Written By Tyler Malinky | 0 Comments
What do the letters in Harley-Davidson models mean?
Harley-Davidson applies a letter to help designate the main components, and even accessories, that a certain model is outfitted with. Use your Harley-Davidson model codes to find guaranteed-to-fit parts for your bike.
The modern Harley Davidson is made up of 5 major houses: Touring, Softail, V-Rod, Dyna, and Sportster. Each has a set of features that makes them unique.
The key to deciphering these Harley model abbreviations is understanding the sequence of the letters.
By reading the basic knowledge below, we hope to help you be comfortable in identifying types of Harley-Davidson motorcycles simply by knowing what the model code is and find for your best Harley Davidson Sportster Parts for Your Custom Bikes.
Also, this guide can be used for identifying early models up to current day designations. It covers the vast majority of models, though there are some gaps for special outfitting of limited model motorcycles.
Our goal was to offer up a solid, overall view of Harley-Davidson model codes over the years, without getting too granular and confusing to the layman. Towards the end you will find some examples, as well as a quick reference guide for the most common late-model Harley Davidson model abbreviations and full names. Enjoy!
The First Two Letters - Engine Designations
What do the first letters in a Harley engine mean? This is quite straight-forward, with the first letter representing which engine is in the particular model in question. The models below cover many years, from 1918 to modern day Harley-Davidsons.
The first two letter blocks lets you know whether your bike is set up for the narrower 16-inch front tires, or a wider fork for 19” or 21” wheels.
*This excludes the Sportster & V-Rod Models
- L = L stands for large, this means for wide front tire and Hydra-Glide style front forks
- X = Narrow Tire and Sport Forks (16” front wheel)
Engine Code | Engine Type |
EL | Big Twin, overhead valve, 61 cubic inch Knucklehead |
FL | Big Twin, 74, 80, 88, 107 etc cubic inch engine. The 74 cubic inch engines were from 1941 to 1982. Depending on the year FL the engine could be a Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, Twin Cam, Milwaukee-Eight etc. |
FX | Big Twin, 73 cubic inch and larger engines. Includes Super Glide and Dyna series, as well as others. Tend to be 'sport model' bikes, often narrow and performance oriented. |
G | Servi-Car (three wheeler) produced from 1937 to 1973. GE is electric start, produced from 1963 to 1973. |
J | F Head (IOE, or Intake over Exhaust). Depending on the model they could have been equipped with a variety of engines, including 61 or 74 cubic inch engines (like the JD). |
K | Flathead, side-valve 45 and 55 cubic inch engine that was the precursor to the Sportster. K models were produced from 1952 through 1956, with the Sportster being released in 1957. K racing bikes were made after 1956, however, including the KR, KRTT etc. |
U | Big Twin, flathead, side-valve 74 and 80 cubic inch |
V | Revolution engine, also known as the V-Rod engine. This dual-overhead cam, liquid cooled Harley-Davidson engine varies greatly versus other powerplants prior to it’s 2002 release. |
VL | Flathead, side-valve 74 cubic inch Big Twin engine. Starting in 1930. |
WL | Flathead, side-valve 45 cubic inch engine. The L refers to low-compression. WL is a civilian model, WLA refers to the military model produced for World War II (see Additional Letter Designations and list of vintage models below) |
XL | Sportster. The Sportster’s precursor was the K-model in 1952, which became the Sportster, or XL, starting in 1957. Sportster model designation always starts with XL, except for the few XR models (see Sportster model list below). The X designation was also used for the 1918 to 1922 opposed twin cylinder Sport and the experimental 1944 XA military opposed twin cylinder. |
Model codes for 1978 Harley-Davidson XLCR Sportster Cafe Racer - production 1977-1979
The Third Letter - Frame and Fairing Code
What does the third letter in a Harley engine reveal? In Harley Davidson model code, the third letter (and sometimes also the fourth, as with Softail, see below) of the model designation will inform you of which style frame is to be found on that particular Harley-Davidson model.
However, in the case of Sportsters, the engine displacement is often following the XL designation. The number 883 refers to 883cc, while 1200 refers to a 1200cc displacement engine, for instance, XL1200C (Sportster 1200cc Custom).
