Finding Your Motorcycle's Paint Code: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to fix minor paint damage on your motorcycle, you'll need to know your paint code or colour name to place an order. Unlike cars, motorcycle paint codes can't be looked up in a database, but they are usually simple to find. Your paint code will be located on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, also known as the chassis number. It will be one of the shorter numbers and might include letters or a paint name, for example, Ducati Rosso 307. Paint codes will be three or four digits. If you're unable to find the paint code on the VIN plate, you can try searching for it in the booklet for your motorcycle. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer or visit forums dedicated to your motorcycle brand for assistance.

Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, also known as the chassis number, is a good place to start your search for the paint code. The VIN is typically stamped or printed onto your bike, and it is 17-characters long. Along with the VIN, you will find other information like the transmission code, axle code, and other details. The paint code will be one of the shorter codes and may include letters or a paint name. For example, BMW Granada 023, Ducati Rosso 307, and Kawasaki Wildfire Orange Pearl 17H.

The VIN plate's location varies depending on the motorcycle make and model. For instance, the VIN on a Suzuki RMZ-250 is stamped into the steering neck, while many scooter VINs are stamped into the frame rails, often on the left or right side. If you cannot locate the VIN on the frame, it may be hidden under bodywork, so you may need to remove some parts to find it. Some scooters also have an identification plate or sticker that aids in identification.

If you are having trouble locating the VIN, you can use an online VIN decoder by providing the make, model, and year of your motorcycle. This will give you information about where to find the VIN for your specific vehicle. Additionally, if the paint code on the VIN plate is faded and illegible, you can try using a magnifying glass or taking a high-resolution photograph to get a clearer view.

If you still cannot find the paint code on the VIN plate, don't worry; there are other options. You can contact the manufacturer or dealer and provide them with your VIN or model number, and they should be able to give you the exact paint code. Keep in mind that this may take some time, and you may need to prove ownership of the motorcycle.

Look for a label inside the driver's side door frame

Although many motorcycle manufacturers do not use specific colour codes, the location of a vehicle's colour code typically follows a standard placement—inside the driver's side door frame or jamb. This information is usually included on a label inside the driver's side door frame.

On the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, also known as the chassis number, you will find a series of numbers stamped or printed onto your bike. The VIN is typically 17-characters long, consisting of digits and letters. The paint code will be one of the shorter codes and may include letters or the paint name. For instance, BMW Granada 023, Ducati Rosso 307, and Kawasaki Wildfire Orange Pearl 17H.

The fourth to eighth characters and the tenth character of the VIN are the parts that will help identify the paint/colour code. The 4th to 8th letters and digits of the VIN identify the model of the motorcycle, and the 10th digit indicates the year of manufacture.

For Honda motorcycles, the colour code can usually be found on a sticker placed on the rear sub-frame of the motorcycle, which is underneath the seat or attached to the top of the rear fender or one of the frame cross rails.

Consult the motorcycle's booklet

If you are unable to find the paint code on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate, also known as the chassis number, you may need to consult the motorcycle's booklet. This booklet should contain the paint code, which is usually in the form of a reference or a name.

The paint code will typically be a short sequence of numbers and might include letters or the paint name. For example, BMW's paint code for "Granada" is "023", while Ducati's paint code for "Rosso" is "307". Kawasaki's paint code for "Wildfire Orange Pearl" is "17H".

If you own a Honda motorcycle, it is worth noting that this manufacturer has produced an extensive catalogue of colours. As such, it may be challenging to search for your specific paint code by model or year. In this case, forums dedicated to Honda motorcycles may be a helpful resource.

Additionally, for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, it is recommended to search for the paint name in English or the manufacturer's language. For example, instead of searching for "rouge", try searching for the English equivalent, "red". Similarly, for Ducati, you are more likely to find the paint code by searching for "Rosso", which is "red" in Italian.

It is also worth mentioning that some motorcycle manufacturers do not use specific colour codes. In such cases, you can utilise an online paint finder tool by inputting the motorcycle's make, year, and model.

Contact the manufacturer's dealer

If you are unable to find the paint code for your motorcycle, it may be worth contacting the manufacturer's dealer. They will be knowledgeable and should be able to provide you with the information you need.

For instance, Harley-Davidson dealers are known to be well-versed in the brand's unique colour codes and shades. Due to the brand's use of unconventional pigments, glitters, and shades, it is often challenging to find the correct paint code, but dealers will be able to help.

Similarly, Indian Motorcycle dealers can assist you in finding the correct paint code. They can help you determine the paint code for a specific colour or for a two-tone paint scheme when provided with the four-digit code and your VIN.

If you own a Honda motorcycle, it may be more challenging to find the colour code by searching by model or year, as there are hundreds of Honda colour references. However, a salesperson may be able to provide an indication of the colour code with the serial number, model, year, and a general idea of the colour.

Additionally, consider contacting paint manufacturers, such as ColorRite, who can provide exact factory colours for some vehicles, even those as old as the 1960s. They can help locate the specific colour you need if it is not readily available on their website.

Search forums for your motorcycle model

If you are unable to find the paint code for your motorcycle, one option is to search forums dedicated to your motorcycle's make and model. These forums are often frequented by enthusiasts and specialists who can provide valuable information and guidance on locating the correct paint code for your bike.

For example, if you own a Yamaha motorcycle, there are numerous forums with active communities that can assist you in finding the paint code. Similarly, for Honda motorcycles, there are dedicated forums where you can seek help and advice from other Honda motorcycle owners who have likely faced similar challenges in locating colour codes.

In the case of BMW motorcycles, while there is no database at dealerships to search by model or year, owners have reported success in finding valuable information by searching community forums specialising in the brand. These forums can be a great resource for exchanging knowledge and experiences related to specific motorcycle models and their unique characteristics, including paint codes.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are also known for their unique colour codes and shades, and their dealers are typically knowledgeable and willing to assist in providing paint-related information. However, if the dealer cannot provide the necessary details, there are online forums dedicated to the Harley-Davidson brand where you can connect with other enthusiasts and experts who may be able to help.

When searching forums, it is essential to provide as much information as possible about your motorcycle, including the make, model, year, and any other relevant details that can aid in identifying the correct paint code. Keep in mind that some forums may have specific sections or threads dedicated to paint codes and related inquiries, making it easier to find the information you need.

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