tajohnson Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 I'm about to buy a new used trials bike here in California. But I'm confused about the registration. I know that all 2002 year and older bikes are automatically green stickered. But all 2003 year and newer go by different rules. California DMV rule is simple and fairly straight forward on this matter. "Red stickers are issued to 2003 year model and newer OHVs that are not certified to California OHV emission standards. If your OHV has a "3" or "C" in the eighth position of the vehicle identification number (VIN) then your vehicle will be issued a red sticker. Red stickers are issued to OHVs that can use California OHV riding areas for seasonal use only." From what I have been reading on this forum all trials bikes are red stickers, even some of the new 4 strokes. However in my search for a used trials I have found come across a few VIN numbers and none of them have had the 3 or C in the eight position. So If anyone can help clarify this for me it would be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirhc Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 (edited) The thing is there is no clear answer. It depends on what DMV office you go to and who you get. Some people get green, some red and others can't get their bikes registered at all!!. Good Luck! Edited July 20, 2008 by sirhc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabnabit Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 This LINK may help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarity3232 Posted July 20, 2008 Report Share Posted July 20, 2008 That Sucks !!! Coming from Alabama(where we can ride anything , just about anywhere !)I cannot imagine having to go through all that Bulls--t, to ride a motorcycle over some rocks !! GOOD LUCK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tajohnson Posted July 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Thanks for the info guys. I get the feeling that the California DMV just has no clue on how to handle these bikes. Not that they have a clue on anything, but we have always known that. So basically take any route needed to get it done. Take it to a DMV in an area where they have experiance with these bikes. If you take it to somewhere like San Francisco and the nice lady helping you has never actually seen a real live dirt road, Then its a good chance she has no clue how to register a trials bike with a foreign VIN and has even less desire to learn how to. The best thing to do in this situation is to go in prepared, act like you do this all the time and basically tell them how to do it. If you seem knowledgeable about the subject sometimes they will just take your word for it rather than having to deal with the supervisor. Of course being polite is always a huge help. I read that the DMV/ CHP offices in Temecula, CA is a good spot. Supposed to be a very cool CHP officer that goes the extra mile for OHV riders. But Temecula is a bit to far away for me to go and register the bike. 6 hour drive. Another route would be to register it as a Special Construction OHV. This may play out well as the VIN is foreign and DMV may have a hard time deciphering it. You can also play the "Its a Yamaha engine on a non-Yamaha frame" card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redneck Posted August 12, 2008 Report Share Posted August 12, 2008 california is lost. if they dont know what it is theyll probably give you a green sticker and you could probably put lights on your trials bike and get it street legal because they wont know what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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