Some bikes even develop their name from this code - remember Joey RC45? That's what the code was. RC360 stands for a VFR750F Road/Street motorcycle with rear wheel drive. RC360 = Digits 4-8 refer to the bike model itself. do I have to explain!Ģ = motorbike (it has 2 wheels!).not sure what the quads have here though. Let's look at an example of a motorcycle frame/VIN number: On bikes that were not originally built for Europe the system of identification is often different. My assumption is that it is the law, however, I stand to be corrected. SO, then what happens before 2001 you ask? Well in 2000 the 10th digit was 'Y', in 1999 'X' and so on backwards.Īs far as I'm aware almost all, if not all, manufacturers use this system.at least for bikes designated for use in Europe. So if the 10th digit is an '8' then it's a 2008 bike. With the Honda number pattern the 10th digit refers to the year. Honda have been printing frame numbers on every single bike since 1981. On a Honda frame you will notice they have a 17 digit frame number. Walk away if you're unsure because some day you might get an owner looking for their pride and joy back. Remember, if something doesn't feel right about a bike when you're looking at it - follow your gut instinct. Be as careful as you can when looking, check the paint, digit alignment.anything really. Some manufacturers do use plates (so they can position the frame number is a second, easier to read, place) but, even if there is a plate, it will ALWAYS be stamped directly into the frame itself.Īnother thing to be aware of is that people try to scratch out these numbers and re-stamp fake ones. Some bikes have VIN plates but always look for the actual stamped numbers aswell.ĭon't be mislead by plates of light steel riveted on here.