How to Identify Harley Gas Tanks

To identify a Harley gas tank without badges requires a closer look.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are some of the most popular bikes to customize and restore. Often, those who wish to restore an older Harley to its original condition will want only Harley-Davidson parts on the bike so that it is as close to factory-shape as possible. In order to know what to look for to identify a Harley gas tank, you will need to be able to see around the tank and inspect it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Look to see if one or two tanks are above the motor. If two are above the motor, then the motorcycle was built before 1936. Check inside the right tank. It should have gas only in it, while the left one held gas and oil.

   • 2

     Look for a large bubble shape on the frame side of the tank. If it has one, and it has a matching cavity on the oil tank adjacent to it, it is a 45 model engine and was produced between 1937 and 1973.

   • 3

     If it has no bubble, but has a recess to match the frame, this indicates a Big Twin SV. If both the right and left tanks have deep recesses in the bottom to clear the heads, as well as recesses for the frame, then it is an OHV motor. These motors have been used in a variety of model years since 1937.

Tips & Warnings

• If the emblem mounting strips are still on the tank, they can help identify the year of the tank. To further identify the bike, use the vehicle identification number (VIN). One easy rule of thumb is that if a VIN is on the bike frame, it was built after 1968.