Free BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are part of the standardized 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and scooters. The first three characters of the VIN, the WMI, indicate the vehicle’s manufacturer and the country of manufacture. For the BMW R 1200 GS, the WMI provides specific information about BMW as the manufacturer and includes details such as the brand’s country of origin, which in the case of BMW, highlights its base in Germany. By examining the WMI, one can deduce key details about the motorcycle, including its production location and the company responsible for its manufacturing. Thus, the WMI serves as an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recalling purposes, offering vital information at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle

WMI: WB1

• Model Years Covered: 2005-2006, 2008-2010, 2012-2018
• Example VIN: WB10317A86ZL79665
• 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 R 1200 GS 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 R 1200 GS 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 R 1200 GS 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 R 1200 GS motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle

The final 6 characters in a BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a BMW R 1200 GS VIN reveal?

The below is an example of a BMW R 1200 GS 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 as 2005, providing insights into its age and potential technological features.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may decode to a motorcycle, specifically noted as a Motorcycle - Street, which helps in identifying the vehicle’s intended use and design characteristics.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN might reveal detailed information about the engine, such as it being a 1.170L (1170 CC or 71.39778059 CI) engine with 100 horsepower (74 kW), and featuring a 4-stroke cycle with 2 cylinders.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this motorcycle can be indicated as gasoline, which is crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN could disclose specific production information, such as the manufacturing location being in Berlin, Germany, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin.
• Model Specifics: Alongside general information, the VIN might specify the motorcycle model as R 1200 GS and indicate it belongs to the K25 series, which is useful for identifying parts, performance characteristics, and compatibility.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It possibly places the motorcycle in Class 1A, indicating it has a GVWR of 3,000 lb or less (1,360 kg or less), which helps in understanding the size, handling, and licensing requirements of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a BMW R 1200 GS