General
See Figure 2-2. A unique 17-digit serial or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is assigned to each motorcycle. Refer to Table 2-11.
Location
See Figure 2-1. 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.
Figure 2-1. VIN Locations: sportster models: 1. Stamped VIN; 2. VIN label
Figure 2-2. Typical Harley-Davidson VIN: 2013 Sportster Models
Table 2-11. Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2013 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 (DOM) 3=California (CAL) A=Canada (CAN) C=HDI E=Japan (JPN) G=Australia (AUS) J=Brazil (BRZ) L=Asia Pacific (APC) N=India (IND) | Mid-year or Special Introduction 2, 4=Domestic (DOM) 5, 6=California (CAL) B=Canada (CAN) D=HDI F=Japan (JPN) H=Australia (AUS) K=Brazil (BRZ) M=Asia Pacific (APC) P=India (IND) |
| 6 | VIN check digit | Can be 0-9 or X | |
| 7 | Model year | D=2013 | |
| 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 2-12. VIN Model Codes: 2013 Sportster Models
| CODE | MODEL | NAME | CODE | MODEL | NAME |
| CR | XL 883L | SuperLow® | LE | XL 883N | Iron 883™ |
| CS | XL 883R | 883 Roadster | LF | XL 1200V | Seventy-Two™ |
| CT | XL 1200C XL 1200C ANV | 1200 Custom | LH | XL1200CP | 1200 Custom |
| LC | XL 1200X | Forty-Eight™ | LJ | XL1200CA | 1200 Custom Limited A |
| LD | XR 1200X XR1200X | LK | XL1200CB | 1200 Custom Limited B |