General
See Figure 1. The full 17-digit V.I.N. is stamped on the steering head. In some destinations, a printed V.I.N. label will also be affixed to the right front down tube.
See Figure 2. A unique 17-digit serial or Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is found on each motorcycle. For a description of each item in the V.I.N., refer to Table 1.
Abbreviated V.I.N.
An abbreviated V.I.N. is stamped on the left side of the crankcase between the front and rear cylinders.
Example: CV39111000
See Figure 2 for the complete V.I.N. for the same motorcycle as it appears on the steering head.
NOTE
Always give the full 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number when ordering parts or making any inquiry about your motorcycle.
1Stamped V.I.N.
2V.I.N. label
Figure 1. V.I.N. Locations: Sportster Models
Figure 2. Typical Harley-Davidson V.I.N.: 2009 Sportster Models
Table 1. Harley-Davidson V.I.N. Breakdown: 2009 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
HD=Harley-Davidson
3
Motorcycle type
1=Heavyweight motorcycle (901 cc or larger)
4=Middleweight motorcycle (351 cc to 900 cc)
4
Model
See V.I.N. model table
5
Engine type
2=Evolution® 883 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected
3=Evolution® 1200 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected
6=Evolution® 1200 cc precision-cooled, fuel-injected
6
Introduction date
1=Regular
2=Mid-year
3=California/regular
4=Cosmetic changes and/or special introductory date
5=California/cosmetic changes and/or special introductory date
6=California/mid-year
7
V.I.N. check digit
Can be 0-9 or X
8
Model year
9=2009
9
Assembly plant
K=Kansas City, MO U.S.A.
10
Sequential number
Varies
Table 2. V.I.N. Model Codes: 2009 Sportster Models
CODE
MODEL
CODE
MODEL
CN
XL 883 Sportster® 883
CT
XL 1200C Sportster® 1200 Custom
CP
XL 883C Sportster® 883 Custom
CV
XL 1200R Sportster® 1200 Roadster
CR
XL 883L Sportster® 883 Low
CX
XL 1200L Sportster® 1200 Low
CS
XL 883R Sportster® 883R
CZ
XL 1200N Sportster® 1200 Nightster
LE
XL 883N Sportster® 883N
LA
XR 1200 Sportster® 1200