Hi, I'm new to this forum. I ride a 1991 FLHT, BMW and a Norton. I know nothing about Sportsters except that I always wanted one.

I just got my hands on what was advertised as a 1965 Sportster with a 1978 bottom end. It has electric start, no kicker. Digging Deeper With The Dfx Pdf Writer.

The serial number is 65M17936. The serial number appears on the right side of the case.

According to research I've done so far, in 1965 the serial numbers appeared on the left side of the case. Lg Optimus G Phone Serial Number here. This number is on the right side and if this really is a 1965 shouldn't the serial number read like 65XL12345 or 65XLCH12345? I can't find anything thing that references an M in the number except in newer Harleys where it designates 'evolution 883'. This is definately not an Evo motor.

The S&S Performance Motorcycle Engine. Model from 1936 to 2006 and a fair number of Sportster Buell models. Size the engine is serial number on the.

I'd really appreciate it if anyone could help me sort this out so I know what the heck I bought. That does not look like any serial/VIN number I've seen a 77 the last 2 digits should be H7, they are serialized pretty much like bigtiwns except with different designation for them being sportsters, and 65 would have been stamped as you are saying 65xl***** as far as i know but there are guys that know more about the pre 70 stuff than me that will be along shortly. Does the engine have a distributor or magnito? 65 would have one or the other 77 would not unless someone did a swap, with isn't all that common with a 77. You are correct about the frame being re-stamped.

While doing research concerning serial numbers I found that in 1965 not only was the serial number on the left side but in addition the frames were not serialized. When I confronted the seller about this his story was that he brought the bike to a state that required serial numbers on the frame. He went to the DMV with the origional title along with the bike. They verified the title matched the motor then required that the frame be stamped with the SN. Knowing how 'DMV's' operate, it sounded like a resonable explaination on why there was a SN on the frame.

Even if it's a 70's motor, why would the SN appear as it does? The engine is a 1971 or newer. You can tell by the ignition cone on the side of the engine. 1970 and older had distributors or magnetos on top next to the carb.