Getting a "Title Only" Vehicle from Out-of-State

[Mechanikrazy]

I am looking at an out of state track bike (clean street title in other state, with over 7500 miles, not that it matters), and want to make sure I don't get the vehicle blackflagged by CA DMV after paying for it.

I read up on the stickied Motorcycle Transportation Permit thread, but figured cross-posting in General might get more responses in regards to the Title issue.
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38206


From my understanding, an out of state track bike (no lights, mirrors, etc) should be eligible for a CA "Title only" and a Motorcycle Transportation Permit. As it is a track bike, I can submit a certificate of nonoperation instead of filing for PNO to get the Title only. In this case, I should be able to get a "Title Only", submit a certificate of nonoperation, and submit a REG 712 for the Motorcycle Transportation Permit. All that the DMV would require is that the VIN and engine number be visible for an inspection, without any regard to lights, mirrors etc. As I understand it, this would get me a CA Title (race title/off public road use only), allowing me to sell it with a CA Title down the road to another track rider that would be valid for transfer (presumably to another Title only title). This route would also avoid the problem of increased miles on the odometer for people doing the regular title and PNO approach. Is that correct?

Alternatively, since the bike has >7500 miles, I should be able to just bolt up lights and mirrors and get a regular title. However, I would then need to either pay registration/insurance or file for PNO, which has an issue with an increased odometer reading when selling in the future even if operated only on the track. Correct?

Is there a third way? Is there some way to get a regular title, not pay registration or go PNO, and somehow use the Racing Motorcycles (CVC §38088) exception with the Motorcycle Transportation Permit?

"OHV motorcycles used solely in organized racing or competitive events on a closed course such as speedways, racetracks, or defined routes of travel (on or off highway) cannot be registered. However, they may be issued a permit for a fee that allows transportation to/from course events. A closed course is not available for vehicle access by the general public other than event participants (CVC §38014). The permit is a sticker that must be mounted on the vehicle in a clearly visible location and remains valid until the vehicle is sold or dismantled."


I just want to make sure I do not make a critical error before dropping money on an out of state bike. Thanks!

TL;DR
Out of State track bike - no anything, >7500 miles
Can I:
Filed for Title Only with the bike as-is with title application and certificate of nonoperation.
File for Motorcycle Transportation Permit
?

 

[Junkie]

I've bought a couple out of state bikes and they've never inspected lighting etc - just VIN, EIN, emissions stickers.

Do they really care about increased mileage on odometer for nonop'd vehicles?

 

[Mechanikrazy]

Do they really care about increased mileage on odometer for nonop'd vehicles?

That is just what I have read through posts. If anyone has information on odometer readings/check for PNO going back to road registration or to title transfers, I'm all ears

I have always just bought titled and registered bikes, so this is new to me.

 

[Mechanikrazy]

I've bought a couple out of state bikes and they've never inspected lighting etc - just VIN, EIN, emissions stickers.

Side note. that might just be a AAA thing then. When I moved back to CA and tried to title my out of state bikes, AAA said they wouldn't do the VIN check unless the bike had lights and mirrors ("looked like a street legal bike").

 

[Frame Maker]

Instead of sifting through conjecture and rumor on the interwebs... call this number and get a real answer from a friendly DMV agent 1-800-777-0133


Personally, I would go through the normal transfer process (CHP inspection, etc.) then on final visit to DMV tell them you want title only and bike goes on non-op. Done.

When you sell the bike later, who cares what the mileage is. You rode it on private property. End of story.

 

[Junkie]

an option that DMV is more familiar with, but doesn't cost as much as normal registration, is a green sticker

 

[Holeshot]

Simple question: Why are you looking to title/ register the bike if it's a track bike?

 

[bpw]

Simple question: Why are you looking to title/ register the bike if it's a track bike?

He wants proof of ownership for when he sells in the future or in case he gets pulled over with it on the trailer?

 

[Holeshot]

Got it.

Back in the day I knew someone who was checked for trip permit, but wasn't cited. Other than that, I don't know of anyone ever asked for reg on bikes going to track, etc. Anyone ever been tag checked on a track bike?

 

[bpw]

Got it.

Back in the day I knew someone who was checked for trip permit, but wasn't cited. Other than that, I don't know of anyone ever asked for reg on bikes going to track, etc. Anyone ever been tag checked on a track bike?

Agree it’s a low likelihood issue.

I would actually be more worried about the loss of value when going to sell. Anything without a title in the owners name is going to take a hit on resale value. Just look at how many BARF threads recommend walking away from a deal without a legit title.

I know I personally would be really unlikely to buy a bike from someone who has no proof they actually own it.

 

[EastBayDave]

Got it.

Back in the day I knew someone who was checked for trip permit, but wasn't cited. Other than that, I don't know of anyone ever asked for reg on bikes going to track, etc. Anyone ever been tag checked on a track bike?

back in the day, CHP came by SP/AFM event twice in one season checking frame/engine numbers for stolen bikes.

I think they must have had a complaint as we never saw them again..?

 

[Z3n]

Having a normal street title makes sale significantly easier.

I'd recommend getting a normal CA title, DMV won't care about the lack of lights, they'll just want to see Odo, VIN, Engine #, and emissions stickers (make sure you have the stickers). AAA is very finicky about what they will and will not do. Get a normal title, pay one year of reg up front, move it to non-op. You can do the transport permit, but you'll spend a pile of time negotiating with the DMV to get the job done - show up with the form already printed and filled out, expect to need a manager or the old DMV grognard to figure out which buttons need to be hit, and then expect them to not have the stickers either and give you the runaround. Usually, the money you save is just paid in time, frustration, and potential weirdness.

There's times when it is worth moving out of the normal process...this isn't one of them unless you really need the extra cash.

 

[Holeshot]

back in the day, CHP came by SP/AFM event twice in one season checking frame/engine numbers for stolen bikes.

I think they must have had a complaint as we never saw them again..?

Now we work with them to setup recruiting booths!

 

[07chuck]

Honestly,

If it has a clean title, and is otherwise registerable other than lights and horn/mirror stuff.

Just fake some lights and horn stuff (mirrors whatever) to fully register it, CHP VIN Verification and such.

Then even if you never ride it on the street or non-op it later, it will hold more value and be easier to sell, and no extra questions to be asked or be answered.