VIN code breakdown?

tigertamer · 07-20-2008, 10:06 AM

I have an American Lifan 200 GY-5, I purchased from Wheeling Cycle. I was not sure of the exact year. It was registered as an 07.
I want to find the official date of manufacture and all the other information from the VIN coding, and for that much info, I would feel selfish if it was not provided to
all members.
If you could find the resources to distribute that information, it would benefit everyone.
Forgive me if I have overlooked this topic in previous posts, I could not find anything.
Respectfully,
Tigertamer

Jim · 07-20-2008, 10:17 AM

Isn't there a tag on the swing arm or another part of the bike that lists manufacture date?

tigertamer · 07-20-2008, 09:54 PM

Thanks, Jim. The month and year is embossed on the sticker you mentioned...on the R side swingarm.

Evidently, I will need to update my signature. :oops:

Jim · 07-21-2008, 12:27 AM

No problem, someone may be able to help with understanding the vin code too, I don't but at least you got the information you were seeking... I don't think it really matters the manufacture date, versus the model date... My 06 peterbilt was bought in 05 for example..

VinceDrake · 07-21-2008, 01:09 AM

*Therotically*(Notice the use of the word theoretically!)

At least for cars, the tenth digit is supposed to indicate model year. Even if it sat for ten years, in woe-begotten corner of the dealer's lot, it's still whatever the tenth digit indicates.

*However!* In some cases, such as a Cab and Chassis, or a Motorhome., the year the manufacturer made the chassis, doesn't matter. When the final assembler completed to vehicle is the Model year-- Example, GM builds a C&C in 2006. Van-Decor buys it, and makes it into a Mobile skronking palace, completes and sells it in 2007, making it a 2007 If they title it as a 2007 Van Decor MSP.

Especially with a OTR Tractor, things get funky. Who is the final assembler? The guys who put the sleeper on? The guys who did the custom work to the interior? Funky, funky stuff happens here...

Now, how this applies to china bikes, I have no idea, I assume it has something to do with the end retailer. I.e-- If I buy a whole crap load of 1997 Zhing-ghue Slob-meisters, and I decide to import and sell them as 2008 "Drake Brand Moto-Horse" Is that legal and kewl?

--Vince

tigertamer · 07-21-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceDrake

*Therotically*(Notice the use of the word theoretically!)

At least for cars, the tenth digit is supposed to indicate model year. Even if it sat for ten years, in woe-begotten corner of the dealer's lot, it's still whatever the tenth digit indicates.

Now, how this applies to china bikes, I have no idea, I assume it has something to do with the end retailer. I.e-- If I buy a whole crap load of 1997 Zhing-ghue Slob-meisters, and I decide to import and sell them as 2008 "Drake Brand Moto-Horse" Is that legal and kewl?

--Vince

Heck, I thought the tenth digit identified the assemblyman who was bringing in the rice wine! 8O

SO...The big concern now is, when should I call it an 07, and when is it an 06? I am thinking about such things as the difference between DMV, and engine/frame/electrical service issues. I wonder if there would be a difference and what it would be.

Thanks,
Tigertamer

P.S. Sorry for sandbagging the suggestion box!?

katoranger · 07-21-2008, 12:43 PM

I register my bike as an 06 even though I bought it new in May of 07.

Date of Manufacture was 4/06

Allen

tigertamer · 07-21-2008, 06:38 PM

Thanks katoranger, for your speedy reply. One concern I have is for ordering parts. But my biggest concern is about the DMV. My dealer prepped and registered the bike. It was registered as an 07. If the DMV likes it, I like it!

The way I figure is: for DMV: 2007...for parts and forum disscusions: 2006.

Does this sound right to you?

Also, I should keep the post signature as 2006, right?

Thanks,
Tigertamer

VinceDrake · 07-21-2008, 06:44 PM

I would assume for parts and service, it would be a 2006 model. At least that what the cycle manufacturer is going to refer to it as.

I would agree with you on the DMV thing. They kind of seem to be a law unto themselves. Whatever tey say it is, is what it is. Arguing with the DMV is almost as bad as arguing with the IRS....

--Vince

katoranger · 07-22-2008, 08:14 AM

I pay less in tag fees if my vehicle is older so I made sure to register it as an 06. Saves me about $4.

Allen

tigertamer · 07-22-2008, 10:29 PM

You guys are great. Thanks!

americanlifan · 02-19-2009, 08:52 PM

For future Reference the 10th digit is the year model....

