Page 1 of 1

1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:22 pm
by KEVINSK
Thank you for all the input... you guys are a wealth of knowledge here!!!

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:36 pm
by Mike
Here's a comparison photo from my 52. Mike

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:50 pm
by hayleyl
Here is another vin pad for comparison from my 52 engine. Cheers Hayley

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:24 pm
by riverdog
Hi just found your query here as well as the attatchments of vin pads. I dont have a K bike but i have a 62 Sportster and was analuminum welder for 40 years or so. Un fortunately I think your vin pad has been reworked as it is narrower that the other pads offered here and the stamp.fonts seem quite coarse and thick in comparison i especially see that comparing the Ks
Al.so the biggest worry id have is the fins cast in the engine case below the vin pad and around the timing plug...i have never seen these fins on a K model case but they are quite common. on Sportsters
So im thinkin your left.case.is modified .from an early Sportster..but its a tiny picture..

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 3:47 am
by xlh59
Obviously the k-Model VIN has been stamped on a 70/71 Ironhead engine case with the provision for an electric starter and 1000cc barrels -- so very very likely this is an complete Ironhead engine with a K-Model vin and eventually a K-Model chassis.

A bigger pic would help, but this VIN is definately not original from the factory . Cheers, Ralf

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 11:14 am
by hennesse
What are the belly numbers on this engine? Take a look in our Technical section, under the Numbers article.

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 11:23 am
by wz507
xlh59 wrote:Obviously the k-Model VIN has been stamped on a 70/71 Ironhead engine case with the provision for an electric starter and 1000cc barrels -- so very very likely this is an complete Ironhead engine with a K-Model vin and eventually a K-Model chassis. Cheers, Ralf


Yes, and the cylinders are a -72A casting number so engine must be an OHV XL?

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 2:02 pm
by panic
In theory the Sportster cylinders (and heads etc.) could be installed on a heavily modified K case set (welding, Bridgeport). The work on the right case would be very complex due to the tappet block locations.
Take off the primary. If it has a trap door it's not a K.

Re: 1952K MODEL VIN

PostPosted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 4:58 pm
by Ferrous_Head
Wellm I was under the impression trap doors were introduced on the K's.

72A cylinders would mean late model cases, not 70-71 without welding work and relocation cylinder studs.

I would guess this is just a re-stamped Sportster.