Ok guys (and gals) I have a problem when i try to track just what the hell my bike is! The serial numbers on frame and cases match - BUT - the numbers make no sence to me. Here it is - 5E33968H9. The 5E should be for a FXEF, 1200 NUT the 33969 numbers show me its a 80CI made in '79 also the 9 shows me the bike was made in 1979! I just replaced my regulator and its from a HD 1981 - 1985 (according to the prongs on the connector). Did HD just throw parts together for this bike? Can anyone tell me what I have. Its titled as a 1979...
Any help is appreciated!

 

As far as I know the 33xxx number is just the sequential number. The 5E tells you what it is, a 1200 FXEF The H 9 means it is a 1979 model. The difference in regulator means that it was upgraded to the later 22 amp model. Much better than the 17 amp model that came stock. My 72 and 75 both have that alternator now. Also Harley sold 80 inch conversion kits for a number of years to make the 74 into an 80 so the only way to tell for sure is when you take it apart. Also to further confuse the issue the Jan 78 and later 1200 used the same cylinder casting as the 80 inch, so you can't tell by the casting number on the cylinders. I had two 79 FXS models one was a 1200 the other an 80 the only difference was the 80 had mid year changes, ie different rear master cylinder, different number of spokes on the mags. As far as the motor you couldn't tell by looking. Both were stock but the 1200 was quicker.

 

I totally rebuilt the bike when i got it in 1991. The jugs were 1340 jugs BUT it was a 1200. A buddy of mine in Texas told me the difference was the size (height) of the jugs where it mated to the cases. I have done mucho work to the old girl and will get some pics sent soon,,,
Thanks for the assist. One book I have says the bike is an FXEF, but i thought HD stopped making the 1200 midyear of 1978? Damn AMF....lol

 

I had a 1979 and a half FLH it was 1200 cc stock

 

Wow not bad.

 

I have a 79 FXE-F and it's a 80 ci. I believe that H/D was slapping bikes together w/ what they had in spare parts and shoving them out the door as biz was bad then.

 

My '78 FLH was delivered to my Dad in December of '77. It was a 1200 and had points ignition. Also had a 3 speed w/reverse tranny, rocker clutch, & hand shift. There were lots of changes the factory did, plus few of these ol' gals still wear their original make-up.