harleyKmodel

On my 1969 XLH the VIN is in the classic location under the inspection hole on the left case. The right hand case has the block for the VIN typical of 1970 and later outboard of the front cylinder tappet blocks-blank,never had numbers. The cases are matching belly numbers indicating 7//1969 production. I'm guessing that at some point the factory made the decision to use the same case for the 1970 XLH and XLCH....Question; When did that VIN block start showing up? I have a 1969 XLCH,also 7/1969 production that doesn't have that block. The XLH is a slightly higher VIN number.

Hi Joe,

The VIN pad on the right case between the 2 front cylinder tappet blocks was only used in 1970 cause they still had the vertical timer.

That pad moved in between rear and front inlets in 1971 when they changed to integrated timing cover.

Could you post a photo of your 69 that is like the 70? I have not seen one before, but it makes sense for them to introduce them as soon as they were available.

They are also hints here and there that the 1972 1000cc engine was well on its way by the late 60s, maybe they thought it could be introduced earlier than 72 and started using some of its bits of it in production...

Patrick

Joe,
As I recall you have a very late 69XLH. In all likelihood the factory ran out of "early" 67 to 69 electric start right cases and substituted a 70 right case (which added the DoD compliant VIN pad) in the tool room. I have a very early all original 71 XLCH which has the 70 right case (VIN pad between the #3 and #4 cylinders) which leaves me to believe that they had more 70 right cases than motors and used them up as opposed to discarding them. Over the years (49 to be exact) I have seen lots examples of this, like the long front fender strut reinforcements (up to 58) on early 59XLCH's, a 69 front fender (reflector holes) on a very late 68 XLCH, and a Big Twin carb (Tillotsen HD2) on my unmolested 71 XLCH. I have two different shift levers on my 58XLCH's, one a -52A and one a -58. The -52A is on a bike that is about 200 VIN numbers earlier that the later. So lots of running changes based on available parts inventories are out there. Bolt markings are another excellent example. That's what gets us picking the fly poop out of the pepper.
Dave

Thanks Dave; I surmised it was something like that. By the way, send me a picture of your 4 cylinder XLCH ! ( just kidding!)

69xlh13925

I spotted a set of 69 XLH cases on EBay- 69XLH1417.....the right side cased did not have the boss for the later VIN,but was typical of the earlier style.

latest research puts the changeover between April and July 1969