First Character: Manufacturer Identifier
- 1 = Honda
Second Character: Model Year Identifier
- 3 = 1973
Third Character: Production Plant
- H, I, J = Hamamatsu Factory, Japan
Fourth Character: Type of Motorcycle
- M = Motorcycle
Fifth Character: Engine Displacement
- E = 550cc
Sixth and Seventh Characters: Model Identifier
- CB550 = CB550 Four Motorcycle
Eighth Character: Check Digit
- Digit used to verify the accuracy of the VIN
Ninth and Tenth Characters: Serial Number
- Unique sequence number assigned to each motorcycle
This information can be found on the VIN plate, which is typically located on the motorcycle frame near the steering head or beneath the fuel tank.
