Triumph Motorcycle Engine & Frame Serial / VIN Numbers
So, you've got a vintage Triumph motorcycle but you aren't sure what year it is, or you want to identify a swap meet frame or engine along with other Triumph motorcycle parts and don't know how to look up or decode the serial or VIN numbers? If so, the information below will be a big help.
Where is the motorcycle engine serial number location?
Triumph engine number identification is very useful when you’re looking for parts.
An engine number is found on the left side of the crankcase (engine block). It is imprinted on the crankcase below the cylinder barrel. The motorcycle engine number length varies based on year but is often 6-7 characters.
On an unaltered, vintage Triumph the engine and frame serial numbers match. If they do not, that means that the engine or frame was replaced at some point in it’s history.
How to check motorcycle engine number?
Make sure you order correct parts for your Triumph, find part numbers conversions listed with a letter prefix. The prefix to the Triumph VIN decoder or serial numbers conveniently identify the model of the motorcycle. Some letters designate certain features, such as:
- The 'V' denoting a 5-speed transmission, versus the earlier, standard 4-speed gearbox.
- An 'R' can denote a right-hand shift motorcycle, as in the TR7RV.
- The letter 'C' can denote a Competition model, as in the TR6C.
Triumph Model Designation |
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- Please note the triumph serial number identification.
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Triumph Twin Serial Numbers 1950 - 1969 |
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Triumph Twin Serial Numbers 1969 - 1983 |
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During the rich and colorful history of Triumph, the models produced after 1969 contained the same prefix designators listed above, that indicated the model type, but the numbers were changed. A new coding system (numbers) was introduced using a two letter prefix for the month and model season year, followed by a number which began at 00100 for each model year and ran on irrespective of the model it was stamped on. The model season started in August.
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Triumph Motorcycle Part Number Conversion for Prefix Letters
In old Triumph motorcycle parts books you will find part numbers listed with a letter prefix. The chart below shows the conversion from the old letter prefix to the new prefix number you will need to order your stock, vintage Triumph parts. For example, the part number E3974 converts to 70-3974.
In some cases you will have a part number that doesn't have four digits. For example, H519. You still convert the H to 97-, then just add a zero before the 519 to give you your full 4 digit part number, 97-0519.
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This is a comprehensive table of Triumph model serial numbers from 1950 to 1983. Engine and frame numbers should match, as they did when the motorcycle was new from the Triumph factory. If they do not match, that means the frame or engine was replaced sometime in it's history. If you already know the Triumph motorcycle engine numbers, you may be interested in learning about Triumph Clutch Inspection & Service, including great informational graphics and photos for the professional and novice alike!
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Tyler Malinky |
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Tyler Malinky is the CEO of Lowbrow Customs, which he founded back in 2004. An avid vintage motorcyclist, Tyler builds and races 1950's Triumph motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats, in addition to building and riding both stock and custom Harley-Davidson's on the street. His personal motorcycles include a 1950 Triumph land speed bike (and current record holder at Bonneville Salt Flats), 1959 Harley Panhead chopper, stock 1965 Triumph Bonneville, stock 1969 Harley FLH, and a 1975 Shovelhead chopper. He is also currently building a dual-engine 1950 Triumph land speed race bike for the 2021 race season. | |
