California Motorcycle registration issue

[ahdoman]

Triathlete has a great solution.

But, there are ways to get around the system. Has she talked to a local dealer about it? Sometimes it's as simple as adding something to the system to make it legal. Try taking it to a shop that resells bikes. They might be able to re-process it for her. There are also smog referee stations that have the ability to waive the testing. Are you sure the bike is not smog leagal in all 50 states? Usually a manufacturer produces the bike to be legal in the toughest states so they don't have to mess with different set ups.

Where is she located? I've done business with a couple of shops locally that could probably help her.

[Cobrajet]

Triathlete has a great solution.

But, there are ways to get around the system. Has she talked to a local dealer about it? Sometimes it's as simple as adding something to the system to make it legal. Try taking it to a shop that resells bikes. They might be able to re-process it for her. There are also smog referee stations that have the ability to waive the testing. Are you sure the bike is not smog leagal in all 50 states? Usually a manufacturer produces the bike to be legal in the toughest states so they don't have to mess with different set ups.

Where is she located? I've done business with a couple of shops locally that could probably help her.

The bike is in Murrieta. I have already verified that it is NOT CARB compliant. Honda added a vapor canister to the 2014 bikes for California. Not really a viable option to add it, and probably wouldn't change its legal status. A few members of the NC700 forum have suggested replacing the instrument cluster with one having over 7500 miles, but I really don't want to "fake" the mileage, or run it on the center stand for 5000 miles...

I wrongly assumed the bike would be worth more if sold in California, but if it can't be registered, then it's not worth anything in California. I could ship it back to Virginia, and sell it here for more, even if I include the shipping cost ($625).

I'm researching another option, but it's a long shot.

Thanks all!

[ahdoman]

That's not right. Have her contact a CARB referee station and have them tell her the options. It's not like its a vehicle that can't pass safety standards. You've just received bad info or your talking to someone who doesn't know. Believe me, I've had over 40 vehicles, several vintage, and the stories I got from the DMV are ridiculous! I once brought a Porsche 914 (pre-76, pre smog) into California and he didn't believe me when I told him the engine was in the middle of the car. I had to open the rear trunk to prove it to him even after I showed him the engine bay. I also went to register a Suzuki dual sport and the person at the DMV told me that the only way I could register the bike was with a dual registration (I had to pay for a street license and then a dirt one). I showed her the law but she wouldn't believe me. It took me about 3 hours to register that bike and involved 2 supervisors researching the law books! Honda is a smart company, I find it hard to believe that the needed components can't be assembled onto the bike to make it CARB legal.

I'll check in with my local contact today to see what he says. Murrieta is a couple of hours away from me but it's still in Cali.

[Otwobme]

being in the military for 12 years, i have had a licences from WI, while living in another State like TX, VA, AK. being in the military allows this. you don't necessarily know were your going to be from year to year. the cost guard is part of the armed forces. not sure if she could get the bike put in his name... or just re-register it in VA and send her the tags. and allow her to be an authorized rider on your insurance.

good luck.

[Cobrajet]

being in the military for 12 years, i have had a licences from WI, while living in another State like TX, VA, AK. being in the military allows this. you don't necessarily know were your going to be from year to year. the cost guard is part of the armed forces. not sure if she could get the bike put in his name... or just re-register it in VA and send her the tags. and allow her to be an authorized rider on your insurance.

good luck.

I don't think the military angle applies in this case. I believe it only applies if you owned the vehicle prior to moving to California. My daughter still has Virginia plates on her car.

"Registered by you in the state of your last active military service outside California."

It's all so silly. She wanted the bike to REDUCE her carbon footprint, yet she's not allowed to have it. I'll talk to her about our options, but it's not looking good at this point.

Thanks, guys!

[rowhard]

being in the military for 12 years, i have had a licences from WI, while living in another State like TX, VA, AK.

retired AF here. Once when processing in to a new base, a AF lawyer, who was also in the group asked to speak when vehicle registration came up.

He said, its called The 3 State Rule

'If you have a drivers license from one state,

A vehicle registered in a second state,

and you are driving it in the third state, (your new station) over 30 days,

you have violated the 3 State Rule.

sorry for going , but it was an opportune time to pass this tidbit of military life on