How to Decode the VIN for a BMW Motorcycle

1. Locate the VIN. Depending upon the model year of the motorcycle, the VIN could be stamped on the steering head, on the lower right of the framing tube or below the right cylinder. It can also be found on the motorcycle's title.
2. Make sure the first three characters are 'WB1.' This designates the vehicle as a German BMW motorcycle. The fourth through eighth characters will designate the model, including engine type. The ninth character is a check digit designed to ensure that every VIN is unique. The 10th character designates the model year (see Resources for a model year chart). The 11th character designates the final assembly plant while characters 12 through 17 are a unique serial number for the vehicle.
3. Use BMW's 'CPO Model Search' (see the link in Resources below) to fully decode the VIN. Select 'All Preowned' and then enter the VIN at the bottom left of the search field. If you do not find results there, do an Internet search for 'BMW motorcycle VIN decoder.' Many search results will come up, but Motoverse.com provides a BMW motorcycle VIN decoder free of charge (see Resources).
4. Call BMW customer service at 1-800-831-1117. If your motorcycle was made prior to 1981, the VIN will have 10-12 characters and will most likely not be searchable using online sources. The customer service representative will be able to help you decode the VIN.