Yamaha Motor Company began business in 1897 as a piano manufacturer and is credited with building the first grand piano in Japan. Around 1950, the company began spreading its music culture and taking on various new global business strategies. In 1954, Yamaha produced its first audio device, a HiFi player. The company split off its motorcycle division in 1955, and Yamaha Motors was born.
Yamaha began a significant diversification push in the 1960s, and subsidiaries worldwide began springing up. These included Yamaha sports equipment, Yamaha International of New York, recreation businesses, Yamaha Europe, and the brand's first entry into the semiconductor realm.
Yamaha VIN Decoder
Researching Yamaha VINs is relatively easy since production models only date back to the mid-1950s. However, the user must know what piece of equipment they want to research. Yamaha’s global penchant for diversification has put the company on the path of producing several exciting product lines. These brands include motorcycles, Waverunners, ATVs, and many more, each with its form of identification by VINs, Hull numbers, or PRI ID.
Yamaha Motorsports began stamping nine-digit VIN codes into its motorcycles and other products as early as 1965. Use a quality VIN check service such as GoodCar to uncover standard events for the products. For cursory information, the Yamaha 17-digit alphanumeric VIN code is used to uncover basic information such as make, model, and year.
Use the GoodCar VIN Decoder service to discover fundamental events that have happened to a specific Yamaha motorcycle, ATV, scooter, or e-bike. For other Yamaha products, such as their boats, Waverunners, or outboards, input the HIN into the National Coast Guard service or regional state associations.
Deciphering an Yamaha VIN
Use one of the brand's 17-digit VIN codes to reveal a wealth of information about a specific vehicle. VIN codes are located on every motorcycle, ATV, and ROV.
- 1
- F
- T
- 8
- W
- 3
- D
- T
- 8
- 5
- 5
- c
- 3
- 8
- 8
- 9
- 9
Locations of the Yamaha VIN
Motorcycles near the front of the frame or under the seat (VIN)
- ATVs, behind the left/front wheel (VIN)
- Scooters are at the rear under the covers (VIN)
- SSVs are in the front compartment or behind the rear seats (VIN)
- Waverunners have a plate attached to the aft deck (HIN)
- Outboard motors are on the transom bracket (Serial Number)
- Inside the engine compartment (Pri ID)
For every Yamaha Motor vehicle, the VIN location is described in the owner’s manual.
Popular Yamaha Models
MT-10 SP
Over the decades, Yamaha has released its fair share of iconic bikes in every sporting class imaginable. The modern Yamaha is incredible. The MT-10 SP, with a starting price of $16,999, is on its way to iconic status. Built purely for performance, the MT-10 features exclusive styling designs such as their Liquid Raven color schemes for a more race-bred look. The MT-10 is the first bike to be fitted with the exclusive Öhlins® electronically controlled suspension system. A state-of-the-art spool drive damping feature that offers a greater range of adjustments and stunning response. The MT-10 features a high-torque 998cc liquid-cooled cross-plane CP4 engine that delivers potent, technologically advanced, race-ready performance. Advanced shifting and throttle design make the MT-10 technologically unbeatable.
252SD Yamaha Jet Boat
Yamaha’s technology cannot be thoroughly covered unless the 252SD Yamaha Jet Boat is brought into the conversation. The 252SD has a starting price of $108,999 and a seating capacity of 12 happy souls. The dry weight of this breathtaking Jet boat is 4,599 lbs., with a 75 gal fuel capacity and a length of 24 '6". Yamaha’s patented Drive technology revolutionizes how the boat is maneuvered. The DRIVEX system allows shifting laterally, rotating on the axis while keeping your hands solely on the steering wheel. Advanced throttle control with Yamaha’s all-new 1.9L marine engine. Increased displacement, optimized intake, and a smoother exhaust path provide incredible acceleration and top speed with a 10% larger throttle body, offering more baseline power and torque.
Grizzly EPS XT-R
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have revolutionized industries such as agriculture and animal handling, along with adding an insane amount of fun to the woods and beaches. Yamaha ATVs have evolved into some of the finest machines available. The Grizzly EPS XT-R, starting at $11,399, is one of those do-everything machines. This little Grizzly beast can climb anything with a hefty 686cc displacement engine and 49,2” wheelbase. The Grizzly features an on-demand 4WD system with selectable 2WD, limited slip 4WD, and locked differential 4WD. Advanced electronics, 27-inch tires, and aggressive styling give this package what any adventurer would want.
The Yamaha VIN
The company began early by consolidating and standardizing its VINs and identification numbers across so many product lines. Starting in 1961, Yamaha had a nine-digit VIN for all its motorcycles and other comparable products. Some manufacturers used a 13-digit VIN code for their vehicles and then went to the 17-digit code in 1981.
Just as in motor vehicles, the United States Coast Guard standardized the HIN (Hull Identification Number) in 1972, and Yamaha complied with all of the requirements.
Yamaha VIN Lookup
A Yamaha VIN is handy in finding the detailed history of a specific vehicle. A prospective buyer of a Yamaha product can do a VIN lookup using the GoodCar VIN Check to find specific information on recalls, model years, accident histories, title issues, and a complete historical ownership timeline. GoodCar provides every significant event and record attached to a specific VIN code.
GoodCar Yamaha VIN Checks
Title information is vital when purchasing a vehicle; they must know if the ownership can be legally transferred. The condition of the title is also critical, as well as knowing whether it is a salvaged or rebuilt title. Salvage titles indicate the vehicle has been in a severe accident, and the insurance company has determined it as a total loss.
GoodCar VIN Check services provide vehicle specifications, optional equipment, and safety ratings. History documentation includes how the vehicle was equipped when it rolled off the assembly line, and any add-ons that may affect the value are reported.
GoodCar provides complete ownership records along with odometer readings. Each time the vehicle is legally sold, the odometer must be recorded. This is essential for uncovering any potential mileage fraud.
Technical Service Bulletins
Yamaha bulletins and recalls are all over the map, and there are so many different products, each having several model types. Yamaha has a wise company policy of keeping Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for all their products at the local dealer level and select forums. Call the customer service representative for help.
Recalls
The CPSC has issued a recall alert for the 2022 Yamaha YZ125N2L. The gear shift assembly can detach from the crankcase and cause unintentional shifting. Owners should stop using the cycle immediately and contact the local Yamaha Dealer for relief.
The CPSC has issued a recall notice on the Yamaha ATV 2021 Yamaha Kodiak 700 - Model YFM700FWB. Affected vehicles are missing the Maximum Loading Limit label, which may cause consumers to overload tongue and weight limits, causing possible crashes for excessive weights. Consumers are urged to call the proper customer service representative immediately, and the company will send out the correct label for their machine.
Yamaha and the CPSC have issued a recall on the Personal Transportation Vehicle or Gold Cart for the Drive2 Concierge 4 Golf Car. The accelerator spring can break or become dislodged, and the pedal will not return to a resting position. All owners of the 2023 Yamaha Golf Car, PTV, and UMAX should stop using these vehicles and contact the local Yamaha dealer.