The only numbers used for the purpose of identification are on the right neck and frame downtube.

• The frame is stamped with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identification.
• There are still other stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
  But the only numbers used to identify the entire bike for ownership purposes is the VIN number stamped in the right side neck.
• In addition to the neck VIN, an identification label is located on the frame giving the VIN and date of manufacture.
  This label was required by law for identification.¹⁾

In 1981, the full VIN was expanded to include country of origin, maker, bike weight, engine displacement, introduction date, a check digit and which factory made it ²⁾.

• This new nationwide system is designed to provide improved theft protection and more specific vehicle information to HD and government agencies.
• In addition to the neck VIN, an identification label is located on the frame giving the VIN and date of manufacture.
  This label was required by law for identification.³⁾

Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia for more information.
Click Here for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.

17 Digit VIN for 1985 Sportsters
Origin	Make	Weight Class	Model	Engine Size	Intro Date / Special Models	VIN Check Digit	Model Year	Assembly Plant	Serial Number
1 = Made in USA	HD = Harley Davidson	1 = 1000cc	CA = XLH CB = XLS CC = XLX	H = 1000cc	1 = Regular 2 = Mid Year	Can be 0 - 9 or X	F = 1985	Y = York, PA	6 Digits (varies)
Example: (1HD1CAH16FY112016) designates a 1985 XLH 1000, stamped on the steering head with a sticker VIN on the right front frame downtube. The abbreviated VIN appears on engine right case (CAHB 112016) 4)
Example VIN on Frame Reads: 1HD1CBH15EY112016
1	HD	1	CA	H	1	6	F	Y	112016
Example Abbreviated VIN on Case Reads: CAHF112016
			CA	H			F		112016

The engine numbers changed and are no longer stamped the same as the frame. This change is part of the new 17 digit VIN system.
The serial number is stamped on the case, right side, between the cylinders but is not used for identification purpose of ownership.

• An abbreviated version of the 17 digit VIN is stamped into the engine case. It's the exact same as the frame numbers but certain designations were left out.
  (including country of origin, maker, bike weight, intro date, check digit and plant of origin)

• Model Designations: XLH-1000, XLS-1000, XLX-1000 (XLX-61)

The 57-69 service manuals and other literature from HD cover multiple years.
And the 1957-1959 “XL” is included with the information in these manuals up through 1969.
However, the 1970-1978 FSM also includes an “XL” model in the specs but does not refer to the 57-59 XL motorcycle.
Starting in 1977, there were also XLT and XLCR models (these are both included in the “XL” verbiage).
The “XL” noted in 1970 and future literature simply refers to a street legal “Sportster” model motorcycle.
The last XLCH was made in 1979 but both “XL” and “XLH” verbiage was used in manuals and literature up through the 2003 manuals.
(referring to the same bikes).
“XLH” became the mantra for the base 883cc model but the manuals also refer to XLH1100 and XLH1200 Sportsters.
1979-1985 service manual is titled for XL/XR models and the specs in are listed for XLH, XLCH and XLS models.
2004-up manuals dropped the “H” altogether. So 2003 is the last year the MoCo referred to a Sportster as an XLH.

• Wheelbase: ⁵⁾
  • XLH, 60.0 in / 152.40 cm
  • XLS, 60.0 in / 152.40 cm
  • XLX, 60.0 in / 152.40 cm
• Overall Length:
  • XLH, 87.5 in / 222.25 cm
  • XLS, 87.5 in / 222.25 cm
  • XLX, 87.5 in / 222.25 cm
• Overall Width:
  • XLH, 33 in / 83.82 cm
  • XLS, 33 in / 83.82 cm
  • XLX, 35 in / 88.90 cm
• Overall Height:
  • XLH, 48.5 in / 123.19 cm
  • XLS, 47.5 in / 120.65 cm
  • XLX, 45 in / 114.30 cm
• Road Clearance:
  • XLH, 6.75 in / 17.14 cm
  • XLS, 6.75 in / 17.14 cm
  • XLX, 6.75 in / 17.14 cm

• Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2
• Displacement: 60.9 ci / 997.5 cc (1,000 cc advertised)
• Compression Ratio: 8.8:1
• Bore: 3.188 in / 81 mm
• Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
• 4 Cams
• Oil Pump: Gerotor type oil pump. Click Here for the IH Oil Pump section of the Sportsterpedia.
• Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):
  • Minimum: 4-7 psi (idle)
  • Maximum: 10-20 psi (3500 rpm)
  • Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi
• Fuel System: Keihin “butterfly” carburetor. Click Here to reference the main Ironhead carb page in the Sportsterpedia
• Spark Plugs #4R, #4R5

• Fuel Capacity:
  • XLH, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l ⁶⁾
    Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
  • XLS, 3.8 gal / 13.627 l
    Reserve: .40 gal / 1.514 l
  • XLX, 2.25 gal / 8.517 l
    Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
• Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 1.419 l (quoted from -85 FSM)
• Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l

• Multi-Disc wet clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.⁷⁾

• Constant Mesh ⁸⁾
• Left Side Shifter
• Speeds - 4 Forward
• Number of Sprocket Teeth (XLH / XLS / XLX)
  • Engine: 34
  • Clutch: 59
  • Transmission: 21
  • Rear Wheel: 48
• Gear Ratios (XLH / XLS / XLX)
  • 1st: 10.02:1 (E84), 10.01:1 (L84) (may be a mis-print in the FSM) ^{9) 10)}
  • 2nd: 7.25:1
  • 3rd: 5.49:1
  • 4th: 3.97:1

• Front:
  • For tube type laced (contour 2.50×19 TLA) or cast (contour 2.15×19 TL) 19“ wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MJ90-19).
  • For tubeless laced (contour 2.15×19 TL) 19” wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MJ90-19).
• Rear:
  • For tube type laced or cast (contour 3.00x16D) 16“ wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MT90-16).
  • For tubeless cast (contour 3.00x16D) 16” wheels: Goodyear Eagle A/T or Dunlop K181 (MT90-16).
• Tire pressure based on overall weight.
  • Up to 300 lb load including rider, passenger and cargo:
    • Front 26 psi / 1.79 bar
    • Rear 30 psi / 2.06 bar
  • Up to GVWR maximum load:
    • Front 26 psi / 1.79 bar
    • Rear 32 psi / 2.20 bar

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹¹⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹²⁾

85 XLS ¹³⁾

What is the Current KBB Value? ¹⁴⁾

Back to Sportster History Index