Harley-Davidson VIN Check and VIN Decoder
Harley-Davidson is the industry leader for big bikes with engines 601 cc and over, with around 50 percent share of the US market. Aptly called “hogs,” Harley bikes are known for their imposing size. Harleys are popular because they are highly customizable, have great stability (better rake angles and longer bases), and are reliable enough for long rides.
Finding the right used Harley-Davidson is easy if you have the information you need to make up your mind. Use the Harley VIN to unlock any vehicle data on a specific motorcycle:
Where to find the VIN? Look for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle VIN on the front frame tubes inline with the forks. If you turn the handlebars to the left or right, you may be able to find it on the headstock. Look for star * security marks at each end on tamper-proof black stickers with white lettering.
Interesting Facts About Harley-Davidson
Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson thrived through the Great Depression and a number of ownership changes. Today, the American motorcycle manufacturer is one of the largest bike makers in the world. Its motorcycle line, the variety of merchandise based on it and the community of loyal followers help build Harley-Davidson’s iconic image through the years.
- Harley-Davidson motorcycles are nicknamed “hogs,” after a live piglet that became the mascot of one of the brand’s racing teams. The porcine mascot was owned by Ray Weishaar, a team member.
- Harley-Davidson had become the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer in less than 20 years after it was founded, with over 2,000 dealers in 67 countries.
- Harley-Davidson bikes stand out because of their distinctive choppy, uneven, “pop-pop” sound. The Harley V-Twin engine crankshaft has only one pin connecting both pistons and a V-shape cylinder arrangement that prevents both pistons from firing at intervals.
- Harleys marketed in the US are assembled stateside but the parts are from other countries. The brakes and clutch are from Italy, the engine pistons from Austria, the bike suspension from Japan, and other electronic components are from Mexico and China.
Other Sources for Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Owners
- Official Harley-Davidson Website (US)
- Harley-Davidson Owner’s Service Manuals
- Harley-Davidson Maintenance Schedules
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Recalls
Harley-Davidson recalled certain 2019-2020 and FLRT Trike motorcycles due to unintended activation of one rear brake. This problem could lead to an unexpected change in vehicle direction which may increase the risk of a crash. A total of 12,624 units may be affected.
The recall started on December 2, 2019. Owners of affected bikes were notified and advised to visit their local dealers to have the traction control system software updated, free of charge.
Here’s how to check if a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is covered by recent or previous recalls:
Visit the Harley-Davidson website
Run a Harley-Davidson Recall Check
Other contact points on Harley-Davidson motorcycle recalls:
| Harley-Davidson Customer Service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA Hotline | 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) |
| SaferCar.gov (run by NHTSA) | www.safercar.gov |
Why should I run a Harley-Davidson VIN check?
Look up any Harley-Davidson bike by VIN to search vehicle specifications, sales records, recall information, and more:
 Theft Records |
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| In 2023, Harley-Davidson ranked as the third most stolen motorcycle brand in the US, with a total of 5,215 bikes stolen during the year. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 43,600 motorcycles were stolen across the country in the same period. These statistics highlight the ongoing risk of motorcycle theft, particularly for high-value brands like Harley-Davidson. To ensure your Harley-Davidson motorcycle has not been cited in any historical or active reports of theft and theft recoveries, it’s crucial to perform a detailed vehicle history check. | |
| Accident Records |
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| In 2022, there were approximately 88,000 motorcycle-related injuries and 5,014 fatalities across the US. The crash rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles was 950, while the fatality rate was 60 per 100,000 registered motorcycles. Despite advances in safety technology and increased awareness, motorcycle crash rates have remained relatively stable, underscoring the importance of rider safety and vigilance. | |
| Salvage Auction Records |
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| Check if a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is included in historical salvage auction listings. Some bikes that have been stolen or damaged due to accidents or other reasons may end up being sold through salvage auctions. Bikes that have been damaged extensively may be deemed a total loss and sold to auctions by car insurers. | |
VinCheck.info also offers these valuable tools:
| Market Value |
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| Check the retail value of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle based on the price of vehicles with the same model and make in recent months. The VinCheck.info market value tool covers both private party sales and dealer sales across all 50 states in the US. | |
| Ownership Cost |
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| There is more than just the cash price to consider when buying a motorcycle. As a potential owner, you want to know the actual cost of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This VinCheck.info tool takes into consideration the depreciation over 5 years of ownership, plus all the additional expenses. | |