Did you ever call a dealership or motorcycle parts store looking to get parts for your motorcycle, only to be asked what the exact model is, and you really aren’t sure of the answer? You tell them it’s a 2005, 750 Honda and they ask is it a spirit or an ace. How about a Yamaha 1100 VStar – is it a classic or a custom? The list goes on and on, not only for motorcycles, but for scooters, atvs and utility vehicles as well.
If you bought a used ATV, motorcycle, scooter or utility vehicle you may find it hard to get the information you need about the exact model, or may not even know what the exact model is. Trying to order a service manual is difficult without knowing your specific model designation, and the wrong service manual can make the difference between a repair and a disaster!
How about looking for specs for your bike? Tire size, oil capacity, tire pressure, and coolant capacity, just to name a few. You try to call the local dealer, and they are backed up with customers at the counter. They offer to take your name and number and call you back with the information, but you don’t feel like waiting for a call back, you need the information now!
A solution to all these problems has arrived on the Internet in the form of a website called cyclepedia.com. The website title is Cyclepediapress and offers powersports service data and information at minimal and sometimes no cost to consumers.
If you are looking to get the exact year, make and model of your powersports vehicle, the site offers a VIN decoder. When using the VIN decoder, remember that the letters I, O and Q (both capital and lower case) are never used in VIN numbers so they will always be the number 1 or number 0.
Once you have your exact model you can actual order a service manual or look up specs for your motorcycle. They also have a section where you can track your maintenance records or talk to other owners of your vehicle on the different forums.
The lists of manufacturers on cyclepedia.com are as follows: Artic Cat, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha.