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Free Motorcycle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder & Lookup

May 13, 2011 by Cyclepedia Pre-Sales Support 1 Comment

Use the Cyclepedia Motorcycle VIN Decoder to decode you ATV, motorcycle or scooter VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for FREE. Determine the year, make and model of most popular ATVs, motorcycles and Scooters. Provide us with your VIN and we’ll give you with the World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code, Manufacturer Identifier and Sequential Number of production.

Enter the complete 17 digit VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER located on the FRAME of your ATV, motorcycle or scooter.

Where can I find my ATV VIN?

ATV VINs are often stamped into the side or front frame rails. Here are some examples:

KYMCO ATV VIN Location

KYMCO ATV VIN Location – This KYMCO MXU300 VIN is located on the front frame rail.

Yamaha VIN Location

Yamaha ATV VIN Location – This Yamaha Raptor 700 ATV VIN can be found stamped into the the left side, frame rail, just beneath the shifter.

Where can I find my Motorcycle VIN?

Motorcycle VINs are usually stamped into the steering neck of the motorcycle. This is located just behind the front forks, behind the headlight (if equipped).

Kawasaki Motorcycle VIN Location

Kawasaki Motorcycle VIN Location – This Kawasaki KLX140 VIN is stamped into the steering neck.

Suzuki Motorcycle VIN Locations

Suzuki Motorcycle VIN Location – This Suzuki RMZ-250 VIN is stamped into the steering neck.

Where can I find my Scooter VIN?

Many scooter VINs are stamped into the frame rails. Often times you will have to remove scooter bodywork to locate the VIN. We have seen many scooters with VINs stamped into the left side frame rails and some with them stamped into the right side frame rails. Additionally, many scooters include an identification plate or sticker that will aid in scooter identification.

KYMCO Scooter VIN Location

KYMCO Scooter VIN Location – This KYMCO Compagno 110 scooter has an identification plate riveted to the right side of the frame.

Where can I find my Side by Side VIN?

Many Side by Sides have the VIN stamped into the frame rail. Check the front and rear wheel wells along the right or left side.

KYMCO Vin Location

KYMCO UTV VIN Location – This KYMCO UXV500 Side by Side VIN is stamped into the frame rail located in the front right wheel well.

Note: In 1981, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a standardized 17-character VIN. The letters I, i, O, o, Q, and q are never to be used so as to avoid confusion with numerals 1 and 0.

These 17 characters are divided up into three groups: World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section, and Vehicle Identifier Section. Let’s break each character down so you can better understand what each stands for.

Character 1
The first character of the VIN tells us which region the motorcycle was manufactured in. For example a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 indicates your motorcycle was made in North America while J, K, L, M, N, P, or R means it was made in Asia.

Character 2
The second character, when combined with the first character denotes which country the motorcycle was manufactured in. It’s not uncommon to find a BMW motorcycle made in Mexico or a Japanese ATV made in Canada.

Character 3
The third character is used by powersports manfacturers to identify the vehicle type. It could be a motorcycle, ATV or scooter. Not every manufacturer uses the same codes.

Characters 4 – 9
These characters are known as the Vehicle Descriptor Section. Characters 4 through 8 provide information about the model, engine size and body style options. Not every manufacturer uses the same codes. Character 9 is a check digit that is used to determine if the VIN is correct. It is calculated from the entire VIN through the use of a Weight Factor Table.

Characters 10 – 17
These characters are known as the Vehicle Identifier Section. The 10th character indicates the marketing model year of the vehicle, not to be confused with the year of production. For example a 2014 Honda CBR600RR most likely has a date of production in 2013 – it was produced for the 2014 marketing year. Characters 11 through 17 indicate the assembly facility, available options and the production number as it rolled off the assembly line.

Filed Under: Resources

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. admin says

    May 14, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    I have a Suzuki 250cc quad and the previous owner does not know the year or model – all the stickers are missing too. I used the Cyclepedia VIN decoder and was able to figure out the year and model – you guys are awesome! Now I can start ordering parts and get it going. – Kate

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