Free Honda Shadow VLX Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a Honda Shadow VLX motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Honda Shadow VLX motorcycle VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to identify the manufacturer of motor vehicles and trailers. This code, embedded in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each vehicle, provides valuable information, such as the country of manufacture, the vehicle type, and the manufacturing division. For the Honda Shadow VLX, the WMI is integral to distinguishing its identity from countless other models on the road, pinpointing its origins, and verifying its authenticity. This specific identifier is crucial for registration, titling, and various legal processes, ensuring that each Honda Shadow VLX is accurately traced back to Honda, the manufacturer. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI offers insight into its production background, enhancing the knowledge base for owners, dealers, and regulatory bodies.

List of WMI Codes for a Honda Shadow VLX motorcycle

WMI: JH2

• Model Years Covered: 1988
• Example VIN: JH2PC2106JM002773
• Manufacturer Name: Honda
• Vehicle Type: Motorcyle - Dual Sport / Adventure / Supermoto / On/Off-road
• City: Kumamoto
• State or Province: Kikuchi
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Honda Shadow VLX 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 Honda Shadow VLX 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 Honda Shadow VLX 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 Honda Shadow VLX motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Honda Shadow VLX motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Honda Shadow VLX motorcycle

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

What info can a Honda Shadow VLX VIN reveal?

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

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the motorcycle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class: The VIN may identify the motorcycle’s body class as a Cruiser, hinting at its design and intended usage purpose.
• Engine Details: From the VIN, one might learn details such as the engine model (PC21E-2100001), displacement (583 CC or 0.583 liters), and an engine power output starting from 40.5 horsepower, which highlights engine size and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type - Primary: The VIN could reveal that the primary fuel type for the motorcycle is Gasoline, offering insights into fuel compatibility and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Location: It can indicate that the motorcycle was manufactured in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan by the HAMAMATSU FACTORY, providing information on the geographic origin of the vehicle’s construction.
• Safety and Weight Class: The VIN may detail the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, categorizing the motorcycle as Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less, which is useful for understanding legal and safety guidelines relevant to its operation and registration.
• Vehicle Type and Market Destination: The VIN can ensure identification of the motorcycle as designed for the 49 States market, except California, highlighting its compliance and distribution focus.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Honda Shadow VLX