How to Find the Submodel on a Motorcycle or ATV

What are you riding? Seems like a straightforward question, right? The year, the make, and the model should do it: a 2019 Yamaha YZ450F; a 2021 Polaris Sportsman 570 Touring; a 2022 Honda CBR600. You’d think that would cover it. But that’s not always the case.

Depending on your machine, it may have a submodel that specifies certain details on the motorcycle. For example, there are three 2022 Honda CBR600 submodels:

And it’s the same story with the other models mentioned: multiple machines with the same model designation for the same year, but with variations on the combinations of numbers and letters. So what’s the story?

Different manufacturers use submodels in different ways, but in many cases it might denote a special trim package. The color or plastics might be different in ways that are pretty straightforward and sometimes more subtle. Or it could be something else entirely. 

The point is, depending on the part you’re looking for, that submodel designation might be important. For example, a manufacturer might use the same fuel pump for each of their submodels within one model, but the fairings or brakes might vary between submodels. So if you need a new fuel pump, the year, make and model might be enough to order the right parts. However, if you’re finally getting around to getting some new plastics to replace the stuff that got gashed last year, or maybe a new front caliper, the submodel might matter.

How to Find the VIN on a Motorcycle

Finding the 17-digit VIN can be done easily by either finding it on the paperwork from when your purchased the bike, or from the registration or insurance documentation. 

If you can’t find the paperwork, the VIN number is right on the motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side. Look for the plate with a combination of 17 letters and numbers (sometimes less on older models), which is typically on the steering neck, but may be found elsewhere (it might even have the submodel stamped on it). But if you can’t get the submodel, then we can help. Contact our customer service team a call at 877-473-4595 and we can help you decode the VIN to get your bike’s submodel, and help you get the correct parts for whatever machine you’re fixing.