Honda ATVs come equipped with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be used to track an ATV’s history all the way back to the factory and even to the precise moment it left the assembly line. The year of manufacturing, make, and engine type are also included in the VIN, along with a check digit in the center to avoid vehicle identity fraud.
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Items you will need
Locate the ATV’s VIN number. This is typically installed on the frame close to the bottom. It has 17 digits in total.
Take a look at the first three numbers. These stand for the WMI, or World Manufacturer’s Identifier.
The nation of origin is indicated by the first digit. If the first digit is a 1, the ATV was made in the United States. If it begins with a J, your Honda was manufactured in Japan.
Honda’s second digit will be an H. The vehicle type or production division is represented by the third digit. This may be an M, for example, for the motorcycle division, or a 3 or 5, for example, for an all-terrain vehicle.
Use the group of the following five integers (four through eight). The Vehicle Description Section of these numbers contains information on the ATV, including its series, model, and engine type.
Track down the ninth digit. Consider this number alone. It can be linked back to the ATV by the manufacturer and has been assigned to guard against fraudulent vehicle identification.
Verify that the 10th digit corresponds to the manufacture year. Before 2000, it was a letter; starting in 2000, it is a number. The letter W, for instance, will be at the tenth place on a 1998 model.
Using the 11th digit, identify the factory where the ATV was produced. A stands for the Ohio factory in the United States, B for the Aalstd factory in Belgium, C for the Saitama factory in Japan, D for Guadalajara in Mexico, E for Montesa in Spain, F for Atessa in Italy, K for Kumamoto in Japan, M for Hamamatsu in Japan, R for Manaus in Brazil, S for Suzuka in Japan, T for the Japanese Tochigi plant, and 4 for the South Carolina factory in the United States
To view the ATV’s special production sequence, use the last six digits. This can be used to recall products if only some of the production was impacted by a problem and can show you when your ATV rolled off the assembly line.
How can the VIN be used to determine an ATV’s year?
The car model-year is indicated by the tenth character of the 17-character VIN. Vehicles manufactured in 1981 or after must comply with this specification.
When was the Honda Rancher 420 released?
Honda completely updated the Rancher line after the TRX350 and TRX400 Rancher ATV models to enhance the ATV in every way. Larger and more potent 420cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke engines, electronic Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), liquid cooling, and the ability to switch from 2WD to 4WD on models with these features were among the changes. [1]
The TRX420 was only offered for the 2007 model year in four configurations: either 2WD or 4WD, shifting manually with the foot or electronically using Honda’s Electronic Shift Program (ESP). However, Honda also unveiled electronic power steering and the TRX420FA (4WD Automatic), commonly known as the Rancher AT, in 2008. Although an automatic transmission was available for the previous model rancher, there were significant differences between the TRX420 AT and TRX400 transmissions. Shifting was not necessary with the earlier automated transmission, known as the Hondamatic Transmission, which continuously changed output ratios using oil pressure and a swash plate. The new automatic transmission, which is more dependable than the Hondamatic and allows for quick and smooth shifting, has a simpler twin clutch architecture. Although the engine was left alone, the dual clutch design resulted in a much larger transmission, which led to differing oil filters and oil capacity between the FA models and the normal ones.
The TRX420’s standard suspension system consisted of a swingarm driving the rear wheels with a solid axle. However, the TRX420FA has independent rear suspension as standard, which increased ground clearance, improved traction, and improved ride quality.
Look for the ATV VIN
A unique identifier used to identify each individual motor vehicle, including all-terrain vehicles, is known as the VIN (also called three-wheeler, quadricycle, quad, four-wheeler or four-track). The letters O (o), I I and Q (q), which can be confused with the numbers 0, 1, and 9, are not part of this 17-character VIN. All ATV manufacturers adhere to a uniform format.
- The engine size, engine type, and engine model are represented by the fourth through eighth characters.
- The tenth digit represents the year.
- The serial number is represented by the 12th through 17th characters.
- The country code appears as the first character.
- The third character serves as a vehicle identification code.
- One of the manufacturing codes is 11.
- A verification of the accuracy of the previous characters’ manufacturer authorization is provided by the ninth digit.
- The manufacturer appears as the second digit.
Where to find the ATV VIN number
ATV locations differ depending on the manufacturer. It is frequently (though not always) found under the shifter on the left side of the frame, which is a rather simple place to look. Perhaps this explains why ATV builders frequent the area. Other places might not be as simple to find:
- close to the left wheel (inside the left wheel well by the radiator or behind the left wheel well on the frame)
- through the plastic hood’s slit
- In the frame beneath the tail portion, engraved
- the frame’s left side, next to the engine
The most popular manufacturers’ typical VIN positions are shown below (in no particular order):
embedded on the front crossmember, which is located in front of the rack. (Unless you are utilizing special skid plates, it should be simple to find.)
Near the front of the car, typically on the left side under the shift lever.
It is located on the front left wheel well on more models. Additionally, the left or right rear frame may contain it.
Usually written on a label found inside the passenger-side front wheel well or under the glove box.
The VIN is also listed in the following documents:
- Names of vehicles
- registrations for vehicles
- insurance documentation
- dealer’s original bill of sale
What occurs if an ATV you purchase is stolen?
ATVs are unfortunately fairly easy to steal, which is a sad fact. They can be readily loaded into the back of a truck or trailer and transported away, unlike cars which are constantly visible to the public and are the subject of police searches. This is unpleasant not just for the original owner, but also for the unwary buyer. If you find yourself in possession of a stolen ATV, it will probably be recovered by the authorities and given back to its rightful owner unless you are ready to conceal the stolen item, which you shouldn’t do.
ATV VIN: How many numbers are there?
The 17-digit VIN serves as a code or ID for a particular vehicle. ATVs and vehicles both use the same code. It depends on the manufacturer, but generally speaking, the VIN is imbedded on the frame, on the left side of the ATV, underneath the shifter, in an open area.
Honda
For Honda ATVs, the VIN is typically incorporated into the front crossmember, which is typically constructed behind the front rack. If you are utilizing bespoke skid plates, though, you might not be able to see it clearly. But you can rapidly unwind it to reveal the VIN.
The VIN is situated on the crossmember constructed at the front of the Honda Rancher ATV.
Kawasaki
On the left side of the frame, underneath the engine, is where the Kawasaki AVN’s VIN is permanently affixed. However, if your nerf plates are fastened, you can have trouble seeing the VIN. Be careful when searching for the VIN because it is simple to confuse it with the engine number even though they are two distinct things.
WMI
The nation of origin or ultimate processing facility is indicated by the first digit of the VIN number. For instance, the numerals 1, 4, and 5 denote the United States, whereas 2 denotes Canada and 3 denotes Mexico. WMI ratings are given to nations and companies by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The manufacturer’s identifying digit follows, such as “G” for General Motors, “C” for Chrysler, and “B” for BMW.
The type of vehicle, such as whether it is a truck, SUV, or automobile, may be determined by the third digit when coupled with the first two. A Chevrolet truck’s VIN, for instance, would begin with “1GC.” G for General Motors, C for Truck, and 1 for the US, the nation of origin
Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)
Model year is the tenth digit. Years can be quickly determined using the table below. Therefore, if the 10th digit is a “D,” the car is a 2013 model.