Topic: Registering US bike in Ontario. Year Issue

[ben.cb500]

Hi guys,

Maybe someone has come across this before or know how the MTO works and lend a hand.

I bought the bike in Ontario, it has not been registered in Ontario, but I do have the registration/bill of sale from the US. So far no problem I think.

The issue is the registration states it as 1972 (was sold May 72) but the bike is a 71, says so on the frame tag, by the serial number and by the visual cues, tailight, side markers, seat cover, pods etc...

I would like to have it registered as a 71 and run a 71 plate. Should I register it as a 72 (path of least resistence) and work on getting changed to 71 later, or bring the issue up initially, maybe with some supporting documents Or will they not care, take my word for it and make the change to 1971?

Any help appreciated. Not sure how strict MTO will be with such and old bike.

ben

[BobbyR]

When dealing with Civil Servants sometimes the path of least resistance is best.

[myhondas]

What is the build date on the neck vin tag? If it is late in 1971 (like 9-12), then it is actually a 72. Kind of like the cars... built in the end of the year for the next year model.  Don't know how Ontario's BMV works, but in the usa, they were titled via the date that they were sold to the dealers if my memory serves me correctly.

[Tom in Newcastle......Ontario]

Take the bike or frame to a Honda dealer,or a registered motorcycle dealer ,get them to look at the serial number on the frame/neck.
Then get them to type up a letter on there shops letter head,stating that the serial number and date are correct,compared to the ownership.
Take it the MTO ask for a ownership correction...........I have done something like this twice.....second time a bit more hassle,the MTO was a bit more picky on the wording of the letter.

[david 750f]

Ben,
do you have the customs forms from when the bike was brought into Canada? You cannot get the bike registered without those forms.
Good luck

[70cbk0]

Those guys can be such pricks!!! I bought my bike a few months ago and it was a U.S. bike that the P.O. never got ownership for, and I told him I wouldn't buy it unless he got that straightened out..and he had a bit of a nightmare..had to get a lawyer, cost him $$$$...so...If someone is going to give you ownership...grab it... no matter what year...someone who might want to buy it later will know what year it really is....

[HondanutRider]

This topic brings up several points regarding bikes that have no registration.  Here in Ontario, it is quite common , I think, for older machines to be bought and sold to "collectors" without any registration papers.  The reasons for that are that as collectors, several old bikes are acquired and to register them means that sales tax must be paid based upon the sales value.  For old automobiles (over 30 years I believe) the tax is calculated based upon an appraised value, which brings up several issues regarding when to have the machine registered, but for the time being - bikes get taxed upon the "sales" amount and that better have a receipt.  So a handshake and a few dollars for an old frame and motor gets the exchange done, and the taxman probably won't believe the $25 figure claimed at registration - so wants to charge more!  Another hold back for registering is that - WHY?  If its registered and a permit to operate it on the roads is desired, then insurance is required; and that costs a whole lot here in Ontario - for each and every vehicle with a registration permit for operation.  Sooo...there are often several old bikes in a collection with likely one registered with a permit and insurance to operate, and a Honda CB77 looks a lot like a Honda CB350F when it goes around the block for its yearly exercise...

The fact is that here in Ontario it is relatively easy to get an old vehicle registered when one originally does not have the paperwork.  All that is needed is to have a simple document describing the vehicle and from whom and how it was obtained along with the value or original cost - notarized (that's legalize for you swearing to the facts as being "true").  Then the Minstry should gladly accept your money for registration and collect for the taxman what is owed.  If the vehicle comes from outside of the country, then upon entry there are other "taxes" due right then when it enters, and if it is being registered as "FIT" for operation on the road then it will also need a safety, which for vehicles under 15 years of age also requires certification of MTO standards adherence.

[Loki]

im actually in a simular situation, my bike says 77, but my ownership says 78. the vin number is the exact same and all so im just  not going to bother with it. even if i was pulled over and cop happen to catch it the vin is the same.

[myhondas]

Both of my 74 750 K4's were built in 1973. My original K4 was made in October of 73 and my restored one was in August of 74. They are both K4's which cand be confirmed by serial #'s.  Even my 2000 blazer was built in 1999. I believe that even my 1996 Magna Deluxe was built in 95.