Title and registration
- Thread starter j1mmy
- Start date
trip to the treasurers office
Well, I went to the treasurers office this afternoon and handed the paperwork to the person behind the counter. She gave it a few odd looks and then grabbed for the DMV manual. Gave a few more odd looks and proceeded to start the title transfer. Told me how much to write the check for and grabbed the plate. She then says - oooh wait, I just remembered, you need to have you bike inspected.
F!@#$%^&*ck!! So now I have to get it inspected. I am thinking it shouldn't require turn signals since its pre 1974, I think they'll want to see the tag that said it was manufactured according to United States specs at time of mfg - which is what the tag says on the steering column, etc. It shouldn't be a big deal but more of a time delay.
Now here's my real delimma. When I go to get the title for my 1969 K0, I'll make sure I don't have the side decals that says its "off road only" but I don't think this bike had a steering frame plate that says it was mfg to united states regulations. Although the K0 does have the serial number on the frame I can't really use the K1 steering plate a second time because it has the mfg date of 8/71 on it -plus the K1 serial number.
Has anyone had problems getting a "off road only" bike registered or problems with inspection?
Well, I went to the treasurers office this afternoon and handed the paperwork to the person behind the counter. She gave it a few odd looks and then grabbed for the DMV manual. Gave a few more odd looks and proceeded to start the title transfer. Told me how much to write the check for and grabbed the plate. She then says - oooh wait, I just remembered, you need to have you bike inspected.
F!@#$%^&*ck!! So now I have to get it inspected. I am thinking it shouldn't require turn signals since its pre 1974, I think they'll want to see the tag that said it was manufactured according to United States specs at time of mfg - which is what the tag says on the steering column, etc. It shouldn't be a big deal but more of a time delay.
Now here's my real delimma. When I go to get the title for my 1969 K0, I'll make sure I don't have the side decals that says its "off road only" but I don't think this bike had a steering frame plate that says it was mfg to united states regulations. Although the K0 does have the serial number on the frame I can't really use the K1 steering plate a second time because it has the mfg date of 8/71 on it -plus the K1 serial number.
Has anyone had problems getting a "off road only" bike registered or problems with inspection?
OLD CT
Well-Known Member
Hi.How can u have it inspected untill it is on the road tell her.Every state i lived in thats the last part of the game.Not the first step.U need a valid reg and insurance first.To get a title transferred u should not need a inspection sticker.i needed to stencil my vin on a piece of paper to prove i have that vin #.Put a sticker of your choice over the off road warning.
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When it comes to vehicle title regs, the word "United" is conveniently dropped from the name of our country. It's more like "Fifty Fiefdoms". Some states just ask for the money, others trot out the official set of hoops through which you must jump, before the DNA sample, affidavits etc etc. Most fall somewhere in-between.
In MI, you get the vehicle inspected FIRST. All they're looking for is the VIN & engine serial number. When those don't show up on the states' hot sheet, you provide bills of sale for the major items (frame, engine and...wait for it...the seat(!)
). Lacking receipts, you sign an affidavit stating that the parts aren't stolen. It's less painful using ITS and bypassing the less expensive, but more annoying, inspection step. Many states don't even have safety inspections. Now here's the key...in most cases, the person behind the DMV counter is largely clueless. Even at the state level, regulations have grown so complex and convoluted that it would take divine intervention to get an accurate reading of what must be done. Frustrating? you betcha! But only at times. I've run into this even with ITS paperwork. You're likely dealing with the uncertainty of DMV clerks. The local secretary of state office is notorious for serving up steaming platefuls of inconsistent "reasons" and they always follow the longest wait imaginable. I simply go to another branch office where they cheerfully process the paperwork and ask if I want to register it on the spot or if I'm in the process of restoring the bike
In my experience, whether or not they accept the paperwork without giving you flack seems to depend entirely on the mindset of the personnel at a particular DMV office on any given day. The manager of the less-convenient office is a pleasant individual and staff morale is pretty good. Her counterpart of the local office is a frustrated cow who probably hasn't gotten any in decades and takes out those frustrations on everyone and it shows...long lines, lots of mistakes and the attitudes It's like the place has its own perpetual gray cloud. As much as some would have us believe that DMV operations are a classic "just the facts" operation, in the real world they can be anything but. Just as a cop who stops you in traffic has "discretionary authority" (doesn't have to write a ticket) DMV personnel play it by ear, too. Perhaps you can use this to your advantage
What I'm saying is that, where I'm located, it's been the luck of the draw. It's kinda like calling the IRS multiple times with the same tax question and getting a different answer each time you ask...a total pain and you're still stuck with the ultimate responsibility Knowing what it's like dealing with hopelessly complicated governmental regs, it comes down to who's interpreting them. At least with a state DMV, the possibility of dealing with another local branch office exists.
Here's how it once played-out for me... took ITS paperwork & title to secretary of state branch office, waited 45 minutes at the counter(!) then was told that I'd have to submit the bike for police inspection since the recorded selling price was less than $2500. Went to a different branch office where the whole transaction was completed without incident in under 15 minutes from the time I walked through the door. If there was complete uniformity in the way state law is applied, I would have expected a letter from the state instead of a title a few days later. State business is computerized, so even if our state still uses wood-burning computers the point is they're still computers and easily setup to flag data values outside of set parameters (such as vehicle value under $2500 & out-of-state title).
If this method worked here, it might work in your neck of the woods as well. Seems worth a try unless the next nearest DMV office is 100+ miles away or something.
