
How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
Check vehicle information with KTM VIN
Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
Johann Trunkenpolz established KTM AG in 1934. Nevertheless, the official inauguration occurred in 1992, creating Austria's premier motorcycle manufacturing enterprise. The company initially specialized in off-road motorcycles, including enduro, motocross, and supermoto models, before expanding operations to encompass street motorcycles and high-performance sports vehicles. Years of dedicated development and engineering excellence positioned KTM among elite motorcycle manufacturers worldwide. Contemporary success stems from creating impressive performance machines like the Duke GT series that demonstrate Austrian engineering capabilities. Today's operations employ approximately 3,000 passionate professionals delivering durable yet fashionable motorcycles, exceeding customer expectations consistently.
Remarkable prosperity defines KTM's current market position through impressive production achievements and global expansion strategies. 2016 manufacturing reached 200,000 motorcycles, generating approximately €1.14 billion turnover through efficient operations and market penetration. Three strategic joint ventures alongside thirty international sales subsidiaries distribute products to over 2,500 authorized merchants worldwide, ensuring comprehensive global coverage. Professional vehicle identification becomes essential for KTM ownership verification and maintenance purposes. A comprehensive KTM VIN decoder provides crucial seventeen-character identification analysis. It reveals detailed vehicle specifications and manufacturing information for owners, dealers, and service technicians requiring accurate motorcycle documentation.
Why look up a motorcycle's VIN? This factory-issued number is an important inspection tool, allowing you to verify the history of a vehicle before you buy it. The code can tell you the year of manufacture, where the motorcycle was built, its trim level, and its original equipment. Inconsistencies can reveal engine swaps and other changes that indicate the vehicle isn't original. You can also use it to check the vehicle's history through state DMV records or third party record agencies. Unlike a license plate, which stays with the vehicle and allows you access to records going back to its date of manufacture, VINs stay with vehicles and allow you to search through records going back to their date of manufacture.
If you want to use the VIN decoder on our website, first locate the VIN. The VIN is a sticker on the headstock sleeve of a KTM motorcycle. It's typically found on models like Duke, EXC and RC. Turn the front wheel to the left if you need to see it. In some models, you may find it on the side frame rail, under the fuel tank or seat/engine mounting.
Vehicle identification numbers are usually printed on paperwork for new or used cars. They identify the car's engine, transmission and other features. License plate numbers also contain the VIN so you can check whether it's valid or expired. Our license plate lookup tool will find the VIN currently assigned to the plate, giving you the same information you'd get by entering the VIN directly into our search engine.
The VIN is a unique identifier for each vehicle. Each manufacturer has a slightly different way of encoding this number. Here's how KTM encodes each character in their VINs.
1st-2nd Characters – Manufacturing Country
The first two characters of a KTM VIN tell you where the motorcycle was manufactured. The VIN of a KTM motor vehicle starts with VB, which means it was made in Austria. When you see VA to VE, it means "Austria and Manufacturer". The country name and the company name are both in italics because they are separate entities. Many/most parts of KTM bikes are now manufactured in Chakan India at one of Bajai Auto's four plants since 2014 as Bajaj Auto has a 49% share in KTM
3rd Character – Vehicle type
The third character of the VIN code indicates what type of vehicle was produced by the manufacturer division associated with the vehicle. For example, an "A" means it's an ATV, a "C" means it's a motorcycle and an "E" means it's a snowmobile. In our case, it's a motocross.
4th to 8th Characters
These five characters are also known as the vehicle description code. They include information such as the type of engine, model name, body style and other details.
9th Character – Check Digit
The ninth character is the security character that confirms the vehicle identification number (VIN) is valid. It is generated from a mathematical formula with a weight factor table by the Department of Transportation.
10th Character – the year of the Yamaha vehicle model
The character stands for the year of the Yamaha vehicle model. It applies to the years 1980 and later and is coded as repeating cycles of alphabet letters (with I, O, Q, U, and Z omitted).
11th Character – Assembly Plant
The 11th character of the vehicle's VIN refers to a plant where the KTM was assembled.
12th to 17th Characters
The last six characters of a production serial number, unique to each vehicle, indicate the date of manufacture.
The 17-digit VIN number is a great tool to help you check the history of your KTM vehicle. It conveys all the important information about your bike, including accident history, engine type and year manufactured. You should always use a VIN decoder before signing papers on a new or second-hand KTM vehicle. Here are some example numbers:
Reputable decoders use public or NMVTIS-approved facts, as well as insurance records, auction photos, and other legal details. Always avoid suspicious sites that require early payment without explaining all further operations.
Free VIN checks cross-reference national stolen vehicle databases to indicate if the sequence is associated with theft or cloning. Drivers are aware of whether sequences are cloned or vehicles are stolen.
Cars built before 1981 feature abbreviated identification numbers of 11-13 characters that need expert interpretation. Certain state DMVs mandate police officer verification for these vintage vehicle registrations.
Vehicle identification numbers enable warranty verification through manufacturer and independent service platforms. These systems reveal original service dates, mileage restrictions, and current powertrain protection status.
Yes. Some tools let drivers enter sequences to pull the factory Monroney label. This includes MSRP and option codes.
Generally, yes. The sequence is visible through the windshield anyway. However, never post documents that link to personal or sensitive data, as this could expose you to identity theft or fraud.
Yes. Look for “commercial, fleet, taxi, or rental use” markers. Check the ownership history section of the comprehensive reports.
Discover expert tips, news and advice on buying and maintaining used vehicles
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
Check out how to find out some tips to help you drive safely
Get detailed information about the car's depreciation and the vehicles that lo...