Four Simple Steps on How to Identify a Honda Motorcycle Model Number

Step 1 - Check the frame of your Honda motorcycle's identification number, and write down the numbers. The frame of the motorcycle is the metal piping that holds the bike together. The number, which is at the front of the bike, has four dashes and has a sequence as follows: "xx-xxx-xxx-xxx-xx" or "xxxxx-xxxxxxxx".

Step 2 - Look up what each section represents. The first and second sections represent the model's function and component numbers; the middle numbers represent the model's number; and the last numbers are optional model numbers.


Step 3 - Access the CMSNL-Honda website to locate the middle three numbers in your 13-digit number on a list of model identifying numbers. Line up your model's numbers to the numbers on the list to identify your motorcycle's model.

Step 4 - Contact your local Honda motorcycle dealership. Ask for a specialist, because the dealer might not know how to identify your model with your model numbers. Give the specialist your numbers, and they should be able tell you your model via their computer resources.

Six Ways on How to Read a Honda Motorcycle Engine Number

One - Open your owner's manual to the general information section. Here, you'll find detailed information describing the location of the engine serial number.

Two - Look for the serial number on the lower portion of the engine, which is called the crankcase. Newer Honda models (1990 and above) often have it stamped on the rear of the crankcase, usually close to the swing arm pivot point. Older models (earlier than1990) may have it stamped on the lower left or lower right section of the crankcase.


Three - Write the engine serial number down for further reference. The number should be in the following pattern, where X represents a letter, and # represents a number: XX##E - #######. E is a common designation for all engine serial numbers.


Four - Look at the first four digits before the E. These digits represent the motorcycle model number. The last character represents the year of the particular model. Refer to the Honda Motorcycle Model and Engine Code website for a list of these codes (see Resources).



Five - Read the seven digits after the dash. These digits convey information regarding the engine casing. This information is important when ordering engine parts for your specific engine. As motorcycle manufacturers often alter engines within a specific model of motorcycle, this serial number is important.


Six - Tell the Honda service center the engine serial number when ordering parts. This ensures the correct replacement part.

Three Simple Steps on How to Verify the VIN on an Old Honda Motorcycle

Step 1 - Obtain the 17-character VIN from the motorcycle seller or from the motorcycle itself. The VIN is located in different places on different motorcycles, but will likely be located on both the right side of the frame near the steering stem, and on the back right edge of the rear engine case.

Step 2 - Verify that the first character of the VIN matches the supposed location of the motorcycle's manufacture. A 1 or 4 means the motorcycle was manufactured in the United States, a 2 means Canada, 3 means Mexico, J means Japan, K means Korea, S means England, W means Germany and Z means Italy. Any other number or letter means that the motorcycle was manufactured in a country that does not host a Honda motorcycle manufacturing plant, meaning the VIN is fraudulent.


Step 3 - Ensure that the second character is the letter H. This position refers to the vehicle's manufacturer, and H is the character for Honda vehicles. If the second character is different, it is likely that the VIN number was stolen from another vehicle.

Step 4 - Inspect the 10th character of the VIN, which should match the model year of the Honda motorcycle. The code starts at number 1, which designates manufacture in the year 1971, and continues sequentially until 9 in the year 1979. The codes then start with the letter A in 1980, and continue through the alphabet (omitting I, O, Q, U and Z) until ending at Y in the year 2000. The characters then revert to numbers, starting with 1 in 2001 and continuing to 9 in 2009, and which point the character returns to a letter again with A representing 2010.

Step 5 - Record the motorcycle's VIN, and contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state in which the motorcycle is supposedly registered. See Resources for a list of contact information. Report the VIN to the DMV and ask for the make and model of the vehicle associated with the VIN. The make and model should match the Honda motorcycle, and there should be no reports of theft associated with the VIN.

10 Steps on How to Replace Parts on a Honda Motorcycle

Step 1 - Get a Honda service manual for the year and model of your motorcycle. Most manuals have troubleshooting procedures that help isolate problems. All Honda motorcycle service manuals have procedures for changing clutch plates, lights, filters and brake pads, to name a few.

Step 2 - Have on hand a selection of metric sockets, a ratchet and a socket extension. Include a spark plug socket. Purchase a set of metric wrenches that range from 2 mm to 25 mm. Keep a set of metric Allen wrenches on hand too. This basic set of tools will take care of most of the bolts when you are replacing parts on your motorcycle.


step 3 - Obtain a reliable repair stand that is rated for your motorcycle. A CB650 is a lot heavier than a typical XR150. Make sure the stand is relatively easy to operate.


Step 4 - Purchase a voltage tester and spare batteries. You can check the battery voltage in less than a minute using a voltage tester. Voltage testers are a necessity when installing electrical accessories, such as an ignition switch and lights.


Step 5 - Follow the procedures in your Honda repair manual when replacing parts. Make sure to note when any wires or cables must be disconnected. It's also helpful to label wires and cables to prevent confusion during reassembly. Certain parts, such as the rear brake pedal, gear-shift pedal and hand levers, are removed by loosening a compression bolt with a metric socket or Allen wrench. Use an open-end wrench to back up nuts when removing bolts for fenders or a chain guard.

Step 6 - Save all bolts, nuts, washers and screws in a clean, glass jar as you go. This is easier than digging through a can or looking behind the workbench when trying to find a particular bolt and washer setup.

Step 7 - Disconnect the negative battery cable before doing any electrical-related parts work. Depending on the particular circuit, a fuse holder and fuse may be wired in-line. Remove the fuse and reinstall it after the electrical part is installed. Reconnect the negative battery cable last.


Step 8  -  Make sure you have the correct part before taking it out of the packaging. Most parts suppliers will not accept return of a part that was unsuccessfully fitted onto a motorcycle. The right part should fit and bolt on with a minimum of effort.

Step 9 - Install new parts in the reverse order that you removed the old parts. Most often, removing the seat or a fairing is necessary to access carburetors and air filters. Fuel lines and cables are reconnected after a carburetor or a hand lever has been installed. Refer to the service manual. Keep notes on the order in which all parts were removed.

Step 10 - Use the provided gaskets and clips when installing new parts from a kit. New exhaust gaskets and intake gaskets are a must when you replace pipes or a carburetor. Using the provided clips for wires and cables ensures these remain out of harm's way.

4 Steps on How to Buy Used Honda Motorcycle Parts Online

1 -Visit one or all of the links in the "Resources" section of the article. They will lead to online stores that carry used Honda motorcycle parts.

2 - Browse the selection for the part you need. On some of the sites, you can search by make and model year; however, you will normally just have to search through the listings manually.


3 - Click the part you are looking for. A description will come up. Most of the parts will state they are used but in good condition. The image will most likely showcase a little wear, but the part will typically be in solid condition. On occasion, there will not be a description and the part looks like it has seen better days. It is probably best to avoid these particular parts.

4 - Select "Add to Cart" for any part you want to purchase, then proceed to checkout and follow the prompts to complete the sale.