vin is good...numbers not altered vin plate not ground down. If you get a chance post a pic. My brother-in-law has a 50EL and his belly numbers actually starts with a '1'.

 

After 1948 the belly number consists of 1,2,3 or 4 followed by the year then a dash and 4 or 5 numbers.
1 is a 74ci OHV
2 is a 61 OHV
3 is 45ci
4 is 74ci SV

Since the motor VIN is 49FL and the belly numbers indicate it is a 61 I would look hard at the VIN to see if it's been altered. Look hard at the F it may be a lightly stamped E

 

Thanks for all this great information, Billy

 

Billy, code number 1 for a Panhead belly number usually indicates 74ci and code number 2 usually indicates 61ci but I have seen examples where the opposites apply on factory-stamped engines. One of the most notable is a 1949 Panhead owned by a long-time and well-respected member of another forum. His serial number begins with 49FL but his belly numbers have code number 2. I have seen his photos and all his numbers are factory-stamped.

I notice the sequential portion of the serial number you gave is a lot higher than the sequential portion of the belly number but I’ve seen that before on factory-stamped engines.

Another thing to check is the orientation of the belly numbers: on the right-hand case the tops of the belly numbers are usually near the outer edge but on the left-hand case the bottoms of the numbers are usually near the outer edge.

As already mentioned, look closely for signs of tampering or alteration. And post a clear photo of the serial number if possible. In the meantime, here’s a partial example for comparison. Eric

 

Thanks, I'm learning more and more.

 

There's also the possibilty of factory replacement.For many year's dealer's kept extra case's around just in case.Number block's were blank but,belly number's were stamped at the factory.Since there's no way to find this out "if" the number block check's out good, run it.I lucked out,bought a 53 and when I went to rebuild it found a big bearing instead of roller's,lucky because I bought it from the third owner and,the motorcycle had never been registered in another city.The local dealer knew it well,had sold it new and had replaced the case's in 59.