[sfsccoter]

CA is really strict about bringing in out of state bikes

. DMV site states that motorcycles must be labeled as OK for sale in CA. My question is: did the 1998 model year TW have a smog canister on it for those sold in CA? I'm looking at one from out of state that does not have the canister on it. So in a nutshell, can anyone from CA with a 1998 (or older model year) confirm that it does/does not come stock with the canister? Thanks.



Update: just did a google search and someone stated that 2001 was the 1'st year that motorcycles started being built with the canisters. So looks like I might have answered my own question, but would like confirmation from someone in CA w/ a 1998 or older model.

 

[lizrdbrth]

They all have had them, from day 1.



One of two things will happen at DMV. Either they won't care, or they will, depending upon solar flares, a coin toss or what they had for breakfast.



You may need to go to a B.A.R. referee, which isn't a big deal, but they'll want to see the canister and tank, but they may allow you to use the out-of-state tank plumbed through a nipple cap.



The sad fact is that it's a crapshoot.

 

[TW-Brian]

In my experience, the average DMV employee will only be looking for the sticker that indicates compliance with California emissions requirements. This sticker is located on the inside of the left hand side cover (the one that goes over the air filter). If you could buy, borrow or trade for a CA side cover for your year bike, it may be enough to pass a typical registration inspection.



Also, if the motorcycle meets the definition of a used vehicle, i.e., has more than 7,500 miles on the odometer, it may not matter if it is a 49 state vehicle. Might be worth a call to DMV to see what options you have in this case.



As lizrdbrth indicates, it really depends upon who you happen to get helping you.

 

[sfsccoter]

They all have had them, from day 1.



One of two things will happen at DMV. Either they won't care, or they will, depending upon solar flares, a coin toss or what they had for breakfast.



You may need to go to a B.A.R. referee, which isn't a big deal, but they'll want to see the canister and tank, but they may allow you to use the out-of-state tank plumbed through a nipple cap.



The sad fact is that it's a crapshoot.

Sounds like it would be too random to even take the risk. I read about someone selling their 600cc sportbike from Alabama for a fire sale price because they couldn't get it registered here in CA, which is what is spooking me. When you say "they all had them", are you saying that all TW's imported into the US or just the ones for CA? I'm assuming you mean the CA models since I've seen a lot of pics w/o the canister. Thanks.

In my experience, the average DMV employee will only be looking for the sticker that indicates compliance with California emissions requirements. This sticker is located on the inside of the left hand side cover (the one that goes over the air filter). If you could buy, borrow or trade for a CA side cover for your year bike, it may be enough to pass a typical registration inspection.



Also, if the motorcycle meets the definition of a used vehicle, i.e., has more than 7,500 miles on the odometer, it may not matter if it is a 49 state vehicle. Might be worth a call to DMV to see what options you have in this case.



As lizrdbrth indicates, it really depends upon who you happen to get helping you.

Interesting trick using the left side cover from another TW. That may be the way to go. I thought that they would just look for the canister, which has the sticker that indicates CA compliance. The ones I'll be considering will have way under 7,500 miles so I won't be able to register using the mileage exemption. Not sure if that rule even exists anymore since it didn't come up on the search I did last night on their website.

 

[lizrdbrth]

Cali models all had them. Coincidently a lot of TW's originally sold in neighboring states were also "C" models.



I can send you a sticker, and if it comes to that I'll lend you a tank and canister for the price of shipping if you like the odds.



Contact the B.A.R. referee in your area and see what your worst-case scenario might be. I've had really good luck with them. A lot of them are gearheads and surprisingly more interested in being helpful than they are in busting your chops. They'll have the final word if DMV sends you to them anyway. Make sure retrofitting is even necessary.



I happen to be a fan of the canister system and consider it superior to the 49-state setup for a lot of reasons. But it's a lonely point of view. "De-Californicating" a Cali bike is just walking backwards. Our bikes have more favorable out-of-the-box jetting and a better tank venting system.

 

[TW-Brian]

Here is the link where it explains what California considers to be a "new" vehicle, i.e, less than 7,500 miles. This is to prevent residents from going to another state, buying a 49 state vehicle, and then bringing it into California and trying to register it.



http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm



A few years ago I looked at an XR650L that a guy brought in from another state. He was practically giving it away and I almost jumped on the deal. Fortunately I did a little research first and found out about the 7,500 mile rule. A few minutes with an electric drill may have been able to resolve this problem but I wasn't willing to take the risk.

 

[sfsccoter]

Cali models all had them. Coincidently a lot of TW's originally sold in neighboring states were also "C" models.



I can send you a sticker, and if it comes to that I'll lend you a tank and canister for the price of shipping if you like the odds.



