How to Find the VIN, Chassis Number and Engine Number of Your Bike?

Posted on: May 20, 2020 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Find the VIN, Chassis Number and Engine Number of Your Bike?

Q: How do I decode a motorcycle VIN?

● The first three characters indicate the manufacturer and model. ● The fourth to eighth characters represent the vehicle's characteristics. ● The ninth character is a check digit for verification. ● The tenth character indicates the model year. ● The remaining seven characters are unique to the vehicle.

Did someone recently ask you what is vin number in bike or chassis number is, and you were left wondering what they are? Well, it happens. Unlike mobile numbers or pin codes, we are not asked about these numbers so often, and therefore, they tend to slip out of our memory. Here, you will get the help you need to understand these numbers and where to find them.

The unique identification numbers for the VIN, chassis, and engine of every motorcycle are a must. It plays an important role if you want to buy two wheeler insurance online or offline. All these numbers must be available in case you want to buy a used bike or renew your two wheeler insurance that has already expired. Below is a simple and convenient guide to help you find your motorcycle's VIN, chassis, and engine numbers.

What is a Vehicle Identification Number?

You might wonder, what is vin number in bike? VIN is a Vehicle Identification Number, which is an alphanumeric code having a total of 17 characters and uniquely identifies a given two wheeler. The VIN decoder provides vital information about a two-wheeler's manufacturer identity, model year, plant of production, serial number, specification details, and details of ownership, without which a buyer, seller, or even police or another enforcement agency. The VIN will ensure the authenticity and safety of a two wheeler.

Importance of the Vehicle Identification Number:

Ever wondered what is vin number in bike is and why it's so important? Well, VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, and it's kind of like your bike's fingerprint. No two bikes on this earth will have the same VIN. Generally, it is a 17-character code holding information about your bike, like the year of manufacture, its registration details, recalls, and even its insurance history. Whether you’re insuring your bike with a third-party bike insurance policy or checking its authenticity, the VIN is indispensable.

Let's say that you are intending to purchase a second-hand bike. The VIN is your search tool to clear all the information. Running VIN through a database will help expose the real age of the bike and any suspicious activities; this saves you from fraudsters and makes sure you make a good decision. Moreover, the correct VIN is necessary for updating the insurance records of your bike, so that claims and renewals under third party bike insurance are smooth.

History of the Vehicle Information Number:

The Vehicle Identification Number dates back to 1954 in the United States of America. Initially, there was no standardization—each manufacturer of a vehicle used its own system and sometimes it would create confusion. Vehicles were identified before the use of the VIN with the use of engine numbers. A problem ensued if the engines were changed as it became difficult to establish who owned the vehicle.

The 17-character standard VIN format we use today was introduced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA in 1981. The letters O, I, and Q have been omitted from the system so that they won't be mistaken for numbers. This way, the VIN helps identify a motorcycle's age, manufacturer, and background. Therefore, when registering your vehicle or processing a third party bike insurance claim, understanding your VIN will guarantee correct registration as well as easier claims settlement.

Components of the Vehicle Identification Number:

If you are hearing about VIN, the Vehicle Identification Number, you are probably asking yourself what kind of 17-character code is this and why it matters. If you're dealing with two-wheeler insurance or considering third party bike insurance, the components of VIN will become clear to you as you read through the following:

1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI):

The first three digits of the VIN fall into this category. It indicates who the vehicle's manufacturer is as well as in which country your bike was made. For example, a bike that was either manufactured in India or imported would have different WMI codes.

2. Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS):

Characters 4 to 9 constitute the VDS. It gives details regarding the model type of the motorcycle, body design, and the other specific attributes related to design. It helps when you try to verify if the vehicle is genuine or not.

3. Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)

The characters 10 to 17 are under the VIS. This set peculiarly distinguishes your bike by mentioning its type of engine, transmission, year of manufacture, and even the assembly plant in which it was made.

How to Find the Engine & Chassis Number on Your Bike?

This might look like another hurdle. But, once you find the VIN, you can automatically locate the Chassis number as well. Prepare to be surprised, as the last six characters of a VIN are the bike’s chassis number. Often, VIN and the chassis number are used interchangeably too.

The chassis number is a series of numbers and letters stamped on the frame, usually near the steering head. As a unique reference number, this is crucial for registration, identification, and tracking.

The engine number can be found stamped or engraved directly on the engine block, normally on its lower or side part close to the cylinder head or crankcase. It might also be located in the owner's manual and registration card.

What is the Engine Number?

An engine number is a unique identifier that applies to a particular engine with respect to manufacturing. Normally, it is stamped or fixed on the engine casing, and it is alphanumeric. Manufacturers use an engine number to trace and identify engines for purposes of two wheeler insurance online warranty claims and service repair, respectively. It is possible to trace stolen vehicles by law enforcement using this number.

How to Find A Bike’s Engine Number?

If you don’t find it engraved on the engine block, then you can also look for it at:

• Owner's manual:

The engine number should appear printed somewhere on the manual.

• Registration certificate:

The registration certificate for the bike should bear the engine number.

• Service records:

The service records of the bike may recreate its details along with the engine number noted down.

If you are unable to trace it, you may contact the manufacturer for the correct procedure for locating the engine number for your model.

How to Check Bike’s Engine Number Online?

Follow the below-mentioned step-wise guide to learn how to find bike engine number and chassis number online.

1. Go to the official Vahan website for government e-Services. Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details"

2. Enter Login with your registered mobile number. If you are not registered to this portal, you can register using your mobile number and email id.

3. Enter details of your vehicle and the captcha. Click on Search Vehicle.

4. You can now view the following details:

5. Registration number

6. Engine number

7. Name of the owner

8. Type of fuel, etc.

FAQ's

1. How do I decode a motorcycle VIN?

• The first three characters indicate the manufacturer and model

• The fourth to eighth characters represent the vehicle's characteristics

• The ninth character is a check digit for verification

• The tenth character indicates the model year

• The remaining seven characters are unique to the vehicle.

2. What if I can’t see these numbers on my bike?

In case you fail to locate the VIN, chassis number, or engine number on the indicated areas of your bike, you should approach the manufacturer/motorcycle mechanic. They will assist you next time in identifying and searching for these numbers.

3. Can I get my VIN details online?

You can check your VIN details on any platform, even the Vahan portal, with the help of your registration number and verification credentials.

4. What happens if my VIN is damaged or illegible?

If the VIN is damaged or cannot be read, you need to immediately contact the manufacturer or an authorized service centre for assistance for verification or re-stamping based on official records.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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