07-20-2008, 10:06 AM	#1
tigertamer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wheeling, West Virginia Posts: 683	VIN code breakdown? I have an American Lifan 200 GY-5, I purchased from Wheeling Cycle. I was not sure of the exact year. It was registered as an 07. I want to find the official date of manufacture and all the other information from the VIN coding, and for that much info, I would feel selfish if it was not provided to all members. If you could find the resources to distribute that information, it would benefit everyone. Forgive me if I have overlooked this topic in previous posts, I could not find anything. Respectfully, Tigertamer __________________ 07 H-D XL883C 06 LF 200GY-5 Yin and Yang CAUTION Obey The Traffic Regulation. Always Wear a Helmet. Don't Ride After Drinking Wine. Before Operation, Read The Owners Manual Carefully.
	0

07-20-2008, 10:17 AM	#2
Jim Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Abbotsford, BC, Canada Posts: 4,880	Isn't there a tag on the swing arm or another part of the bike that lists manufacture date? __________________ "Be excellent to each other" "We are all human. Let's start to prove it!"
	0

07-20-2008, 09:54 PM	#3
tigertamer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wheeling, West Virginia Posts: 683	Thanks, Jim. The month and year is embossed on the sticker you mentioned...on the R side swingarm. Evidently, I will need to update my signature. :oops: __________________ 07 H-D XL883C 06 LF 200GY-5 Yin and Yang CAUTION Obey The Traffic Regulation. Always Wear a Helmet. Don't Ride After Drinking Wine. Before Operation, Read The Owners Manual Carefully.
	0

07-21-2008, 12:27 AM	#4
Jim Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Abbotsford, BC, Canada Posts: 4,880	No problem, someone may be able to help with understanding the vin code too, I don't but at least you got the information you were seeking... I don't think it really matters the manufacture date, versus the model date... My 06 peterbilt was bought in 05 for example.. __________________ "Be excellent to each other" "We are all human. Let's start to prove it!"
	0

07-21-2008, 01:09 AM	#5
VinceDrake Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Saskatchewan Posts: 491	*Therotically(Notice the use of the word theoretically!) At least for cars, the tenth digit is supposed to indicate model year. Even if it sat for ten years, in woe-begotten corner of the dealer's lot, it's still whatever the tenth digit indicates. However!* In some cases, such as a Cab and Chassis, or a Motorhome., the year the manufacturer made the chassis, doesn't matter. When the final assembler completed to vehicle is the Model year-- Example, GM builds a C&C in 2006. Van-Decor buys it, and makes it into a Mobile skronking palace, completes and sells it in 2007, making it a 2007 If they title it as a 2007 Van Decor MSP. Especially with a OTR Tractor, things get funky. Who is the final assembler? The guys who put the sleeper on? The guys who did the custom work to the interior? Funky, funky stuff happens here... Now, how this applies to china bikes, I have no idea, I assume it has something to do with the end retailer. I.e-- If I buy a whole crap load of 1997 Zhing-ghue Slob-meisters, and I decide to import and sell them as 2008 "Drake Brand Moto-Horse" Is that legal and kewl? --Vince __________________ "Sometimes it is better to say nothing, and let people think you're an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove it."
	0

07-21-2008, 12:43 PM	#7
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I register my bike as an 06 even though I bought it new in May of 07. Date of Manufacture was 4/06 Allen __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

07-21-2008, 06:38 PM	#8
tigertamer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wheeling, West Virginia Posts: 683	Thanks katoranger, for your speedy reply. One concern I have is for ordering parts. But my biggest concern is about the DMV. My dealer prepped and registered the bike. It was registered as an 07. If the DMV likes it, I like it! The way I figure is: for DMV: 2007...for parts and forum disscusions: 2006. Does this sound right to you? Also, I should keep the post signature as 2006, right? Thanks, Tigertamer __________________ 07 H-D XL883C 06 LF 200GY-5 Yin and Yang CAUTION Obey The Traffic Regulation. Always Wear a Helmet. Don't Ride After Drinking Wine. Before Operation, Read The Owners Manual Carefully.
	0

07-21-2008, 06:44 PM	#9
VinceDrake Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Saskatchewan Posts: 491	I would assume for parts and service, it would be a 2006 model. At least that what the cycle manufacturer is going to refer to it as. I would agree with you on the DMV thing. They kind of seem to be a law unto themselves. Whatever tey say it is, is what it is. Arguing with the DMV is almost as bad as arguing with the IRS.... --Vince __________________ "Sometimes it is better to say nothing, and let people think you're an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove it."
	0

07-22-2008, 08:14 AM	#10
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I pay less in tag fees if my vehicle is older so I made sure to register it as an 06. Saves me about $4. Allen __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0

07-22-2008, 10:29 PM	#11
tigertamer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wheeling, West Virginia Posts: 683	You guys are great. Thanks! __________________ 07 H-D XL883C 06 LF 200GY-5 Yin and Yang CAUTION Obey The Traffic Regulation. Always Wear a Helmet. Don't Ride After Drinking Wine. Before Operation, Read The Owners Manual Carefully.
	0

02-19-2009, 08:52 PM	#12
americanlifan Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 35	VIN For future Reference the 10th digit is the year model....
	0