ripped from ducati ms forum Post-1980 US models and post-2002 non-US models have a 17-character VIN as follows: Characters 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier Z = Italy D = Ducati M = Motorcycle ( i.e. ZDM = Ducati) Character 4: Motorcycle Type 1 = street version 2 = dual purpose version 3 = off-highway racing version Character 5: Motorcycle Model D = (example: 1987 Paso 748) G = (example: 1987 750 F1 Laguna Seca) H = homologation model K = (example: 1990 750 Sport) L = supersport M = (example: 1992 Paso 9071e) N = (example: 1993 750SS) P = (example: 1995 E900 Elefant) S = hypersport/superbike R = monster, T = sport touring U = 9X9 series V = Multistrada Character 6: Engine Type A = air-cooled twin B = liquid-cooled twin C = air/oil-cooled twin 7 = race model variations 9 = race model variation Character 7: Engine Displacement 1 = (examples: none) 2 = 600cc (examples: 620SS) 3 = 750cc (examples: Paso 748, 750 Sport, 750SS, 748/R, Monster 750, 749) 3 = Australian 1996 900SS 4 = 900cc (examples: 900SS, M900e Mike Hailwood) 5 = (examples: 996, 998, 999, ST4S) 6 = (examples: 851) 6 = 7 = (examples: 888 SPO) 8 = (examples: 916, Monster S4, Monster 1000) 9 = (examples: 996R) 0 = (examples: Mike Hailwood Mille 1000) Character 8: Net Brake Horsepower The following examples are for US models except where noted. H = (examples: 1990 750 Sport) K = (examples: 1999 750SS, 2003 620SS) L = (examples: 1995 E900 Elefant, 1998 Monster 750) M = (examples: 1993 750SS, 1987 750 F1 Laguna Seca) N = (examples: 1987 Paso 748, 1992 Paso 907ie, 1992 900SS, 1994 Monster 900, 1999 900SS, 2002 MH900e Mike Hailwood) P = (examples: 1998 ST2, 2003 Monster 1000, 2004 Multistrada) R = (examples: Mille 1000 Mike Hailwood, 1990 851, 1993 888SPO, 1998 748/S) S = (examples: 1995 916, 2002 Monster S4, 2000 748R, 2003 749) T = (examples: 1988 851 Tri-Color Racer, 2000 996/S, 2002 ST4S, 2003 999) V = (examples: 1998 916SPS, 2000 996SPS, 1999 998/998S, 2003 999S) Character 9: Check Digit A calculated number that is used to verify the validity of the VIN. A single number or the letter X only. Character 10: Model Year Code 9 = 1979 A = 1980 B = 1981 C = 1982 D = 1983 E = 1984 F = 1985 G = 1986 H = 1987 J = 1988 K = 1989 L = 1990 M = 1991 N = 1992 P = 1993 R = 1994 S = 1995 T = 1996 V = 1997 W = 1998 X = 1999 Y = 2000 1 = 2001 2 = 2002 3 = 2003 4 = 2004 5 = 2005 Character 11: Manufacturing Plant Code B = Bologna Italy V = Varese Italy (the old MV factory) Characters 12-17: Production Number (six-digit sequential) Ducati Pre-2002 Non-US Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Prior to 2002, non-US models were assigned a 17-character VIN that does not embody a check digit character that's been required by USDOT since 1980. Example - 1999 Eurospec 996SPS VIN: ZDMH100AAXB002526
I found 17 digit chassis are factory codes for years and models etc. 13 digits I can't find anywhere listed for what they represent. As this was bought as a 2000 model 996 and it's got a 916 engine and chassis number which seems odd.
Is the engine no. 'ZDM916' or 'ZDM996' because it maybe that the frames all have that format with 'ZDM916' as they are essentially the same frame for 748, 916 & 996 but with 916 being the first model produced? My 916 has the same format no. frame i.e. ZDM916S ****** and a ZDM916W4 ****** engine no. AFAIK the engine no. should show the capacity with the W4 signifying Watercooled 4 valve, followed by the 6 figure no. so if it's a 996 it should be ZDM996W4 ******.
Thanks that clears that up its a 916 chassis and engine it was advertised as a 996 and 955cc . How come 916 were finished in 1998 and this is a 2000 model
Just Googled the VIN and found this https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lot...16W4014628/610-1995_ducati_916-23.4.22-bonham
Due diligence is definitely required here. Auction house blurb is very noncommittal about the pedigree. It seems to me, very little of the original package has survived and the bike has been dumbed down. Andy
