if West Coast Choppers can make their custom bikes street legal.....

[V4]

just wondering after watching West Coast Choppers show....

since they build their bikes from the ground up from everything to the frame/motor etc and obviously there's no limitation of height/length (Shaq's custom bike), can't a customize supermoto built up fall into the same category and then street legalized...?

instead of saying its an offroad bike converted to street, claim it as a project/custom bike instead..?

[943GSXR]

There is a "special construction" code that might let you do that.

[jonb]

i believe the downside si that special construction costs a boarload to insure, yes?

[Cafe Racer]

Yes, insurance premiuns are higher but just do liability coverage. Its a dirbike. Cheaper to repair if necessary.

Miguel:nerd

[levitation]

i dont think its a problem if you go that route. the problem is the bike comes with or had an off road title only. which is specific in stating no can do.
if you got a frame with no vin and no title, i think it wouldnt be a problem.

for value in terms of insurance, just get it appraised. liability is the same $$$$. comp or collision would be partially based on the amount the bike is worth. custom choppers are sold and worth 15 grand and up, thats got to be why the cost to insure is up there. a 60 grand bike cost the same to replace as a 60 grand mercedes (in terms of comprehensive) then you got to factor in the bike portion in terms of collision coverage.

[Teddy]

VIN Number!!!!! Thats the problem I think. Those spec. construction bikes, I believe, have vin#'s assigned by the DMV before they are completed. The vin on your motard will tell the who/what/where and why about the bike.

[JohnnyTwowheels]

Couldn't you just remove the old vin and have the DMV assign a new special construction one?

[Mick-e]

Originally posted by JohnnyTwowheels
Couldn't you just remove the old vin and have the DMV assign a new special construction one?

That's an interesting concept.
The last time I got pulled over by the CHP he was giving me his diatribe about aftermarket pipes.
Somewhere in that long speech was something about a vehicle being reconditioned. That was differnt that salvage. Salvage is restoring a total loss. reconditioned is building a new machine from something that used to have a VIN #. Perhaps I'm using the wrong term, but he did state that the other form of salvage title issued a new VIN#.
Nose around here and see what you come up with.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/


:confused

[tboons]

--I found this info on the www.joeracerproducts.com website. Luckily my motard is already street legal, but I'm tempted to try this route on my grey market 400 --

The following is section 580 of the California Vehicle Code.

Specially Constructed Vehicle section 580
A "specially constructed vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacture. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling, as required by Section 5500 or 11520, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts.

Amended Ch. 1286, Stats. 1983. Effective January 1, 1984.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcnsreg.htm

This means if you as a individual take an off–road motorcycle and change the configuration to on–road cycle (Example: hang on all of the required lights, horn, mirror, speedo-od.) You have changed the vehicle from an off–road to an on–road motorcycle.

The main difference between this and a dual registration is:

You need to get the vehicle certified by CHP, DMV , or a vehicle certification shop. Before it was basically self certification.
You actually need to have the bike with components in working condition prior to applying for a title.
You will need to fill out DMV paper work stating type of construction; see forms section. After this complete the bike will be re-titled as a SPCNS, not a Honda or a KTM, etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copied from http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcnsreg.htm:
Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg343.pdf
A completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343). It must include the labor cost, even if it was a vehicle that you built.
Miscellaneous Statements of Fact (REG 256)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg256.pdf
Official brake and light adjustment certificates. When an official brake and light station that inspects specific vehicles such as motorcycles and large commercial vehicles is not located within a reasonable distance, DMV will accept a Statement of Facts (REG 256) from a repair shop attesting that the brakes and lights are in proper working order. Brake and light certificates are not required for trailers weighing under 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

Statement of Construction (REG 5036)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg5036.pdf
A Statement of Construction (REG 5036) and bill(s) of sale and receipts for major component parts. The REG 256 may also be used to comply with bond requirements.

[gixxerscott]

Figured I'd mention it here, when I rebuilt my bike after it was totaled. I retitled it as a salvage and they just asked me if I had a brake and light check done. they did not require proof.

I think the women just skipped a step, but it goes to show YMMV from one DMV rep to annother.