Decode EVO Engine Number?
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 7
From: New Hampshire
You're a wealth of information hattitude. I was big into Harleys back in the 70s and 80s (Knuckles, Pans, and Shovels), and recently got back into them. Am still learning what HD was up to the past 40 years.
I would add that my motor is a BK Harley crate motor. OP said his bike was a 1997 custom so chances are his is a crate motor as well.
I would add that my motor is a BK Harley crate motor. OP said his bike was a 1997 custom so chances are his is a crate motor as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,061
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
You're a wealth of information hattitude. I was big into Harleys back in the 70s and 80s (Knuckles, Pans, and Shovels), and recently got back into them. Am still learning what HD was up to the past 40 years.
I would add that my motor is a BK Harley crate motor. OP said his bike was a 1997 custom so chances are his is a crate motor as well.
Allow me to share another bit of info, that is second hand..
We now know the 1997 Engine number is actually "BKLV030590". Per a report from a fellow forum member who called Harley customer service, the EIN (engine Identification number) tells us it is NOT a crate engine.
During a thread decoding an EIN, a customer called Harley Customer service to inquire about the origin of an engine. He reports that they told him that the number in position 5 of the EIN, will have a number "9" to indicate the engine was sold separate from a motorcycle, such as a crate engine. So per his inquiry, if the last six numbers begin with a number "9", that number is an engine only number, and not part of a VIN from a bike the engine was delivered from the factory installed in...
In this case we can't say for certain, but it suggests this engine came from the factory in another bike...
Again, not something I have verified personally, and I don't know why they would have the indicators for a specific model on a crate engine, but I am paying attention to see if it holds true...
Last edited by hattitude; Jan 9, 2024 at 08:48 PM.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 8
Likes: 7
From: New Hampshire
Learning something new every day here! My motor's birth certificate is in post #8 on this thread, and position #5 in the serial is a 9. I have all the original paperwork from Harley and the dealer where it was purchased, and am 100% certain it's a crate.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
Stage II
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Chillicothe Ohio
Thanks for the kind words, but I'm just one of many Harley enthusiasts, who loves riding & working on his Harley bikes. I happen to have the time to share some of the stuff I have learned (often the hard way) over the years... There are many on this forum more knowledgeable than me... I just have more time on my hands to read and type on the forum..
Allow me to share another bit of info, that is second hand..
We now know the 1997 Engine number is actually "BKLV030590". Per a report from a fellow forum member who called Harley customer service, the EIN (engine Identification number) tells us it is NOT a crate engine.
During a thread decoding an EIN, a customer called Harley Customer service to inquire about the origin of an engine. He reports that they told him that the number in position 5 of the EIN, will have a number "9" to indicate the engine was sold separate from a motorcycle, such as a crate engine. So per his inquiry, if the last six numbers begin with a number "9", that number is an engine only number, and not part of a VIN from a bike the engine was delivered from the factory installed in...
In this case we can't say for certain, but it suggests this engine came from the factory in another bike...
Again, not something I have verified personally, and I don't know why they would have the indicators for a specific model on a crate engine, but I am paying attention to see if it holds true...
Allow me to share another bit of info, that is second hand..
We now know the 1997 Engine number is actually "BKLV030590". Per a report from a fellow forum member who called Harley customer service, the EIN (engine Identification number) tells us it is NOT a crate engine.
During a thread decoding an EIN, a customer called Harley Customer service to inquire about the origin of an engine. He reports that they told him that the number in position 5 of the EIN, will have a number "9" to indicate the engine was sold separate from a motorcycle, such as a crate engine. So per his inquiry, if the last six numbers begin with a number "9", that number is an engine only number, and not part of a VIN from a bike the engine was delivered from the factory installed in...
In this case we can't say for certain, but it suggests this engine came from the factory in another bike...
Again, not something I have verified personally, and I don't know why they would have the indicators for a specific model on a crate engine, but I am paying attention to see if it holds true...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,061
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
may I ask you for a little help with identifying my Harley engine? I've been looking everywhere and trying for a long time to find out what year it was made and exactly what it is. The only thing that I know about it is that it's an 80 cubic inch and it came off of an Electra Glide. Don't have a clue of the year or anything else. If you could give me any information on it, it would be greatly appreciated. The engine numbers are DJLR500373. Thanks in advance.
EIN DJLR500373:
DJ = FLHTC, Electra Glide Ultra Classic
L = 1340cc (80") Evolution Engine
R = 1994
500373 = Production numbers, should match the last five numbers of the VIN on the bike the engine came from
Last edited by hattitude; Jan 30, 2024 at 08:21 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: AL
Hey everyone, this is my 1st post. I inherited an EVO engine that appears brand new other than the dust it accumulated over the years. The engine case number is BKLX922716. I think it is a H-D long block but I'm not sure? Never been fired (pistons are shiny with no trace of carbon). Searching the web has been frustrating trying to narrow down the engine information. Anyone knowledgeable on codes or have a good site to decipher the letters/numbers??
I'm getting out of the game since my dad died - just not the same cruising without him. No fun! I'm gonna look to sell my 98 Fatboy 95th model in the near future if anyone becomes interested.
Thanks.....
Jim D
I'm getting out of the game since my dad died - just not the same cruising without him. No fun! I'm gonna look to sell my 98 Fatboy 95th model in the near future if anyone becomes interested.
Thanks.....
Jim D