Motorbike VIN Number Frame Engine Number Decoding Guide & Locations
Motorcycle, Scooter MPV or Quad bike VIN identification or frame numbers are stamped into the frame and are the unique identification or DNA of the bike. There is often also a VIN data or build plate on the motorcycle that as well as other information also lists the VINor frame number. This plate is either riveted to the frame or is is a tamper proof sticker format
General locations for finding your motorbike motorcycle VIN number or frame number are:
Scooters tend to have their VIN stamped on the front frame viewed by removing a plastic flap on the front fairing or the frame number is often stamped into the frame under the seat, occasionally a scooters VIN numbers are stamped into the bottom of the frame viewed by looking just under the floor/foot rest.
The VIN or frame number is 17 characters long and is DNA code to the motorcycle motorbike quad bike or ATV.
The VIN when decoded details information on the manufacture, model, engine size, year of build, where it was manufactured and finally a six digit unique serial number. It is this last sequence or numbers which is the unique ID for your motorcycle or ATV.
Since the early 1980s almost all motor vehicles and bikes required a VIN number to be stamped into the chassis or frame.
The VIN number will always be shown on the registration or log book but comparing this with the actual number stamped into the frame takes a small amount of investigation to find your bikes frame number position. Generally the frame VIN number will be located on the headstock or front frame tubes, there is also usually a riveted plate or sticker that will also show the vin number affixed to the frame.
Older bikes and some off road bike may not have a 17 number letter VIN or they may not even have any number stamped. For classic motorcycles seeking the experience from owner websites and forums may be the easiest way of locating and understanding the numbers stamped on your older bike.
To decode and understand what the letters and numbers relate to the diagram below shows what each section relates to.
To get a detailed explanation for your exact motorbike you can either speak to your dealer who may be able to help or use one of the many VIN decoding websites. Many of these websites will usually provide a basic break down of the VIN and then offer a paid history check.
General locations for finding your motorbike motorcycle VIN number or frame number are:
- Head stock or steering sleeve just below the handlebars
- Frame down tubes
- Side frame rail
- Under the fuel tank or seat
- Engine mounting bars
Scooters tend to have their VIN stamped on the front frame viewed by removing a plastic flap on the front fairing or the frame number is often stamped into the frame under the seat, occasionally a scooters VIN numbers are stamped into the bottom of the frame viewed by looking just under the floor/foot rest.
The VIN or frame number is 17 characters long and is DNA code to the motorcycle motorbike quad bike or ATV.
The VIN when decoded details information on the manufacture, model, engine size, year of build, where it was manufactured and finally a six digit unique serial number. It is this last sequence or numbers which is the unique ID for your motorcycle or ATV.
Since the early 1980s almost all motor vehicles and bikes required a VIN number to be stamped into the chassis or frame.
The VIN number will always be shown on the registration or log book but comparing this with the actual number stamped into the frame takes a small amount of investigation to find your bikes frame number position. Generally the frame VIN number will be located on the headstock or front frame tubes, there is also usually a riveted plate or sticker that will also show the vin number affixed to the frame.
Older bikes and some off road bike may not have a 17 number letter VIN or they may not even have any number stamped. For classic motorcycles seeking the experience from owner websites and forums may be the easiest way of locating and understanding the numbers stamped on your older bike.
To decode and understand what the letters and numbers relate to the diagram below shows what each section relates to.
To get a detailed explanation for your exact motorbike you can either speak to your dealer who may be able to help or use one of the many VIN decoding websites. Many of these websites will usually provide a basic break down of the VIN and then offer a paid history check.
Bike frame VIN number possible locations
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Frame VIN Numbers Explained
What is a VIN/FrameNumber & How do I decode and understand my VIN
The VIN vehicle identification number is a standard 17 digit reference unique to each vehicle.
This standard method of identifying a vehicle is known as the WMI (World Manufacture Identifier) and has been in place since 1981
Numbers/letters 1 to 3 (WMI)
These are assigned to the manufacturer (WMI) and will detail the company and where in the world they are based
Example: KMH K= Korea MH= Hyundai
Numbers/letters 4 to 9 are Vehicle Descriptive Section (VDS)
Will refer to a vehicles individual details including model, engine type, body style, seat belts,drive etc
The 9th number is often used as a check digit and is compulsory for cars made in North America
A Check Digit is calculated through a number of mathematical steps.
Each letter used in a VIN has a corresponding number value and using the correct calculation the result can show if the VIN is correct.
Numbers/letters 10 to 17 are the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)
Position 10
Will usually give a guide to the year of manufacture (not always the same as the year it was registered)
S = 1995 T = 1996 V = 1997 W = 1998 X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001 2 = 2002 3 = 2003 4 = 2004 5 = 2005
6 = 2006 7 = 2007 8 = 2008 9 = 2009
A = 2010 B = 2011 C = 2012 D = 2013 E = 2014
F = 2015 G = 2016 H = 2017 J = 2018 K = 2019
L = 2020 M = 2021 N = 2022 P = 2023 R = 2024
Positions 11
Is usually the Plant code
The rest to 17
Can detail anything on the vehicle although they are usually the production sequence numbers and therefore produce a unique serial number
The VIN vehicle identification number is a standard 17 digit reference unique to each vehicle.
This standard method of identifying a vehicle is known as the WMI (World Manufacture Identifier) and has been in place since 1981
Numbers/letters 1 to 3 (WMI)
These are assigned to the manufacturer (WMI) and will detail the company and where in the world they are based
Example: KMH K= Korea MH= Hyundai
Numbers/letters 4 to 9 are Vehicle Descriptive Section (VDS)
Will refer to a vehicles individual details including model, engine type, body style, seat belts,drive etc
The 9th number is often used as a check digit and is compulsory for cars made in North America
A Check Digit is calculated through a number of mathematical steps.
Each letter used in a VIN has a corresponding number value and using the correct calculation the result can show if the VIN is correct.
Numbers/letters 10 to 17 are the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)
Position 10
Will usually give a guide to the year of manufacture (not always the same as the year it was registered)
S = 1995 T = 1996 V = 1997 W = 1998 X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001 2 = 2002 3 = 2003 4 = 2004 5 = 2005
6 = 2006 7 = 2007 8 = 2008 9 = 2009
A = 2010 B = 2011 C = 2012 D = 2013 E = 2014
F = 2015 G = 2016 H = 2017 J = 2018 K = 2019
L = 2020 M = 2021 N = 2022 P = 2023 R = 2024
Positions 11
Is usually the Plant code
The rest to 17
Can detail anything on the vehicle although they are usually the production sequence numbers and therefore produce a unique serial number
