Where do I find my motorcycle paint code?
The paint code is usually a small alphanumeric identifier stamped or labeled on the bike's frame or nearby bodywork. In most cases, you’ll find it on the VIN plate or a color sticker, and a dealer can confirm it from the VIN if needed. The code is typically 2–4 characters long and sometimes appears with a separate finish or variant code.
Locating the exact color code matters for touch-ups, repaints, and factory-minish matching. If you’re unsure where to look, start with the most visible, permanently affixed markings on the bike, then move to documentation or your dealer if the markings aren’t obvious.
Where the color code is usually found
Manufacturers place color codes in a handful of common, durable locations. This list covers the typical spots you should check first.
- VIN plate or frame sticker near the steering head or neck of the frame.
- Removable side panels, fairings, or under-seat compartments where a small label might list the paint code and finish.
- Inside the battery box or tool tray area where a service sticker is sometimes placed.
- Under a side cover or within the tail section where manufacturers often attach a color sticker (especially on newer models).
- On the underside of a fuel-tank panel or inside a recessed panel of the bodywork.
Not every model uses the exact same spot, and some bikes have color information only on documentation. If you don’t see a sticker or plate right away, check several of these areas or consult your manual.
What to do if you can’t locate the code
If the color code isn’t clearly visible on the bike itself, follow these steps to verify it with documentation or a dealer.
- Inspect the VIN plate or frame stamping again for any paint-code field; photograph it for reference.
- Open the owner’s manual or service manual to see if a color code chart or paint code section is included.
- Check any official dealership or manufacturer online portals using your VIN, model, and year; some provide color-code lookups.
- Contact an authorized dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service with your VIN, model, and year to get the exact factory color code.
- If you’re repainting, bring the bike or a panel sample to a professional painter or color-matching service, who can use the code or match the original paint with a manufacturer-approved formula.
With the VIN and model details, most dealers can identify the correct paint code or help you order the exact factory color for a perfect match.
Summary
Finding your motorcycle paint code is usually straightforward if you check the frame or bodywork labeling, such as the VIN plate, under-seat panels, or removable fairings. If those markings aren’t visible, consult the owner’s or service manual and contact an authorized dealer with your VIN to confirm the code. Having the correct color code ensures accurate touch-ups, color matching, and factory-accurate repaints.
