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Buell Forum » Old School Buell » Archive through June 26, 2011 » CA DMV refused to register my '98 S3 « Previous Next »

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Mtndude
Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Purchased a 1998 Buell S3 with 3500 mi in AZ last month. Just tried to register it in CA and the frame sticker lacks info saying it meets CA emissions so they rejected it.

Lucky for me I'm relocating to WA state in Aug or I'd be seriously frustrated. Purchased a 2001 Cyclone in AZ a few years ago and had no problem registering it in CA. Why with this one? Would have thought all Buells met US and CA emissions? Anyone weigh in on this?
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Sparky
Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 10:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm pretty sure there are (were) 49 state models and CA models.

The actual difference between them may be something as simple as a charcoal cannister plumbed from the carb & gas tank in the CA version.

If this is the case, I think one could take the vehicle with the required parts installed to the Calif Smog Referee Inspection Station in your area and get it evaluated and passed. They should know what it takes to make the vehicle pass emissions. I went through this with my kit car and they were very knowledgeable and helpful.

Whether this would fly with the DMV though, dunno.
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Guell
Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 10:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I thought used vehicles needed 7500 miles on them to be brought in cali
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Ratbuell
Posted on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 11:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There are differences between 49 state, Cali, and Euro emissions. Either your M2 had Cali emissions, or it was over the mileage limit...or the guy just wasn't paying attention.

I could loan ya an S1W speedo, if it's a mileage thing... ; )
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Littlebuggles
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I bought a M2 from a CA owner in 2001. According to the (local) dealership the charcoal canister attached to the carb vent line was the only difference.

They re-jetted it for me though, (lean condition or bad head temp sensor on rear head when I brought it here) so maybe the CA model got a slightly smaller main jet, like a 190 instead of the 195 or something.

Maybe you could just get a canister and be good to go, or is it required to have that special sticker?
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Kiwicris
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 03:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

And these bureaucrats wonder why people get mad and shoot them
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Mmesa005
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 03:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Definitely a mileage issue. Out of state bikes / cars have to have 7500 miles or greater to be registered in California or they are considered to be "NEW" and must be certified to meet California Emissions. Strange that the DMV Official did not explain that as the reason for not registering the motorcycle?

If my understanding is correct you can't just add the canister and a sticker to the frame and be California Emissions compliant as the Vin has a code in it to indicate if the bike left the factory with California compliant emissions.

The kicker is that there is no Smog Check for motorcycles in California so why bother with the restrictions? Also, after 7500 miles it's a mute point as well.

Follow the link for the DMV reg as well as the exceptions to the rule.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ff vr29.htm

I am going to the DMV on Tuesday with a 2002 X1 I purchased from Texas. It has 8100 miles so I meet the mileage requirement. I have to bring the bike to the DMV so they can check the VIN and the Odometer.

Sorry to hear about your situation but glad to hear you are relocating to a state that will not have an issue with registering your bike.

(Message edited by mmesa005 on June 18, 2011)

(Message edited by mmesa005 on June 18, 2011)
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Preybird1
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 10:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That is a bunch of crap. Here in utah they don't even bother checking the odometer. I have never even had them want to check the bike at all. Most of the time i just have the paperwork and that's all. This is why i don't live in California. I love califonia weather though.
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Leftcoastal
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

When I went to register my RS it was a NY bike, fortunately mileage was over the required 7,500. They checked the vin and ODO.
Freaking DMV schmuck kept trying to set his METAL clipboard on top of the S2 custom painted tank cover! (see profile pic) It is kind of flat, so apparently it resembled a desk to him. Since I was standing on the opposite side of the bike in the back of my truck, I just kept 'catching' the clipboard before he set it down there.

He saw there was "no muffler" and wasn't going to allow it to be registered, but I told him the turbo was a "special powered catalyzed reversion chamber" and started the bike. It was quiet so he passed it and I got the CA plate. douchebag.

I'll bet the guy that bought it in Texas just paid the fee and got it registered. In the mail.

All that aside - CA thinks that if your vehicle has at least 7,500 miles on it, it suddenly meets the emissions requirements for this stupid state.

Bottom line is that they just want your money. All of it.
All of the laws and regulations are set up to either make it look like they are doing something 'for you' as they take your money, or to just get more of your money.

The weather here is awesome.

Al
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Eshardball
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 11:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sure the weather is beautiful but the Politics make the Peoples Republic of NJ seem sane in comparison
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Charlies_s1
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 02:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 on that. I was born and raised here, and every time you turn around they have their hands in your pockets. And it's only getting worse.
Hell with em all, I'm going for a ride. Hope I don't get a ticket.
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01x1buell
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 03:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i live in pa and they could care less about what you do here.. bikes guns anything they dont care.. i love it here and the roads are great.
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Hellraged
Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 - 10:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

in SC i just brought them the title and insurance info lol no inspection of the bike or odo good for me :P sorry you have to go thru all the bs in your state. My wife is from cali and i told her i refuse to live there lol .
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Mmesa005
Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 01:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Update on my visit to the California DMV today to register my 2002 X1.

