Start numbers for H-D® serial numbers (SNs)

[Rubone]

Hi Eric,
This is a copy of a document I recently acquired with specifications for the '51 model year 74" models. This is page two showing the engine numbers start at 1000. I also have one for the '54 model "G" with the same info, 1000. 1951 production number start.jpg

[Speeding Big Twin]

Thanks Duffey.

Cheers Mark.

Robbie, thanks for that document. Is it possible to read what these Xs were typed over? Could it be 1950? I’m wondering if they used the same document for more than one year and updated it in the applicable areas when necessary?
Eric

[jim d]

I have a Sportster from the 60s even number year serial number 2000.

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Eric, I'm interested but all your postings come up Content Not Viewable in Your Region. Do you have an alternative format?

[Speeding Big Twin]

I have a Sportster from the 60s even number year serial number 2000.

Thanks Jim. Even though Harley® SNs for 1960s models complied with the E-O code there may have been at least one difference between start numbers for the Sportster® and Big Twin during that period and it may have happened with an odd model year: 1965. SNs for 1965 Big Twins began at 1001 as I mentioned above but SNs for 1965 Sportsters® may have started at 1002 although I do not know why and I have not seen supporting evidence from the factory.

For even years in the 1960s the start numbers for the Sportster® and Big Twin may have been the same as each other. And if that is true then it would suggest that your bike may be a 60, 64, 66 or 68, as opposed to a 62, because the lowest SN for a 62 Sportster® may have been 2001 like it was for a 62 Big Twin.
Eric

[Speeding Big Twin]

Dear Eric, I'm interested but all your postings come up Content Not Viewable in Your Region. Do you have an alternative format?

I’m using a hosting site for the photos and/or images I post here, the idea being that everyone should be able to see them regardless of whether they are logged into the forum or not because I know in the past that a few people have had trouble viewing photos even when they are logged in. The hosting site is imgur.com and it hasn’t presented a problem yet so I don’t know why the content is not viewable in the UK. I don’t know what alternative format I could use. Do you have any suggestions? And have you tried contacting your ISP?
Eric

[exeric]

Thanks for posting that gem of a document, Robbie.

[Rubone]

Thanks Duffey.

Cheers Mark.

Robbie, thanks for that document. Is it possible to read what these Xs were typed over? Could it be 1950? I’m wondering if they used the same document for more than one year and updated it in the applicable areas when necessary?
Eric

In bright light it does appear to be 1950 Eric. Interestingly on another page of the document it looks like '48 and '49 are listed. The folder they were in is age appropriate and the blackout and revision as well as the poor copy speaks of period mimeograph.

[Speeding Big Twin]

Thanks Robbie.
Eric