| Author | Message | ||
     Snackbar64 |
And of course my bikes are coming with me. It's been almost 10 years since I've lived there last and I hear that Buells are toned down a bit there to meet emissions standards. I have a Race Kit and Race ECM on the bike. How hard a time will I have registering this bike? Will noise be an issue. Also explain lane splitting. I've seen this done, but it looked dangerous and the people in cars looked unhappy and jealous. How many of you California Buellers have adopted this way of riding? Any tips or advice is appreciated. | ||
| Terribletim |
I can tell you as an "out-of-state guy, when I was down there on my Harley the locals got pi**ed at me 'cause i wasn't splittin' lanes. But my bike is too wide to split lanes, the handlebars are 34" tip to tip. I don't like it, I agree it looks dangerous. You never know when a car will change lanes on top of you. Just my $0.98 ($0.02 after inflation). As for the emissions, you may have a tough time with the mods you have. Things are pretty strict there. It may come down to "what year is your bike" and what the standards are for that year. Good luck, hope it works out. I know I wouldn't want to take those parts off. And always remember on the lane splittin', how big a hurry are you to die? When on a bike, give yourself that extra second before you leave at a green light, etc. You know the deal, you've been riding. No one looks for bikes. | ||
| Snackbar64 |
I AGREE, I'M NOT IN A RUSH TO DIE. I also have a 03 XB9R. What difference does the year make? | ||
| Terribletim |
Some states will have a different "number" for some year models than others as far as the emissions you can have and still pass. '03 will probably be the same as the new ones, so it will be strict. | ||
| Ezblast |
If you have over 6000 miles on the odo - its all good - emissions are for 2006 and younger - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Terribletim |
Is that Cali law or pretty much country wide? I know here in Wa. we don't have emissions on bikes. That sure cures that situation, Snackbar! | ||
| Firemanjim |
No emissions on bikes as yet,no checks on equipment,may be coming--???.Bike only has to have miles on it if you are a CA resident bringing it in not an out of stater moving in.This was to keep CA folks from buying new 49 state bikes/cars and driving them right back home. I lane split all the time,it is very attention demanding.Just be smart,keep scanning,I do a 10/35 rule--no more than 10 mph faster than traffic and if traffic is faster than 35 no splitting | ||
| Spatten1 |
California is the ultimate MC paradise. You are very lucky! Firemanjim nailed the out of state vehicle law. Just lane split when traffic is barely moving, it keeps you from getting rear-ended. Also, you can pull to the front of a red light, look both ways, and squirt out in front of the cars. It rules. | ||
| Sleez |
i lived in san berdoo and commuted to el segundo for about 6 months (90 miles each way), i would still be there if i didn't lane split!! like jim says, requires much attention, you feel really taxed after 1.5 hrs of constant traffic. been almost hit quite a few times. had at least 2 people try to purposely bump into me, i took out their mirrors and continued on my way. not the best way, i know, but i had to do it. jim's speed refs are pretty accurate, be safe and watch out, most cage drivers don't even realize it is LEGAL!!! | ||
| Teeps |
On a brighter side; some drivers will actually move over to afford the motorcycle more passing room... it happens. | ||
| Hkwan |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evO1Gtsah-Q | ||
| Olinxb12r |
I'm jealous! I grew up in So Cal till about 11-12 years old and I've been in Kansas or Illinois since then except a couple short stays with my old man back in Cali. I'm so sick of cold weather! The GF wants to live in NYC for a year or two, so that is probably next. After that I'm headed back to CA with or without her. Sounds like everyone pretty much nailed your questions. You shouldn't have any problems with emissions, and only lane split if you are comfortable. Once you sit in traffic for a day or two you'll start doing it, I gaurantee it. | ||
| Slaughter |
Snackbar, Where are you going to settle when you get here? Lane splitting is a good way to keep the motor cool and also a good way to have the s**t scared out of you every time. Maybe because I don't live in high traffic areas but I hate freeway riding but will lane-split. I just can't bring myself to run as fast as many seem to. The law says you are technically "lane sharing" - you really can't repeatedly cross the dotted lines but it is still the only way to keep a motor from self-destructing in stop-and-go traffic. | ||
| Snackbar64 |
Thanks for all the helpful info guys. I'll be living with mom in South Central Los Angeles where I grew up until I get my own spot somewhere further out. | ||
| Nuerburgringer |
Unless I'm mistaken, the only significant difference between federal XBs and CA XBs is the vapor cannister, which wouldn't have any measureable affect on performance, certainly not enough difference to avoid buying a CA bike. Non-residents moving to CA can bring their federal bikes along, but residents can only bring non-CA bikes into CA with 7500 miles on the clock or more. The DMV has really tightened up on that clause. | ||
| Slaughter |
Schweet! You'll be within range of Glendale and one of the largest local Buell groups Pic is from our first track day:  | ||
| Snackbar64 |
Slaughter, I can't wait to get there. I definitely have to check out Glendale H/D and Buell. Do they have a good assortment of Buells on the floor? I'm going to take the bike up to the Vegas and Phoenix areas as well for some canyon carving. | ||
| Slaughter |
Glendale runs hot and cold on the number of Buells on the floor. When the new models come out, they seem to have a pretty decent stock. Right now, they only have a half dozen - Uly, Lightning Low, 12R, 12S, 9R - no Blast. Ernie Snair is the Buell dude there - though Mario (the GM) also raced with us for a couple years. This is his first year NOT racing for a while. Kinda cool when the guy you bought your bike from and the GM of the store are ALSO out racing and doing track days with you! | ||
| Terribletim |
I'm so jealous! You guys have a great group! It's nice to see so many people gathered at a Buell function. And the GM and Sales guy showing up is huge! Although, I have to say, we regularly see the guy who sold us my wife's Harley on our "Taco-Thursday" bar hopping rides. Is that the same?  | ||
| Slaughter |
Heck, This is California. Ernie Snair is a vegetarian. (though he has more biker tattoos than 90% of the Harley riders you'll ever see) I always figured that if the sales dudes and staff were afraid of the bikes they sold their customers, they SURE as heck wouldn't show up with you at track days and for racing! |
