Motorcycle VIN Decoder & Spec Lookup
Decode engine displacement (cc), frame type, plant origin, and model year for motorcycles and powersports.
How to Read and Decode Motorcycle VIN Numbers
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds manufactured since 1981 follow the universal 17-digit format governed by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 3779).
Major Motorcycle Manufacturer WMI Directory
The first three characters of a motorcycle VIN denote the brand and assembly country:
| WMI Code | Brand / Manufacturer | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|
| 1HD, 5HD | Harley-Davidson Motor Company | United States |
| JH2, 1HF | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Japan / USA |
| JY4, JYA | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. | Japan |
| JKB, JKA | Kawasaki Heavy Industries | Japan |
| JS1 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Japan |
| WB1 | BMW Motorrad | Germany |
| ZDM | Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. | Italy |
| SMT | Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. | United Kingdom |
Inspecting Stamped Numbers for Frame Damage and Cloning
When shopping for a pre-owned motorcycle, always verify that the VIN stamped on the steering neck matches the title document precisely. Pay close attention to the metal surrounding the stampings: uneven ground metal, mismatched font sizes, or excessive fresh paint on the neck tube often signify a rebuilt salvage frame or a stolen motorcycle that has been re-stamped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motorcycle VINs follow the exact same 17-character ISO 3779 standard and modulo-11 check digit formula as passenger vehicles. However, the Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4–8) encodes motorcycle-specific attributes such as engine displacement in cubic centimeters (cc), engine cycle (two-stroke vs. four-stroke), cooling type, and frame style.
Related Free VIN Utilities
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VIN Recall Check
Search official NHTSA safety defect recalls and free manufacturer remedies.