[rvt1000]

So if I buy a bike used with say, 2K miles, and own it in Washington then bring it into California when I move there, does that mean I am exempt from the 7500 mile law since it's coming in with me? I think so, but just wanted to verify.

Also, from your experiences, what is performed on the inspection? Are they simply verifying odomoter mileage? Reason I ask is I found a nice 51 out East and was going to bring it into Ca (via WA if I had to), but the bike's got a rear turn signal eliminator kit and I'm curious as to whether or not I'll get a fix it ticket on inspection for losing the turn signals? I don't think the original owner still has the parts and I don't have time to put a makeshift turn signal in so I'm trying to decide if I should pass on this one and keep looking.

Thanks for your experience and input!

[SamoanzRR]

I think you can bring it to cali and register it but you can't sell it until 7500mi, as for the rear turn signals, if its an integrated tail light with signals built in then its legal.

[rvt1000]

ya, he lost the tail lights all together. Do the cops on inspection look for that stuff or just the odo?

[DVIII]

it's not the cops, it's the DMV, they will probably say something about the turn signals as by law they are supposed to be 12 inches apart. And they will want to see the engine number too, i dont know where it is on the RC, but i had to strip my F3 when i came to CA from MI.

If they have an issue with the turn signals they wont allow you to register it in CA till you 'fix' it.

[rvt1000]

oooo....so if i have it registered at the DMV, then I may be okay as they can do the verifying there correct?

[SamoanzRR]

you can download the specs from the net. don't think you'll have a problem with anything, I think you have a grace period.........

[SamoanzRR]

California Department of Motor Vehicles

this should help, I forgot the page of the new laws where you can have an integrated tail light.

[rvt1000]

thanks!

[9Hondas]

I haven't done one in a few years, but in my previous experiences purchasing out of state bikes and bringing them into California, the only inspection the dmv does is to verify the VIN and Motor numbers on the title with those on the actual motorcycle.

[skwyd]

If you are still looking I know where there is an 05 for sale for around 10k that has 8500 miles on it so you would have no problems getting it into CA. It is the black model (of course) and is bone stock.

[slickwill]

Originally Posted by skwyd

If you are still looking I know where there is an 05 for sale for around 10k that has 8500 miles on it so you would have no problems getting it into CA. It is the black model (of course) and is bone stock.

I think he said in another thread that he finally picked one up but I'm not sure.

[rvt1000]

I did end up picking one up...will have pics up soon as well...thanks for looking and keeping me in mind!!

[Chal De Cecco]

Right now I am looking at a California DMV Verification of Vehicle form #343.The form records odometer readings, license plate or temporary operating permits, identification engine numbers and emission standard stampings. A DMV employee, CHP officer or a local trained LEO can fill the form out, you sign on the last line and present it to a clerk with the rest of your paperwork. DMV will require this verification when registering from out of state or in the absence of title. On my way to DMV now......

[J-Pip]

I've got a question kind of related, I'm looking at buying an RC51 in the near future and will proabably get it in California. IS there a 49-state version? If so is it very difficult to remove the emmisions junk?

[skwyd]

The differences between a 49 state model and a California model motorcycle, other than the VIN #'s, is a carbon canister and fuel map if they are Fuel Injected. Back in the day of the Carbureted sport bike then there were many more differences such as different diameter carbs, air boxes, etc. With the RC51 if you remove the carbon canister and add a PC then you can tune it to your hearts content and wont notice any differences. The California version does have the same HP and Torque as the 49 state model though if that helps you any, and the carbon canister is just dead weight you can dump. Also if you didnt already know, Utah has no noise restriction for motorcycle exhaust so you can run a race pipe on the streets and the cops will just wave at you.

[Chal De Cecco]

So off to the DMV I went to register the Colorado purchased RC51. Here is the deal. Any 49 state bike coming into California is considered a new bike if it has 7500 miles or less on the odometer.
Since the other 49 state bikes do not have the cannister and remap program for the RC51, there is no California emissions tag affixed to the headstock or the frame and this is problematic since an inspection will be required by DMV in order to begin the licensing program. If you have the California plate affixed to the bike then lucky you and you are home free.

All is not lost .There are DMV exceptions to the rule that allow inheritance and divorce proceedings where the bike ends up being gifted to you. Another exception covers military personnel purchasing vehicles outside of California. The last exception occurs if you purchased the bike out of state to replace a vehicle that had become irreparable during your travels and you need a ride home.

So, if you show up at DMV , make sure you have 7500 miles. Then use one of the 4 exceptions if you must. If you don't, you won't complete registration. Go to the California DMV website and page to " Buying vehicles out of State" for the specific exemptions and by all means pick a real nice DMV clerk to work with.......

