Where Can I Find the VIN Number on a Motorcycle?

Most Motorcyclists may not bother to know, but the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of a motorcycle is important. Most of the bikers don’t know where to find the VIN number on a motorbike. There are many riders out there asking the same question on the internet.

Well, for all those looking for where to find the VIN number on a motorcycle, this article will resolve this issue. It doesn’t matter what type of motorbike you ride; with the help of this article, you can get to know where the VIN is on your bike. Let’s find out.

However, before that, we will get to know what a VIN number on a motorbike is and why it is important.

• A VIN number on a motorcycle is an alphanumeric code of 17 characters.

• It is like a unique identification number of a specific motorbike or vehicle.

• Some used to call it the fingerprints of a motorbike.

• Being the unique identity number of a motorbike, it is used for:

  • Tracking

  • Insurance purposes

  • Legal purposes

  • Registration purposes

• The VIN number of a motorbike is also used to find out the detailed history of the bike, including:

  • Damage

  • Theft

  • Recalls

• The VIN on a motorcycle is also used to access the warranty information of the bike.

• It can also be used to find out the best-suited parts for your bike.

The 17-character VIN number on a motorcycle denotes many details and info about the bike, including when and where (Year) it was manufactured, its color, and trim/variant.

Depending on the type and brand of the bike, the VIN number on a motorcycle can be found in different places on the bike. However, it is usually pasted or etched on the steering head (right side), frame, or engine case. In some motorbikes, the VIN number is also mentioned on the sticker pasted on the bike in a different place.

To access the VIN number, you will have to turn the handlebars completely to the left side in the handle-lock position. You may also require a torch to view and read the VIN number properly on the motorbike.

On a cruiser bike, the VIN number can usually be found on the right side of the steering head of the frame. It is usually etched on the steering head in the same black color as the frame.

You can also find a sticker on the frame near the gas tank on the right side. The VIN number on the sticker is more readable than the one etched on the steering head.

On a Harley motorbike, the VIN number can be found in the same place on the frame, at the steering head. However, in some models, it may not be visible or clear due to electrical cables, wire harnesses, and brake lines.

In some Harley touring models, the VIN number can be found on the downtube of the radiator installed in front of the engine. It may be mentioned on the sticker or etched on the frame tube.

In some Harley models, it may also be etched on the engine, right below the cylinders.

In some motorbikes, you may also find the VIN number behind the headlight or on the front number plate.

You can find the vehicle information sticker on the right-hand side of the frame, right beside the steering head on a Kawasaki motorcycle. Meanwhile, the VIN number on a Kawasaki bike is etched on the right side of the steering head.

On sports bikes, it can be difficult to find the VIN number. It is mainly due to the fact that the frame is usually covered with fairings. However, most of the time, you can find the VIN number on a sports bike on the frame, closer to the steering head. It is usually etched on the frame in the same color, and you will require a torchlight to view it.

On a dirt bike, the VIN number can be found in two places. One, you can find it on the sticker pasted on the frame, closer to the steering head and gas tank on the right side of the dirt bike. If you look a little closer, you will also find the VIN number etched on the steering head of the dirt bike.

The VIN numbers are the most difficult to find on Can-Am trikes. It is nearly impossible to find the VIN on these trikes, as you have very limited access to the frame. On the Can-Am Spyder, the VIN number can only be found deep inside the frame of the trike. If you go deep down the right side of the wheel arm, you will find the joint that connects the wheel arm with the frame. From there, you will need to go straight below it, where you will find a metal plate. The VIN number is etched on this metal plate in black.

On the Can-Am Ryker, you need to look on the right side, between the gap where the front body ends and the frame starts. It is very hard to access the VIN number on the Can-Am Ryker, as it is a very tiny space. However, if you look closely with a torch through the gap between the body and the frame, you will find the VIN number mentioned on the plate. The video attached below will make it easy for you to find the VIN number on your Can-Am trike:

To tell the year of manufacture or Model Year of your motorcycle through its VIN, first, you need to find the VIN. It is usually found on the right-hand side, etched or pasted on the frame, near the steering head. Start counting the characters from the left. The 10th digit or character from the left is the model year of your bike. However, you will need to read the code from the 10-Digit VIN Chart below:

The 17-character VIN number on your motorcycle tells a lot about your bike. It is the vehicle identification number or code. You can use the NHTSA’s tool available on its website to decode the VIN number on your motorbike. Let’s find out how to decode the VIN number and what each digit in a VIN number means: