sportster question

[DWhite]

Silly question maybe but what are the main differences between a 883 hugger and a 883 XL? Is there something real identifiable on either one that I would be able to tell which is which by simply looking at one?
Is there any way I can tell from the VIN #?

Thanks,

DWhite

[hd2be]

I don't know much about past models, but what I've learned from recent shopping experiences:

The Hugger is about an inch lower than the standard due to rear springs. (The huggers have quite a few less coils)
Also, the Hugger has buckhorn handlebars and the standard has more of a flat (similar to drag but not quite) handlebar.

Those are the only ways I know to tell the diff. of a late model Sportster.

[olivier]

Lower front end, lower shocks, buckhorn (so longer brake and clutch lines).

[jay 21]

also at least on the older models it says hugger on the gas tank

[Kags]

The Hugger also has a 31 deg rake where the XLH has a 29.6 deg rake. You can tell by the vin # as well the frist letters or something I forget. If your not vertical challenged type dont let the 1" sway you eather way.

[ronf]

For 1988-1996 the vin is CAM for the standard, CEM for the Hugger and CFM for the Deluxe. This is the 5th,6th, and 7th digits.