i picked up a 1973 harley sportster i think. were can i check the VIN facts forget car fax ?

i got the bike from a tow yard. i got a clear title it has 1973 H D no model #. it is blank this my frist bike in 20 plus yrs. im lost on how to find this info. thx.

Congrats on the new bike!
XL is the designation for Sportster.
If it’s a kick-start it’s a “CH” it’s , if it’s an electric start it’s an “H”.
If it’s a 72 Sportster It’s most likely an XLH or XLCH.
(The XLCR didn’t come out ’til “77, the XLS didn’t come out ’til “79, and the XLA is rare.)
Dan is right, the VIN# should be on the downtube near the steering head and the numbers on the title, frame, and engine should match.
Here’s a Website where you can figure out exactly what year make and model it is from the VIN #:

http://www.truettandosborn.com/VIN%20page.htm

Checking the history of the bike?? I dunno, the Department Of Licensing maybe?
And Chopper is right; the first thing you’re gonna wanna get for that bike is gonna be a factory service manual or a Clymer manual. You’re gonna be pullin’ wrenches on it.
If it IS an Ironhead Sportster and you have more questions about it here’s a good place to find answers:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/theironheadsportstergarage/

2003 Harley Davidson SPORTSTER Rockford Machesney Park Belvidere IL