How to Read a Yamaha Motorcycle VIN Number

If you need to buy parts for your Yamaha motorcycle or you want to call a motorcycle shop to get repair information, you have to know how to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) number of your bike correctly. It can also be interesting to know exactly what it means just for your own reference. It may seem like a simple task, but it can be tricky, especially, the first step--finding it. Not all bikes have the VIN number in the same place and older bikes' numbers can be hard to read due to wear.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle
• Crayon (if needed)

Instructions

1. Find the VIN number on your motorcycle. If you have a traditional motorcycle, it will be on the right side of the steering stem, just below the handlebars. If you have a scooter, check the stem first. If it's not there, it will be on a metal plate affixed to the frame. Do a quick check yourself to see if you can find it. If not, consult your owner's manual. Sometimes the number is covered up and completely out of sight.

2. Check to make sure none of the digits are missing from the VIN number. All Yamaha motorcycles made after 1982 will have 17-digit VIN numbers. If yours appears to have a shorter number, most likely some of the digits have worn off. Rub the gaps in the VIN with the side of a crayon. Since the number is stamped onto the metal, you should be able to pick up enough texture to be able to read it. If your bike is vintage, call Yamaha at [phone] to see how long your VIN number should be.

3. Determine what your VIN number means by the order of the characters. The first character will tell you where your motorcycle is made. A "1" or a "4" signifies it is American made. A "2" means Canada. A "3" means Mexico. Japan, Korea, England, Germany, Italy and Brazil are "J," "K," "S," "W," "Z" and "9," respectively. The second character represents the manufacturer. All Yamaha bikes should have "C "here.

4. Continue deciphering your VIN number. The third digit identifies the division that manufactured it. Digits four through eight identify the features of the bike. The ninth digit is a security key to ensure the VIN is valid. The 10th digit is for the model year. These digits run J through Y for 1988 through 2000 and then switch to a numbers system.

5. Translate the final seven digits as follows. Digit 11 is for the plant where the bike was assembled. Digits 12 to 17 are from the plant. They signify the order each bike came off the assembly line and help the workers designate between bikes if there is a problem. They also help you if any Yamaha bikes are recalled. You can easily determine if you need to get your motorcycle fixed.

Tips & Warnings

• To find out exactly what each piece of your VIN number means, plug your VIN number into an online decoder (see link in Resources). There are many different options for each digit.

Resources

• Yamaha VIN decoder

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