Free Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a critical component of a vehicle’s wider Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely representing the manufacturer. For the Harley-Davidson Sportster, the WMI reveals essential details about the bike’s origin and brand, signifying it was crafted by the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its distinctive and powerful bikes. This alphanumeric code is the first section of the VIN and is pivotal in vehicle registration, identification, and recall processes. As for the Sportster, the WMI not only underscores its Harley-Davidson manufacture but also assists in tracing its specifications, model year, and assembly location. Hence, the WMI serves as a fundamental identifier that corroborates the motorcycle’s authenticity and lineage.

List of WMI Codes for a Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle

WMI: 1HD

• Model Years Covered: 2023
• Example VIN: 1HD1ZC415PB301388
• Manufacturer Name: Harley Davidson, LiveWire
• Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Custom
• City: York
• State or Province: Pennsylvania
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Harley Davidson Sportster 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 Harley Davidson Sportster 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 Harley Davidson Sportster 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 Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle

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

What info can a Harley Davidson Sportster VIN reveal?

The below is an example of a Harley Davidson Sportster 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 2023, providing insights into the age and potential modern features of the motorcycle.
• Cooling Type: A VIN decode report might reveal the motorcycle’s cooling system as water-cooled, indicating advanced temperature regulation technology utilized for optimal performance.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN might disclose key engine specifications such as a 1250 CC displacement and a Revolution Max 1250T engine model. This could indicate a two-cylinder, four-stroke cycle engine with an output of around 121 horsepower, showcasing the motorcycle’s powerful capabilities.
• Fuel Type: From the VIN, one can learn that the primary fuel type for this motorcycle is gasoline, suggesting the engine’s compatibility with commonly available fuel.
• Body Class and Weight Class: The VIN may classify the motorcycle as a Custom Motorcycle with a Body Class designed for aesthetics and customization. It might also place the vehicle in the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Class 1A, indicating a weight of 3,000 lb or less, which could affect its handling and performance.
• Manufacturing Details: Through the VIN, it’s possible to learn about the motorcycle’s assembly location in York, Pennsylvania, United States, potentially offering insights into its manufacturing standards and origin.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The VIN can provide information about the motorcycle being categorized as a Heavy Weight Motorcycle (901cc and larger), along with its Series (RH1250S) and Trim (S). This information might help understand the bike’s targeted market segment and its intended performance characteristics.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Harley Davidson Sportster