Harley Davidson® VIN Identification Guide
This list is unofficial and is not gospel, only what I have been able to cross in various manuals, web sites and dealerships. If you have more updated info on this data, please let me know.
Thanks!!
Year Groups
1903-1909 | 1910-1919 | 1920-1929 | 1930-1936 | 1937-1961 | 1962-1969 | 1970-1980 | 1981-2000 | 2001-2009 | 2010-Present
Model Info
1920 | 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929
1920Top
Main Models
- Model 20F - Solo, 61ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 20T, three speed
- Model 20FS - Sidecar Twin, 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto, sidecar gearing.
- Model 20J - Solo, 61ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, number preceded by L20T, three speed, electrical system
- Model 20JS - Sidecar Twin, 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
- Model 20WF - Sport Model Solo, 35.64ci front to back horizontally opposed twin, 3 speed
- Model 20WJ - Sport Model Solo, 35.64ci front to back horizontally opposed twin, 3 speed, electrical system
Specialty Models
- Model 20FA - "A" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto ignition
- Model 20FB - "B" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 20FCA - "500 CA" motor F-head V-twin, 3-1/2" stroke, aluminum pistons, magneto, 3 speed.
- Model 20FCAB - "500 CAB" motor F-head V-twin, 4" stroke, aluminum pistons, magneto, 3 speed
- Model 20FD - 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 20FDS - 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto, sidecar gearing
- Model 20FE - "E" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 20FF - "500" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 20FFA - "500 A" motor f-head V-twin, 3-1/2" stroke, aluminum pistons, magneto, 3 speed
- Model 20JA - "A" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 20JB - "B" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 20JD - 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 20JDS - 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
- Model 20JE - "E" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 20JF - "500" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
Sidecars and Chassis
- Model 20L - right-hand single-passenger sidecar
- Model 20LC - right-hand single-passenger sidecar chassis
- Model 20LR - right-hand single-passenger Roadster sidecar
- Model 20LX - right-hand Speedster sidecar
- Model L20L - left-hand single-passenger sidecar
- Model L20LC - left-hand single-passenger sidecar chassis
- Model L20LR - left-hand single-passenger Roadster Sidecar
- Model 20M - standard commercial sidecar
- Model 20PC - double-bar chassis
- Model 20Q - two-passenger sidecar chassis, 56in-tread
- Model 20QA - standard closed commercial van, 56in-tread chassis
- Model 20QB - standard open commercial van, 56in-tread chassis
- Model 20QL - right-hand two passenger sidecar
- Model QC3 - 3-stake platform Parcel Car, 56in-tread chassis
- Model QC4 - 4-stake platform Parcel Car, 56in-tread chassis
- Model 20WD - two-compartment Parcel Car, 56in-tread chassis
Production: 28,189
- Model F - 7,579
- Model J - 14,192
- Model WF - 4,459
- Model WJ - 810
Options
Dealers racing frame; open at bottom; used with FCA-motor
Schebler Deluxe carburetor
Acetylene lighting
Flat front mudguard
Rear brake, hand operated
Mesinger Air cushion saddle
All weather tread, Goodyear Blue Streak tires
Firestone Non-Skid tires
Goodrich Safety-Tread tires
Pennsylvania Vacuum Cup black tread tires
Speedometer
Front stand
Luggage carrier
Paint Colors
Olive Green with Pullman Coach Green broad striping edged in Pea Green pinstripes with Black center pinstripe
Series F, and J Big Twins
First Year
Revised front and rear cylinders
Inlet pushrods, from "500" motors
Pushrod-spring covers
Clutch dust ring
Revised rear brake band
Revised brake lever on drum
Revised headlight body
Headlight placed above horn
Clear headlight lens
Red tailight lens
Generators and coils made by H-D (late year, Series J only)
Only Year
Revised headlight body style (early year) that was revised again midyear.
