Free Honda VF500C Motorcycle VIN Decoder

How to decode a Honda VF500C motorcycle VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Honda VF500C motorcycle VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides crucial information about the vehicle, including its place of manufacture, vehicle type, and manufacturer identity. In the case of the Honda VF500C, the WMI helps to specifically identify it as a motorcycle produced by Honda. By dissecting the WMI, one can trace the origins and classification of the vehicle, underscoring its authenticity and lineage within the global automotive industry. This critical data point serves as a foundational piece for vehicle registration, identification, and certification processes worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a Honda VF500C motorcycle

WMI: JH2

• Model Years Covered: 1985
• Example VIN: JH2PC1300FM101202
• 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 VF500C 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 VF500C 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 VF500C 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 VF500C motorcycle VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Honda VF500C motorcycle VIN — Plant Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Honda VF500C motorcycle

The final 6 characters in a Honda VF500C motorcycle’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Honda VF500C VIN reveal?

The below is an example of a Honda VF500C Motorcycle’s available specs based on its VIN, referencing the motorcycle in the table below:

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal that the motorcycle was manufactured in 1985, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and potential vintage status.
• Body Class and Type: From the VIN, it might be identified that the motorcycle is of a Sport type, offering information on its design and intended use.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN may reveal a V-Shaped engine configuration, displacement values of 498 CC, and a horsepower starting from 68, offering detailed insight into the motorcycle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Cooling and Fuel Type: Information deciphered from the VIN could indicate that the motorcycle features a water cooling system and utilizes gasoline as its primary fuel source, highlighting important aspects of its operation and efficiency.
• Transmission and Drive: Decoding the VIN may reveal that the motorcycle is equipped with a 6-speed transmission and a chain drive style, providing insights into the vehicle’s mechanics and how power is transferred from the engine to the wheels.
• Safety and Weight Class: Although specific safety features might not be directly detailed, the VIN could show that the motorcycle falls under the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Class 1A, signifying it weighs 3,000 lb or less and potentially influencing its handling and performance characteristics.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can provide valuable information that the motorcycle was built in Hamamatsu, Japan by the HAMAMATSU FACTORY in Shizuoka, adding to its appeal for enthusiasts and collectors by indicating its origin and authenticity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Honda VF500C