Free BMW K1 Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW K1 motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW K1 motorcycle VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. This code forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-character serial number used to identify individual motor vehicles. For the BMW K1, the WMI is integral in distinguishing it as a product of BMW, indicating its manufacturing origin and brand identity. The WMI not only verifies the manufacturer but also provides essential information regarding the country of assembly and the vehicle type. This standardized identification system is critical for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW K1 motorcycle

WMI: WB1

• Model Years Covered: 1991
• Example VIN: WB1053508M6365490
• Manufacturer Name: BMW
• Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Standard
• City: Berlin
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a BMW K1 motorcycle VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a BMW K1 motorcycle:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a BMW K1 motorcycle VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the BMW K1 motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW K1 motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW K1 motorcycle

The final 6 characters in a BMW K1 motorcycle’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW K1 VIN reveal?

The below is an example of a BMW K1 Motorcycle’s available specs based on its VIN, referencing the motorcycle in the table below:

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being 1991, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the motorcycle.
• Body Class: The VIN may indicate that the motorcycle is classified as a Motorcycle - Standard, which suggests a particular style and intended usage.
• Engine Specifications: From the VIN, one can learn about the engine specifications, including a displacement of 986 CC (or 60.2 cubic inches), 95 horsepower, a four-cylinder layout, and it operates on a four-stroke cycle, pointing to its performance characteristics.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the motorcycle, as possibly indicated by the VIN, is gasoline, which informs on the engine’s compatibility and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN might reveal that the motorcycle was manufactured in Berlin, Germany, giving insight into its origin and potentially affecting its design and engineering standards.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The VIN can possibly encode basic motorcycle model information, indicating that the model is a K1 from the K 589 series, which helps in identifying the exact model and its specifications.
• Safety Features: Through the VIN, one could learn about the inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as a standard feature, underlining the vehicle’s commitment to rider safety.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW K1