There's a VIN plate located at the lower corner of the front windshield, most cars have it located at the driver side. If you can't find it, there's a manufacturer sticker with a number chart for tire pressure, fuel recommendation, and VIN number.
The sixth digit will tell the year, 5th digit will tell you the engine size.
Vin numbers have been a standard 17 digits starting in 1981. Prior to that there was no standard and could be any number of digits.
That is all the digits that was needed up until 1981 when the 17 digit VIN replaced the 13 digit.
The 6th digit indicates the year
Since 1965 to 1971 VIN Numbers where only 13 digits. Here is a site to explain VIN numbers (see related link)
Carfax
13
My 79 has 13 numbers in the vin number
Nothing. The last 6 digits of the standard 17 character VIN number are a build sequence.
Reference this site: http://www.oldride.com/library/1967_pontiac_catalina.html
You will have to take it to a Yamaha dealer and have them run it for you. There is no info on decoding a 9 digit, only the 17 digit vin number's. I have a 1972 650 Yamaha. It took me a while to find all 13 vin numbers. I believe yours is actually 13 also if it is a 70's bike. mine is 256 S650-007101 . Yours may not be a Yamaha but all should have similar layout. Here is some Honda CB500 numbers According the Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide (American Honda Publication), the posted VIN number is a 71 year model.1971 -Frame CB500-10000001~The 72s were : CB500-20000001~The 73s were : CB500-21000001~
VIN numbers are 17 digits and did not come into existence until 1979-80. What you have is the serial number. You may find some help here. http://www.classicwhitetrucks.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=5d037af10f8dc238cbec8c135654d18d