Contact the B.A.R. referee in your area and see what your worst-case scenario might be. I've had really good luck with them. A lot of them are gearheads and surprisingly more interested in being helpful than they are in busting your chops. They'll have the final word if DMV sends you to them anyway. Make sure retrofitting is even necessary.



I happen to be a fan of the canister system and consider it superior to the 49-state setup for a lot of reasons. But it's a lonely point of view. "De-Californicating" a Cali bike is just walking backwards. Our bikes have more favorable out-of-the-box jetting and a better tank venting system.

Thanks for the offer. I actually already own a 2004 CA model, so I'm prepared if I do end up with a 49 State model. Just thinking about the potential hassle and whether it would be worth the trouble. A trip to the B.A.R. referee sounds daunting and will increase my purchase costs (I'm assuming it's not free). Unfortunately, I have the disease and am just looking at the possibility of adding another TW to the stable. Think I'll just stick to the CA version and not risk the wrath of the State of California. Don't want to be conducting my own fire sale.

Here is the link where it explains what California considers to be a "new" vehicle, i.e, less than 7,500 miles. This is to prevent residents from going to another state, buying a 49 state vehicle, and then bringing it into California and trying to register it.



http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm



A few years ago I looked at an XR650L that a guy brought in from another state. He was practically giving it away and I almost jumped on the deal. Fortunately I did a little research first and found out about the 7,500 mile rule. A few minutes with an electric drill may have been able to resolve this problem but I wasn't willing to take the risk.

I'm pretty well versed on the 7,500 mile rule, thanks for the link though. I have a friend who bought a Aprilia 250 2 stroke sportbike from Florida with very few miles on it a number of years ago and he obviously can't register it here. Just sitting in his garage. Since he doesn't ride it anymore, it'll never get to 7,500 miles w/o an electric drill (which he won't do). He's got the old gas in there too, so it'll be a challenge when he does get around to selling it.

 

[lizrdbrth]

Don't be overly afraid to expand your search to include SoCal. Cali has the most forum members. Within a reasonable radius some of us would be willing to check one out on your behalf. Never hurts to put it out there if you think you can trust another's judgement.

 

[sfsccoter]

Don't be overly afraid to expand your search to include SoCal. Cali has the most forum members. Within a reasonable radius some of us would be willing to check one out on your behalf. Never hurts to put it out there if you think you can trust another's judgement.

I'm looking out of State, LOL. So you can say that my search radius is already fairly wide. The 2004 I picked up was in SoCal actually. It does have an issue with the rear brake that I asked about in this forum in a separate thread, so would have been nice to have another set of eyes/ears to help me out but it's a done deal.



I actually spoke to a DMV rep today and he pretty much echoed what the DMV website says re: out of state bikes. The main point he emphasized was the approved for operation in CA label. I did a parts search for the 1998 model and the emissions sticker is inside the right side side cover. Can be purchased easily, so might not be an issue. In my search, I spoke to a person with a 2009 model and those bikes have the approved for use in CA sticker right on the canister so I guess it's good that the equivalent sticker for the older models is inside the right side cover. Still feeling a bit hesitant, but I doubt if those DMV people will catch it if I put the sticker on after I purchase it (I'll "dirty" it up a bit of course

).

 

[lizrdbrth]

I'll even deliver for airfare home as long as you don't wanna see yer new bike for a week or so

 

[TW-Brian]

I'll even deliver for airfare home as long as you don't wanna see yer new bike for a week or so

Another bonus - you probably won't have to worry about meeting that pesky 7,500 mile minimum requirement either!

 

[lizrdbrth]

Another bonus - you probably won't have to worry about meeting that pesky 7,500 mile minimum requirement either!

Imagiver....

 

[eddy]

So you can purchase a 49 state vehicle (NON CA Model) and register it in California as long as it has over 7,500 miles on it?

 

[qwerty]

I don't know about registration issues in california, but I'm happy I don't live there. No wonder Kalifornicators are migrating east.

 

[eddy]

I don't know about registration issues in california, but I'm happy I don't live there. No wonder Kalifornicators are migrating east.

You got that right! I'm born and raised and have lived here my whole life and I'm ready for a change. The laws, traffic, rules wear on you. My wife and I visited Bend, OR and I'm ready to move; but she's worried about the winters. I'm still working on it; maybe someday.

 

[805gregg]

I don't know about registration issues in california, but I'm happy I don't live there. No wonder Kalifornicators are migrating east.

No one migrates to Tenn, it's like Mexico, everyone wants to leave. Where is Tenn it's not on my map? You couldn't afford to live here.

 

[qwerty]

No one migrates to Tenn, it's like Mexico, everyone wants to leave. Where is Tenn it's not on my map? You couldn't afford to live here.

Pull your head out and take a breath.