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Help! How to buy/register bike for USA coast to coast. Help! How to buy/register bike for USA coast to coast.
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 7 Mar 2013
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Cool Help! How to buy/register bike for USA coast to coast.
I'm planning to fly to the East Coast in May this year, buy a bike and travel to California. Can anyone help with these questions?

1. Is it legal to travel across the USA on 20 day temporary plates from the dealer?
2.How long does it take to register a bike and get the plates in California? (My plan is to keep it there for a year and have a few biking holidays). I know I must have a local address for the registration.
3. Do I have to attend the DMV in person, or can someone else register the bike for me? This might allow me to have the bike with CA plates ready to roll when I arrive....maybe?
4. I've heard it is easier to register in Arizona - would it be feasible to register en-route if I could find a friend!

All suggestions welcome

Ian
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  #2  
Old 10 Mar 2013
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
It has been covered in other posts but think I help a bit.

1) Depends on the state you are in there are 50 and they all have funny little laws about things. But for the most part the temp tag will work in the USA any place.

2) Depends on where and how you do it. At one time you walk in fill out paperwork and walk out with it. Think by mail it is 30 to 45 days. here in the stats link you can find the forms as well. Motorcycle Registration

3)I do not think you need to be there. Will the paper work be done I do not know.

4)Motor Vehicle Division is where you can start.

This may help may not http://www.dmv.org/az-arizona/motorcycleregistration.php

A few things your temp registration will be from the state you buy the bike and will need to be changed to where ever you are going to store the bike. To be "legal" you need to change your registration to where the bike is in 30 days but no one checks. Your title to the bike will be need to be changed as well. You will need put the new plates on the bike so if there mailed to you home do not lose them. You will also need insurance for the bike. Before taking the trip.

Gust for kicks here is Nevada DMV as well Vehicle Registration Requirements
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  #3  
Old 11 Mar 2013
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
As noted above every state is different. In Washington you do not even need a local address, but you pay sales tax.
If you know where you are going to buy, check that state's rules, then ask around for someone you can use for address. I sure someone would let you use their address so you can leave it registered in that state, no need to transfer to California. You will most likely need to buy annual tabs from the state it is registered in.
Let me know if you have problems finding storage in CA, I can store here in Washington if you want to travel north.

Have a great ride an d send me a PM if you have any more questions.
Bob
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  #4  
Old 17 Mar 2013
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Thanks for the replies guys and for the offer of storage, Road Hog. All info is gratefully received. I'm sure the task will prove to be easier than the planning.
Apologies for the delay in picking up your posts - I've been travelling!
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