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?

How To Find Bike Engine Number And Chassis Number Online

Did someone recently ask you about your bike’s VIN number or chassis number, 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 Are VIN, Chassis Number, and Engine Number?

Like every human being has a unique fingerprint, cars and bikes have a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). No two vehicles have the same VIN till both are out in the market. First used in 1954 in the United States, VIN helps you identify the month and year in which a particular model was manufactured. It’s written close to the engine or on the dashboard on the driver’s side. It’s an alphanumeric code and usually of 17 characters.

However, the length can be as long as 19 letters as well. Different vehicle manufacturers use different techniques to create their VIN numbers. For the time being, you should know that each character has a meaning. For example, each character tells you about which country was the vehicle made in or which year and the month it was made in.

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.

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.

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 Locate the VIN on Your Bike?

You can find the VIN on registration certificates, titles, owner manuals, and even insurance cards. However, if you are not in the mood to dig out those papers, then you can check the steering neck of the bike. Turn the bike’s handles and you will find the VIN near the bike’s motor. However, it’s not a universal rule, and if you can’t locate it, it’s better to contact the dealer or a mechanic to figure it out.

The typical VIN for a bike could be found in different places based on the manufacturer.

Common places for manufacturers to place a VIN include:

• Steering neck or headstock.

• It is usually visible when the handlebars are turned.

• The frame of the bike.

• Often stamped or etched into the frame, near the engine or where the front forks attach.

• Fork neck.

• The front part of the frame that the front forks attach to, which in some cases may hold a metal plate or stamped number.

• Engine.

• Some of the latest motorcycle models have VINs on their engines, too.

You can also check your owner's manual and other locations on motorcycles to know your VIN. If you have difficulty verifying the VIN, you can contact the manufacturer or dealer directly. A mismatch of VIN in frame and engine may suggest that the motorcycle was rebuilt, modified, or could have been stolen.

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

Well, as mentioned above, once you locate the VIN number, you get the chassis number.

The last six characters of the VIN are the chassis number. One can know the chassis number of a bike by searching for the VIN on the bike. You can also find it near the two wheeler handle or motor. Alternatively, seek help from a mechanic to trace your Chassis number or refer to the owner's manual and the registration certificate.

Generally, 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.

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 Find These Numbers Online?

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

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

• 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.

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

You can now view the following details:

• Registration number

• Engine number

• Name of the owner

• Type of fuel, etc.

Are VIN, Chassis Number, and Engine Numbers Important?

Buying a vehicle is a dream for most Indians, but sometimes, people fall into the trap of some fraud dealers who try to sell old or stolen vehicles. The unsuspecting customer, due to lack of knowledge, gets duped and makes the payment. To make sure that you are not falling for any such scam, you should know how to decode the VIN number. It will give you information like the car or two-wheeler's unique features and specifications. You can also track its owner, registrations, warranty claims, and insurance coverage using the VIN.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), chassis number, and engine number are important identifiers for a vehicle.

A. What is a VIN?

17-character unique identifier for every vehicle that, if searched, can give details about the make, model, date of manufacture, type of engine, etc. Such details can help you prevent being scammed when purchasing used cars and ensure that you do not buy a too-old car and opt for the right two wheeler insurance online. Even companies use such numbers to identify vehicles that have been scheduled for safety recalls. You can get your VIN from your vehicle or even from the motor insurance policy.

B. What is the Chassis Number?

Also known as the VIN, this number can identify and verify a vehicle; the chassis number is another term that can describe this term.

C. What is the engine number?

A factory-issued identification number was used to identify the motorcycle.

FAQ's

1. How do I decode a motorcycle VIN?

a. The first three characters indicate the manufacturer and model

b. The fourth to eighth characters represent the vehicle's characteristics

c. The ninth character is a check digit for verification

d. The tenth character indicates the model year

e. 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.

Conclusion

VIN, Chassis, and engine numbers are essential for registration, insurance, and tinkering of bikes. Although it may sound challenging to identify these numbers readymade, it is not at all difficult. It also offers simple procedures on where exactly to locate these numbers on the bike and where to look for them over the Internet. With this knowledge in your pocket, you can easily tackle any motorcycle-related issues.


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

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