Topic: California Registration Question

[Kouros]

So back in August I purchased a 1974 CB750 to restore. The engine and frame numbers match according to Internet sources. The bike had no title and the owner signed an official DMV Bill of Sale over to me. The bike was inoperable.

What I should have done was to take the motorcycle to DMV and began the process ASAP (which would have included a CHP certification against theft etc. since there was no title).

Instead, I got excited and began disassembling the bike. It is now in 1000 pieces in boxes and the frame is going to go to powder coating soon.

Today I went to DMV and began the process and as predicted I was referred to CHP since there was no registration record of it.

EDIT:Surprisingly later I found the old license plate number in old paper work, but forgot to ask while I was at the DMV. So why no records at DMV then?

Now I'm concerned because I have spent too much money to replace parts (except engine and frame) and am thinking; what happens if and when I go to CHP and if it would be declared stolen!

What would happen to all the new OEM parts I purchased? What would happen to them since they are installed on the bike?

So, should I just install the engine and a few minor parts back on the bike and take it down to CHP without installing all the bling? Just tell them this is how it was purchased? Or should I complete the bike and the show up at CHP hoping for the best?

Does anyone know if just the engine and frame is suffice for CHP to certify or assign a VIN? Would they give me a new VIN or reuse the old one riveted there? (since I'm new to bikes) What year bike would it be declared then? Would it be a "Specialty Construction" at that point? Do motorcycles go through SMOG test and what year rules should be used 1974 or 2008?

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Kouros

[TwoTired]

You have to go to the CHP to have the frame and engine numbers officially entered into the DMV system.  DMV officially recognizes a form they fill out and sign.  CHP should also run the numbers to see if they are on the stolen vehicle list.
You have a bill of sale (hopefully dated and with a traceable seller signature), to show you bought in good faith.  This should relieve you of any charges if the bike is stolen.  The bike will be confiscated if it is stolen along with any "improvements" you made.
Assuming it is not on the stolen vehicle list...
The old plate will be turned in to DMV and a new one issued along with a current registration.  The computer records delete old plate and registration numbers after a certain period of time.  Be glad, as Late registration fees can be 300% of normal registration fees (in addition to use tax, title and plate fees).

I've not tried it.  But, you could bring the bare frame and engine to the CHP for number verification and HOT list search.  If it comes up stolen, you only lose those parts, as they are the only ones "trackable".  However, if someone feels like and investigation, don't be surprised if someone doesn't show up looking for the rest of the parts.  Especially if parts start showing up on CL and eBay shortly thereafter.  Also, if the Bill of sale indicates a complete bike rather than parts of same, better be prepared to answer questions about "chop shop" parts location.

I don't think most judges would accept "I was excited" as a good reason for you to keep parts you added to a stolen bike.  Perhaps, "I was stupid" might get you some sympathy, but you better have dated paper receipts for any additions or purchases you made.  You won't be reimbursed for paint or any rework you did to parts you can't legally own. (unless the rightful owner wishes to reimburse you, which probably won't happen if you are a hot head and show any animosity toward the rightful owner.)

Cheers,

[tomkimberly]

Calm down and take a few deep breaths. All the CHP is going to do is verify the serial numbers on the frame and the engine, nothing more unless you give them reason to investigate further.

Why you were refered to the CHP I do not know as I have registered many a bike missing the pink slip and have had the DMV employee do the serial number verification. Now if the number on the frame or engine is missing or there is visible proof they have been tampered with, that would be cause.

As I belong to AAA, I go there to register most of my bikes and use my local police department (for a small fee) to verify the serial numbers and have never had any problems.

All you need are a bill of sale (signed is not required), a statment of facts (how you aquired the bike), and some money to pay the fees. Remember, all the DMV (and state) wants is the money.

Tom

[Kouros]

Tom,
You are right. I think the only reason the DMV refered me to CHP was because the bike's plates were not in the system as they get kicked out if they are not registered in 5 years (or some time limit like that). They do this with missing titles and no records in the system.

I think I'm going to bolt the engine on the frame throw the forks and tank plus disassembled rims, tires and few other items in box and go down there. I won't take any of the new parts that are still in packages.

[Geeto67]

Tom,
You are right. I think the only reason the DMV refered me to CHP was because the bike's plates were not in the system as they get kicked out if they are not registered in 5 years (or some time limit like that). They do this with missing titles and no records in the system.

I think I'm going to bolt the engine on the frame throw the forks and tank plus disassembled rims, tires and few other items in box and go down there. I won't take any of the new parts that are still in packages.

As far as you are concerned anything you bought for this bike and have not installed yet is yours and yours alone. Even if the bike were to be confiscated and the police want to come to your house and seize what ever is left they can't touch stuff you have a seperate reciept for and has not been installed on the bike.

[ev0lution7]

dont worry i had to do the same thing on my 77 cb750 i called up the local sheriff and had him come by and check out the registration (any peace officer or CHP or DMV employee can sign off on the title) it was no trouble for me i just did what they asked and they gave me a new plate new stickers and i paid them $87 and the new title arrived in the mail about 2 weeks later it was pretty simple dont sweat

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Kouros,

Let us know what happens.  I was under the impression that if you have CHP inspect the vehicle, they will also need to sign off on it being roadworthy (signals, emissions, etc.).  I have no personal experience about it though, but it was enough hassle that I ended up buying a complete bike with clear title for a couple hundred bucks instead of going the basketcase route here in California.

[Kouros]

I called a PD and Sheriff officers I knew, both came back with "It's not in the Database". That was great news.

Then I called the CHP officer for appointment. All cool until I told him it's just a frame and engine. He said he wants it running.

-K

[ev0lution7]

ask your PD or sherrif friends it DOESNT have to be a CHP mine was signed off by a Deputy sherriff and it didnt run so call them up and have them do a VIN check... get the form from DMV and have it handy and all filled out.