What do the letters in a Honda motorcycle or ATV model code mean?
The first 2 or 3 letters in a motorcycle model are usually the engine style. The number is the engine size in cubic centimeters. This number is usually rounded, a 1098cc engine may be a 1100 model.
The letter or letters that follow the number designates the trim package. The charts below are the basics, there are always exceptions.
Not all models follow these rules strictly, but most do.
Examples: Style or Trim Code: |
Engine Style Code | Engine Style |
VT | V-shaped, Twin (2) Cylinder aka v-twin |
VF | V-shaped, Four Cylinder aka v-four |
VTR | V-shaped, Twin Cylinder, Racing |
Trim Package Code | Trim Style |
A | Hondamatic or Aspencade |
C | Custom, Shadow, Shadow Spirit or Magna |
C2 | Shadow ACE or American Classic Edition |
C3 | Shadow Aero |
D | Deluxe |
F | SuperSport |
I | Interstate |
L | Limited Edition |
LTD | Limited Edition |
R | Racing or Retro |
S | Sabre |
SC | NightHawk |
SE | Special Edition |
SJR | Smoking Joe Racing Edition |
T | Touring or Tourer |
Some Honda model codes do not seem to adhere to any rule except that the engine size is there.
Below is a partial list of bikes that do not follow the rules above.
For these bikes, CB is usually more of a sportbike style and the GL models are touring bikes.
Model Designation |
Model Name |
CB100 | Supersport |
CBR1000F | Hurricane |
CBR1100XX | Blackbird |
CL450 | Scrambler |
CM185T | TwinStar |
CMX450C | Rebel |
CX500TC | Turbo |
GL650 | SilverWing |
GL1100 | GoldWing 1100 |
GL1500C | Valkyrie |
NT650 | Hawk GT |
RVT1000R | RC51 |
SL100 | Motosport |
VT750D | Spirit |
VTR1000 | SuperHawk |
XL600V | Transalp |
Z50A | Mini Trail |
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