Harley Flathead Serial Numbers
Like Chris, I have seen factory photos with serial number 1000, but I believe the production models started at 1001. The belly numbers have nothing to do with the serial numbers. The incremental difference between belly number and serial number is different on every motor I have. I believe the belly numbers were stamped when the casting was made and the serial numbers were stamped when the bikes were assembled. I have a set of unstamped cases (no serial number) that have belly numbers. I also have a set of cases with a 1933 serial number, but 1932 belly numbers. The castings were probably made in '32, placed in inventory, then assembled in a machine in '33.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Info 1937-1961. Harley Davidson® VIN Identification Guide. 74 & 80 CID Solo Flathead K Models. Exhibits Experience key moments in Harley history and culture. Flathead engine The 45 cubic inch V-twin engine (later to be known as the 'flathead. Harley Flathead Serial Numbers. Classic Harley OHV Motorcycle Production 1. Knucklehead Era. Classic Harley Motorcycle & Info. Thanks to Panhead Jim for allowing us to share parts of this excellent. Harley Davidson® VIN Identification Guide. This list is unofficial and is not gospel. 74 & 80 CID Solo Flathead K Models. Sportster Models. Harley-Davidson produced about 70.000 WLA and WLC military. Have Crankcase Numbers 42-28353. 45 ci Flathead Engines were also. Lists the engine serial.
Your 42WLA64632 was probably built in 1943 or 1944, for some reason all wartime WLAs were numbered with the 42 prefix. The serial number 64632 does not mean that yours was the 64632nd 42WLA off the production line firstly the serial numbers would normally start at 1001 and it was normally the case that any other bikes off the line using the same type of motor (in this case the 45 inch side valve) Would also use the same sequence of serial numbers. So in the case of your WLA. This would include civilian and all the 42 WLCs that where built before your WLA.in the 1942 production year.
At a very rough guess I would think that your WLA was around the 40,000th 42 WLA built. Bentley Bx-11 Manual. I hope this helps Pete. Alstahaug Kino Program. It was alway my understanding that HD production of individual models started with 1001, for each broad motor type.
Thus, in 1936, all of the E's started with 36E*1001, and the second bike would be 36E*1002, and so forth. Different models of E's would be included in the same number sequence, and could be all mixed up, based on what was being built. Only the serial number would be sequential. In 1941, as in previous years, the model range included other basic motor types, so there would be a 41E*1001, a 41F*1001, a 41U*1001, and a 41W*1001. Again, all E's, F's, U's and W's would have their own number sequence, but varying models would be included (mixed up) as they were produced. Now, I'm pretty sure this is the standard rule for most of the 30's, 40's and 50s, but I would be very interested in learning if that is correct.