Free Harley-Davidson VIN Decoder & Lookup

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5 min read

Why Choose EpicVIN's Harley-Davidson VIN Decoder?

  1. U.S. dealership network of Harley-Davidson as of 2024: 600+ locations – the statistics collected by EpicVIN.
  2. 151,200 Harley Davidson vehicles sold in 2024 – every VIN indexed the same day.
  3. Official NMVTIS feeds – titles, liens, and mileage straight from government records.
  4. Free VIN decoding – pay only for the full history report.

What is a Harley-Davidson VIN and Why Decode It?

A Harley VIN represents a unique 17-digit code standardized since 1981 by the ISO Institute. This vehicle identification numbers system enables buyers to verify specifications, recalls, and history through our VIN decoder before making purchase decisions.

How to Decode a Harley-Davidson VIN Number?

Follow these simple steps to decode any Harley VIN:

Find the VIN
Enter the VIN
Click "Decode VIN free"
Review the Results

Find the VIN

Locate the sequence in the corresponding location.

Enter the VIN

Input the sequence into our VIN decoder tool.

Click "Decode VIN free"

Press decode to access basic specifications, recalls, and manufacturer details instantly.

Review the Results

Examine the results and consider using a full report for detailed accident records and car title information.

Popular Harley-Davidson Models for VIN Check

How to Find a Harley-Davidson VIN?

How to Find a VIN?

Motorcycles typically display the VIN number in several standard locations:

  • On the steering head, stamped into the frame near the front fork assembly.
  • The driver's side of the frame, visible when standing beside the bike.
  • Registration documents, and insurance papers always contain the complete VIN numbers.
  • Some models feature additional VIN locations on the engine case.
  • York, PA, Buell East Troy, and other plant codes help verify authenticity.

Used Harley-Davidson Key Risk Statistics in the USA (2024–2025)

Key Risk Impact on Buyers Mitigation Steps
Theft Risk Motorcycles stolen rose 12% year-over-year. Verify VIN against NICB theft database; install a GPS tracker; store securely.
Unrepaired Safety Recalls ~82,000 Softail models subject to recall 25V-375. Run VIN through NHTSA/EpicVIN recall check; schedule dealer service immediately.
Depreciation Over Time Used values drop ~15% in the first 3 years. Buy lightly-used models; keep service records; limit cosmetic modifications.
Odometer Rollback Fraud An estimated 5% of used listings show tampered miles. Compare VIN mileage from NMVTIS, service, and inspection records.
Hidden Flood or Salvage History ~6% of "clean title" bikes were later flagged. Pull NMVTIS title history and auction photos from EpicVIN before purchase.

Minimize risks: Check your VIN number through EpicVIN before purchase to reveal past liquidation, odometer readings, and recalled components.

Top-3 Common Failures in Used Harley-Davidson Vehicles

Issue Affected Models, Symptoms, Average Repair Cost
Brake system gel/clog failure 2008–2011 Touring & Softail – ABS jams due to gelling brake fluid – ~$1,200
Rear shock bracket failure (recall) Softail 2017–2024 – broken tab causing tire contact – free under recall
High failure rate after 4 years Multiple models – general failures 24% rate – repair ~$800 average

How to Read a Harley-Davidson VIN Number

VIN Description

Each character in your Aston Martin's VIN tells a specific story.

  • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier - Positions 1-3): The first three characters uncover Aston Martin vehicle's manufacturer and country of origin.
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section - Positions 4-9): The next six characters show the body style, engine type, specific details, and check digit based on a mathematical formula for VIN validation.
  • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section - Positions 10-17): Model year designation, assembly plant code showing production location, and serial number unique to each vehicle.

There are some other details that our Aston Martin VIN decoder uncovers:

  • Check-digit "X" appears only once every 11,111 cars, so it's prized by plate collectors.
  • Visible VIN moved from pin-stamped plate (DB7) to scribe-etched windshield recess after a 2006 security update.
  • VINs ending "007" are reserved for charity or Bond-themed special editions.

Here's an example of how our VIN decoder interprets a sample sequence (1HD1BFV16FB019389):

Symbols Sample What It Reveals
1 1 The United States as the country of origin
2 H Harley-Davidson as a manufacturer
3 D Motorcycle vehicle type
4-8 1BFV1 Model code, engine type, weight class, and transmission type
9 6 Check digit for validation
10 F 2015 model year
11 B Assembly plant code
12-17 019389 Individual vehicle production number

What Information Can You Get from a Harley-Davidson VIN Number?

Results for VIN Decoding for
VIN# 1HD1BML16XY036537

1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTF / Fat Boy

BLOCKCHAIN Confirmed Data Approved NMVTIS Data Provider
1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTF / Fat Boy
  • Odometer

    No problems

  • Safety Recalls

    No records

  • Accidents

    1 problem

  • Last mileage

    44,843 km

  • Auction Sales

    1 sale found

  • Owners

    2+ owners found

  • Year

    Year 1999

  • Make

    Make Harley-Davidson

  • Model

    Model FLSTF / Fat Boy

  • Fuel Type

    Fuel Type Gasoline

  • Engine

    Engine 1.3L V-Shaped

  • Made in

    Made in USA

A comprehensive check reveals critical motorcycle details:

  • Model year & exact trim – Identifies Sportster, Touring, Softail model code variants with model designation.
  • Engine and drivetrain codes – Shows Twin Cam 88 fuel, 1340 Evolution fuel-injected counter-balanced motors, Twin Cam 88 counter specifications, and carb variants.
  • Frame and platform details – Specifies touring, cruiser, or sport frame architecture with weight class.
  • Plant & country – Lists York, Kansas City, Mo, D Manaus, Bawal District, Rewari production facilities for motor assembly, including transportation developed regions and Brazil MEG operations.
  • Original market destination – Indicates U.S., California, Australia, or Asia Pacific regions.
  • Paint & factory options – Shows original colors and accessory packages from the plant.
  • Production numbers – Verifies build slot within the production year and prevents cloning, including 500 single Armstrong military variants.
  • Recall status – Links to NHTSA notices needing repair.
EpicVIN spots recall-hidden Harleys before you buy - with 82k Softails flagged. Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN

Useful Resources for Harley-Davidson and Safety

Get Your Complete Harley-Davidson Vehicle History Today

Don't let hidden problems cost you thousands. Our results include accident history, mileage verification, title issues, auction photos, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Located on the steering head frame, driver's side, registration papers, and sometimes engine cases for verification purposes.

Yes, the first digit "1" confirms USA origin, while "HD" identifies Harley Davidson as the world manufacturer in all domestic models.

Factory Screamin' Eagle packages appear in engine codes, but dealer-installed performance upgrades don't show in VIN specifications.

Pre-1981 bikes used shorter sequences without standardized digit positions, making model code identification more challenging than current systems.

Yes, export models show different world manufacturer identifier codes and engine type specifications for the Asia Pacific and Australia markets.

Special edition model designation appears in VIN codes during the year or special introduction periods for commemorative production numbers.

Enter VIN into the NHTSA database to check recall 25V-375 affecting Softail models and verify repair completion status immediately.

Engine codes in digit positions 4-8 specify cooling system type, with liquid-cooled motors using different engine type identifiers.

Fleet and police model code variants appear in the VIN structure, though some commercial sales don't always show service history.

EpicVIN gives you basic Harley info right away when you enter the VIN. The full history report with damage and accident records comes back in just a few seconds after upgrade.

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