BTW... pre`74 bikes are only required to have one mirror. I understand that there was an OEM mirror which used the LH lever pivot bolt as the mount. I've no idea where one might be sourced. Simplest solution is to use a universal clamp-on type. They come with plastic inserts to protect the handlebar chrome.
Knowing what it's like dealing with hopelessly complicated governmental regs, it comes down to who's interpreting them. At least with a state DMV, the possibility of dealing with another local branch office exists.Here's how it once played-out for me... took ITS paperwork & title to secretary of state branch office, waited 45 minutes at the counter(!) then was told that I'd have to submit the bike for police inspection since the recorded selling price was less than $2500. Went to a different branch office where the whole transaction was completed without incident in under 15 minutes from the time I walked through the door. If there was complete uniformity in the way state law is applied, I would have expected a letter from the state instead of a title a few days later. State business is computerized, so even if our state still uses wood-burning computers
the point is they're still computers and easily setup to flag data values outside of set parameters (such as vehicle value under $2500 & out-of-state title).If this method worked here, it might work in your neck of the woods as well. Seems worth a try unless the next nearest DMV office is 100+ miles away or something.
BTW... pre`74 bikes are only required to have one mirror. I understand that there was an OEM mirror which used the LH lever pivot bolt as the mount. I've no idea where one might be sourced. Simplest solution is to use a universal clamp-on type. They come with plastic inserts to protect the handlebar chrome.
My 71 Trail 70 went right thru with no problems. When I tried getting tags for a 1957 Cushman scooter they wanted to give me full size car tags for a 3 wheeler. I told them it was a 2 wheeler and they said no it wasnt. I told them I own it and I think Id have noticed a third wheel and I was going to get stopped every time I rode it with full size car tags on it, finally a cop had to come to the house and certify it had lights & horn with 2 wheels. After that I just took the Cushman literature down with me with the next one that showed a picture. Glad someone mentioned a mirror, I dont have one on mine. Political parasites
DoubleR Dan
Member
racerx said:When it comes to vehicle title regs, the word "United" is conveniently dropped from the name of our country. It's more like "Fifty Fiefdoms". Some states just ask for the money, others trot out the official set of hoops through which you must jump, before the DNA sample, affidavits etc etc. Most fall somewhere in-between.
In MI, you get the vehicle inspected FIRST. All they're looking for is the VIN & engine serial number. When those don't show up on the states' hot sheet, you provide bills of sale for the major items (frame, engine and...wait for it...the seat(!)
Now here's the key...in most cases, the person behind the DMV counter is largely clueless. Even at the state level, regulations have grown so complex and convoluted that it would take divine intervention to get an accurate reading of what must be done. Frustrating? you betcha! But only at times. I've run into this even with ITS paperwork. You're likely dealing with the uncertainty of DMV clerks. The local secretary of state office is notorious for serving up steaming platefuls of inconsistent "reasons" and they always follow the longest wait imaginable. I simply go to another branch office where they cheerfully process the paperwork and ask if I want to register it on the spot or if I'm in the process of restoring the bike
As much as some would have us believe that DMV operations are a classic "just the facts" operation, in the real world they can be anything but. Just as a cop who stops you in traffic has "discretionary authority" (doesn't have to write a ticket) DMV personnel play it by ear, too. Perhaps you can use this to your advantage
Well said.
In Texas - you have to get the title, get insurance on it & take that to the motorcycle shop to get it inspected (I ask for a green sheet too) and then take all that to the DMV on the outskirts of town to get plates on my Panda.
Now I am about to do the ITS thing for my 1970 Trail 70.
Is this the better way to go or just go and apply for a lost title ?
I would think the ITS would be the easy way to do it.
ITS has a very high chance of being a walk in the park.
Of course, I dont know about your state. In my state (michigan) the alternative would be that I would have to pay for title searches to make sure the bike wasnt stolen then I would have to get inspected for both the VIN and then roadworthyness and then apply for a title.
When I got up to the DMV counter with my ITS papework, it was a five minutes to get two plates and transfers of title.
Your mileage might vary in your state.
Of course, I dont know about your state. In my state (michigan) the alternative would be that I would have to pay for title searches to make sure the bike wasnt stolen then I would have to get inspected for both the VIN and then roadworthyness and then apply for a title.
When I got up to the DMV counter with my ITS papework, it was a five minutes to get two plates and transfers of title.
Your mileage might vary in your state.
DoubleR Dan
Member
when did you guys go and do this?
I am calling the number this morning but both are busy.
I guess I will keep trying - the website says 2004 price list = so i wanted to make sure they were still open for business.
I am calling the number this morning but both are busy.
I guess I will keep trying - the website says 2004 price list = so i wanted to make sure they were still open for business.
I did two about one month ago!!!
I couldnt get through to them either, so I printed out all their forms, filled them out and sent it in with a check for $75 for each bike (I did two at once). I was gettting worried, because I had no communication or confirmation from them. Two weeks later, my paperwork arrives from ITS and I couldnt be happier!
Follow the directions posted on their website, you have to get the one paper notarized. Send it all in. In two weeks post that you got everything and you are another happy ITS customer.....
I couldnt get through to them either, so I printed out all their forms, filled them out and sent it in with a check for $75 for each bike (I did two at once). I was gettting worried, because I had no communication or confirmation from them. Two weeks later, my paperwork arrives from ITS and I couldnt be happier!
Follow the directions posted on their website, you have to get the one paper notarized. Send it all in. In two weeks post that you got everything and you are another happy ITS customer.....