Differences between FXS and FXE
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 695
Likes: 394
From: Western Australia
A bike which reached final assembly in Oct 72 would be consistent with a 1973 model and the last two characters of the VIN are probably H and 3? H represents the manufacturer and its also a decade code for the 1970s and 3 indicates model year 1973.
At the start of the VIN, 2C indicates FX-1200 (Super Glide) which was kick-only when original. But does the VIN look authentic? If youre not sure what the characters normally look like you could post a partial photo. For example 2C10+++H3. And even if the VIN on the frame matches the VIN on the engine dont be surprised if some characters are not exactly the same style. For example the C and H on the frame may be slimmer than the C and H on the engine.
Two frames for 1973 Shovels and yours looks like the first version.
Because youve had a Shovel before I imagine you know about belly numbers?
Stamped on top of the cases you may find Hs near the rear mounting bolts.
That gas tank was introduced for 1973 models and it was described as rakish in factory advertisements.
BTW, I like the Norton. Many years ago I had a 1971 750 but I traded it in on a new 1974 850 which I did about 35000 miles on before trading it in on my first H-D.
Eric
Novice
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 43
From: Somerset UK
Thank you for the informative reply! Now I know it is a 73 bike
Its a great bike and I thought the Commando was agricultural but it has nothing on the Harley...but I love the feeling that I get riding slow and purposely and working SLOWLY through the gears..and it does not leak oil! I see it has an enclosed belt drive in the primary as well. Western Australia has always been on my list of travels but never got there. Drove from below Sydney to above Cairns in an old Wicked Camper many years ago but the scenery was to green! Anyway thx again for the reply.
Its a great bike and I thought the Commando was agricultural but it has nothing on the Harley...but I love the feeling that I get riding slow and purposely and working SLOWLY through the gears..and it does not leak oil! I see it has an enclosed belt drive in the primary as well. Western Australia has always been on my list of travels but never got there. Drove from below Sydney to above Cairns in an old Wicked Camper many years ago but the scenery was to green! Anyway thx again for the reply.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 389
Likes: 6
From: inland empire so. calif.
I clearly remember 1980 1200cc FX bikes, FXE and FXEF. I took note because I later had inch envy - yeah go ahead - with the wisecracks. My ‘79 1200cc FXEF purchased used in November 1981 was the best condition used one at 4,400 miles on the dealer floor. I was short on coin for a new 1981 Sturgis and the leftover 1980 model Low Riders we’re $5200. Not clued in at the time of sale that my bike was labeled leaded premium only, dumb, my first HD. My Yammies took unleaded pump swill. Later on, with my understanding at that time of unleaded fuel I asked myself - Why still the 1200cc engines? When the 80” was set up for unleaded. As mentioned previously the use what ya got assembly makes sense, it’s MONEY.
Admittedly memory isn’t proof, especially as time goes on.
My 1979 could not have been the last of the 1200’s…
I also would have never thought this thread would go where it has. Interesting info.
Admittedly memory isn’t proof, especially as time goes on.
My 1979 could not have been the last of the 1200’s…
I also would have never thought this thread would go where it has. Interesting info.
Last edited by colaSG; Oct 21, 2023 at 01:00 PM.
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