Frame Code | Frame Type |
D | Dyna frame, which features a rubber-mounted engine |
ST | Softail frame, originating in 1984, with hidden rear suspension and a ‘hardtail’ look. |
T | Touring frame |
Harley Davidson model code of 1948 FL Panhead • Photo by: David Carlo
Additional Letters of Harley Model Codes - Specific Models and Additional Features
After the first three to four letters, as some models use two letters for the frame designation, you can find a wide array of letter designations for specific Harley Davidson model codes, or for additional features found on different model motorcycles. Some of these are as follows:
Specific Models/ Features Code | Specific Models/Features Type |
A | Military |
B | Belt Drive for initial 1980’s models, Black Paint for the Bad Boy in 1995-96. |
C | Various meanings including Classic, Competition (as in XLCH), Custom |
D | Deuce |
DG | Disc Glide |
E | Electric start |
F | Fat Boy model |
H | Various meanings including Hand shift, High Performance and Heavy Duty |
I | Fuel Injection |
L | Low or Low Rider |
LR | Can denote Low Rider |
N | Nostalgia, Iron (as in XL883N, Sportster 883 Iron), Deluxe |
P | Police model |
R | Road King, Rubber Mount (FXR) |
S | Springer |
S (without following T) | Sports version |
SC | Springer Custom |
T | Touring |
V | Seventy-Two ( as in XL1200V, Sportster 1200 Seventy-Two) |
WG | Wide Glide front end |
Harley Davidson model code of 2000 FXDS-CONV Dyna Convertible
EXAMPLES OF DECIPHERED MODEL DESIGNATIONS
Bringing this full circle, let’s look at some different Harley model designations and decipher them, learn some harley davidson acronyms just for fun! Don’t worry, kids, there will not be a written test on this material.
XL883C
XL = Sportster
883 = 883cc engine displacement
C = Custom
Therefore, the XL883C is a Sportster 883 Custom
What is a harley FXDL?
FX = Big Twin sport model
D = Dyna frame
L = Low Rider
Therefore, the FXDL is a Dyna Low Rider! The FXD is easy as it means ‘Dyna’, and anything to follow that will spell out some specific features or model that it is.
FLSTN
FL = Big Twin
ST = Softail frame
N = Deluxe
Therefore, the FXSTN is a Softail Deluxe. A Harley Big Twin with a wide front tire, Softail frame and the N designation meaning it is a Deluxe.
FLHRCI
FL = Big Twin
H = Highway frame
R = Road King
C = Classic
I = Fuel Injected
Whew! You can see how these Harley Davidson models explained names can get quite long, but with a little practice you can be rattling off model names ad nauseam.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MODEL DESIGNATION QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Below we have compiled a quick reference of Harley-Davidson model abbreviations and the full model names that you can pronounce (usually!) in plain English.
This list is a compilation of late-model motorcycles, though much of it applies to models from a very large swath of the last century.
If you are searching for a particular one, simply hit CTRL-F and use the ‘Find’ function to jump right to the model you are looking for. You can also use this list to check your skill at deciphering H-D model abbreviations on-the-fly!
