harleyKmodel

I'm trying to build a '55 KHK with the date codes as close to original as possible. Does anybody know what parts are date coded and where those codes are located? I've already got the motor and frame covered but need to know what other parts are coded. Thanks in advance for your help.

Look over in Technical : Numbers. There's a page of photos showing various engine parts with date codes. The use of date codes is far from consistent. Some parts didn't have them, then they did, then they didn't. In general, Ks had them on fewer parts, Sportsters on more parts.

Thanks for the help. I'll check out the Technical section but I've already confirmed and had someone who knows way more than me confirm the codes on the engine and they seem to be right (except for the KR heads). I'm trying to figure out if there are other date coded parts and where the codes are located. I need to find alot of stuff and would like to get the dates as close as possible.

Date codes for K parts are all over the board. Codes say when part was made, but not necessarily when used. Parts with -52 #s may be used through all all Ks and XLs or -52 only depending on application. # changes were made with design changes at the time of part design change. You probably know this, just wanted to mention. Casting #s is what I'm talking about. Erik

I understand the factory's system for casting numbers and part numbers. This is my first K model not my first Harley. What I'm looking for is info as to when parts were made and/or put into service. I have a fairly early (200s) KHK and I'm trying to keep coded parts early '55 or late '54, but thanks for your input. I need all the help I can get.

You say you have the frame covered, just curious as to what date code your going with. In addition parts that stand out that vary are:
Kicker cover
crank arm
cam cover
gas tank
headlight
top and bottom tree
speedo
oil tank
oil tank cap
oil feed line fitting on engine
chain guard (2 versions of the long one)
rear brake operating lever
rear brake crossover shaft
K shocks ( 2 versions between 52 and 55)
proper solo seat
I know I'm missing a few parts that vary. If you can't find the information you need about what part would be correct for your 55, I would suggest posting some good pictures of what you are thinking of using or ask about a specific part you want direction on.
Good luck
JerryR

Here are some casting numbers or stamped numbers on parts (excluding frame, cases, and top end) that would have been used in 1955. Some of these are already noted in the technical section. If you get your sliders re-plated make sure you talk to the person that is preparing the parts. If you don't they will strip the numbers right off. They all come from the land of Smooth, everything has to be smoooooth, but don't get me started.

16200-52: rear motor mount
26215-52: Oil pump body
34605-52A: shift lever
41407-52: rear brake drum
41661-54: rear brake plate
42409-52: rear brake petal
44147-54: front brake plate
45707-52A: lower fork triple tree
45874-52: right fork slider
45882-52: left fork slider
50950-52: left foot peg
50955-52: right foot peg
51910-52: solo seat tee

Front wheel 18” rim (stamped near tube valve hole): KHW 705TA or 43002-30
Rear wheel 18” rim (stamped near tube valve hole): KHW XF705

Thanks y'all this is the kind of info I'm looking for. My motor seems to be all the original parts (cylinders are 25-4 mid '54) except the trans, (wrong alignment pins) my frame is 5-E (early '55) which I believe would be just about right. The motor was a race motor in the '80s so I'm building this bike as a late 50s early 60s race bike (it won't be raced) so there's alot of parts I won't need. There's no way I can do this as an original stocker it's missing almost everything. It's for my wife so I will need a front brake, speedo, and lights so it won't be perfect but it needs to be safe for her to ride. I'm too lazy to break in a new wife (it took 30 years to train this one) so I can't let her crash and die. Again thanks for all the help.

Hi Flathead
A 5E frame is a late 55 not an early. Your frame I am guessing has the doublers on the front downtubes. For your early vin you need a late 54 date codes frame, 4F or newer. It could be one of the last welded neck -52 castings or a-52A neck. Make sure it has the 3/8 fine threaded coil cover bolt bosses on the left rear downtube, not the 5/16 coarse.

Looks like I have a late frame. I thought the the E was the week not the month. No doublers on the down tubes, -52 welded neck, 3/8 coil cover bosses that are coarse thread (must have been retapped at some point in the past 60 plus years). Thanks for the info. I'm broken hearted but it is what it is.