Thanks for the catch with the Arlen Ness sidecovers, i would've never thought of that!

Is it only the convertible or do all FXRS models come with the mount behind the sidecovers?

 

Just the convertible model would have the mounting point. All I know is that my 1990 Convertible is listed as FXRS, not sure if they made other FXRS models without the mounting point. The Convertible model also has the longer tubes on the front and dual disc brake that your bike has. If you do have the mounting point welded to your frame then it started life as a convertible model.

 

The only reason I said for you to pull your side cover to check for the mounting point is because the Arlen Ness Side Cover is designed to cover it up. I know because I also have a set of those side covers.

 

If it was in fact an FXRS originally ... or even an FXRS-SP... the VIN would certainly bear this out... no such thing as a Bike that does Not match the VIN...Unless someone changed something...
Note... My 1982 FXRS came with mags... [I still have them...disks on] the Dealership put spokers onto it so that I would Buy the Damn thing...Jap lookin POS!!!!
The VIN did Not Change... only the Wheels... Before it left the Dealership even!!!!! Not rocket science...

 

Ok, so what you are saying is that the dealership might have modified the bike with stock harley parts to make it easier to sell?

Ok, i will check under the sidecover later tonight.

 

Absolutely... or the original owner maybe the instant he got home.. first week, month, year, decade!... even 20 year anniversary!!!!!
By the '80's, certainly the '90's... not too many of us rode "Stock"

 

I agree with all that. On the other hand Harleys were rather less precise in their build standard and specs back then, than they are in more recent years. As a simple example, the wiring of my FLHS bears little resemblance to the wiring diagrams in the FSM, which are of little use to me (my bike is an International spec), but only around 20 were imported to the UK that year. OP's bike may have been delivered new with that front end, alternatively was modified by the dealer or first owner, which seem the most likely explanations. On the other hand a later owner may have front-ended the bike, spoiled the forks and swapped then for a take-off FXRS front end - who knows?!

 

Actually I assume the basic operational Wiring is Like they have been since the '70's... ie white, is hot to coil ...blue, is lights at the breaker...grey, 12v at ignition breaker.. yellow and white,..high and low beam, green, accessory and blinkers...oh and purple and brown, left and right signals... and differences???? maybe International vs Domestic...Radio's and the like I have zero Idea...
My point is two-fold... the VIN is the Final word on "what is it" !!! and modifications could be ongoing from pre-purchase on!!!
as you have opined...

 

Basic wire colours are as usual, but there are many differences from the diagrams in the FSM, as I said. However I was simply pointing out (using the first item that came to mind) that all is not what it seems, especially in the period in which the OP's bike was made. A more recent example is that European spec 48s and other low-riding Sportster models all come with taller suspension and different rear lights, not something that will show up in a VIN, or even the specs and photos on H-D's own overseas websites. There are others, but I'll spare you that!

 

Edited out...How in thee hell did this get Here???