Series W Sport Twins
First Year
Electric lighting offered starting midyear, with the introduction of the model WJ
Battery case and revised tool-box cover and locks (Model WJ)
Headlight body (Model WJ)
Clear headlight lens (Model WJ)
Headlight placed above horn (Model WJ)
Generators and colis built by H-D (Model WJ)
3-3/8in front motor-clamp-plate studs
Front motor-clamp spacer
Revised front footboard support
Revised foot-clutch lever
Revised foot-clutch-lever friction spring
Revised clutch operating-rod-end
Starter-crank bracket bolt
Luggage carrier brace
First Year
"E" motor classification for the "Fast Motors"
"E" motors feature aluminum pistons and drilled connecting rods
Revised right and left flywheels on "E" motors
"E" motor cylinders stamped with "E" on left side
1921Top
Main Models
- Model 21CD - Commercial: 37ci F-head single, 3 speed, magneto ignition
- Model 21F - 61ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, 3 speed, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, number preceded by 21F
- Model 21FD - Solo: 74 ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, 3 speed, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, number preceded by 21FD
- Model 21FDS - Sidecar Twin: 74 ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, 3 speed, magneto ignition, sidecar gearing, 9.5 HP
- Model 21FS - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto ignition, sidecar gearing
- Model 21J - Solo: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, number preceded by 21J
- Model 21JS - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
- Model 21JD - Solo: 74ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, 3 speed, generator, 9.5 HP, number preceded by 21JD
- Model 21JDS - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
- Model 21WF - Solo: 35.64ci (584.03cc) front to back horizontally opposed twin, three speed transmission, magneto ignition
- Model 21WJ - Solo: 35.64ci (584.03cc) front to back horizontally opposed twin, three speed transmission, electrical system
Specialty Models
- Model 21FA - "A" motor 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto ignition
- Model 21FDA - "A" motor 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 21FCA - "T" motor F-head V-twin, magneto ingition, 3 speed.
- Model 21FE - "E" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 21JA - "A" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 21JDA - "A" motor 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 21JE - "E" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto ignition
Sidecars and Chassis
- Model 21L - right-hand single-passenger sidecar
- Model 21LC - right-hand single-passenger sidecar chassis
- Model 21LR - right-hand single-passenger Roadster sidecar
- Model 21LX - right-hand Speedster sidecar
- Model L21L - left-hand single-passenger sidecar
- Model L21LR - left-hand single-passenger Roadster Sidecar
- Model 21M - standard commercial sidecar
- Model 21Q - two-passenger sidecar chassis, 56in-tread
- Model 21QA - standard closed commercial van, 56in-tread chassis
- Model 21QB - standard open commercial van, 56in-tread chassis
- Model 21QD - two-compartment Parcel Car, 56in-tread chassis
- Model 21QL - right-hand two-passenger sidecar
Production: 10,202
- Model F - 2,413
- Model FD - 277
- Model J - 4,526
- Model JD - 2,321
- Model - WF - 1,100
- Model WJ - 823
Options
Schebler Deluxe carburetor
Flat front mudguard
Hand brake (Sport Model)
Heel brake (Big Twins)
Front stand
Luggage carrier
Ammeter,complete
Speedometer by Corbin Brown
Speedometer by Johns-Manville
Firestone Non-Skid tires
All-weather tread Goodyear Blue Streak tires
Goodrich Safety-Tread tires
Paint Colors
Olive Green with Pullman Coach Green broad striping edged in Pea Green pinstripes with Black center pinstripe
Series CD Big Singles
First Year
The CD is a new Big Single model for commercial use
Engine: 37ci single made by removing one cylinder from the 74ci Big Twin motor
Chassis: standard chassis used on the V-Twin models
Only Year
Olive painted crankcases
Spoked flywheels
Series F and J 61ci Big Twins
First Year
Solid flywheels (late year)
Revised connecting rods, pistons, piston pins, and piston rings
Front stand
One-piece tubular steel handlebars
New front and rear fenders with center rib and side panels on front fender
Concave section on front fender for forks
Revised tanks
Revised tool-box cover (electric modles)
Revised rear hub shell
Revised front footboard support rod
Only Year
No compression plates (solo models)
Series FD and JD 74ci Big Twins
First Year
The series FD and JD F-head Big Twins are new models created by boring and stroking the engine used in the Series F and J Big Twins
Engine: 74.66ci F-head V-twin with 3-7/16x4in bore and stroke and output of 18hp
1-1/4in Schebler carburetor
Silichrome-alloy exhaust valves
New right and left crankcases
New cylinders and heads
Solid flywheels
Front and read exhaust pipes
Only Year
Olive-painted crankcases
Coach Green broad stripe down middle of front fender
Series W Sport Twins
First Year
Big Twin-style tank trim
Fenders both center ribbed
Side panels on front fender
Brake-lever guide
Revised headlight body
Specialty Notes
The "A" V-Twin motor is now a special high-speed motor for police use
The "B" V-Twin motor is now a special high-compression motor for high altitudes
Te "E" V-Twin motor is now a special racing motor.
