Since 1981, every vehicle produced on this planet has had its unique identifier — VIN. If you are planning to buy a second-hand bike, this code can tell you a lot about the past and present of your potential purchase and prevent expensive mistakes. Here’s how to find and decode a VIN on a Yamaha motorbike.

The number is found on the bike itself and in the paperwork it comes with. If the numbers do not match, the bike must have been repaired after an accident. A free online Yamaha VIN number decoder will generate a report about the engine, specifications, type of fuel, and other details.

Where Can I Find This Number?

This is a sequence of 17 characters, both letters, and numerals. Note that it never includes three letters that are easily confused with a number — O, I, and Q. Every manufacturer has its own rules regarding the placement of VINs.

The code is always stamped on non-removable parts. No two motorbikes in the United States may have the same VIN. If the number is not found, this is a violation of federal motor vehicle safety standards. Do not buy the bike! For Yamaha, the following locations are standard:

1. This head pipe, aka the steering tube — the code may be stamped vertically on its right or left part.
2. The case of the motor — look at the right part, specifically the area adjacent to or behind the clutch cover.

If the code is found on the motor case, it may be placed left to right or front to back. This depends on the model of the bike. In any case, the identifier must be the same as the code in the registration documents. This confirms that the vehicle has genuine parts produced in Japan.

How Can I Run the Check?

This is a piece of cake. Just visit the VIN decoder website and enter the number in the corresponding field. The system will produce a detailed report on the condition with a build sheet. This service is free.

If You Want More Information

The same website may also feature a VIN check and lookup tool. This report will highlight any important events throughout the bike’s lifetime. For example, you will discover:

• any accidents involving the vehicle;
• any recalls or manufacturer defects;
• any lien and repossession records;
• if the bike has ever been stolen;
• if it has been damaged by the elements, such as flood, hail or fire, etc.

Never Buy Without a VIN Check

As you can see, checking the VIN of a used bike is absolutely crucial. First, you can decode it to learn about the real specs. Secondly, you can delve into its past to see if there have been any accidents, repossessions, theft, and other events that affect safety. Overall, this is a great way to understand if a motorbike has a fair price and if the seller may be trusted.