Mike, the first few characters you are referring to in a VIN correspond to the manufacturer's certification code. Position 1 = Region
Position 1 - 2 = Country
Position 2 - 3 = Manufacturer
Position 4 - 8 = Model Specific
Position 9 = Check Digit
Position 10 = Year
Position 11 = Assembly Plant
Position 12 - 17 = Serial Number
These are the generic position identifiers .. Triumphs are slightly different in some ... but the magical Position 11 is the SAME. Refer to the thread link below for the specific position reference for Triumph .. it's a few posts down in the thread.
Here's a couple links for you:
Triumph.rat post regarding Triumph VIN's along with a faxed decoded sheet. VIN Decoder Plug your VIN into the Decoder to get SOME specific info. You'll have to refer to the post from Triumphrat.net for the J code equalling Jackhell Road, Hinckley Assembly Plant. The bikes I looked at had a T in the magical position 11 ... I have no idea what T stands for ... but since Triumph only has ONE plant in England that uses the J code .. I'm assuming the T code is the Thai plant. So until someone can give me facts to the contrary I'm going with the idea that those were all Thaiumphs.
