For more information about Vehicle Identification Numbers see Motorcycle VINs.
The first 3 digits of a Honda VIN contain the World Manufacturing Identifier, assigned to all manufacturers by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).
ATV Chart
Digits 1-3 |
WMI |
478 | Honda USA |
JH3 | Honda Japan |
Motorcycle & Moped Chart
Digits 1-3 |
WMI |
JH2 | Honda Japan |
VTM | Honda Spain |
YC1 | Honda Belgium |
ZDC | Honda Italy |
1HF | Honda USA |
3H1 | Honda Mexico |
9C2 | Honda Brazil |
The next 5 digits (4th thru 8th) are the vehicle descriptor or model code {VDC}.
Previous to 1981, VINs usually started with the model code and followed with a sequential production number. For example CL450-1012470 is the VIN of a 1969 Honda CL450K2 Scrambler 450. It was bike number 12,470 of the CL450 line (they started making them in 1967). Starting in 1981 the model code ceased to be just the model name.
I have included some vehicle descriptor codes in the chart below. If anyone feels there is a need, I will add all models to the chart. Use the Contact Us form if you have any suggestions for this page or the site in general.
Our chart is for US models only, the CMS FAQ page lists foreign issue bikes under the Honda identification by Model Codes question.
Honda VIN Vehicle Descriptor or Model Code Digits |
Bike Model |
AB011 | NA50 1981 |
AB070 | NB50M 1983-84 |
AB080 | NC50 1981 |
AB100 | NC50 1982-83, except Iowa |
AB101 | NC50 1982-83, including Iowa |
AE030 | XR50R 2000 |
AF090 | NB50M 1985 NB50 1986-87 |
AB020 | Z50R 1981-99 Z50RD 1986 |
AB220 | ZB50 1988 |
CA100 | CA100 (Honda 50) |
DE010 | CR60R 1983-84 |
DA010 | C70 1981 |
DD010 | CT70 1981-82 |
DB010 | CT70 1991-94 |
DB011 | CT70 1991-94 California |
DE020 | XR70R 1997-00 |
HE020 | CR80R 1981-82 |
HE040 | CR80R 1983-99 |
HE043 | CR80RB 1996-2000 |
HE04C | CR80R 2000 |
HD040 | XL80S 1981-85 except California |
HD041 | XL80S 1985 California |
HE010 | XR80 1981-84 |
NC030 | CB400T |
RC040 | CB750F |
RC070 | VF750S V45 Sabre 1982 – 1983 |
RC071 | VF750C V45 Magna 1982-84 |
RC130 | CB650SC 1983-85 except California |
RC131 | CB650SC 1984-85 California |
RC140 | VT750C Shadow 750 1983 |
RC150 | VF750F V45 Interceptor 1983 – 1984 |
RC151 | VF750F V45 Interceptor 1983 – 1984 California |
RC190 | VT700C Shadow 1984, 85, 86 & 87 |
RC191 | VT700C Shadow 1984, 85, 86 & 87 California |
RC210 | VF700C Magna 1984, 85, 86 & 87 |
RC211 | VF700C Magna 1984, 85, 86 & 87 California |
RC220 | VF700S Sabre 1984-1985 |
RC221 | VF700S Sabre 84-85 California |
RC230 | VF700F Interceptor 1984-1985 |
RC231 | VF700F Interceptor 84-85 California |
RC240 | VFR750F Interceptor 1986 |
RC241 | VFR750F Interceptor 1986 California |
RC280 | VF750C V45 Magna 1988 |
RC300 | VFR750R VFR 1990 |
RC301 | VFR750R VFR 1990 California |
RC430 | VF750C Magna 1994 – 2000 |
RC431 | VF750C Magna 1994 – 2000 California |
RC433 | VF750CD Magna Deluxe 1995 – 1997 VF750C2 Magna Deluxe 1998 – 2000 |
RC434 | VF750CD Magna Deluxe 1995 – 1997 California VF750C2 Magna Deluxe 1998 – 2000 California |
RC450 | RVF750R RVF 1994 |
SC110 | CB1100F Super Sport 1983 |
The 9th digit is the check digit. It is a mathematical equation utilizing some of the other digits. It is to ensure that someone doesn’t just make up a phony VIN. When entered into a DMV or Police computer system it will let them know that the VIN is not valid.
Motorcycle VINs.
The 11th digit of each Honda motorcycle VIN is a letter which indicates the plant in which the bike was built. Below you will find a chart of these letters and their corresponding assembly plant.
11th Digit of VIN | Honda Manufacturing Plant |
A | Ohio, USA |
B | Aalst, Belgium |
C | Saitama, Japan |
D | Guadalajara, Mexico |
E | Montesa, Spain |
F | Atessa, Italy |
K | Kumamoto, Japan |
M | Hamamatsu, Japan |
R | Manaus, Brazil |
S | Suzuka, Japan |
T | Tochigi, Japan |
The last 6 digits represent the sequential vehicle production number. So if the last 6 digits of your bike’s ID number are 000352, your bike is the three hundred and fifty 2nd bike made for that year.
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