How can one determine if a bike is legal in California with the more stringent emissions standards? I have my eye on a sweet bike in WA, but I don't know if I can register it in California. Where can I find out about this? Advice needed, please! (2003 SV 1000 naked)
So I have to ask because it looks like you were successful with your SV1000 but I also have found an out of state SV1000N and it has less than the required 7500 miles. . . what do I need to do to import this to California ? and is it 50 state/CA emissions compliant ? Do I just buy and register as a new vehicle ? thank you !
It needs to have the calif emissions sticker (if it only says federal and/or doesn't say Calif it isn't Calif legal). DMV will look at the bike and if it isn't there you are out of luck. It needs to have 75001 miles on the odometer (when purchased). If ya can get the seller to write up the mileage on a bill of sale then ride or drill up the mileage before ya go to DMV you'll be Ok, but again they will look at it. I don't know of any legal way around it all. I guess ya could claim ya inherited it?
As mentioned it needs the CARB emission cert sticker. Some brands have a 50 state VIN. The biggest change on late model bikes is the inclusion of the closed fuel tank vapor system, of which the most noticeable part is the charcoal canister. As said you can "import" a vehicle into the state with more then 7500 miles. Or you can import a bike that has had the odometer replaced, the DMV then marks the title as having an Odometer that doesn't match the mileage on the bike. Which is what happened to me when imported a bike from Alaska.
Best suggestion I have had, from a local Moto-Cop chatting about my Royal Enfield: Replace the odo with one with 7500+ miles. You just rode it a lot on the way back to CA, didn't you?
Which is what I did with my royal enfield. They were very helpfull, even answered all my questions ahead of time via e mail. No sales tax between private sales there either. Ca will not even bother with e mails!. At some point i will get it titled in Ca. Once you own it the 7000 mile issue goes away. just not sure how long i need to own it though
Not so. Even if you owned and had the bike registered in your name in another state, they (= CA DMV) will still insist on seeing either a "Meets Federal and California emissions" sticker on the bike OR >7500mi on the odometer. Also, if you owned the vehicle in that other state for less than 12 months they will also collect "use tax" on the purchase price. No matter if you originally bought from a dealer or from a private party. Although they don't have a way to verify your stated purchase price... -- Mikko
Also, you can buy one exempt from emissions stuff if it is to replace a vehicle that was Stolen, Broke Down, etc while in another state. So if your 1993 ninja 250 with no fairing or engine was scrapped in nevada, you would be in the clear
