How To Decode A Motorcycle VIN Number: Simple & Easiest Ways

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When it comes to any vehicle purchase from dealerships or private sellers, there’s only one thing you should look out for information. Shopping for a motorcycle is fun and games until you are the owner of a defective motorcycle or one that doesn’t quite meet your requirements.

To prevent this, it is recommended that every motorcycle buyer decode the VIN of the motorcycle they are interested in to gain access to their vehicle’s specifications, history, and records. In this article, we will be explaining how to decode a motorcycle VIN number and the easiest ways to go about it.

What is a Motorcycle VIN?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code that identifies each vehicle, or in this case, each motorcycle. This code is a string of letters and numbers and can be used with a VIN decoder, VIN check tool, or VIN lookup tool to gain access to a motorcycle’s vehicle specifications and history.

Decoding motorcycle VINs allows motorcycle buyers to have access to a vehicle’s original specifications and information that dealerships may not hand over to them. With the VIN decoder for motorcycles, motorcycle buyers are more likely to make better decisions and purchase reliable motorcycles.

Where is the VIN number on a motorcycle?

The VIN number on a motorcycle can be found on quite a number of motorcycle parts. These locations where a motorcycle VIN number may be found depending on the manufacturer and may include:

  • Right side of the steering head.
  • The vehicle information plate, where you can find the VIN stamped on the frame.
  • Right next to the vehicle information sticker.

Where is the VIN number on a motorcycle?

These are some of the vehicle parts where you may find the VIN on a motorcycle.

How to decode a motorcycle VIN number?

The Vehicle Identification Number of a motorcycle is a 17-character string of numbers and letters assigned to the motorcycle. Each character holds significant information on a motorcycle’s specifications, ranging from the motorcycle’s country of origin to the manufacturer, vehicle type, and sequence number.

The VIN is broken down into three major parts:

  • The first three characters are known as the “World Manufacturer Identifier” and provide information about a motorcycle’s country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type.
  • The next five characters show the “Vehicle Description Section.” In these characters, the vehicle’s body type, engine type, series, safety features, and model are encoded.
    The ninth character serves as the check digit and proves the originality of a motorcycle’s VIN.
  • The last eight characters make up the “Vehicle Identifier Section” and provide information on the vehicle’s model year, factory information, and the vehicle’s production sequence number.

To get the information encoded in a VIN, it is necessary to have your motorcycle VIN decoded and checked to gain access to vehicle specifications and history.

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How to decode a motorcycle VIN number with the VIN decoder for motorcycles provided by PremiumVIN

The VIN decoder for motorcycles provided by PremiumVIN allows motorcycle owners or buyers to access the accurate vehicle specifications of their motorcycles. This way they have firsthand access to their vehicle specs and may be able to make informed decisions during purchase or repairs.

Some of the information provided by the PremiumVIN motorcycle VIN decoder includes:

  • Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Trim
  • Engine Description
  • Country
  • Width
  • Length
  • Height
  • Standard seating
  • Transmission style
  • Drive Type
  • Body type
  • Fuel Type
  • Displacement
  • Engine model
  • Valve train design
  • Engine configuration

To decode a motorcycle’s VIN number, you will need to:

  • Visit the PremiumVIN website.
  • Navigate to the VIN decoder page.
  • Enter your email address, phone number, and VIN number.
  • Click on “Decode VIN.”

For more information on your vehicle, it is recommended that you proceed to generate a vehicle history report to gain access to information on your vehicle’s history. This information can be provided with the PremiumVIN motorcycle VIN check tool.

How to decode a motorcycle VIN number with the VIN Check tool for motorcycles provided by PremiumVIN

The VIN check tool gives unlimited access to a motorcycle’s history and records, such as:

  • Accurate vehicle specifications.
  • Accident history.
  • Damage history.
  • Auction history.
  • Service history.
  • Maintenance history.
  • Title brand history.
  • Accurate odometer readings.
  • Lien and loan records.
  • Theft records, and more.

To utilize the motorcycle VIN check tool provided by PremiumVIN, follow the steps below:

  • Visit the PremiumVIN website.
  • Navigate to the motorcycle VIN check tool.
  • Enter your email address, phone number, and VIN number.
  • Click on “Search VIN.”

These are the ways to decode a motorcycle’s VIN number and get accurate vehicle information and history. For car buyers seeking to purchase a reliable motorcycle, a history check with the PremiumVIN VIN check tool would provide all the necessary information to make the best decision at any dealership and get more value for your money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all motorcycles are assigned Vehicle Identification Numbers during manufacture, and these codes serve as a means of identification for each motorcycle. Motorcycle VIN numbers are 17 characters (or less) and can be utilized by motorcycle owners and buyers to identify the specifications and specific history of their motorcycles.
The VIN number on a motorcycle is commonly found on the right side of the steering head, but may also be located on the vehicle information plate or right next to the vehicle information sticker.
The VIN number on a dirt bike can be found on the neck of the bike, right next to the steering head. If it’s not visible, you can try turning the handlebars, and you should find it. Else, consider taking a look at other parts of the motorcycle—the vehicle information plate, the vehicle information sticker, etc.

Each motorcycle manufacturer is assigned a unique serial number known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This VIN serves as a unique identifier and can allow motorcycle owners or buyers to easily gain access to their motorcycles’ specifications and history.

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Joses Peter

Joses Peter is a seasoned writer with a portfolio of 100+ blog posts and two published papers. Currently, she contributes as a professional writer in the automotive industry, with a great passion for technology and automobiles. This passion keeps her constantly learning and translating complex tech concepts into accessible content.

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