Harley Davidson model code of 1938 EL Knucklehead
VINTAGE MODELS 1960'S AND EARLIER - Set H3
Model Code | Model Name |
DL | Flathead, 45 cubic inch, produced 1929-1931. Harley's first flathead v-twin as well as first 45 cubic inch engine. |
E | Knucklehead, overhead valve, 61 cubic inch V-Twin, 6.5:1 compression |
EL | Knucklehead, overhead valve, 61 cubic inch V-Twin, 7:1 compression, introduced in 1936 |
ES | Knucklehead, overhead valve, 61 cubic inch V-Twin, 6.5:1 compression, sidecar use |
FL | The FL, introduced in 1941 featuring a 74 cubic inch Knucklehead engine, the FL designation is used to current day. On Panhead models, FL was standard compression and FLH was high compression. By the time Shovelheads came around they were all high compression. |
G / GA / GD / GE | Servi-Car three-wheeled motorcycle powered by a 45 cubic inch flathead engine. 1932-73. Second letter can denote style of rear box, or in case of the 'GE' it denotes Servi-Car with electric start, produced 1963-1973. |
J | J Model, F head (intake over exhaust, or IOE), 61 cubic inch V-twin introduced in 1915 |
JD | JD, F head (intake over exhaust, or IOE), 74 cubic inch V-Twin introduced in 1922 |
K | K Model, precursor to the Sportster, a 750cc (45 cubic inch) flathead, was introduced in 1952 |
KH | The KH was introduced in 1954 featuring a larger 883cc engine |
KHK | The KHK featured the 883cc engine plus high-lift cams and polished ports |
KK | The KK model, introduced 1953, features a K model 750cc engine with hotter cams and factory porting |
KR | The KR replaced the flathead WR Harley factory flat track race bike and was produced from 1952 until 1969. |
KRTT | The KRTT is the faired version of the KR for use in road racing. |
RL | Flathead, 45 cubic inch, produced 1932-1936 |
U | Flathead, 74 cubic inch Big Twin, 5:1 compression |
UH | Flathead, 80 cubic inch Big Twin, 5.2:1 compression |
UL | Flathead, 74 cubic inch Big Twin, 5.5:1 compression |
ULH | Flathead, 80 cubic inch Big Twin, 5.7:1 compression |
VL | Flathead, 74 cubic inch Big Twin replaced the JD in 1930 |
VLH | Flathead, 80 cubic inch Big Twin, 1936 only |
WL | Flathead, 45 cubic inch V-twin, civilian model |
WLA | Flathead, 45 cubic inch V-twin, U.S. Army model 1940-45, 1949-52 |
WLC | Flathead, 45 cubic inch V-twin, Canadian Army model 1941-1944 |
WLDR | Flathead, 45 cubic inch V-twin race motorcycle, discontinued at outbreak of WWII |
WR | Harley production racing motorcycle, built to compete in AMA sanctioned events. |
XA | The XA was built for use in Africa in WWII, with opposed cylinders and a shaft drive. |
TOURING MODELS
Touring models are the largest model bike Harley offers and generally featured with a set of saddlebags, a fairing/windscreen, and packing plenty of power. They give you the room and motor for long road trips. Popular models include the Electra Glide family, the Road King family, and Street Glide models, etc.
Model Code | Model Name |
FLHR | Road King |
FLHRCI | Road King Classic |
FLHRSI | Road King Custom |
FLHS | Electra Glide Sport |
FLHT | Electra Glide Standard |
FLHTC | Electra Glide Classic |
FLHTCU | Ultra Classic Electra Glide |
FLHTCUL | Ultra Classic Electra Glide Low |
FLHX | Street Glide |
FLHXSE | CVO Street Glide |
FLHTCUSE | CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide |
FLHTCUTG | Tri-Glide |
FLHTK | Electra Glide Ultra Limited |
FLHTKL | Electra Glide Ultra Limited Low |
FLHX | Street Glide |
FLHXS | Street Glide Special |
FLHXXX | Street Glide Trike |
FLTC | Rubber Mounted Dresser Classic |
FLTCU | Rubber Mounted Dresser Classic Ultra |
FLTR | Road Glide |
FLTRSE | CVO Screamin' Eagle Road Glide |
FLTRX | Road Glide Custom |
FLTRXS | Road Glide Special |
SOFTAIL MODELS
The Harley-Davidson's Softail lineup offers the traditional hard-tail styling, but a more forgiving ride thanks to their generous hidden suspension. This is a great choice for riders who prioritize comfort and like to ride solo or two-up.
Model Code | Model Name |
FLST | Softail |
FLSTC | Heritage Softail Classic |
FLSTF | Fat Boy |
FLSTN | Softail Deluxe |
FLSTSC | Springer Softail Classic |
FLSTSE | CVO Softail Convertible |
FLSTSB | Cross Bones |
FXSTB | Night Train |
FXSTC | Softail Custom |
FXSTD | Softail Deuce |
FXSTS | Springer Softail |
FXSTSB | Bad Boy |
FXSTSSE | CVO Softail Springer Screamin' Eagle |
FXCW | Softail Rocker |
FXCWC | Softail Rocker Custom |
FXS | Softail Blackline |
FXSB | Softail Breakout |
FXSBSE | Softail CVO Breakout |
FX / DYNA MODELS
The Dyna Model offers a custom bike look with the rear end of larger Touring models and the front end of a Sportster. The Dyna is distinguishable by virtue of its larger big-twin engines and slightly larger gas tanks.
