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

When it comes to a bike, many people think that its registration number is the most important, while its engine number, chassis number, and vehicle identification number are of less significance. Even most of the bike owners have no knowledge about these numbers of their own bike. If you also think that only the number plate holds significance and makes your bike distinct, then you are completely wrong.

You need to understand the fact that on being stolen, the number plate of your bike could easily be taken out of your bike. Hence, to give each bike a unique identity, there are specific numbers inscribed on its chassis and engine. However, your bike also holds a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which holds data like year of manufacture, registration details, etc.

As these numbers play an important part in ensuring the safety of your bike and considered as the most authentic source to find your bike’s history, you should know about VIN, chassis number and engine number and should know how to find them.

What Is VIN or Vehicle Identification Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code of 17 characters that incorporate numbers and letters used to identify private as well as commercial vehicles. The VIN provides multiple types of details related to your bike such as place of production, vehicle description, vehicle identification, year of manufacture, RTO location, insurance policy and so on.

Importance of VIN

A VIN, which stands for vehicle identification number, is a unique code given to every motorcycle. This essential code is used for the purpose of identification of that particular two-wheeler. If you purchase any bike of any brand, there is a VIN of your bike too. VIN provides specific information about a motorcycle model. VIN is well-known as the fingerprint of a bike. It’s just synonymous with a human's fingerprint. Two bikes’ VINs can’t be the same.

By using the VIN, you can check whether the bike is stolen or not. Additionally, you will get to know the previous owner's details, registration, and insurance policy details. VIN is also important while buying a second-hand bike. The riders get the information of the manufacturing year.

 In order to process the claim successfully, the vehicle identification number plays a pivotal role. If the two-wheeler vehicle is on loan, the purchaser gets this information from the VIN. After getting this information, you will decide the resale value as well as make a buying decision.

History of VIN:

The concept of VIN was first introduced long back in 1954. As there was no standardisation, different manufacturers used various formats. The 13-digit VIN was started in 1962, and the proper standardised format came into force in 1972. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States was the pioneer of the 17-digit VIN standard format. This standard VIN is still enforced on the present motorcycles. 

Earlier than the VIN, the engine number was used for registration purposes. At present, VIN is used in the database of the concerned bike manufacturers. You can track the service history of the respective model. Over the past few decades, the VIN has evolved exceptionally to provide the comprehensive origin of the motorcycle. Hence, today, a vehicle identification number truly is an identifier for vehicles such as bikes in this automobile industry.

Components of the Vehicle Identification Number

VINs (vehicle identification numbers) comprise 17 character unique codes, and each character is defined as something. Let’s decode the 17 characters to understand the meaning of the characters:

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI):

The first three characters of the unique code are called the world manufacturer identifier. It is also renowned as the WMI code. These three characters are there to identify the manufacturer and the country of the origin of that particular bike. All the manufacturers who produce less than 1000 vehicles have 9 as the third digit. Few manufacturers use the third digit to define their vehicle category.

Vehicle Descriptor Section:

The characters from the fourth to ninth of the VIN are known as the VDS (vehicle descriptor section). It describes the vehicle's (which is a bike here) characteristics. This vehicle's characteristics including the bike's engine type, body style, and model. Manufacturers use this VDS in their own unique way. Most brands define the 8th digit to describe the engine type.

Vehicle Identifier Section:

The vehicle identifier section consists of 10 to 17 characters in the vehicle identification section. These characters describe the motorcycle’s information, such as the engine,  model year, plant code and transmission.

How to Find Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

There are different places where you can find the 17-digit unique VIN of your bike. Though the places may vary according to the models of the manufacturer. However, some common places to spot the VIn in the motorcycle and these are:

• Fork Neck: In some of the motorcycles, the VIN is found in the fork neck, which is connected with the part of the frame. To be more precise, you have to look at the stamped number area or a metal plate.

• Engine: The vehicle identification number is often located in the bike's engine. Carefully look at the visible part or stamped area of the engine for viewing the VIN.

• Frame: Generally, in the motorcycle’s frame, the VIN is engraved. You can view the 17-character number there. VIN is written in the bike's handles or steering head. 

• Owner’s Document (RC): If you can’t find or check the above places of your bike, then open the owner’s document. Here you will get to know the VIN for sure. The VIN must be mentioned in the policy documents, or else you have to contact the dealer of the bike.

What Is a Bike’s Chassis Number?

The chassis number of a bike is nothing but a significant part of the vehicle identification number. Any bike’s chassis number stands for the last six characters of the VIN. Another name of a motorcycle's chassis number is frame number. This chassis number is a six-alphanumeric code. This code is labelled at the time of the manufacturing process of the bike.

The chassis number is used as a basic identifier of the bike’s chassis or frame. Moreover, it serves several purposes, like tracking a bike's history, reporting a loss or theft, and registering the bike. The chassis number is more like a brief identifier of the bike. The chassis number and VIN are often interchanged with each other as well. It is one of the most fundamental and essential pieces of information that is duly verified during the bike’s routine checkup.

How To Find Chassis Number from Registration Number?

