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.

Components of the Vehicle Identification Number

As we have already discussed that a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) holds 17 characters. Its serial code is segmented into the following three parts for classification:

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The characters from 1 to 3 of the VIN are known as the WMI code. These characters denote the manufacturer of the two-wheeler vehicle as well as the country of origin.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

Characters 4 to 9 are called the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). As the name suggests, these characters tell about the characteristics of the vehicle which may include the model of the vehicle, body type, and so on. 

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

Characters 10 to 17 are known as the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). With these characters you can get clear identification of a two-wheeler vehicle by giving the right information about the engine, plant code, transmission, and model year.

The characters 1 to 3 of VIN are called WMI code, which denotes the place where the vehicle is manufactured, characters 4 to 9 of VIN denotes the vehicle descriptor section that tells about the characteristic features of the vehicle and characters 10 to 17 of VIN is the vehicle identifier section that provides information about the model year, engine, plant code, and transmission of the vehicle.

How to Find Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the bike is usually found on the steering neck. However, on some bikes it is located near the motor of the bike.

What Is a Bike’s Chassis Number?

The Chassis Number of a bike is a part of the VIN as the last six characters of a VIN are the bike’s Chassis Number. The VIN and the Chassis Number are often used interchangeably. Therefore, If you can find VIN on your bike, then you can also find Chassis Number as it is the part of VIN.

How To Find Chassis Number from Registration Number?

However, other than bikes, you can find this number on the Registration Certificate and Owner’s Manual. Also, some authorised users such as bike insurance companies, banks, and so on, hold the authority to check this number online on a government website known as VAHAN.

What Is the Engine Number of a Bike?

It is clear from the name itself that an Engine Number can be located on the engine of the bike. This number can also be used for the identification of the bike, but it is different from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

How To Find the Bike's Engine Number?

You can easily find it on the engine of your bike and on the Registration Certificate and Owner’s Manual. Just like the Chassis Number, the bike’s Engine Number can also be checked online at the government website known as VAHAN, by authorised users only.

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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