Decoding the Model Year for Your Suzuki DF150: A Guide

If you are a boat owner or considering purchasing a Suzuki DF150 outboard motor, you may wonder how to determine the model year. Unlike cars, outboard motors do not have a visible VIN number that can provide this information. However, with a little knowledge and sleuthing, you can easily determine the model year of your Suzuki DF150.

What is the Suzuki DF150?

The Suzuki DF150 is a four-stroke outboard motor designed for use on boats. It is a popular choice among boat owners due to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. The DF150 has been in production for many years, with continuous improvement and updates being made to the model. As a result, determining the specific model year of your motor may seem challenging, but it is relatively simple once you know what to look for.

How to Decode the Serial Number

Suzuki outboard motors have a unique serial number which contains the necessary information to determine the model year. To decode the serial number, you will need to locate it on your motor, which can be found in two different places depending on when the motor was manufactured.

For motors produced before 2012, the serial number can be found on the swivel bracket. The swivel bracket is located on the pivot point between the motor and the boat and is easily identifiable by the presence of two holes on each side, which houses the pivot pin. The serial number is engraved on a metal plate affixed to the top of the bracket.

For motors produced after 2012, the serial number can be found on the engine’s transom bracket, which mounts the motor to the boat. The serial number is engraved on a metal plate affixed to the starboard side of the bracket.

The serial number consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The specific format is MMLMLL-@/@/?@, where M is the model code, L is the letter indicating the model year, @ is a number for the body code, / is a letter for the trim material, and ? is a series of three numbers for the alphabet sequence of the production unit.

Decoding the Model Year Letter

The letter in the serial number denotes the model year of the motor. The model year follows a specific sequence and contains both letters and numbers. The following table provides a clearer understanding of how to determine the model year.