Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The abbreviation VIN is short for Vehicle Identification Number. All motorcycles and ATVs are given a unique VIN when they are manufactured. VINs are used to track ownership and record insurance claims and service procedures.

Motorcycles manufactured from 1980 to present have 17 digit VINs on US models. Bikes manufactured prior to 1980 will have shorter VINs. VINs never make use of the letters “I” or “O” - these characters, if present, are the numbers “1″ and “0″. Also, the letters “Q” and “V” are not used, as these could easily be mistaken for the number “0″ or the letter “U”.

Most motorcycles have the VIN stamped on the steering neck of the frame. You can locate your VIN on your title paperwork or insurance records.

Deciphering a VIN

Sample VIN: JH2PE04003M800219

The VIN shown here is from a 1993 Honda XR600R.

The first character represents the Country where the motorcycle was produced
“J” = Japan

The second character tells us which manufacturer produced the motorcycle.
“H” = Honda

The tenth character tells us the model year of the motorcycle. Prior to 2001 the tenth character is a letter (A = 1980, B = 1981, etc.), remember that the letters “I”, “O”, “Q” and “V” are not used, while after 2000 the tenth character is a number reflecting the year (3 = 2003 for example).

To be continued….

Questions:

How do I determine if a vehicle is stolen?