Hello Region 1: Moving to Orange County

[squeezer]

About to be empty nesters, so we've decided (not easily, but decisions have been made) on some new scenery and a fresh start. My wife has a killer offer in Orange County. I have an intriguing one and a couple of other irons in the fire. So, we're packing up and moving sometime midsummer to the Land of the 12 Month Riding Season.

We're dealing with a million things, but I need EOE advice from this crowd: What's the deal on bringing in a 49 state bike?

And what do you think about Corona or Norco? Looks like that's where we'll be focusing the house hunt.

[miles]

A 49 state vehicle is no problem, assuming it has over 2000 miles on it (I think that's the magic number.  It's something like that, anyway).  There will probably be higher registration fees than you're used to, but it still won't amount to much for a nine year old bike.

As to Norco or Corona, those aren't in OC.  They're in Riverside County, which is much lower rent than OC.

[Playinthestreet]

I've brought several 49 state bikes into CA over the last 6 years.  7500 miiles is the magic number.  DMV will verify frame/engine numbers to the title as part of the registration process.

[miles]

I've brought several 49 state bikes into CA over the last 6 years.  7500 miiles is the magic number.  DMV will verify frame/engine numbers to the title as part of the registration process.

Is it really 7500 miles now?  I guess things have changed since the '80s when I brought in a Japan-market FZR400...

[Rogue]

Welcome.  You will love the riding here!

Corona/Norco is in Riverside County, which is a mountain range away from Orange County.  It's within driving distance.  However, if you plan to live there and work in the OC, it's going to be a long tough slog every morning.  I take it you've been to this area and stayed for at least a week?  I highly recommend that you do so you can get a good idea of traffic patterns.  Rent in the OC for a 1-bedroom is about $1600-$1800/mo.  Riverside County is probably a couple of hundred less.  

[miles]

Rogue is right.  If you have to deal with Highway 91 every day you will kill yourself with a week.

[squeezer]

Yeah, starting to hear about that nightmare commute from several sources. I appreciate the heads up. Good thing we have several months to sort things out. We'll be taking a scouting trip in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for the reassurance on bringing in the bike.  

[Rogue]

I have a few co-workers who live in Murietta and Lake Elsinore (near Corona at the other side of that mountain range I spoke of).  They take Ortega Highway (twisty road) every day to get to the heart of Orange County.  They hate the commute but do it because they have to.  It takes them almost 2 hours to get home.  Longer if there's an accident.  They avoid the freeways because it takes way, way longer.  On a motorcycle that commute would improve slightly but when it rains it's not wise. It does rain in Southern California.

The best thing to do is to live near where you work.  Especially if you live in SoCal.  It makes a HUGE difference.  

Edited to add, SoCal is like Coruscant City (mythical capital of the republic in the Star Wars movie).  It is highly urbanized and you can ride for an hour in every direction without getting out of the urban jungle.  But once you're out the twisty road riding is awesome.  

[DogBoy]

There is no mileage restriction if you are brining in a bike that you previously owned before becoming a CA resident. The 7,500 mile rule only applies to CA residents buying 49 state bikes out of state. Registration fees are ridiculous. The riding (both on and offroad), scenery and access to race tracks is priceless. Njoy!





P.S. NorCal is better.

[miles]

P.S. NorCal is better.

Pssh.  NorCal is nice to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there.

[rgbeard]

There is no mileage restriction if you are brining in a bike that you previously owned before becoming a CA resident. The 7,500 mile rule only applies to CA residents buying 49 state bikes out of state. Registration fees are ridiculous. The riding (both on and offroad), scenery and access to race tracks is priceless. Njoy!





P.S. NorCal is better.

When we moved here from AZ, the 7500 mile rule applied to my Triumph Thunderbird that I'd bought prior to the move.  That was in 2002.  Great news if someone got some common-sense.

[rgbeard]

And what do you think about Corona or Norco? Looks like that's where we'll be focusing the house hunt.

Do you keep a suicide pill on your wrist?  Could come in handy.... once.

[DogBoy]

When we moved here from AZ, the 7500 mile rule applied to my Triumph Thunderbird that I'd bought prior to the move.  That was in 2002.  Great news if someone got some common-sense.

How soon did you buy it prior to the move? If it was just a matter of weeks, the rule would apply. Long term ownership is not restricted.

[AHCHIU]

Hot and lots of smog where your going, I grew up in Covina then lived in Newport Beach for over 10 yrs before moving to Seattle, I miss the nice beach weather and lane sharing but don't miss the traffic. I still have family there. good luck with your move.

[Penforhire]

If you move closer to Pasadena then you're just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Angeles Crest Highway.  I like Ortega Highway too but it is just a soundbite of a road compared to ACR and the surrounding area (Glendora Mountain Road, Angeles Forest Road, etcetera).

[Skee]

So, we're packing up and moving sometime midsummer to the Land of the 12 Month Riding Season.

  You lucky dog

[stew71]

.... Registration fees are ridiculous. The riding (both on and offroad), scenery and access to race tracks is priceless. Njoy!

P.S. NorCal is better.

   I just paid my renewal this week on the FJR...$123.  

[Playinthestreet]

Pssh.  NorCal is nice to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there.

Ffffffft.  So Cal is a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there.

Go east... closer to Pines to Palms, Julian country, etc..

[Meemuh]

Good luck with the move.

Can't think of anything wise ass to say, but your not going for a while.
If I think of anything - I'll be sure to add it.

[Rogue]

Ffffffft.  So Cal is a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there.

Go east... closer to Pines to Palms, Julian country, etc..

There are no jobs anywhere near that area.  Most of the jobs in SoCal are in the Orange County/San Diego area.