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.

1	Stamped VIN
2	VIN label

Figure 1. VIN Locations: Sportster Models

Figure 2. Typical Harley-Davidson VIN: 2012 Sportster Models

Table 1. Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2012 Sportster Models

POSITION	DESCRIPTION	POSSIBLE VALUES
1	World manufacturer identifier	1HD=Originally manufactured for sale within the United States 5HD=Originally manufactured for sale outside of the United States 932=Originally manufactured in and for sale only in Brazil market MEG=Originally manufactured in and for sale only in India market
2	Motorcycle type	1=Heavyweight motorcycle (901 cm³ or larger) 4=Middleweight motorcycle (351 cm³ to 900 cm³)
3	Model	See VIN model table
4	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
5	Introduction date/Configuration and calibration recognition	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
6	VIN check digit	Can be 0-9 or X
7	Model year	C=2012
8	Assembly plant	C=Kansas City, MO U.S.A. D=H-D Brazil-Manaus, Brazil (CKD) N=Haryana India (Bawal District Rewari)
9	Sequential number	Varies

Table 2. VIN Model Codes: 2012 Sportster Models

CODE	MODEL	NAME	CODE	MODEL	NAME
CR	XL 883L	SuperLow^®	CZ	XL 1200N	Nightster^®
CS	XL 883R	883 Roadster	LF	XL 1200V	Seventy-Two^™
LE	XL 883N	Iron 883^™	LC	XL 1200X	Forty-Eight^™
CT	XL 1200C	1200 Custom	LD	XR 1200X	XR 1200X^™
LH	XL 1200CP	1200 Custom