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-Present

Model Info

1920 | 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929

1920

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

Series E, F, and J Big Twins

First Year
Model 235 Remy generator (early year)

1921

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

1922

Main Models

• Model 22CD - Commercial: 37ci F-head single, 3 speed
• Model 22F - Solo: 61ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, number preceded by 22F, three speed
• Model 22FD - 74ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, number preceded by 22FD, three speed
• Model 22FDS - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto, sidecar gearing
• Model 22FS - Sidecar Twin: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto, sidecar gearing
• Model 22J - Solo: 61ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, generator, 8.68 HP, number preceded by 22J, three speed
• Model 22JD - Solo: 74ci F-head V-twin, chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, number preceded by 22JD, three speed
• Model 22JDS - Sidecar Twin: 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
• Model 22JS - Sidecard Twin: 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system, sidecar gearing
• Model 22WF - Sport Model Solo: 35.64ci front to back horizontally opposed twin, three speed transmission, magneto
• Model 22WJ - Solo: 35.64ci front to back horizontally opposed twin, three speed transmission, electrical system

Specialty Models

• Model 22FA - "A" motor 61ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
• Model 22FCA - "T" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed
• Model 22FDA - "A" motor 74ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
• Model 22FE - "E" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto
• Model 22JA - "A" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
• Model 22JDA - "A" motor 74 ci F-head V-twin, 3 speed, electrical system
• Model 22JE - "E" motor F-head V-twin, 3 speed, magneto

Sidecars and Chassis

• Model 22L - right-hand single-passenger sidecar
• Model 22LC - right-hand single-passenger sidecar chassis
• Model 22LR - right-hand single-passenger Roadster sidecar
• Model 22LT - right hand single-passenger Tourist sidecar
• Model 22LX - right-hand Speedster sidecar
• Model L22L - left-hand single-passenger sidecar
• Model L22LC - left-hand single-passenger sidecar chassis
• Model L22LR - left-hand single-passenger Roadster Sidecar
• Model 22M - standard commercial sidecar
• Model 22Q - two-passenger sidecar chassis, 56in-tread
• Model 22QA - standard closed commercial van, 56in-tread chassis
• Model 22QB - standard open commercial van, 56in-tread chassis
• Model 22QD - two-compartment Parcel Car, 56in-tread chassis
• Model 22QL - right-hand two-passenger sidecar
• Model 22QT - right-hand two-passenger Tourist sidecar

Production: 12,759

• Model CD - 39
• Model F - 1824
• Model FD - 909
• Model J - 3183
• Model JD - 3988
• Model WF - 388
• Model WJ - 455

1923

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

1924

• No singles offered
• Twins

Model 24FE - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 8.68 HP, 60.34 c.i., number preceded by 24FE, three speed, aluminum pistons Model 24FD - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24FD, three speed, 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 24FDCB - twin-chain drive, magneto ignition, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24FDCB, three speed, iron alloy pistons Model 24JD - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24JD, three speed, cast iron pistons Model 24JDCA - twin-chain drive, generator, 9.5 HP, 74 c.i., number preceded by 24JDCA, three speed, aluminum pistnos 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

• Production: 13,996

1925

• 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

1926

• 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

1927

• 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

1928

• 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

1929

• 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