53 k model on e-bay

[tator]

Just curious about a 1953 k model that is on e-bay. This is the e-bay listing number, 283390362526, it says it has a 1958 top end. It also says the case numbers match. It has what looks to be a good 1953 serial number but it does not look possible to me that you could get the overhead lifters in without changing the right side case. Just curious to what you guys might think has been changed on this motor.

[mikeslemmon]

it's not a K it's a sportster with a K vin # . if you look in 1961 you'll find a sportster with a KR vin # it's an obvious vin alteration on both motorcycles.

[tator]

Thank you for your reply, that makes more since, but it is an awfully good job of changing the numbers.

[Lisa]

Easy to find the truth ask if it has a trap door - right ? 52 & 53 no trap door. Did anybody read this ????

[Mayday53]

Sorry, but that looks like a mess! The serial number appears to be very forged too. Can you say sketchy?

[Tim The Grim]

I saw one very similar to this when I worked at a dealer 40+ years ago. Overheads on a 53K stamped ‘57 case. It also had a NJDMV plate rivited to it with the motor #s matching the restamped case.
You have to remember that early K’s blew up fairly often and sometimes with catastrophic case failures. Replacement cases were stamped both at the factory or local dealers. Stamp sets were not always consistent with the factory font.
If you had a good rapport with your dealer, it’s not inconceivable that you could get a major upgrade on your motor.
Notice the JA stamps up forward. Some restamped cases have those and others have a D.
If Patrick chimes in he probably knows what’s what with all that.

To me that eBay bike is an orphan with little or no historical value. Hope it’s a decent rider.

[Noot]

If you really know about these engines, there's hardly any parts (you could hold all them in one hand) that will actually work on a 52-53 K-Model engine and an early Sportster engine. The base nuts, a few thrust washers, oil pump, pinion gears....maybe a couple case bolts and some screws, shift forks & rollers.... That's it ! If you think you know anything else that will work - let me know.... -Noot

[mikeslemmon]

a sportster engine will fit in a K model frame, but there is a dimple behind the top motor mount to allow space to remove the rear head on a sportster. I doubt there is anything K model about these bikes. the cases are obviously sportster,

[Ferrous_Head]

The frame looks like Sportster to me. My eyesight isn't that good but pretty sure the first and 6th pics shows a Sportster frame.
If it's a Sportster frame and the belly numbers say Sportster the chance that it is a K is pretty slim. Date code on the frame would tell you everything.

[Lisa]

The frame looks like Sportster to me. My eyesight isn't that good but pretty sure the first and 6th pics shows a Sportster frame.
If it's a Sportster frame and the belly numbers say Sportster the chance that it is a K is pretty slim. Date code on the frame would tell you everything.

OK enough of the guessing game everybody I contacted the seller about the trap door and he said there isn't one so what does that tell you ? 53 K Easily done deal.