Need Help Registering Canadian Bike In California

I recently bought a 1982 xj650Maxim. It has been sitting for about ten years based on the fact that the last time it was registered was 1998. I decided to pay someone who knew what they were doing to rebuild the carbs ($290), and bought new intake boots. After finaly getting it road ready, I went to my local California DMV with the 1998 paper work from British Columbia. I was promptly shot down as they told me I couldn't register this bike in California due to the fact that it is from a foreign country and they can't verify that it conforms to California emmision standards. I explained to them that no matter what it emmits, it can't be worse than my 8 MPG Ford F350. Of course they didn't think that was funny. They said I need to see if there is a sticker from the factory that states the emmision information. I can't see one. Anyone have any advice?
Thanx!

 

For '85, I know they had a specific CA model for the X that had a vacuum canister set-up and a non-vented gas cap. There was also a vent that came off of the carbs. So, if they did something similar in '82 and you don't see anything like that, then it is probably not the CA model.

Have you reviewed their laws to see if there are any exemptions based on age or anything else? I would guess that your best shot is to try to find some form of exemption if it exists.

 

Jazzmax
I recently registered my Canadian 1982 Seca XJ750 in CA. Here is what you do.
1. Produce a bill of sale. Mine was a simple typed letter with VIN, price, date, and signatures.
2. Apply for a CA Title. (I did not use the Canadian title due to age, crossing borders etc. plus I know the bike was not registered in USA)
3. Next, call your local CHP office and ask for the VIN inspection officer. This is where you have to decide to trailer the bike to CHP office or ask for a home inspection. Due to the budget, they might not home inspect.
4. Get proper form, it is called Application for Title. I got mine from the website. The 2nd page is where the officer will complete the physical.
5. Have the officer inspect the vin. My bike has a motor vin that matches a silver sticker vin on the steering neck. The officer checks for stolen and then signs off.
6. Go to DMV and sign up. They may try to make you pay back registration fees. Your argument is that the bike was never in CA and cannot be accessed back fees...this is essentially a new sale starting the day you register.

Hope that helps
Greg

 

Howdy Jazzmax,
If you have the factory manual, you can argue the emissions requirements with a competent state employee (done it, it works).
I've only had to deal with US production stuff but you can get it registered, just get someone who knows what they are doing (your previous encounter suggests that you were dealing with someone who didn't give a rat).
I'd also tell them they need to furnish to you the requirements for your vehicle (ask in a nice way, you catch more flys with honey then with vinegar), so that you might be able to comply.