hArley VL Vin Number

[Buster]

There is a set of Vl cases on eBay with vin number 35VLD1289D. Is it correct to have the "D" at the end? Thanks.

[Buster]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301887334249...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

This is the link. Seller also says restamps on both belly numbers are factory restamp, is this reasonable.

[wideglide38]

A question I had hoped would generate an answer. I see the book "The Legend Begins", the '35 sales order sheet shows a VLDD (80" Solo); but, I would think the (2) "Ds" would have been next to one another. I've seen a '30 V with a "C" (nickel iron pistons) after the engine number - but never a "D".

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Bill, I've been holding back until the auction ended. I reckon that engine number was correct for a 35VLDD. It is the earliest of the eight we have on the VL Register. Two 34 VLDDs were allegedly built, and I've seen one motor with a real high engine number, around 9000. The VLDD was the first 80, that's why the stroker flywheels have 1935 part numbers. They used the 7-bolt cylinders with relieving around the valve seats like the VLH eighties the following year with the one-year 9-bolt cylinders. The Harley 'Legend Begins' book says 179 were built, mostly later in the season, with many apparently going to the California Highway Patrol. If you go to the VL Heaven website you can see my 35VLDD restored as a CHP bike, and with the prototype aluminum heads as a vanity touch.

[wideglide38]

Dear Steve,
Thanks for info and great looking 35LVDD you have. I hope and certainly wasn't trying to let the cat out of the bag!
William

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear William, I was keeping it quiet in case people wanted to tamper with 35VLD engine numbers, but I think Harley spaced them out so there is no room to put a D after the engine number. For 1930/31 you are right that 30V1234C would be a standard compression 74 with iron pistons, while 30VC1234 would be a commercial motor with the small carburetor and manifold, and the low lift cams, with earlier iron pistons for extra low compression.