How to Decode the VIN on a Vintage Harley

The Harley Davidson is a luxury motorcycle.

Harley Davidson motorcycles are recognized throughout the world as being among the best road bikes on the market. The long front forks and wide tank of the Harley's are easily recognizable. The first Harley Davidson motorcycles were manufactured in the early 1900s, although very few of those early vehicles still exist today. The engine number on vintage Harley's prior to 1969 acts as the vehicle identification number (VIN), found on the left side of the engine case. Models produced after 1969 had the VIN displayed on both the frame and the engine. The VIN denotes whether the vehicle has all original parts, year of manufacture and production sequence. The frame VIN and the engine VIN should be identical. All vehicles produced after 1983 have a 17 digit VIN sequence.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Locate the VIN on the vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle. All models prior to 1969 have the engine number on the left side of the engine case only. The engine number acted as the VIN. Models manufactured after 1969 had the VIN printed on both the frame and the engine.

   • 2

     Study the first two numbers. These numbers denote the year of manufacture of the motorcycle. For example, 58 denotes 1958 as the year of manufacture.

   • 3

     Look at the the third, fourth and fifth characters. These three letters identify the model designation. For example the letters "FLH" denote a 4-Speed Electra Glide model.

   • 4

     Read the last four numbers. These numbers denote the production run number.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the VIN on the vehicle with the registration document when purchasing a vehicle.

• Do not tamper with the VIN if you own the vehicle,

• Be wary if the VIN is not legible, if you are in the process of purchasing a vintage Harley.