How to Decode a Motorcycle VIN Number

Date Added

17/07/2025

How to decode a motorcycle VIN number to determine the model year.

Decoding a motorcycle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) involves breaking down the 17-character code into specific sections. Here's how to understand it, especially focusing on the model year, which is found in position 10 of the VIN.

? VIN Structure Overview (17 Characters)

Position	Meaning
1-3	WMI – World Manufacturer Identifier
4-9	VDS – Vehicle Descriptor Section (model, engine type, body style, etc.)
10	Model Year
11	Plant Code (assembly location)
12-17	Serial Number (production sequence)

? Model Year Decoder (10th Character)

Here is a table of common model year codes used in position 10 of the VIN:

Code	Year	Code	Year
A	1980	Y	2000
B	1981	1	2001
C	1982	2	2002
D	1983	3	2003
E	1984	4	2004
F	1985	5	2005
G	1986	6	2006
H	1987	7	2007
J	1988	8	2008
K	1989	9	2009
L	1990	A	2010
M	1991	B	2011
N	1992	C	2012
P	1993	D	2013
R	1994	E	2014
S	1995	F	2015
T	1996	G	2016
V	1997	H	2017
W	1998	J	2018
X	1999	K	2019
		L	2020
		M	2021
		N	2022
		P	2023
		R	2024
		S	2025

? Letters I, O, Q, U, and Z are not used in VINs to avoid confusion.

? Example

Say your VIN is: JH2SC5906DK100123

Position 10: D → Model year = 2013
Position 1–3: JH2 → Manufacturer = Honda (Japan)
Position 4–9: SC5906 → Model/engine details
Position 11: K → Plant code
Position 12–17: 100123 → Serial number

If you provide a VIN, I can decode it for you.