Looking for Your Bike’s VIN, Chassis or Engine Number? Here’s Where to Find Them

What is the first thing that you look for in a bike? Its features, body type, appeal, or what else. But, what about the other important details that often go unnoticed? Thus, it is no denying that most of us own a bike, but not all of us know everything about it. There are certain important details such as chassis number, vehicle identification number, registration number, etc, that we often forget to check. 

If you are one of those, then let us tell you that doing so can sometimes land you in great trouble as it is these minute details that can help you a lot especially when it is stolen, or you are selling it to someone else or you are planning to get settled in any new city. So, in today’s blog let us understand everything about the bike’s registration number and chassis number and how to find these details.

What is Bike Registration Number?

A bike registration number is its unique identification number. The importance of a bike registration number is such that it is illegal to ride a bike on road without it, thus anyone who is buying a new bike is supposed to get its registration number from their nearest RTO within one month of the purchase. 

How to Find a Bike’s Registration Number?

After purchasing a new bike when the vehicle owner visits the local RTO office to register his bike, a Registration Certificate is issued by the authorities. In the bike's Registration Certificate, one can find the registration number easily by checking the number plate. This unique combination of letters and numbers is your actual registration number. 

Let us assume, your bike's Registration number is IND MH02BY700. Now, each letter and number on the license plate has its own meaning. Let’s take a closer look at the bike registration number format.

• IND provided in the beginning represents the international registration code, i.e., in this case, India.
• The next two letters represent the state, for example, MH stands for Maharashtra.
• The next two digits represent the district or local RTO code where the vehicle was registered. In this case, MH-02 represents the RTO in Mumbai (West), Andheri.
• The next letter represents a number series that can be available in the form of one, two, or three letters.
• The last 4 digits in the number plate are unique alphanumeric code for each bike.

Remember, one can easily find the registration number of their bike on the number plate.

Bike Chassis Number

A bike chassis number is an important part of a Vehicle Identification Number VIN. Vehicle Identification Number which is a set of 17 unique numbers has 6 six-digit chassis numbers which appear towards the end of the VIN. However, VIN and chassis numbers should not be confused with each other.

How To Find Bike Chassis Number?

Here are some of the best ways to find and check the bike's chassis number:

1. Go through the documents: Either check your bike's registration certificate or owner's manual as these documents often include the identification number or the chassis number.

2. Inspect Yourself: Depending on your bike model, the location of the chassis number can be different. So, here are a few common places that you must definitely look for when inspecting the bike.

• Frame: Some bike models engrave or stamp the chassis number on the bike's frame or steering head or the frame around your engine.
• Fork Neck: Another common location where you might find a metal plate stamped with the chassis number. It is basically the area that connects the frame and front forks.
• Engine: You can also look for the identification number on the engine casing or nearby visible parts.

3. Insurance Documents: Some bike insurance companies include the chassis number in their policy documents and insurance certificates, so try to look it up here as well.

Importance Of Bike Chassis Number

There are many people across India who believe their number plate is the only way to identify their vehicle if it gets stolen. However, this is not true. Apart from your RC and number plate, your bike also has a VIN number or chassis number printed on it that is unique for each bike. Remember, two bikes cannot have a similar chassis number. It is a unique 17-character number stamped or printed by the vehicle manufacturer on your bike's frame or engine.

In case you are planning to invest in a second-hand bike or visit the insurance office to purchase a new bike policy, make sure to check your chassis number. Having a chassis number for your bike helps in case of theft and legal matters. Also, one can easily obtain the manufacturing details of the bike with this unique number. Apart from these benefits, a chassis number is even used for processing insurance claims and RC transfers if moving to another city.

What is the Chassis Number on a Bike Used For?

A chassis number has various roles and purposes that can turn out to be beneficial in many cases. It is a unique identification number that holds great importance and benefits, such as:

1. Identification:

The vehicle manufacturer prints the chassis number on each vehicle that gives a brief of your model and other specifications. In case the bike gets stolen, even without the number plate, traffic police can identify your bike with the help of a chassis number.

2. Registration and Legal Documentation:

When the vehicle owner visits the RTO office for vehicle registration, a set of documents are requested for submission and verification. The chassis number print copy is one such document essential for getting a Registration Certificate.

3. Insurance:

During the time of purchasing an insurance policy, most insurers demand the chassis number. It is mandatory to provide a unique identification number so that the insurer can help in the time of claims or other procedures.

4. Theft Recovery:

During theft or legal matters, most authorities use this number to identify and trace the two-wheeler. The stealers cannot sell your bike easily due to this unique number. So, it is one of the best ways to track your stolen bike.

5. Verification:

Another benefit of having a chassis number on your bike is it can be used to verify the authenticity during legal disputes, resale, or theft cases.

6. Maintenance and Service:

There are various service centers that maintain records of their clients, including information like part replacement, warranty period, and more. In such a case, having a chassis number makes it much easier to track the details for future needs.

7. Recalls and Warranties:

Manufacturers often use this unique identification number for warranty claims and identifying units impacted by defects in the production process.

8. Customization and Modifications:

When customizing or making changes to the bike, manufacturers use this unique number to make sure the modifications match the particular make and model of the vehicle.

Conclusion

For your bike's safety and to keep yourself off legal matters, it is best to find your chassis number. Basically, the chassis number is a unique number provided by manufacturers that can be used to offer protection against theft, damage, and accidents. Most authorities even demand it for identification and documentation purposes. Remember both the registration number and the chassis number are important for any rider. Follow the above-listed steps to understand how to find your chassis number and prevent legal consequences and maintenance issues. In fact, learn more about its importance and the areas it is often used for. Keep in mind that even without your RC, you can easily locate your chassis number by manually inspecting your model.

FAQs

• How to check the chassis number without my bike's registration certificate?

Even if you lost your RC, you can check the chassis number from the insurance policy or by inspecting the bike. Usually, the manufacturers stamp or print the chassis number on the frame, engine, or headstock. Also, do not drive without RC, make sure to visit the RTO office immediately to get a duplicate registration certificate.

• Is it possible to change your chassis number?

Generally, the manufacturers do not change the chassis number of a bike and ensure it is unique for each model. However, in certain cases, one can visit the local transport authority or RTO to request changes. One must ensure that all legal procedures are followed during the approval process.

• Are VIN and chassis numbers the same?

Yes, some companies use the VIN and the chassis number interchangeably for they are alphanumeric codes, i.e., the unique identification number used for verification. However, VIN offers a bit more detailed information.

•  Is it possible to have multiple chassis numbers for a bike?

No, a chassis number is a unique identifier that is different for each vehicle and model. You cannot have multiple chassis numbers for a bike.

• Can vehicle owners find the chassis number online?

A few manufacturers and RTOs offer online services that allow vehicle owners to get information about their bikes, i.e. their registration number. Using this information, one can easily retrieve his/her chassis number.

Also Read:

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