OK, I am having a hard time identifying the VIN number on my machine. I have searched the form looked all over my machine and the only numbers I have found have been under the seat on the top of the frame rails. On the right side is a metallic sticker with the model # (which is W97CC28C). Now that sticker looks as though it has been partially torn off but all indications are that the whole model number is correct. On the left side frame rail is an etched in number, it starts with an " * " then has 7 digits then has another "*" at the end.
I live up in British Columbia, Canada, and now have to register our machines and have liability insurance in order to legally run on back roads and forest service roads When I try to register my quad I am told that this is not the correct VIN. (only used the etched numbers)
My question is, how many numbers should be in the VIN on a quad and has anyone have any ideas where else I can look? Are the "*"s part of the VIN number? is the VIN a combination of the model # and that etched in number.....HELP!

It is a 1997 Xplorer 300 4x4
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks Tom

 

there should be a 17 digit alpha-numeric code located either on the front of the machine, on the frame rails, usually on the left frame runner under the engine, or on the vertical run of the steering(from the handlebars down to the tie rod/steering mechanism). it could be along the seat area somewhere, but it's usually in those spots from what my quads have. i have a polaris, honda, yamaha, and 3 chinese quads. 17 digits, that's the key.

 

Thanks, I'll keep cleaning and searching!
Tom

 

sometimes they're "faded" because of rust, dirt, etc...., you may have to use a flashlight to illuminate it. my polaris VIN stamp has seen better days and i have to use a flashlight and shine on the number at an angle to make it out due to a glare on the paint. once i found the VINs, i stored that information in my atv file so i wouldn't have to go look again. .

 

Look on the right side square down tube by the exhaust pipe. I think they were still etching the frame number along with the model number there and went to etching the left side on later models? Could very well be wrong! It's been a while! OPT

 

i did not know that they put them there also. thanks OPT, i learned something there!. and that one piece i was talking about is called a square down tube? gotcha! learned something there too!

 

AIN'T guaranteeing the vin #'s there! Actually all the older models(85 and up) were marked there from the beginning,BUT I can't remember when they went to the frame behind the left front a-arm? Think it was around 99 or 2000 models?? OPT

 

Thanks guys! Doing some extensive maintenance. Front steering is badly worn, swing arm badly worn, couple of small leaks as well. Got this quad from my brother (he's a bit of a wing nut, if ya know what I mean.LOL) Rode it hard! Maintained it pretty well but its definitely due for a major.
Taking the body plastic all off to access everything better. Price was right so worth fixing. I'll have a closer look when I get it all cleaned up.

 

Polaris didn't go to the 17 digit vin until 1998. That seven digit number you found is the actual vin number for that machine and the w97 number is the year and model number.

 

Hmmmm interesting??? The fact that this model was sold in Canada have something to do with that? Can anybody else verify this? Not that I don't believe you 94harley, but the fact is I need solid proof to go register this machine.