motorcycle inspections

[beechfront]

just curious what some of you have to do to get a bike licensed. here in nebraska as long as you have a title you're good to go.



a friend of mine bought a chopper in NY and brought it back for his brother. he couldn't get a title for it here only because it had no #s on the frame or engine. got it licensed in Kansas and they marked it somehow - now he says NE will license it.

This bike is a death trap. hard tail. no front brakes. looks like somebody built a frame around an engine with re-bar.

[Jerry]

In Wisconsin you need the numbers off the ID plate located on or near the tripple-T, not engine or frame numbers.

If you are going to build a bike, including frame, there is a list of requirements you need to follow. (Also applies to cars.) Check with your local DMV or DOT to see what procedures to follow. In Wisconsin you need to keep *all* receipts and list of where you got parts, pay $110.00 (last I heard) for a vehicle inspection by state police, then take their certificate in and get a regular title. Vehicle must meet all curent requirements for lights, mufflers, brakes, turn lights, mirrors, horn, and so on. I think they want to make sure you paid sales tax on everything you bought.

I did this back in about '92, got a title for my bike, but it was a hassle. Wisconsin is making it more difficult to build custom anythings....which is why most custom builders start with a licensed frame (or car) and build on it rather than build-from-scratch.

I bought my XJ from a guy in Maine, and Maine doesn't issue titles for older vehicles. Wisconsin did take a bill of sale and proof of registration in lieu of a title, and did issue a Wisconsin title without to much hassle. However, the numberrs on the bill of sale had 2 digits transposed, and I did have to have this corrected with a form from the previous owner and the State of Maine.

While not common, titles can be bothersom. Check the numbers on papers against the ID plate. If the bike or car does not have a title, check to see if a title can be obtained. My first XS, a '79 Standard, PO could not find his copy of the title, but was able to apply for and get a duplicate title. (Also in Wisconsin.) If the title has issues, I would consider the bike for parts-only unless you are willing to take the time and effort to get it titled. There can be considerable aggravation in going down this path.

[Jerry]

FWIW...

In Arizona a home-built gets issued a small metal ID plate which has an adhesive backing. This plate goes on the vechicle, or in my case, my home-built trailer. Plate also has markings on it to drill and pop-rivit it in place, a process recommended by the Motor Vehicle department. Numbers on this plate are the numbers used on the title and take the place of a manufactuer's number.

[strom]

Here in Slovenia you must:
Have working lights... parking, low and high beam, rear, stop light, which must light when u use front or rear brake.
Turn signals are not necessary, but if the bike has them, they must work.
Both brakes must work, but they rarely check them. Oldtimers are a different story. They nag if the bike is too loud, and this is becoming quite strict. **** it.
Frame numbers have to match to the title (papers, registration, whatever), engine numbers are important only as far ans the type of the engine goes. You can swap engines, but only with the same make/model ones. If you use a different engine, you have to have it tested, present plans, all the paperwork that certifies that the bike wont fall apart or blow up. Not too expencive, but takes time, and it has to be done SAFE.
Same goes if you decide to cut/weld the frame. If they notice, that is.

LP

[beechfront]

that is strict!

my bike had an inspection sticker on the front fork dated 1983. when I was removing it I found underneath it '82, '81, & another sticker which came off with '81 which I guess was 1980. So I'm guessing either the guy who owned it quit riding or Nebraska quit doing that in '84.

[strom]

Well... it is strict... but as far as safety goes, its not a problem... only the noise level check sucks... they dont do it yet, but they will. EU sux that way.
Thats why there are a lot of fake plates out there lol...

LP

[Shadow]

Candain Regulation

The Canadian requirements are about the same. Here in Ontario all lights have to work, along with the brakes, Tires have to be in good condition so do the shocks I believe, & they've instituted the emission requirements. I haven't actually brought the XS1100 I just got in yet for her plates. I still have to revive it from it's 3 year slumber. I've started stripping and haven't found any major issues yet. Anybody have any suggestions what to look for in a bike that's been sitting that long?