The bike had to be inspected for:

VIN - in 2 places
Engine Serial Number
Verification of Mileage (over 7500)
Emissions decal

The inspector was misinformed about what to look for as she wanted to find an Emissions Decal and a VIN in 2 places. She did find the VIN in 2 places and gave up on the emissions decal, wanted to send me to the CHP (California Hwy Patrol for verification)went inside for help from her supervisor. Her supervisor came outside with her and told her it was not necessary to have an emissions decal as the bike had over 7500 miles. Also only needed the VIN validated in 1 place.

Very nice person but uninformed. Her supervisor tried to cover up for her by asking her if she read the latest memo on what to look for. Last I checked the current rule has been in effect for several years!

Anyway, all's well that end's well. I have my California plates and title and the inspector was updated on the latest rules for registering out of state vehicles in California.

Before I forget, I did have to pay California Sales Taxes as well!

Most important to me I have the bike legal in California and will enjoy it!
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Charlies_s1
Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 09:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Great to hear!!!!! Ride safe.
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Desertguy
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 01:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It's called "Abuse of Power"

Be sure to read the forthcoming book entitled the same by Michael Savage.
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Terrycoxusa
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 08:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

FYI, I registered a 99 S3 from Illinois, made sure it was over 7500 miles when I took it in, no problems, even with an aftermarket exhaust. I was told that if you try to register a 49 state bike with less than 7500 miles, it gets flagged in the system and then you can never register it, in Kalifornia. AAA handles vehicle registration in California if you are a member, they are more helpful.
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Murgatroid
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've never been able to find an AAA office that can register an out of state vehicle. I know they are out there, but I don't know how to find them! I've always had to suffer with DMV.

Wish me luck as I attempt to register my newly bought, out of state, '92 RS1200 on wednesday. It has 13K miles so should be ok.
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Mmesa005
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 02:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It is my understanding that the AAA cannot process out of state vehicle registrations (unfortunately!). I am a AAA member and that was my first stop

To facilitate your DMV transaction I recommend the following:

1. Download and fill out and bring form "reg343". Available on the CA DMV Web Site.

2. Check your paperwork:
TITLE - The VIN and Engine Serial Number should match what is on the Title
ODOMETER reading is 7500 + miles and indicated on the Title in the odometer reading / verification section of the title
INSURANCE - I brought proof of Insurance - needed for registration

3. Know ahead of time where your VIN number is - There is one on the Steering Head just above the Steering Lock

4. Know where the engine serial number is - look on the right hand side of the engine just above the rear shock absorber reservior (front of the shock). Unfortunately you have to be on your knees with a flashlight to see it.
(There is an abbreviated VIN on the left hand side of the engine at the cylinder base - see maintenance manual section 2.3 for picture.) Don't mistake this for the engine serial number.

5. Get to DMV early and allow the bike to cool down - this facilitates the reading of the engine serial number without risk getting burnt by a hot engine.

6. Bring tools necessary to affix new license plate to bike. Also as noted on item 4 above bring a flashlight and a couple of rags to help with reading of the Engine Serial Number.

7. Your done - enjoy riding home on your Buell!
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Blks1l
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 02:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

MMesa005, what if the engine has been changed so it doesn't match the VIN, will they not register it? That doesn't seem right since the title is for the bike as a whole, and not the engine, Just curious. I hear they do weird things in CA!
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Mmesa005
Posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 09:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Best to call the DMV for guidance as this is an area of have no experience with.

I did do a search on the California DMV web site and there is a procedure to follow when changing the engine in a motor vehicle.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d03/vc4161.htm

I suspect you will need a paper trail from the seller showing a bill of sale for the replacement engine.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Friday, June 24, 2011 - 03:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'd bet that a non-original engine on an already out of state bike probably doesn't matter much, but you would need a matching or CA emissions certified replacement if you have a 50-state VIN.

Just a WAG on my end...
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Xb12r_guy
Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2018 - 04:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I registered m 1999 X1 in Los Angeles about 2 weeks ago. I brought it from Las Vegas where I purchased it. The DMV tech stated that since it does not have a Cali emissions sticker that he might have to send me to the Highway Patrol to verify it as such. I pulled out the picture I took of the VIN numbering scheme from my manual and showed him the difference in numbering of Cali vs non-Cali and he allowed me to register it. I think some techs don't know anything about bikes in general and you may have to produce some additional documentation to show it's not a Cali bike.

Just my 2 cents.
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