Harley Davidson: VIN Decoder

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster, Dyna Glide, Softail, and Touring models (1981-present).

Every Harley Davidson has a unique VIN. In fact, every vehicle out there has its own VIN. Think of it as the equivalent of fingertips for humans. VIN stands for vehicle identification number and can tell you a lot about your motorcycle, like what your engine size is, where your Harley was manufactured, your bike's specific trim, and the year. So, if you're ever curious about your motorcycle, learning how to read the VIN can answer a lot of your questions, and you'll become more acquainted with your motorcycle. Read on to learn how to read your motorcycle's VIN.

VIN Location

The VIN number is located on the right side of the frame on the top. It consists of 17 characters, which look like a series of numbers and letters; however, they are designed to be read in groups. Read it from the top and make your way down.

How to Read your VIN

The VIN consists of 17 characters, split into groups as follows:

• The first three identify the country of manufacturer.
• The next five identify the body type, engine type, and model.
• The ninth number is used to validate the entire VIN.
• The tenth character is designed to identify the year of the bike.
• The eleventh digit determines the plant that the bike was manufactured in.
• Finally, the last six digits are designed to identify a specific vehicle within the broader year/make/model class.

Decoding the VIN

To decode the VIN, you don't have to break down the numbers and digits. Instead, there are many websites that allow you to just enter your VIN, and it will automatically decode everything you could possibly need to know about your Harley. Check this website to decode your VIN.

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