How To Find Out What Year Your ATV is

Finding out the year of an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is important when purchasing a new one or ordering new parts for repairs. If purchasing the ATV used, the value of the vehicle will vary based on the year. The year the ATV is made also affects the parts that are used for repair. Different manufacturers list the year on the ATV in a location that is visible. 

It is helpful to complete the research about the ATV before purchasing a used ATV from an individual. If you are purchasing the ATV from a retailer, the salesperson should supply this information.

Check the list below to determine where to find the year on the model ATV that you are interested in:

• The VIN (vehicle identification number) is stamped on the frame of the ATV and on the engine.


• Yamaha and Suzuki offer a VIN decoder on “Motoverse” website. Enter the VIN number in the box and click “Go” to display the complete VIN information.


• Universal offers a VIN decoder at “AnalogX” website. Enter the VIN number in search box and click the “Decode” button


• Polaris ATV includes the year in the tenth number spot of the VIN number reading left to right.


• Honda ATVs and Kawasaki ATVs display the year in the VIN number in the tenth spot using this number guide: The year 2000 is listed as “Y”, and years from 2001 through 2009 are listed as the single number “1-9”. The year 2010 is listed as “A” and 2011 is listed as “B”.