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However, in the case of Sportsters, the engine displacement is often following the XL designation. The third letter (and sometimes also the fourth, as with Softail, see below) of the model designation will inform you of which style frame is to be found on that particular Harley-Davidson model. The X designation was also used for the 1918 to 1922 opposed twin cylinder Sport and the experimental 1944 XA military opposed twin cylinder. Sportster model designation always starts with XL, except for the few XR models (see Sportster model list below). The Sportster’s precursor was the K-model in 1952, which became the Sportster, or XL, starting in 1957. WL is a civilian model, WLA refers to the military model produced for World War II (see Additional Letter Designations and list of vintage models below) WL Flathead, side-valve 45 cubic inch engine. VL Flathead, side-valve 74 cubic inch Big Twin engine. This dual-overhead cam, liquid cooled Harley-Davidson engine varies greatly versus other powerplants prior to it’s 2002 release. V Revolution engine, also known as the V-Rod engine. U Big Twin, flathead, side-valve 74 and 80 cubic inch K racing bikes were made after 1956, however, including the KR, KRTT etc. K models were produced from 1952 through 1956, with the Sportster being released in 1957. K Flathead, side-valve 45 and 55 cubic inch engine that was the precursor to the Sportster. Depending on the model they could have been equipped with a variety of engines, including 61 or 74 cubic inch engine (like the JD). GE is electric start, produced from 1963 to 1973. G Servi-Car (three wheeler) produced from 1937 to 1973. Tend to be 'sport model' bikes, often narrow and performance oriented. Includes Superglide and Dyna series, as well as others. Depending on the year FL the engine could be a Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, Twin Cam, Milwaukee-Eight etc.įX Big Twin, 73 cubic inch and larger engines. The 74 cubic inch engines were from 1941 to 1982. The models below cover many years, from 1918 to modern day Harley-Davidsons.ĮL Big Twin, overhead valve, 61 cubic inch KnuckleheadįL Big Twin, 74, 80, 88, 107 etc cubic inch engine. This is quite straight-forward, with the first letter representing which engine is in the particular model in question.
#HARLEY DAVIDSON MODEL NUMBERS DECODER FULL#
Towards the end you will find some examples, as well as a quick reference guide for the most common late-model Harley Davidson model abbreviations and full names. The goal of this list was to offer up a solid, overall view of Harley-Davidson model codes over the years, without getting too granular and confusing to the layman. It covers the vast majority of models, though there are some gaps for special outfitting of limited model motorcycles. Also, this guide can be used for identifying early models up to current day designations. The key to deciphering these model abbreviations is understanding the sequence of the letters.
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Perhaps our tongue-in-cheek subtitle clues you in to our thoughts on the sometimes straight-forward, sometimes convoluted world of Harley-Davidson naming conventions.
#HARLEY DAVIDSON MODEL NUMBERS DECODER CODE#
Harley-Davidson applies a letter to help designate the main components, and even accessories, that a certain model is outfitted with.īy reading the basic knowledge below, we hope to help you be comfortable in identifying types of Harley-Davidson motorcycles simply by knowing what the model code is.