[skwyd]

Don’t forget to be nice to them too, after all you catch more flies with an RC51 going flat out near a farm in the spring than you do with vinegar. or something like that.

One question I have though is would buying a bike in say Colorado cuz your girlfriend got pissed at you and left you there so you could get home, fit in with the replacement vehicle thing?

[Chal De Cecco]

I'm thinking not unless you find a DMV clerk who reads romance novels. Seriously though, this is a big deal with DMV and their emissions folks. I am going to a very small and remote office to get this done..............

[rvt1000]

Originally Posted by Chal De Cecco

...Since the other 49 state bikes do not have the cannister and remap program for the RC51, there is no California emissions tag affixed to the headstock or the frame and this is problematic since an inspection will be required by DMV ......

So what exception are you using to get by. I need to take my bike in the next week or so to the DMV as well and am not military but am moving back to California from Washington.

[Chal De Cecco]

Make sure you have 7500 miles on the odometer. If not, the exceptions are:
1. Divorce or inheritance possession
2. Purchased to replace a stolen vehicle out of state
3. Purchased if you were stranded in another state and needed transportation home
4. Were on active military outside California

If these don't work, keep the bike registered out of state and then have a DMV CHP/ LEO officer certify your milege at 7500. Don't tell anybody you drove the bike around just to rack up the required mileage because DMV will refuse to register.

[lanbrown]

I would have the DMV deny it so you have it in writing. This way if you get pulled over and the cop then decides to include a ticket for not registering your vehicle, you have an out. The ticket will be thrown out as the DMV said you can't register and the cops try to get you for not registering. No judge would/could let the ticket stand.

[9Hondas]

Suppose a guy, who happens to have an RC51 with 3000 miles on it, buys one of those speedohealers to make his speedometer more accurate. And before installing it, he makes sure his battery has a battery tender hooked up just to keep from running down the battery while testing it, and while he's at it, unplugs the connectors to the headlights and taillights so as to not burn out the bulbs too.

Then somehow while checking the linearity error of the speedometer at the highest output frequency (256mph) he gets a phone call from his totally hot girlfriend reminding him he is supposed to go out with her and is already late.

He buys her flowers on the way over, and she accepts him for the motorcycle nut he is. They have a great time and end up at her place for the night. During breakfast the next morning he remembers that he left his speedohealer in the middle of the linearity error test and rushes home. He turns off the ignition exactly 17 hours 34 minutes and 47 seconds after he started the test.

Any guesses how many miles are on his odometer next time he turns the key?

That's why I think it would be prudent to buy a used low mileage speedometer unit to temporarily install in my bike prior to installing a speedohealer, for testing purposes only and to prevent changing the actual mileage of the odometer in case the phone rings......

http://www.speedohealer.com/download/speedo_test.wmv

[Chal De Cecco]

I like your theory as the law states that it would be illegal if you simply operated the motorcycle on the street until the magic 7500 number came up. Nothing in the DMV procedure about a used speedometer or a healer test going wrong...........

[rvt1000]

Quite an intelligent and creative answer, very impressive!

[Chal De Cecco]

Update: I took all the RC51 Colorado paperwork to my California DMV including a statement of facts and that ever important 343 form that allows DMV/CHP or LEO's to certify both vin identifications and mileage. After paying sales and registration fees the DMV gave me a temporary operating permit while I wait for the plate to arrive. I happily wrote them a check for $612 bucks.
This could have been very ugly so do your homework well before you go to the DMV and whatever you do, take the information you receive from their 800 number with a grain of salt as this is where the ultimate bureaucrats live.....Chal

[Ol' Gravy Leg]

wow, I'm surprised you got it done. i bet you happily wrote that check.

what exception did you assert on form 343, chal?

[rvt1000]

hey chal, can you clarify the details that you used to get it done easily??

[skwyd]

Originally Posted by 9Hondas

Suppose a guy,,,,,,

We stand in awe of your genius and absolute brilliance!!

[Chal De Cecco]

rvt: See the previous posts for the exceptions allowed by the DMV. Make sure your paperwork is perfect. If your printing isn't up to speed with numbers and letters find a scribe. The vin/odometer verification is critical and DMV will not allow a mistake, omission or cross out even by the certifying officer on the form. Make sure you have a purchase price available for DMV and for goodness sakes never admit to them you simply rode the bike around just to get to the 7500 limit before coming to them. Be exact with your statement of facts form. If you have trouble writing up documents, get some help as DMV is very unforgiving.........Chal

[rvt1000]

Ooooh I get it. Up till now, I thought the 4 exceptions were along with having 7500 miles but I see that the exceptions are there if the mileage is not up to 7500. Taking my bike in tomorrow or the day after - will let you all know how it goes.