Nice looking bike Chris. Looks like it is in great condition.
Don't be concerned with the 900 versus 1000 issue. There's not a dime's worth of difference between the two.
Thanks for posting the pic and good luck with the bike......pg

 

Oops, I F#$&dup. I had heard somewhere that HD went to 1000 in mid year 71. Sorry, Didn't mean to mislead anybody.

 

Here is a site on Harley vin numbers. www.wwwildcats.com/harley_vin.htm

 

This argument I must disagree, H stands from year decade 1970 , if it were J it stands for 1980
with where use only year 1980. Last digit stands for a year, 0=0 1=1 ... 9=9
Year 1981 HD changed their VIN to standard 17 digit system where
manufacturer is included in VIN # Also factory made changes to characters, numbers 6 and 9 were changed....Dealer Service pulletin M-828.
For ironhead 70 -> 80 sportsters ( first and second digits):
2G = XLT
3A = XL or XLH
4A = XLCH
4D = XLA
4E = XLS
7F = XLCR

81-85 ironhead ( digits 5 and 6):
CA = XLH
CB = XLS
CC = XLX
CD = XLR-1000

-sepixlh-

 

sepixhl...
Well, I have never heard that one before. My understanding of what the letter 'H' stands for is that it denotes the manufacturer.
Please look at the attached jpg I just scanned out of the factory service manual (section 1-page 9) where it explains the engine numbering system that was used.
Does anyone out there have a 1980 ironhead that has a 'J' rather than an H at that point in their engine number?
Yes, It is my understanding that the engine numbering system was changed in 1981.
But, as I have said before, I am certainly no expert. Could you please post an example as I have done here that explains your take on the 'H' denoting the decade rather than the manufacturer so that I can correct my understanding of this.
The information that I am posting here comes from the 1970 to 1974 Service Manual...part #99484-74. Are you saying there is a bullentin that came out later giving a different explaination of the letter designation? I'd like to see that. Thanks........pg


[IMG]local://upfiles/8331/7E7921D64FA245BF951B54241DCC5D63.jpg[/IMG]

 

I had that same service manual ( sold with my -74 XLH) and I understaded also it same way. After I saw some ( I don't recall what) dealer service bulletin, I realiced correct point. I haven't personally seen any 1980 VIN but it should be, according those documents xx xxxxx J0.
I try to find that document and post it here...
And yes you are right 1981 VIN was changed present 17 digit system, and engine number is different than frame number. Actually motor number is part of frame number.

-sepixlh-

 

Actually, you are both right. when they first started the new numbering system in '70, the H stood for Harley. In '80, they didn't want to tack a 10 on the end, so they changed the H to a J and made it a decade indicator.Otherwise, they would have started with A instead of H.

 

I'm wondering if anyone out there can tell me when my engine was manufactured in my 2022 Harley Road King that was built in York PA and sold in CA February 2022. Vin 1HD1FBC26NB605050 because of all the problems there having, blown Rear head gaskets oil leaks from Prade mode over heating in stop n go traffic, oil pump failure etc. Now I heard this was commend in pre 2020's M8's that they were supposed to upgrade the oil pumps in 2020's M8's and up, however I read they didn't upgrade the oil pumps in the Road King until Mid-May 2022 and my bike was sold in Feb 2022. so my question is when my engine was made what year? or how do you find out. There should be a way so someone can make up their mind whether or not to buy an extended warranty. Mine says 2022 and I'm wondering if Harley because some bike didn't sell till years later that they just register 2017, 18, 19, 20, 21's to the year they sold because they look exactly alike. and like I said those bike all had bad do to failure oil pumps that Harley was aware of. I don't understand what they didn't place on oil cooling fans. Can any one help answer my question when my motor was bilt before it went into the bike? contact me at tours77@yahoo.com

 

This is the IronHead forum. This post belongs in a different forum within hdforums

 

I'm new and can't figure to post because it's very confusing I tried to find where it would say make a post here and couldn't find one?