Model Code | Model Name |
FX | Superglide, Kick Start |
FXB | Sturgis Belt (80, 81, 82) |
FXD | Dyna Super Glide |
FXDB | Street Bob (Sturgis 1991) |
FXDC | Dyna Super Glide Custom |
FXDG | Dyna Glide / Sturgis |
FXDS-CON | Dyna Convertible |
FXDWG | Dyna Wide Glide |
FXDX | Dyna Super Glide Sport |
FXDXT | Super Glide T-Sport |
FXDF | Fatbob |
FXDL | Low Rider |
FXE | Superglide, Electric start |
FXLR | FX Lower Rider / Evolution |
FXR | Superglide II / Rubber Mount |
FXRS | Low Glide / Low Rider |
FXRS-CONV | FXR Sport Convertible |
FXRT | Sport Glide |
FXRSDG | 1984 Disc Glide / all Chrome package / rare |
FXRP | Police or Pursuit - Defender |
FXRS | FXR Sport |
FXS | Low Rider / Shovelhead |
FXSB | Low Rider Belt / Breakout with Milwaukee-Eight engine |
SPORTSTER MODELS
The Harley Sportster Models are generally smaller size bikes with less engine and a narrow, telescoping front suspension. Most of these Harley-Davidson model codes for this style are offered the engine’s displacement in cubic centimeters with two main motor size options - either 883cc or 1200cc.
Model Code | Model Name |
XL | Sportster |
XLH883 | Sportster Hugger |
XL883 | Sportster 883 |
XL883C | Sportster 883 Custom |
XL883L | Sportster 883 Low |
XL883N | Sportster 883 Iron |
XL1200 | Sportster 1200 |
XL1200C | Sportster 1200 Custom |
XL1200L | Sportster 1200 Low |
XL1200N | Sportster 1200 Nightster |
XL1200R | Sportster 1200 Roadster |
XL1200S | Sportster 1200 Sport |
XL1200V | Sportster Seventy-Two |
XL50 | Sportster 50th Anniversary Ed. |
XLA | Sportster built for U.S. Army and Military Policy, 1957-1965. |
XLCH | Sportster, Ironhead 'Competition Hot' performance model |
XLCR | Sportster Cafe Racer, 1977-79 |
XLS | Sportster Roadster |
XR-750 | Sportster, 750cc alloy-head racing model |
XR1000 | Sportster, 1000cc with XR heads and engine components |
XR1200 | Sportster, 1200cc with XR heads and engine components |
V-ROD MODELS
Known as the most unique model in Harley's lineup, the V-Rod's had a racing look and featured Revolution Engines - a water-cooled, double overhead-cam engine.
Model Code | Model Name |
VRSC | V-Rod |
VRSCAW | V-Rod (240mm rear tire) |
VRSCB | V-Rod Black Finish |
VRSCD | Night Rod |
VRSCDX | Night Rod Special |
VRSCF | V-Rod Muscle |
VRSCR | Street Rod |
OTHER MODELS
Model Code | Model Name |
XG500 | Street XG500 |
XG750 | Street XG750 |
FLRT | Freewheeler Trike |
FLHTCUTG | Tri Glide Ultra Classic |
FLHXXX | Street Glide Trike |
Harley Davidson model code of 1948 WR Flathead • Photo by: David Carlo
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Tyler Malinky is the CEO of Lowbrow Customs, which he founded back in 2004. An avid vintage motorcyclist, Tyler builds and races 1950's Triumph motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats, in addition to building and riding both stock and custom Harley-Davidson's on the street.
His personal motorcycles include a 1950 Triumph land speed bike (and current record holder at Bonneville Salt Flats), 1959 Harley Panhead chopper, stock 1965 Triumph Bonneville, stock 1969 Harley FLH, and a 1975 Shovelhead chopper. He is also currently building a dual-engine 1950 Triumph land speed race bike for the 2021 race season.
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