How to read a Honda part number

Every Honda part carries a number that says what it is and which model it was designed for. Learn to read it and you can search by number, check fit, and avoid buying the wrong part.

The three groups

Most Honda motorcycle and ATV part numbers come in three groups. Here’s one from the shelf, the Honda OEM Brake Shoe Set Rear TRX250 Recon TRX250EX Sportrax 06430-HM8-A00:

06430

What the part is. Honda calls this the function and component number. Parts that do the same job share it, whatever bike they’re for.

HM8

The model code. It names the model the part was first designed for. Honda reuses parts across models, so a part carrying another bike’s code can still be right for yours.

A00

The revision. It changes when Honda updates the part or changes supplier. Painted and plastic parts can also carry a color code on the end.

Standard hardware

Bolts, screws, seals, bearings, fuses and other standard parts use two groups of five digits instead. The first group is the type of part and the second is its size. For example, 93500-06040 is a pan-head screw, 6 mm by 40 mm.

From the shelf: 94401-25180 is (3) OEM Vintage NOS Honda CB125 CB400 CX500 XL100 Woodruff Key 94401-25180 Qty 3. 94401 is the type of part and 25180 is its size or rating.

Using the number to buy the right part

1. Find the number. It’s often stamped or printed on the old part or its packaging. Otherwise look it up in your bike’s parts fiche, the exploded parts diagrams many Honda dealers show online.
2. Search the whole number, like 06430-HM8-A00, not a description. Descriptions vary from seller to seller. Numbers don’t.
3. Watch for supersessions. Honda sometimes replaces a number with an updated one. If the last group is different, check whether the newer number took over from yours.
4. Same first group, different model code? The part does the same job but may differ in size or shape. Check the fiche for your exact model and year.

What new old stock means

New old stock (NOS) is an original Honda part made years ago that was never sold or installed. It’s the same part the bike came with, just never used. The packaging may show its age, but the part is new.