1922Top
1923Top
Main Models
- Model 23F - Solo: 61 ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, number preceded by 23F, three speed
- Model 23FS - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto, sidecar gearing
- Model 23FD - Solo: 74ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, number preceded by 23FD, three speed
- Model 23FDS - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, sidecar gearing, magneto
- Model 23J - Solo: 61ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, number preceded by 23J, three speed
- Model 23JD - Solo: 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, generator, 9.5 HP, number preceded by 23JD
- Model 23JDS - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23JS - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
- Model 23WF - Sport Model Solo: 35.64ci (584.03cc) horizontally opposed twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23WJ - Sport Model Solo: 35.64ci (584.03cc) horizontally opposed twin, 3 speed, electrical system
Specialty Models
- Model 23FA - "A" motor 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23FCA - 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23FDA - "A" motor 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23 FDCA - 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23FE - "E" motor 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
- Model 23JDA - "A" motor 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
- Model 23JDCA - 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electric ignition
- Model 23JE - "E" motor 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electric ignition
- Model 23S - Track Racer: F-head single, magneto
- Model 23T - Track Racer: F-head V-twin, magneto
Sidecars and Chassis
- Model 23LC - right-hand standard chassis, 42-1/2" tread
- Model 22LR - right-hand single-passenger Roadster sidecar
- Model 23LT - right hand single-passenger Tourist sidecar
- Model 23LX - right-hand Speedster sidecar
- Model L23LQ - left-hand two-passenger sidecar chassis
- Model L23LQT - left-hand two-passenger sidecar body
- Model L23LT - left-hand standard chassis, 46-1/2" tread
- Model 23M - standard commercial sidecar
- Model 23Q - two-passenger sidecar chassis, 56in-tread
- Model 23QT - right-hand two-passenger Tourist sidecar
Production: 18,430
- Model F - 2822
- Model FD - 869
- Model J - 4802
- Model JD - 7458
- Model WF - 614
- Model WJ - 481
Options
Schebler Deluxe carburetor
Acetylene Lighting
Flat front mudguard and skirt
Ammeter, complete
Corbin-Brown speedometer
Johns-Manville speedometer
Firestone Non-skid tires
Goodyear All-weather tires
U.S. Traxion tread tires
Heel Brake (Big Twins)
Hand brake (Sport model)
Luggage carrier (Big Twins)
Front stand (Big Twins)
Paint Colors
Brewster Green edged with Gold triple-line pinstriping
Series F and J 61ci Big Twins
First Year
Silichrome exhaust valves
Improved brake-pedal control
Roller-bearing rear hub
Larger-size generator (Models J and JS Only)
Staylit shock-absorbing taillight (Models J and JS only)
Hinged rear mudguard
Series FD and JD Big Twins
First Year
Improved silichrome exhaust valves
Improved cylinder heads with square cooling fins and seven cooling fins on the exhaust manifold
Larger sized generator
Staylit shock-absorbing taillight (Modles JD and JDS only)
Improved brake-pedal control
Roller-bearing rear hub
Higend rear mudguard
Specialty Notes
First Year
Bean-shaped timing case cover on Two-cam racers
1924Top
- No singles offered
- Twins
Main Models
- Model 24FD - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24FD, three speed, cast iron pistons
- Model 24FDS - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-Head V-Twin with three-speed transmission, sidecar gearing, and magneto ignition and cast iron pistons
- Model 24FDCA - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24FDCA, three speed, aluminum pistons
- Model 24FDSCA - Sidecar twin: 74ci F-Head V-Twin with three speed transmission, magneto ignition, and aluminum-alloy pistons
- Model 24FDCB - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24FDCB, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 24FE - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., F-Head V-Twin, number preceded by 24FE, three speed, aluminum pistons
- Model 24FES - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-Head V-Twin with three-speed transmission, magneto ignition, sidecar gearing, and aluminum-alloy pistons
- Model 24JD - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24JD, three speed, cast iron pistons
- Model 24JDS - Siecar Twin: 74ci F-Head V-Twin with three-speed transmission, electrical system, sidecar gearing, and cast iron pistons
- Model 24JDCA - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24JDCA, three speed, aluminum pistnos
-
- Model 24JDSCA - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-Head V-Twin with three speed transmission, electrical system, sidecar gearing, and aluminum-alloy pistons
- Model 24JDCB - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24JDCB, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 24JE - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 24JE, three speed, aluminum pistons
- Model 24JES - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-Head V-Twin with three-speed transmission, electrical system, and aluminum-alloy pistons
Sidecars and Chassis
- 24LT - Right hand single passenger Royal Tourist Sidecar
- 24LX - Right hand single passenger Racer Sidecar
- 24QT - Right hand two passenger Family Delight sidecar
- 24M - Parcel Car with hinged cover
- L24LT - Left hand single passenger Royal Tourist Sidecar
- L24LX - Left hand single passenger Racer Sidecar
- L24QT - Left hand two passenger Family Delight sidecar
- Production: 13,996
- Model FE: 2,708
- Model FD: 502
- Model FDCB: 90
- Model FDCA: 351
- Model JE: 4,994
- Model JD: 2,955
- Model JDCB: 3,034
- Model JDCA: 3,014
Options
Iron-alloy pistons with three narrower and deeper rings (74ci)
Zenith Carburetor
Schebler Deluxe carburetor
Muffler brackets designed to fit box-shaped mufflers back to 1915 models
Corbin-Brown speedometer
Acetylene lighting
Flat front mudguard and skirt
Ammeter
Goodyear all-weather tires
Firstone non-skid tires
U.S. Traxion tires
Heel brake for Big Twins
Front stand for Big Twins
Luggage Carrier for Big Twins
Paint Colors
