Unregistered bike returning to the US
 

Hello again,

I am starting my first adv ride going from Lima, Peru to San Francisco, CA on a pair of KLR's that I purchased from a guy who rode down from the states a couple of years ago. The registration was originally Alaska on one and Idaho on the other. I am not sure when they were last registered, but they are not registered right now.

I am confident it will not be a problem in S. and C. America but in the states I am pretty sure the bikes have to be registered quickly to avoid a ticket for an unregestered vehicle. Anyone have any inight into this process as I am not finding help on the DMV websites? Thanks for all the help and see you on the road!

Hadjh
2 KLR's to SF

You won't need anything unless you're stopped for inspection at the border or while on the roads.
If you're stopped on the road, they get really pissed off if you don't have insurance - fines - so I'd suggest getting some.

AFAIK, you'll need a residence in the US to get US plates/registration. A friendly soul in the US may let you use their address.
I'd assume that you'd want to make this happen just after entering the US, in the state where you cross.

I'm sorry I couldn't offer a turn-key solution.

Hi Mate,

Just called the DMV today after seeing your post & was informed that you will need the title in your name, a bill of sale & the VIN number. They also informed me that there are some crossings from Mexico into the US that do have a DMV office just inside them where you can register your bike. If you enter into California then they would also require an emissions certificate. You will need an address in the US to register your bike.

I could not get through to the Arizona DMV but will contact them tomorrow for you. I will check if you can register your bike online & have the registeration sent to you at an address in the US from where some friend could mail you the details. Where are you from? I am from the UK & am going the other way into Central & South America this May.

Cheers Mojo.

!Ay, que' quilombo!
 

Its really not too hard. If five million illiterate Mexicans can do this, you can too.

Thanks Patrick,

For clearing that up, as for the emissions certificate that was what the CA DMV informed me. The reason I am interested is that my bike will have its registeration expired when I return from the south. I will only be riding back to Phoenix so I should be able to re register it once back in base.

Cheers Mojo

So yes, your bike must have its federal EPA sticker on it, but bikes are not subject to the bi-annual smog check .... YET!

You guys are the best!
 

Thanks or all the great words and thanks for the clarifications.

Patrick.....So I have the original title from the owner with the bikes in Lima also I am a legal resident of CA so that is not an issue. When I read the CA DMV paperwork they want to inspect the bike before allowing it to be registered. "The vehicle must be inspected by an authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed vehicle verifier. These inspections are most easily obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV, where there is no extra fee charged for the inspection. For faster service, make an appointment." Where did you find the "mail option for registration" My mom is still in CA and one of my biggest supporters so I can get the title to her to submit (I am already in Peru getting comfortable with the bikes) if this will can be done before the bikes return to CA.

Here is my next follow up question (if I cannot register until the bikes return to CA), with the caviot that personal preference of a route choice is needed (and asked for). I am not going to miss the Copper Canyon area. Therefore, is it reasonable and interesting to track accross the top of mexico back to a california boarder or should I continue with my original plan to continue North up to the Grand Canyon in AZ and then track west in to California!

Thanks again for the support and see you on the road!
Hadjh
2 KLRs to SF

Hey Champps,

Glad that Patrick came to the rescue as normal. I am just a helpfull kinda guy so thrilled that you got the needed information. I am heading south so maybe we could meet somewhere in the middle for a beer?

I will be in Phoenix for the next few weeks so if you need anything doing them please PM me.

Regards see you on the road someday.

Cheers Mojo.

Meeting in the Middle
 

Mojo,

Given my current time line and hope for making it back to San Francisco in order to start a rotation in Anesthesiology on June 15th. I expect to cross into Mexico around May 20th and Make it to a boarder with the US around June 5th. Does any of that jive with your route times and plan. I have not planned further than San Cristobal in Mexico yet. Lets keep track of each so we meet somewhere in the middle.

Hadjh
2 KLRs to SF

Sure Bro would be great.
 

Hadjh,

That would be great if we could & share a beer & a meal. I am planning my route thrugh Mexico as we speak. I had a route in mind but may be altering it somewhat to catch up with another rider who is on a shorter timescale.

I will keep you posted further into my journey.

Cheers Mojo.