How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
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Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find 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.
Follow these simple steps to decode any Harley VIN:
Motorcycles typically display the VIN number in several standard locations:
| 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.
| 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 |
Each character in your Aston Martin's VIN tells a specific story.
There are some other details that our Aston Martin VIN decoder uncovers:
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 |
Year 2003
Make Harley-Davidson
Model Heritage Softail Classic
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 1.5L
Made in USA
A comprehensive check reveals critical motorcycle details:
EpicVIN spots recall-hidden Harleys before you buy - with 82k Softails flagged.Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN
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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