Finding the chassis number of a bike is not a challenging task. Like the offline method, which is on the vehicle, the online process makes it a cake walk for the motorcycle owner or anyone. If you want to know the chassis number from your two-wheeler’s registration number, then you must follow these steps: 

• Download the Mparivahan or go to the official website.

• After that, fill in your personal details.

• Log in to the website or app through a login password or mobile OTP.

• Then, enter your vehicle’s registration number and other details.

• You will find your bike’s chassis number instantly.

Along with the method mentioned above, bike owners can store their vehicle information in Digilocker. This online method is not only hassle-free but also user-friendly too.

What Is the Engine Number of a Bike?

The engine number of a motorcycle is another method of identifying the bike. It is also a crucial number, which is similar to the chassis number and vehicle identification number. Here, the purpose is whether the mechanics are working with the correct engine or not. Engine numbers ensure the compatibility of the engine and that it’s appropriately fit with other parts of the motorcycle.

The bike’s engine number is necessary for verification purposes such as insurance claims and resale. When the engine is replaced, then the engine number is automatically changed. So the resale value will be decided accordingly.

How To Find the Bike's Engine Number?

Finding the bike’s engine number is very important in many respects, but the question is where you can find it. This essential identifier of the bike you can find in these below-given places:

• Check it in the engine, more specifically in the side or bottom of the engine, near the cylinder head or crankcase. The engine number is engraved or stitched in these places of the engine block. Although it may vary according to the model of the bike or as per the manufacturer.

• You can find it in another way, like in the RC (registration certificate) of the owner of the bike. You must carefully read the hard copy or soft copy of RC to spot the engine number correctly.

• If you would like to check it in online mode, then you can do it by logging in to the official website. After entering your vehicle registration number and other necessary details, the engine number will flash on your screen.

• The motorcycle’s engine number will be located on other bike documents, such as insurance papers too.

What is the VIN, The Chassis and Engine Number Used For?

Knowing to look for these details can come extremely handy in certain situations. The VIN, for example, is like a fingerprint for a bike, i.e., it is unique. Thus it is used for identification. When purchasing a second-hand bike, checking the VIN through a database will ensure that the bike’s history is clean and will not create any trouble for you. 

Due to lack of knowledge, sometimes, people fall in the trap of some corrupt dealers who sell old or stolen two-wheeler vehicles. The customer gets easily duped and pay the amount fraudsters ask for. On this note, to save yourself from falling prey to any such scam, you must hold the knowledge to decode the VIN number of the two-wheeler vehicle. It will provide you with unique features and specifications of the bike or scooter. In addition to this, you can also track the owner, registration details, warranty claims, and insurance coverage of the two-wheeler vehicle with the help of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

The Chassis Number is part of the bike’s VIN. The Engine number on the other hand is not part of the VIN and is entirely separate. However, the use of the number is similar, in that it is used for identification. It can also be used to find the right replacement for engines and is proof of its original make. Also, you may require to check your VIN or chassis number to add the correct details during the purchase process or renew process of your two-wheeler insurance.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the VIN, Chassis and Engine Number are extremely important. Finding them on the bike may be confusing sometimes, but the above-mentioned information will be able to guide you to find it. Bikes are important purchases for us, and most of us want to protect it and keep it in the best condition possible. One way to do this is to purchase bike insurance. With the option of doing this online, you can now browse the different bike insurance companies, the quotes they are offering and their network of cashless garages with only a few clicks. Furthermore, with a standalone own-damage cover or a comprehensive plan you can also purchase add-ons to further strengthen a standard policy.

FAQ's

1. Where can I find the VIN Chassis Number on my two-wheeler?

The VIN Chassis Number is usually found under the seat, next to the engine, or on the steering neck. It's also on the owner's manual, insurance papers, and registration certificate for the car.

2. What is the Engine Number for two-wheelers?

The Engine Number is a distinct alphanumeric code that is specific to your two-wheeler's engine. It is used to identify and verify the engine’s manufacturing details and specifications.

3. Where is the Engine Number located on my two-wheeler?

Usually, you can find the Engine Number engraved or stamped on the engine block, often on its side or bottom. Refer to your vehicle's owner’s manual for the specific location on your two-wheeler model.

4. Why do I need to know the VIN Chassis and Engine Number of my two-wheeler?

These numbers are vital for various purposes, including vehicle registration, insurance processes, and servicing. They also play a crucial role in identifying stolen vehicles and ensuring that the vehicle's parts are genuine.

5. Can I use the VIN Chassis Number to track my two-wheeler's history?

Yes, the VIN Chassis Number allows you to access a detailed history of your two-wheeler, including previous owners, accidents, and services, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing a used vehicle.

6. Is it possible to change the Engine or VIN Chassis Number on my two-wheeler?

No, it's illegal to tamper with, alter, or change the VIN Chassis or Engine Number of your vehicle as they are the primary identifiers of your two-wheeler.

7. How many digits does a typical two-wheeler VIN Chassis Number contain?

A VIN Chassis Number usually comprises 17 characters, a combination of numbers and letters, which encode specific details about your two-wheeler.

8. Can the Engine Number and VIN Chassis Number be the same?

No, the Engine Number and VIN Chassis Number are different, with each providing unique information about your two-wheeler's engine and chassis, respectively.

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