Harley-Davidson VIN Decoder: Find Your Model, Year, and Engine Details

Whether you're upgrading your ride, ordering parts, or verifying authenticity, identifying your Harley-Davidson's exact year and model is crucial. Unlike modern vehicles with straightforward identification labels, Harley-Davidson motorcycles use VIN (Vehicle Identification Numbers) stamped in different locations depending on the year of manufacture.

By using a Harley VIN decoder, you can uncover essential details such as:

• Manufacturing year

• Model type

• Engine specifications

• Factory production details

This guide walks you through how to decode your Harley-Davidson VIN, where to locate it on different models, and what the numbers and letters mean. For further details on model codes, refer to our guide on Deciphering Harley-Davidson Model Designation Codes. 

Thanks to Willie's Harley Parts and Abby's VIN Decoder for their previous work which was a major source of data while compiling this article!

Decoding Your Harley-Davidson VIN: A Period-by-Period Guide

Prior to 1930 Harley-Davidson VIN System 

Before 1930, Harley-Davidson motorcycles did not use standardized VIN numbers like modern bikes. Instead, identification relied on engine serial numbers, model codes, and specific physical characteristics. Here's how early Harleys were identified:

1903-1909: No Stamped Identification

• The earliest Harley-Davidson motorcycles (1903-1909) did not have any stamped numbers for identification.

• These models were recognized only by their design and engine type.

1910-1929: Introduction of Engine Stamping

• In 1910, Harley-Davidson began stamping serial numbers on the engine case.

• The serial number included a model designation followed by a production sequence number.

• The model designation codes were:

• 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, followed by a series number (e.g., 4200-7600).

Example: A 1912 Harley engine stamped with 8A5621 means:

• 8A = Model designation

• 5621 = Serial number

Note: During this period, there were no frame numbers—only the engine carried an identifying mark.

1930-1969 Harley VIN Decoder

From 1930 to 1969 the VIN’s on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles consisted of 8 to 10 characters, structured as follows:

• The first two digits represented the Year of production.

• The next two to four letters indicated the Model designation.

• The final four digits served as the unique Production sequence number.

Models built from 1930 to 1969

Example: A VIN stamped "42WLA26244" means:

• 42 = 1942

• WLA = Military model

• 26244 = Serial production number

Joe Blaha's 1942 WLA - Stamped on the B side of the motor 42WLA26244
George Keeler's 1968 XLCH - Stamped on engine 68XLCH10570. Super simple pre '70's

1970-1980 Harley VIN Decoder

As Harley introduced new models and government regulations tightened, VIN structures became more complex. The 9-character alphanumeric VIN format was introduced and are stamped on both the engine and the frame.

Breakdown of the VIN format:

• The first two characters represented the Model code

• The next 5 digits represented Serial production number

• the last two characters represented Year of manufacture

This 1972 XLCH 1000 you can find the vin on the right side of the frame. 4A19006H2
4A = XLCH-1000
19006 = production number
H2 = 1972

The next 5 digits represent the production numbers, and the last two characters represent the model year. This is an alpha numeric code. This is the system that was used from 1970-1980.

NOTE: In 1979 there was a small collection of bikes that were produced with non-conforming engine numbers. The factory caught the issue but not before some of the bikes were out on the market. The production range from 1/9/79 to 2/7/79 has VINs in the range from 43000H9 through 48199H9. These were the only exceptions during this time period.

1981 - 2000 Harley Davidson 17 Digit VIN Decoder

In 1981 Harley moved to a 17-digit VIN code. The full VIN was stamped on the neck of the frame, and an abbreviated version of the code was stamped on the engine. This code and sequence remained unchanged through the year 2000.

An example of this code would look like this: 1HD1BFK11BY127956

• The first digit represents the World Manufacturer ID where the bike was made. 1 = USA

• The following HD represents Harley-Davidson.

• The fourth digit represents the Weight class. 1 = Heavy Weight, 4 = Light Weight, 8 = Sidecar.

• The next two characters represent the Model. (see Model Code Chart below).

• The 7th digit represents the Engine type (see Engine Codes Chart below).

• The 8th digit represents the Introduction date. 1 = Regular,  2 =Mid-year, January, 3 = California Special, 4 = Daytona, March

• The 9th digit is a check digit. If you don’t know what a check digit is, it is simply a digit to make sure the entire string is valid.

• The 10th digit is the Year of manufacture.

• The 11th digit is the Assembly Plant the bike was made in. Y = York, PA, T = Tomahawk, J = Milwaukee, K = Kansas City.

• The 12th to 17th digits are the Production numbers.

Stacey Hearn's 1997 Sportster, see the abbreviated version of the vin is stamped on the motor. Photo from Fuel Cleveland by David Carlo.

Model Codes

Engine Codes

 
Built by Led Sled Customs this 1992 custom Sportster, you can see the abbreviated vin stamped in the side of the motor.

2001 - 2009 Harley Davidson 17 Digit VIN Decoder

In 2001 - 2009 Harley kept the 17-digit VIN code, with some small changes. The full VIN was stamped on the neck of the frame, and an abbreviated version of the code was stamped on the engine.

