Interesting

I thought this was sort of interesting. I am currently trying to sell a 1200XL Sportster in the local advertising magazine. I put my e-mail in so people could request pictures and so forth. I have been getting a ton of calls and e-mails from people who clearly aren't even interested in buying it. I've had three people offer me far less than what I'm asking without even seeing the bike. I have it listed at a pretty low price already so I can sell it quickly and I put "firm" in the ad. I told these folks that I would not consider any offers unless the bike is shown.

I got an e-mail from one guy and sent the pictures as requested. Then he sent an e-mail back saying the bike appears to be an 883 conversion. HUH? How the hell could you tell from a photo whether it was a conversion or not?! It isn't and I have the documentation to prove it. However, I am pretty sure that is impossible to tell from a photo and difficult at best to tell in person since all markings on mine have been removed and replace with custom items.

Is there an easy way to tell from the VIN that would make it easy for me to prove to skeptics that this is indeed an original 1200? It seems to be a repeating theme and I would like to immediately get it out of peoples' heads to help expedite the sale.

883 vs 1200

Sounds like he was trying to blow smoke up your butt. Or 'sound' like he KNOWS what he is talking about. I would think that the VIN would indicate what model / size it is, I would call the local MoCo and ask them (not that I would expect a straight answer). I don’t know about the new 1200's, but the 883’s use to not have a tach and the motor was left unpainted(silver). Hope this helps.

One of the funny things is that this one doesn't have the original speedo. It has a single mini gauge in its place. Plus the motor is all black, except the edges of the fins. I just can't figure out how you would tell by only a photo anyway except maybe the engine color like you said. I didn't think of that. This one is a 1997.

I would go with the first option. He's blowing smoke up my butt, since I know this is an origianal 1200. I purchased it from the oriinal owner with only 1100 miles on it and have the title. It has matching numbers and so forth.

A lot of states will put the partial description like XL1200.
Your VIN is very easy to decode right from the parts book inside the front cover.
HD Displacement Model
1HD 1=1200cc 2=883cc CA=XLH1200/883 CE=XLH Hugger CG=XLH1200C CH=1200 Sport

For example, 1HD1CA tells you it is a 1200cc XLH

Single

Well there you go max, the guy say saw the single gauge and figured it was an 883.

That must be it. My VIN begins 1HD1CA. Now at least I can explain it the next time. Thanks for the info CD.

I responded to his last e-mail on the conversion explaining that it was a 1200 and that I have the title and so forth. I also asked him why he thought it was a conversion? I never heard back from him. He just wanted to press buttons I guess.

Thanks again.