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

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

A bike’s Engine Number, Chassis Number, and Vehicle Identification Number might seem irrelevant. The bike’s body, graphics, and design are more glamorous than mundane details such as the numbers. However, these numbers have their importance. They are used for identification and record-keeping. For some, it can be a difficult task to find out a bike’s Chassis number, Engine number, and Vehicle Identification Number. Read ahead to know more about these numbers and where to find such numbers on your bike.

Contents

What is a Vehicle Identification Number?
Importance of the Vehicle Identification Number:
History of the Vehicle Information Number:
Components of the Vehicle Identification Number:
How to Find A Bike’s VIN?
What is a Bike’s Chassis Number?
How to Find the Bike’s Chassis Number?
How to Find the Chassis Number of Bike Online?
What is the Engine Number?
How to Find A Bike’s Engine Number?
How to Check Bike’s Engine Number Online?
Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Vehicle Identification Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a code. It is unique. It consists of numbers and letters, which are used to identify vehicles. The VIN can be used to identify private as well as commercial vehicles. The numbers and letters of a VIN provide specific information about the vehicle. For example, from the VIN, one can find out when and where the vehicle was manufactured.

Importance of the Vehicle Identification Number:

Just as you have a unique fingerprint, the VIN can be viewed as the bike’s fingerprint. Two vehicles cannot have the same VIN. Usually, the VIN has 17 characters. VIN is important to find out the bike’s age, recalls, registration details, information related to the insurance policy, etc.

The VIN can come in handy while you are purchasing a second-hand bike. Before purchasing, you need to check the prospective bike’s VIN. The number can be run through a database and it will display information related to the manufacturing year and other identity-related information. Bike manufacturers and agencies that are involved with bike registration will have access to this database. This way, you will come to know the actual age of the bike and verify if the bike was involved in any suspicious activities or not.

History of the Vehicle Information Number:

The history of VINs can be traced back to the year 1954 in the USA. At that time, different vehicle manufacturers used different guidelines as there was no standardisation when it came to determining VINs. Before VIN, the vehicle’s engine number was used for registration purposes. This became a problem if the vehicle owner replaced the engine due to any issues.

The standardisation of VINs took place in the year 1981 thanks to the USA’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is when the 17-character format came into existence. Letters O, I and Q were left alone due to their similarities with numbers.

Components of the Vehicle Identification Number:

As mentioned above, the VIN comprises 17 characters. This serial code can be broken into the following three sections for classification.

World Manufacturer Identifier:

The first three characters of the VIN fall under this category. It is also known as the WMI code. These characters are used to find out about the vehicle manufacturer and the country of origin.

Vehicle Descriptor Section:

Characters 4 to 9 form the Vehicle Descriptor Section. As the name suggests, these characters are used to find out about the characteristics of the vehicle. For example, the model of the vehicle, body type, etc.

Vehicle Identifier Section:

Characters 10 to 17 form the Vehicle Identifier Section. This offers clear identification of a vehicle by providing information about the engine, transmission, model year, and plant code.

Also, read: How to Get Fancy Registration Number for Car and Bike

How to Find A Bike’s VIN?

A bike’s VIN can be located in different places on the vehicle. Usually, it is located on the steering neck of the bike. You can find it by turning the bike’s handles and checking for the VIN. The VIN can also be located near the bike’s motor. Different manufacturers can have different locations where they display the bike’s VIN. You can get in touch with the manufacturer or dealer to know more about the VIN’s location.

What is a Bike’s Chassis Number?

A bike’s Chassis Number is a part of the VIN. It is used to identify a bike from the numbers mentioned. The last six characters of a VIN are the bike’s Chassis Number. The VIN and the Chassis Number are often used interchangeably.

How to Find the Bike’s Chassis Number?

As the Chassis Number is a part of the VIN (bike VIN number), you will come to know about the Chassis Number in a bike by locating the VIN. The Chassis Number can be found near the bike’s handle or motor. If you are finding it difficult to locate your bike’s Chassis Number, you can seek the help of a mechanic. The bike’s Chassis Number is often mentioned in the Owner’s Manual and Registration Certificate.

How to Find the Chassis Number of Bike Online?

A bike’s Chassis Number can be checked online from its registration number. If you are wondering how to know Chassis Number of bikes online, it can be checked from the government authorised Vahan website. However, only authorized users such as banks, insurance companies, etc. can check Chassis Number online by Registration Number.

What is the Engine Number?

An Engine Number is a factory-stated number mentioned on the bike’s engine. Like the Vehicle Identification Number, the bike Engine Number is also used for identification. However, this is not to be confused with the Vehicle Identification Number.

How to Find A Bike’s Engine Number?

A bike’s Engine Number will be stamped on the engine. Try looking at your bike’s engine from an angle to find the Engine Number. A bike’s Engine Number can also be found in the Owner’s Manual and Registration Certificate.

Also, read: Online Two Wheeler Insurance

How to Check Bike’s Engine Number Online?

Like a bike’s Chassis Number, the bike’s Engine Number can be checked on the Vahan website but only by authorized users.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Chassis Number and Engine Number the same?

No, Chassis Number and Engine Number are two different numbers.

What if I am unable to locate my bike’s VIN?

You can ask a mechanic to help you locate your bike’s VIN if you are unable to find it. Alternatively, you can contact your bike dealer for the same.

What is the difference between a VIN and Chassis Number?

VIN is longer than Chassis Number. Chassis Number is a part of the VIN.

How long is a VIN number?

A VIN consists of 17 characters.

Is there a standard location to find the bike’s chassis number?

Different bike manufacturers might position the Chassis Number in different positions. Therefore, there is no standard location to find the bike’s chassis number.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.

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