Modifying a Yamaha WR450F for the street in California

[LENSMAN]

I'm thinking about getting a dual purpose dirt bike, but the DRZ400 looks like it will need a lot of work (brakes, suspension), the KTM350EXC, and Husqvarnas are too much new, and probably used,  and maintenance is an issue. I like the WR, in terms of features- including price, horsepower, and it should be able to do LIMITED highway duty with flat knobbies.  

The question is: can this be converted to street use by adding turn signals and a horn? I know this can be a problem due to the way the title is written. Anyone have experience with this, particularly in CA?

[Sport-Touring]

[miles]

No.


In simple terms, no.


As much as it seems like an easy thing to do, the answer is no.

[Blue is Best]

Miles is on to something. In the other two states I have lived besides California your proposition would be a doable project. You know that cars and motorcycles are built by manufacturers as 49 state models or California models. Heck, I had a bit of trouble recently registering my Kawasaki from out-of-state due to proving it was California smog compliant. So taking a dirt bike that was never intended for street use and getting it registered here would be like hitting the lottery.

[jay547]

Too bad, that would make a cool dual-sport. It can be done here (Okiehoma.) I saw a guy last weekend on a plated KX500. Sometimes I even consider plating my CR250.  

[miles]

If the VIN isn't for a factory street-legal bike, the bike can never be made to be street legal in California.  

[LENSMAN]

Miles is on to something. In the other two states I have lived besides California your proposition would be a doable project. You know that cars and motorcycles are built by manufacturers as 49 state models or California models. Heck, I had a bit of trouble recently registering my Kawasaki from out-of-state due to proving it was California smog compliant. So taking a dirt bike that was never intended for street use and getting it registered here would be like hitting the lottery.

My 2004 SV650 should not be a problem- but the '97Honda CBR1100XX could be.  How did you go about taking care of the problem?

[miles]

If it has over 7,500 miles it's OK.

[veefer800canuck]

California is likely more stringent. You'll probably have show-stopping issues.

I had plated my 1988 XR250 for the street in Alberta (back in 1988) by going into the DMV with my bill of sale and insurance card, and when they asked if the bike was street-legal, I crossed my fingers and said YES.

The bike was bone-stock, no horn, mirrors, signals or brake light. Headlight and taillight only.

I used hand signals on the street and once got checked out by a cop at the gas station.

All he wanted to see was that I had a valid plate on the back, he didn't even ask any other questions.

But full knobbies on rain soaked pavement are scary. I never crashed, but it felt sketchy.

[LENSMAN]

It looks like modding out a DRZ400, or finding a good deal on a used KTM or Husqvarna.  Anyone run into maintenance issues with these two bikes? Some reviews warn about maintenance.

[Blue is Best]

My 2004 SV650 should not be a problem- but the '97Honda CBR1100XX could be.  How did you go about taking care of the problem?

I took my 2007 ZX14 to get it registered and titled here in California. They have to inspect the bike and verify VIN #s. I brought the bike in and she went over it and check motor and frame number and mileage against registration and title. So far no problem Then she started looking for something else and she told me she needed to see the "EPA smog blah, blah, blah". Can't remember what she called it. She started asking me questions and I told her I didn't know if it was a Calif compliant model or not. But I thought it was because I bought it in new Arizona. She said it might be a problem.

One week later I get all the paperwork back in the mail from DMV asking for this number she couldn't find. They weren't going to register it. I went online and found that the EPA label was under a plastic panel. Don't know if the number they were looking for is Calif related or just EPA related. In either case registering a  bike never intended for street use here would like hitting the lottery.

[LENSMAN]

Was that through a tag shop or inspection station?

[miles]

What they want to see is the EPA sticker. It's usually near the VIN plate, but not always. If you can locate it before going in to the DMV you'll save yourself the hassle that Blue went through.

[Blue is Best]

At DMV office

[DogBoy]

Lensman if you are moving to California and have already owned the bikes (with proper title and registration), you won't have a problem. The 7,500 mile rule is for California residents buying vehicles out of state and registering the vehicle in California. 50-state bikes do not have to meet the 7,500 mile rule. Make an appointment at DMV using the CA dmv website rather than just walking in. Pick a small town DMV rather than one of the big offices in large cities or urban areas. You can call in advance. The DMV phone staff really are helpful and will let you know exactly what paperwork to bring. That should take care of your SV650 and CBR1100xx.

As mentioned registering a non-street legal dirt bike is no longer allowed. As for which bike to purchase, it depends on the use. If you are going to put thousands of road miles on it every year, I would consider the DRZ or Yamaha WRX250X. Both are cheap, reliable and have huge aftermarket support and work better than expected with limited mods. If you are just doing a few miles of streets between trails and want a no-compromise off-road bike, any plated KTM model will do the job and be reliable with proper maintenance.

What part of California are you moving to?

[Blue is Best]

I just got off the phone with a DMV person. Coincidentally, I have a chance to buy a new 2012 FJR1300 out-of-state. The DMV person said a new vehicle MUST be a fifty state model to be registered here. I asked if it had 7,500 miles on it would it be OK'd. No way, no how.

This is good info for anyone wanting to register here a non fifty state vehicle.

[LENSMAN]

DogBoy- it's been a long time since I've read one of your posts, nice to see your reply. I'd be in the Mojave Desert- Ridgecrest area, which is around 2 hours east of Bakersfield. The area looks like there's plenty of hills. I'm more interested in trails, flat ground since it's likely I'll be riding alone. I guess part of the question is whether the bike will see mostly highway or back road. Opinions?

[Blue is Best]

Ridgecrest is pretty flat but not too far from the mountains. Desert for sure and hot. Check the map and Nine Mile Rd gets you up into the mountains and Kennedy Meadows. Real nice up there.

I'm 85 miles down hwy395. If you get moved in and can start that Honda perhaps we can do a ride. Lots of good riding here.

[DogBoy]

I just got off the phone with a DMV person. Coincidentally, I have a chance to buy a new 2012 FJR1300 out-of-state. The DMV person said a new vehicle MUST be a fifty state model to be registered here. I asked if it had 7,500 miles on it would it be OK'd. No way, no how.

This is good info for anyone wanting to register here a non fifty state vehicle.

The DMV rep you spoke with was wrong or there was some miscommunication.

CA DMV: Buying a Vehicle From Out of State - Can You Register it in California? (FFVR 29)

What Is Considered a New Vehicle?

California considers any vehicle with less than 7,500 miles on the odometer at the time of purchase or trade by a California resident or business, to be a new vehicle. This is true whether or not the vehicle has been registered in another state.

[DogBoy]

DogBoy- it's been a long time since I've read one of your posts, nice to see your reply. I'd be in the Mojave Desert- Ridgecrest area, which is around 2 hours east of Bakersfield. The area looks like there's plenty of hills. I'm more interested in trails, flat ground since it's likely I'll be riding alone. I guess part of the question is whether the bike will see mostly highway or back road. Opinions?

Thanks. Welcome to California. I moved here 29 years ago and I'm never leaving. Its awesome no matter what anyone says.  


I'm not real familiar with the area. Check the ADVrider.com Regions threads or find the AMA District 37 forum for advice on the type of trails and access there. Have fun and bring us some water.  

[garry]

Look for a nice used Husqvarna TE-610. Similar to a DRZ but better in every way.