How do I know if my 03' is an 03'

2003RC51 · 06-20-2008, 5:06 PM

I bought my RC from a dealer in NC, and I'm finding little things like the frame is stamped with the VIN at the bearing neck. But in the service manual for the bike, the rear tail has the sensors located for an 02' and later! Does the engine code do anything for me? This bike is a fixer upper, but I'd be pretty pissed if I paid for an 03' and got a 00' or 01'!! Is there any definate answer to tell what is what?

N3D · 06-20-2008, 5:29 PM

Vin number is really the only thing I would think. I mean there is differences in the SP1 and SP2 but all the things I have read about the differences have been in weight and suspension.

Not a guru on them by no means, just what i know. I don't think there is a big difference between the two, but I don't know.

Chum · 06-20-2008, 7:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003RC51

I bought my RC from a dealer in NC, and I'm finding little things like the frame is stamped with the VIN at the bearing neck. But in the service manual for the bike, the rear tail has the sensors located for an 02' and later! Does the engine code do anything for me? This bike is a fixer upper, but I'd be pretty pissed if I paid for an 03' and got a 00' or 01'!! Is there any definate answer to tell what is what?

Sorry, posted twice

Chum · 06-20-2008, 7:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003RC51

I bought my RC from a dealer in NC, and I'm finding little things like the frame is stamped with the VIN at the bearing neck. But in the service manual for the bike, the rear tail has the sensors located for an 02' and later! Does the engine code do anything for me? This bike is a fixer upper, but I'd be pretty pissed if I paid for an 03' and got a 00' or 01'!! Is there any definate answer to tell what is what?

There is a valuable difference between the SP1 and SP2. The later refered over the former. As far as confirming what year yours is, just look at the VIN. With any Vin on any vehicle newer than a 1980, the 10th digit in the VIN identifies the year. Heres a template to help you out.

1981 B
1982 C
1983 D
1984 E
1985 F
1986 G
1987 H
1988 J
1989 K
1990 L
1991 M
1992 N
1993 P
1994 R
1995 S
1996 T
1997 V
1998 W
1999 X
2000 Y
2001 1
2002 2
2003 3
2004 4
2005 5
2006 6
2007 7

You get the idea!
I hope this helps you out

HRace · 06-21-2008, 8:47 PM

If you have mrchanical aptitude remove one of the injectors. IF IT HAS FOUR HOLES, SORRY PAL 02 or older. 8 holes 2003. You can also cross reference the vin on VINfinder - VIN decode and VIN plate location for accurate vehicle identification it will tell you everything you may or may not want to know

lanbrown · 06-21-2008, 10:37 PM

The swingarm changed in '02 as did the injections system and the addition of a fan on the other radiator. There are other changes as well.

b.miller123 · 06-22-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2003RC51

I bought my RC from a dealer in NC, and I'm finding little things like the frame is stamped with the VIN at the bearing neck. But in the service manual for the bike, the rear tail has the sensors located for an 02' and later! Does the engine code do anything for me? This bike is a fixer upper, but I'd be pretty pissed if I paid for an 03' and got a 00' or 01'!! Is there any definate answer to tell what is what?

Any updates?

You might need to change your screen name?