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Harley Davidson VIN Decoder

Free Harley Davidson VIN number check of history and specifications by Harley VIN decoder.

What is a Harley Davidson motorcycle VIN decoder?

Harley Davidson motorcycle VIN decoder is an online tool that helps Harley Davidson owners and buyers reveal some basic information about the motorcycle, such as its model year, equipment, model name, and more.

While you can decode a Harley Davidson VIN number manually, a decoder can help you do it faster and effortlessly.

How to use the Harley Davidson VIN decoder to do a free Harley Davidson VIN number check

Using our free Harley Davidson VIN decoder is easy:

  1. Go to the carVertical Harley VIN decoder page;
  2. Enter the VIN where it says “Enter VIN number”;
  3. Click the “Decode VIN” button.

This is all you need to do a free Harley Davidson VIN number check. Once you decode a VIN number, you’ll find an option to buy a full history report, which can reveal more data, including damage history, photos, ownership changes, and other interesting information.

Harley Davidson VIN number meaning

A Harley Davidson VIN number is a 17-character combination that every motorcycle has. A Harley Davidson VIN number is like the bike’s personal ID, which is necessary for identification. You’ll need a VIN number when insuring, registering a bike, or checking its history.

Harley Davidson started using the current 17-character format for VIN numbers in 1981. In earlier models, the engine number acted as a VIN number and had fewer characters.

For example, 1930-1962 models had 8-character VIN numbers that only included the production year, model designation, and production number. In later models, the first digit of a production number was odd during odd production years and even during even production years.

How to read Harley Davidson VIN numbers

A Harley Davidson VIN number consists of 3 sections that help reveal some information at a glance:

  • World Manufacturer ID (WMI) (characters 1-3) shows a vehicle’s manufacturing country, brand name, and vehicle type.
  • Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) (characters 4-9) reveals the engine type and other specifications of a motorcycle.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) (characters 10-17) shows the model year, assembly plant, and includes a unique serial number.

Harley Davidson VIN number breakdown
Harley Davidson VIN number breakdown

For instance, if the WMI consists of "1HD," the bike is manufactured in the United States, while "MEG" stands for India. Technically, you can decode a Harley Davidson VIN number manually, but our Harley Davidson VIN decoder can do it for you in seconds.

Harley Davidson VIN number location

Harley Davidson VIN number location
Harley Davidson VIN number location

In most cases, Harley VIN numbers can be found:

  • On the motorcycle’s frame, near the steering head
  • On a frame rail
  • (Rarely) on the bottom of the engine

Vehicle manufacturers put VIN numbers on irreplaceable or rarely replaceable parts to avoid fraud and accidental removal. Registration and insurance documents also list the motorcycle’s VIN number. Remember that numbers in different places must match.

What Harley Davidson models work with our free motorcycle VIN decoder?

Our free Harley Davidson VIN decoder works with motorcycles with a 17-character VIN number, meaning that their model year should start from 1981. You can check many older and all of the current Harley Davidson motorcycles on carVertical, including:

  • Adventure touring bikes – Pan America, Pan America 1250, Pan America Special
  • Cruisers – Fat Bob, Fat Boy, Forty-Eight, Heritage Classic, Iron, Low Rider, Softail, Sport Glide, Street Bob
  • Grand American Touring bikes – Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road King, Ultra Limited
  • Sport bikes – Nightster, Sportster
  • Trike bikes – Tri Glide, Freewheeler, Tri Glide Ultra

When buying a used or checking your Harley Davidson motorcycle, you can decode motorcycle VIN number to ensure it matches the make, model, and other essential information.

Harley Davidson VIN code check: what can you learn with the Harley VIN number?

Used motorcycle buyers face a high risk of fraud when they purchase a bike without knowing its background. Damaged and stolen motorcycles are on the market in various countries without buyers or even sellers knowing these devaluing facts.

While our free Harley Davidson VIN decoder can help you confirm some basic information, a full Harley Davidson history report can reveal:

  • Mileage rollbacks
  • A salvage title
  • Details about past damages
  • Thefts
  • Original equipment

Our mission is to protect used vehicle buyers from fraud and give them the upper hand in negotiations. We collaborate with manufacturers, dealerships, insurance companies, workshops, vehicle inspection centers, and other institutions and associations to provide up-to-date and reliable Harley Davidson motorcycle history reports.

What is the difference between a free Harley Davidson VIN check and a full history report?

A free Harley Davidson VIN check is less informative than a full history report. You can check a motorcycle’s VIN for free using a VIN decoder, but it only provides identification information, such as make, model, and country of origin. Meanwhile, a full history report provides information about historical facts and ownership history, which is useful when evaluating a motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

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