Olive-green with Maroon broad striping edged in Black witha Gold center pinstriping
Series FE and JE 61ci Big Twins
First Year
Aluminum-alloy piston with four unevenly spaced rings
Four-plate battery
Revised flywheels with different balance factor
New front exhaust pipe
5/16in square generator brushes
Larger generator body
Fender center rib more prominent in height
Front fender main section extends farther ahead of the side panels
Only Year
Aluminum-alloy piston with four slot-cut rings
Large box-shaped muffler
Twelve Alemite grease fittings
Series FD and JD 74ci Big Twins
First Year
Revised flywheels with different balance factor
New front and rear exhaust pipes
5/16in square generator brushes
Larger generator body
Four-Plate battery
Fender center rib more prominent in height
Front fender main section extends farther ahead of the side panels
Running gear lubricated by an Alemite gun
Only Year
Large box-shaped muffler
Twelve Alemite grease fittings
Specialty Notes
First Year
Valves now operating with direct action from lobes on Two-cam Racer
Roller tappets on Two-cam Racer
Hollow pushrods on Two-cam Racer
Removable lifter blocks bolted to crankcase on Two-cam Racer
1925Top
- No singles offered
- Twins
- Model 25FE - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 25FE, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 25FDCB - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 25FDCB, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 25JDCB - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 25JDCB, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 25JE - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 25JE, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Production: 16,929
1926Top
- Twins
- Model 26F - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 26F, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 26FD - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 26FD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 26J - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 26J, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 26JD - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 26JD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Production: 26,354
1927Top
- Twins
- Model 27F - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 27F, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 27FD - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 27FD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 27J - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 27J, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 27JD - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 27JD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Production: 19,911
1928Top
- Singles
- Model 28A - single-chain drive, magneto ignition, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 28A, SV, Dow metal pistons
- Model 28AA - single-chain drive, magneto ignition, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 28AA, OHV, Dow metal pistons
- Model 28B - single-chain drive, generator, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 28B, SV, Dow metal pistons
- Model 28BA - single-chain drive, generator, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 28BA, OHV, Dow metal pistons
- Twins
- Model 28F - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 28F, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 28FD - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 28FD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 28J - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 28J, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 28JD - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 28JD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 28JXL - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 28JXL, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 28JDXL - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 28JDXL, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 28JH - twin-chain drive, two cams, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 28JH, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 28JDH - twin-chain drive, two cams, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 28JDH, three speed, iron alloy pistons
(Note: All 61 and 74 ci models were offered with 25x3.85 tire sizes; the JD models were offered with these tire sizes standard and with 27x3.85 tires optional. Tire size for singles was 26x3.30)
- Production: 22,350
1929Top
- Singles
- Model 29A - single-chain drive, magneto ignition, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 29A, SV, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29AA - single-chain drive, magneto ignition, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 29AA, OHV, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29B - single-chain drive, generator, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 29B, SV, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29BA - single-chain drive, generator, 3.31 HP, 21.098 c.i., number preceded by 29BA, OHV, Dow metal pistons
- Twins
- Model 29D - twin-chain drive, generator, No HP Given, 45.32 c.i., number preceded by 29D, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29F - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 29F, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 29FD - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 29FD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 29J - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 29J, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 29JD - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 28JD, three speed, iron alloy pistons
- Model 29JXL - twin-chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 29JXL, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29JDXL - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 29JDXL, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29JH - twin-chain drive, two cams, generator, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 29JH, three speed, Dow metal pistons
- Model 29JDH - twin-chain drive, two cams, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 29JDH, three speed, iron alloy pistons
(Note: 45 ci models offered with 25x3.85 tires, standard; 61 and 74 ci models were offered with 27x3.85 tires, standard; No optional sizes listed)
- Production: 21,142
|