Free Motorcycle VIN Check
Decode any 17-character motorcycle VIN — manufacturer, model year, country, engine displacement and open recalls in seconds. No signup, no email.
What is a motorcycle VIN?
A motorcycle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-character code assigned to every road-legal bike built since 1981. It follows the same ISO 3779 standard as cars and trucks, so the first three characters identify the manufacturer (WMI), the next six describe the model and engine, and the last eight pin down the production year, plant and serial number. Two motorcycles can share a model name and a paint scheme, but only one VIN.
Where the VIN is stamped on a motorcycle
Steering-head tube (frame)
The primary VIN is stamped into the right or left side of the steering-head tube, just below the handlebars. On most bikes it is visible without removing any panels — turn the bars full lock and look at the front of the headstock.
Engine case
A secondary number is cast or stamped into the engine block, usually on the crankcase near the cylinder base. This is the engine number, not the full VIN — but the WMI prefix and serial sequence should be consistent with the frame number.
Registration document
The full 17-character VIN is printed on the title or registration certificate (V5C in the UK, certificat d'immatriculation in France, Fahrzeugschein in Germany, NMVTIS title in the US). It must match the frame stamping character-for-character.
Common motorcycle manufacturer codes (WMI)
| WMI code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
JH2 | Honda Motorcycles (Japan) |
JH5 | Honda ATV / quad (Japan) |
1HF | Honda Motorcycles (USA) |
JYA | Yamaha Motorcycles (Japan) |
JYE | Yamaha scooters (Japan) |
9C6 | Yamaha (Brazil) |
JS1 | Suzuki Motorcycles (Japan) |
VTT | Suzuki Motos Espana (Spain) |
JKA | Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Japan) |
JKB | Kawasaki Motorcycles (Japan) |
1HD | Harley-Davidson (USA) |
5HD | Harley-Davidson (USA, post-2007) |
ZDM | Ducati Motor Holding (Italy) |
ZD4 | Aprilia (Italy) |
ZGU | Moto Guzzi (Italy) |
ZCG | MV Agusta (Italy) |
ZAP | Piaggio / Vespa (Italy) |
RFB | Piaggio (Vietnam) |
SMT | Triumph Motorcycles (UK) |
VBK | KTM Sportmotorcycle (Austria) |
VBM | KTM (Austria, off-road) |
WB1 | BMW Motorrad (Germany) |
WB4 | Husqvarna Motorcycles (Austria, post-2013) |
ZKH | Husqvarna Motorcycles (Italy, pre-2013) |
ZD3 | Beta Motor (Italy) |
VG5 | Sherco (France) |
VTH | Gas Gas (Spain) |
56K | Indian Motorcycle (USA, Polaris) |
ME1 | Royal Enfield (India) |
L2B | SYM (Taiwan) |
RFG | Kymco (Taiwan) |
Real data from official sources
Every data point comes from a government database you can verify yourself.
DVLA Vehicle Data
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency — tax status, SORN, emissions, fuel type.
MOT History
Complete MOT test results with real odometer readings back to 2005.
DVSA
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency — vehicle inspections, advisories, failures.
NHTSA Recalls
Worldwide manufacturer recalls — covers UK-spec cars sold by global OEMs.
How to verify a motorcycle VIN
1.
Locate the VIN stamped on the steering-head tube and read all 17 characters under good light. Photograph it.
2.
Compare the frame VIN to the VIN on the registration document — every character must match. A re-stamped or filed-down area is a red flag.
3.
Check the engine number on the crankcase. On a numbers-matching bike, the manufacturer's records will tie that engine to that frame.
4.
Run the VIN through a free recalls database (NHTSA in the US, KBA in Germany, Rappel Conso in France) and a stolen-bike check before paying.