We’ve all heard of VINs on different types of vehicles, such as trucks or cars. They are used for many purposes, including the tracking of vehicles. But you may be wondering whether motorcycles have VINs too.
Motorcycles do indeed have VINs. They can usually be found on the right side of the steering, or near the cylinders on the engine. However, their location may vary based on the manufacturer.
Keep reading below as we discuss motorcycle VINs and everything about them.
Do Motorcycles Have VIN Numbers?
Vehicle identification numbers, or VINs, have 17 digits and are composed of letters and numbers. It is the responsibility of any given motorcycle manufacturer to assign a VIN to every single manufacturing model that is currently in operation.
Sadly, not all motorcycle vendors are honest, and some may try to pass off an older bike as new. If you want to know how old the motorcycle is, you must check the VIN. The motorcycle’s VIN is the most reliable method for determining its genuine identity and whether a used motorcycle is legal.
Both the manufacturer and the registration agency will have a record of the VIN in their databases, allowing for quick and easy verification of the vehicle’s identity. You can use one of the many businesses that provide VIN checking services if you ever shop for a used motorcycle.
What Do The VIN Digits Mean?
The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) designates the first three numbers as the World Manufacturer Identifier, which indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured.
The VIN’s next four digits, from 4 to 7, designate the vehicle’s classification, from car to truck to motorcycle. They also specify the body style, noting whether it is an LS or an EXL.
The 8th digit specifies what kind of engine the vehicle has. The ninth digit is known as a “check digit,” and it will be the only digit that isn’t assigned to anything. Its job is to be a useless digit that guarantees no two VINs are going to be identical.
The 10th digit of the VIN specifies the manufacturing year. The 11th digit tells you which manufacturing plant the vehicle came from. Lastly, the production numbers for the manufacturer begin with the 12th digit and continue sequentially to the 17th.
What Are Motorcycle VINs Used For?
The primary function of the vehicle identification number is to do a motorcycle VIN check, also known as a motorcycle VIN search, on a database in order to retrieve important service information and to generate a comprehensive vehicle history report.
The VIN provides customers with information about the motorcycle, including its history of accidents, repairs, and inspection dates.
The VIN does not disclose any identifying information about the vehicle’s owner. While services like CarFax could potentially make it possible to look up this data, the VIN itself does not provide any clues in this regard.
Is It Safe to Give Out My VIN?
There’s a widespread myth that thieves may use a motorcycle’s VIN to make copies of the keys or steal the motorcycle or the rider’s identification.
Even though there is a specific kind of fraud in which criminals register vehicles with a stolen VIN number, there won’t ever be an issue proving ownership as long as you carry the appropriate papers that establish ownership of the motorcycle.
Actually, stealing your motorcycle with the VIN is as difficult as stealing it in person.
In other words, leaving your motorcycle parked in a public place where anyone may copy the VIN is just as risky as giving it out to a potential buyer online. Motorcycle dealerships are happy to include VIN in their online advertisements.
This is simply for honesty’s sake, and the VIN check on a motorcycle is for authenticity purposes.
In light of this, would it be wise to disclose your VIN number? Totally. If you sell your car online and give the buyer your VIN, they won’t learn anything they couldn’t have learned in fifth grade with the help of Google or Facebook.
Where Is A Motorcycle VIN Located?
The motorcycle’s VIN can be found on the right side of the steering stem bearing, or it may be found on the motor, towards the bottom of the cylinders.
There is no standard placement for the VIN on any given manufacturer’s product. In this section, we’ll describe where different manufacturers place their VIN on their products.
Kawasaki
Each Kawasaki model series has its own unique VIN location. Kawasaki Vulcan VIN numbers are located on the exterior of the steering rod of the bike’s frame. Kawasaki Mule vehicle identification numbers are etched into the frame. It could be on a plate that is soldered to the frame of the vehicle towards the front of the car, or it could be imprinted on the frame directly beneath the seat. Kawasaki Brute VINs can be located on the left front frame rails closest to the wheel.
Yamaha
Yamaha Vehicle Identification Numbers are often located on the frame of the vehicle. You’ll typically find these imprinted on the right side of the steering head, close to where the front fork attaches to the frame.
The vehicle identification number is also stamped on a metal tag attached to the body’s left side above the engine.
Honda
The VIN of a Honda motorcycle can be found in a few different places, depending on its make and year. The right side of the steering head or the top of the headstock is usually where you’ll find it carved.
Alternatively, a metal tag on the left side of the frame, just above the motor, has the VIN. Depending on the make and model, the location could be on the vehicle’s top or left side.
Conclusion
So, even though VINs are popular for other vehicles, such as trucks or cars, they are also present on every motorcycle out there. In fact, motorcycle manufacturers are legally required to add it to every vehicle.
