General
See Figure 2. A unique 17-digit serial or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is assigned to each motorcycle. Refer to Table 1.
Location
See Figure 1. The full 17-digit VIN is stamped on the right side of the frame near the steering head. In some destinations, a printed VIN label is also attached to the right front downtube.
Abbreviated VIN
An abbreviated VIN showing the vehicle model, engine type, model year, and sequential number is stamped on the left side of the crankcase between the engine cylinders.
NOTE
Always give the full 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number when ordering parts or making any inquiry about your motorcycle.
1Stamped VIN
2VIN label
Figure 1. VIN Locations: Sportster Models
Figure 2. Typical Harley-Davidson VIN: 2011 Sportster Models
Table 1. Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2011 Sportster Models
POSITION
DESCRIPTION
POSSIBLE VALUES
1
Market designation
1=Originally manufactured for sale within the United States
5=Originally manufactured for sale outside of the United States
2
Manufacturer/vehicle type
HD=Harley-Davidson motorcycle
3
Motorcycle type
1=Heavyweight motorcycle (901 cm3 or larger)
4=Middleweight motorcycle (351 cm3 to 900 cm3)
4
Model
See VIN model table
5
Engine type
2=Evolution® 883 cm3 air-cooled, fuel-injected
3=Evolution® 1202 cm3 air-cooled, fuel-injected
6=Evolution® 1202 cm3 precision-cooled, fuel-injected
6
Introduction date/calibration
Normal Introduction
1=Domestic
3=California
A=Canada
C=HDI
E=Japan
G=Australia
J=Brazil
L=Asia Pacific
N=India
Mid-year or Special Introduction
2, 4=Domestic
5, 6=California
B=Canada
D=HDI
F=Japan
H=Australia
K=Brazil
M=Asia Pacific
P=India
7
VIN check digit
Can be 0-9 or X
8
Model year
B=2011
9
Assembly plant
C=Kansas City, MO U.S.A.
10
Sequential number
Varies
Table 2. VIN Model Codes: 2011 Sportster Models
CODE
MODEL
NAME
CODE
MODEL
NAME
CR
XL 883L
SuperLow
CZ
XL 1200N
Nightster®
CS
XL 883R
883 Roadster
LC
XL 1200X
Forty-Eight
LE
XL 883N
Iron 883
LD
XR 1200X
XR1200X
CX
XL 1200L
1200 Low
LH
XL 1200CP
1200 Custom
CT
XL 1200C
1200 Custom
-
-
-
Some models may not be available in all markets.