Welcome to our comprehensive guide on pre-1981 VINs and frame numbers for vintage and historic motorcycles. While the standardized 17-digit VIN system was introduced in 1981, many motorcycle manufacturers continued using older formats for several more years. Our resources are designed to help you accurately identify the manufacturing year of motorcycles using these earlier VIN formats.
Each manufacturer had their own unique system, leading to variations that are not always straightforward to decode. While some VIN formats are easily decipherable with widely available information, others, particularly from Japanese manufacturers, can be more challenging. The content on these pages is compiled from dedicated enthusiasts and clubs across the web, offering insights and decoding tools to assist you in your journey through motorcycle history.
Explore our pages for detailed support in identifying and understanding the VIN and frame numbers from a bygone era of motorcycling. Whether you're restoring, collecting, or simply curious, you'll find valuable information tailored to a wide range of classic models.
It's early days, but we've made a start. While these pages were originally put together for our own use, to easily find links and to assist us with our Dating Certificate service, we have decided to share them online so that everyone can benefit. We hope that, with your help, these resources will continue to grow and improve. If you can contribute data, links, or insights, your input would be greatly appreciated. Together, we can expand and refine this resource for motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere.
Find Classic Motorcycles
Explore our collection of motorcycles for sale on eBay. From vintage classics to rare gems, we've curated a selection that will captivate any motorcycle enthusiast.
🏍️ Motorcycles Listings
Join us on YouTube to dive deeper into the world of motorcycles. We regularly upload engaging and informative videos that showcase the beauty, power, and stories behind these extraordinary machines.
🎥 Latest Videos
Register Your Motorcycle
We're here to assist you with the UK registration process. Check out our comprehensive guide to help you breeze through the paperwork and requirements.
📋 Help with UK Registration (V55 5)
Dating Certificates
Looking to get a Dating Certificate for your Harley Davidson, T
riumph, BSA and Norton bikes? We've got you covered! Our Dating Certificate service is DVLA-compliant and a dependable way to determine your motorcycle's manufacturing year.
📋
Dating Certificate Application
Links to Vintage Motorcycles
Our Vintage Bike Archive: Browse videos and details of our past collection since we began documenting in October 2022
🏍️ Vintage Motorcycles Archive
Stay in the loop - Subscribe for Updates
Stay informed about our container shipments of awe-inspiring classic motorcycles. Subscribe to our mailing list and be among the first to know when new gems arrive.