Need HELP! Can't get CA DMV to register my R-1?

Question

We moved to CA almost a year ago and have been battling w/ the DMV ever since. They first claimed that they could register it for us. Then they said that it didn't have the proper emissions requirements for CA. THEN, they told us that if it had more miles (it only has about 3,200) we could register it. Apparently, they think that the more miles a vehicle has, the better the emissions are! Um...okay.

Anyway, the bike is a 1999 R-1. Very low miles (obviously) and we are the original owners, as in we drove it off the lot ourselves.

Does anyone have any tips, advice or anything that may help us!? We REALLY don't want to give up the bike but can't really move just to keep it.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I'd rather go to the dentist than the DMV.  I'm not an expert, but have a look at this link:  http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fas...

It seems like someone is considering it a new vehicle because it has less than 7500 miles.  Keep in mind that the page is referring to California residents buying vehicles out of state and bringing them back.  Further down, it says that this doesn't apply to someone moving to California - it says you have to prove it was registered in another state and that you were a resident at the time, then you can register it.  So it seems like there is a way for someone in your situation.

From the information, it might be a good idea to check the label on the frame and verify if it is California certified or 49 state certified.  It's my understanding that the emission standards for motorcycles in California is pretty new (2004, I think).  If that's the case, then there is a good chance the label will state that it is 50-state certified.  I'm not sure if, since they consider it new, it must comply with modern standards or if it must comply with the standards in 1999.  Either way, it seems like you might be able to make an argument.

The only other alternative I can think of is to drive it for another 4300 miles so it isn't considered new.  Good luck.