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I am digging into this cause I got nothing better to do...and I like to learn new things.
Questions....
1. Are the engines serial numbered first...then matched to a frame...hence the engine and frame VIN number?
2. If there is a 4A60000H3 (73 XLCH-1000)....is there a 2A60000H3 (73 FLH-1200)? This means there would be two engines/frames with the number 60000H3...but different model code prefix.
3. Basically, is the production number, or sequential number, xx60000H3...used twice, but separated by the xx model code, or only used once?
One of my reasons for asking the question in the above post is because I read where the first Harley out of the York, PA assembly plant was XLCH-1000, VIN 4A60000H3. It was reported that it rolled out on 2 Feb, 1973. IA is telling me that each model started out with the number 10000, i.e. 2A10000H3 would be the first FLH made in 73, thus 2A22675H3 would the the 12,675th FLH that rolled out in June 1973.....but yet the XLCH started at 60000 in Feb....geesh...50000 in a month...hmmmmmm.
Interestingly I see so many different source totals, I don't know which is correct and which is not. At the google docs link I posted above, I entered some totals for each model that I finally decided to settle on. I have no idea which totals are the correct ones, but at least the ones you posted are fairly close in comparison. I may go back and enter multiple totals from each of the sources I saw.
The ones I posted in the docs pages were;
Model FLH: 7,750
Model FX 7,625
Model XLCH: 10,825
One of the reasons I wanted to explore the VIN's was to compare with such totals. Goggle Docs VIN
The numbers just don't add up!
Last edited by Bryan Austin; Feb 1, 2026 at 07:09 AM.
Eric is needed for a deep explanation. I can not speak to Sportster VINs, but my 1970 has the full VIN # on the frame and motor, all the digits not just the sequential part.
but my 1970 has the full VIN # on the frame and motor, all the digits not just the sequential part.
That is correct, the full VIN's are located on both as most already know. What we need for the docs pages, the purpose of this topic, is for folks to share such known data (discretely if desired) so it can be add it to the list.
Many bikes still have the foil decal on the frame as well as the stamped VIN. The month/year stamp should be located in the upper right hand corner of the foil decal. THAT is the real data we need, along with the VIN to see where the numbers fall in line with how many were made.
Revert back to the chart I posted for details. The only two confirmed dates (months) I have is Feb and June. All other VIN's are just there, not in any monthly order.
Last edited by Bryan Austin; Feb 2, 2026 at 10:13 AM.
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Engine Serial Numbers Question