An example of this code would look like this: 1HD1DJV131Y123456

• The first digit represents the World Manufacturer ID where the bike was made. 1 = USA, 5 = International

• The following HD represents Harley-Davidson.

• The fourth digit represents the Weight class. 1 = Heavy Weight, 4 = Light Weight, 8 = Sidecar.

• The next two characters represent the Model. (see Model Code Chart below).

• The 7th digit represents the Engine type (see Engine Code Chart below).

• The 8th digit represents the Introduction date. 1 = Regular Introduction, 2 = Mid Year (January), 3 = California Model (Regular introduction), 4 = Anniversary Model, 5 = Special Edition Solo (California - regular introduction), 6 = Special Edition (California - mid year introduction)

• The 9th digit is a Check digit. Can be 0 – 9 or X

• The 10th digit is the Year of manufacture. 1 – 9 = 2001 – 2009, respectively.

• The 11th digit is the Assembly Plant the bike was made in. Y = York, PA, T = Tomahawk, J = Milwaukee, K = Kansas City.

• The 12th-17th digits are the Production numbers.

Saturday Sportster is a 2003 Sportster - Vin 1HD4CAM153K455127
1HD = USA HD
4 = Light Weight
CA = XL883
M = 883 EVO
1 = Regular Intro
5 = Check digit
3 = 2003
K = Kansas City
455127 = Production Number 

Model Codes

Engine Codes

2010 to 2018 Harley Davidson 17 Digit VIN Decoder

In 2010 and later Harley kept the 17-digit VIN code, but there are again some changes to note. The full VIN was stamped on the neck of the frame, and an abbreviated version of the code was stamped on the engine just like previous models. This year range excludes M8 engine motorcycles, check out the 2018 & later VIN info below for M8.

An example of this code would look like this: 1HD1DJV131Y123456

• The first 3 digits represent where the bike was made. (see Origin Codes Chart below)
• The fourth digit represents the weight class. 1 = Heavy Weight, 4 = Light Weight, 8 = Sidecar.
• The next two characters represent the model (see Model Code Chart below).
• The 7th digit represents the engine type (see Engine Codes Chart below).
• The 8th digit represents the introduction date (see Introduction Date Chart below).
• The 9th digit is a check digit. Can be 0 – 9 or X
• The  10th digit is the year of manufacture. A – E = 2010 – 2014, respectively.
• The 11th digit is the assembly plant (see chart)
• The 12th-17th digits are the production numbers.

 Origin Codes

Model Codes

Engine Codes

Introduction Date Codes

Assembly Date Codes

2018-Present: Milwaukee-Eight (M8) VIN Decoder

Starting in 2018 there are some changes to the 17 digin VIN with the Harley-Davidson M8 powered models. The full VIN was stamped on the neck of the frame, and an abbreviated version of the code was stamped on the engine just like previous models.

An example of this code would look like this: 1HD1YKC13KB123456

• The first 3 digits represent where the bike was made. (see Origin Codes Chart below)
• The 4th digit represents the weight class. 1 = Heavy Weight, 4 = Light Weight, 8 = Sidecar.
• The 5th & 6th characters represent the model (see Model Code Chart below).
• The 7th digit represents the engine type (see Engine Codes Chart below).
• The 8th digit represents the introduction date (see Introduction Date Chart below).
• The 9th digit is a check digit. Can be 0 – 9 or X
• The 10th digit is the year of manufacturer. I - O = 2017 – 2023, respectively. (I = 2017, J = 2018, K = 2019, L = 2020 etc)
• The 11th digit is the assembly plant (see chart)
• The 12th-17th digits are the production numbers.

Endijs Willow's 2018 Milwuakee 8 Softail Waffle head. This is where you can find the full vin on the frame. Can you decipher it?

1HD1YJJ11JC027815
1HD = US Manufactured
1 = Heavy Weight Class
YJ= FXBB
J= Milwaukee Eight 107 Engine 1753cc
1 = Domestic (DOM)
1 = VIN Check Number
J = 2018 Year of manufacture
C = Kansas City, MO
027815 = production number

Here's an example of a place to find the abbreviated version on the motor.

Origin Codes

Model Codes

Engine Codes

Introduction Date Codes

Assembly Date Codes

So, there you have it. As you can see with the implementation of the 17-digit codes, you will need a reference to define what those codes represent. We hope you can use this article as a reference so you can determine all the details for the bike in question. Enoy!

Harley-Davidson VIN Lookup: When Do You Need One?

If you need detailed history (accidents, recalls, previous ownership), a Harley VIN lookup is the right tool. Unlike a VIN decoder, which only provides factory details, a VIN lookup pulls from DMV records and official databases to reveal hidden history.

When to use a VIN lookup?

• Buying a used Harley and verifying its history

• Checking for theft records or liens

• Looking up recall information

Official resources for Harley-Davidson VIN lookup:

1. Harley-Davidson's Official Vehicle Lookup: Enter your 17-character VIN to access limited service information and check for recalls.

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Use their VIN lookup tool to identify incomplete safety recalls and view recall history.

3. Harley-Davidson's Safety Recall Information: Input your VIN to check for any active recalls affecting your motorcycle.

Utilizing these official resources ensures you receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding your Harley-Davidson motorcycle's history and any potential recalls.

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