Just joined this great forum. Been riding for 50 years. Working on some antiques. Have a question for shovelhead expert. What do these letter/numbers on the lower triple tree mean? In this S3544.

 

seen numbers like that before but on later fork trees - dont know exactly but they did not appear until harley bought back the company from AMF in 81

 

do they match the bikes vin Numbers last 5 ,or early numbers like cases are numbered. Try google and might show up

Ride Safe. Wild Bill

 

Those are anti-theft numbers. They really don't correspond to the VIN. The S means that it was a 72. P,R,T and U were also used in 72. They are not recorded on the title or registration. Only the factory has them recorded.

Your Transmission will also have anti-theft numbers they will begin with H, J, or K for 72. The number is located on the front of the transmission opposite the oil pump.

They are not really a law enforcement concern unless they are defaced or altered.

I've owned my 72 for 44 years and it has had 3 transmissions and 4 front ends so finding a bike of that vintage with the original parts is rare.

 

Hey FilthyLucre

Thanks for the info on anti-theft numbers. I'm rebuilding a 72 boattail. Trying to get as original as possible. Just did a 77 XLCR that was a lot easier.

 

Let's see this boattail.

 

On the 71 and 72 superglides with front drum brakes Harley used two wheels aluminum and chrome. There were two spokes, short and long. Did the chrome wheel use the short spoke?

Does not look like this now. Apart for paint and parts.

 

You should also find some stamped numbers on your fork tubes just above the axle. Other thing to show how correct a bike is are date and casting codes on parts like the heads, tappet blocks, cylinders, if disc brakes - on the calipers, upper and lower triple trees, frame by the top motor mount, coil (painted white stamp).

Goobie sounds like an excellent project you have going. What do you know about the history on the bike?