The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for a Yamaha motorcycle (or any motorcycle, car, or vehicle) is typically 17 characters long. This 17-character code serves as a unique identifier for the vehicle and provides important information about its make, model, engine type, and country of manufacture.
Structure of a Yamaha Motorcycle VIN
A VIN is divided into three main sections:
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – 1st to 3rd characters:
- The first three characters identify the manufacturer and country of origin. For Yamaha motorcycles, the WMI is typically “JYA” (for Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., based in Japan).
- Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) – 4th to 9th characters:
- These characters describe the vehicle’s model, engine type, body style, and other specific details related to the bike.
- Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) – 10th to 17th characters:
- The 10th character indicates the model year (e.g., “L” for 2020, “M” for 2021, etc.).
- The 11th character identifies the factory where the vehicle was built.
- The remaining characters (12th to 17th) are typically a serial number unique to that specific motorcycle.
Example of a Yamaha VIN:
JYA1AHY19JA000001
- JYA: Yamaha’s WMI code
- 1AHY19: Details about the model and engine
- J: Model year (2018)
- A: Manufacturing plant
- 000001: Unique serial number
Why is the VIN important?
The VIN is used for tracking the motorcycle’s history, registration, insurance, and in case of theft or recalls. It’s also helpful when purchasing parts or verifying the motorcycle’s authenticity.
To find the VIN on a Yamaha motorcycle, look for a stamped metal plate or sticker usually located:
- On the frame, near the headstock (front of the bike near the handlebars)
- On the steering neck
- On a sticker on the swingarm or frame (depending on the model)