I'm looking to buy a Harley from out of state (I live in CA). What do I need to know or questions do I need to ask about registering an out of state bike in CA? Help please - I don't want to make a mistake.

 

I've seen posted different minimum mileage needed on the bike to purchase a non-California model and then registering here.
Some have said 7800 miles on the used bike will give you no trouble at DMV.
You could always call DMV or stop by and see if they have the requirements written down.

Last Laughlin River Run, a guy bought a brand new Arlen Ness bike and had to try to sell it for a huge loss once he find out he wasn't going to be able to register it.

 

There's a mileage requirement to register out of state vehicles. I think it's 12K miles. Anything lessthan that can't be registered.

I don't live there but I think that's what I've seen posted here on the forum multiple times. I'm sure a Cali member will chime in to support/discredit my statement.

 

http://dmv.ca.gov/vr/os.htm

 

seems like if the odometer reads more than 7,500 miles then things are OK per that link provided.

 

7500 miles is the common answer I've seen from previous posts here over the years.

 

It also depends on the brand of bike. Years ago I bought a new BMW touring bike from a dealer in Idaho and had no trouble at all registering it in California as BMWs are 50-state bikes.

 

I don't think it was the brand as much as it was a new bike actually.

 

sounds like the best advice.

 

They are going to screw with you anyway , the bike will have to go the CHP for an " inspection " before the DMV will give you tags . Ca doesn't like you to go around paying the heavy taxes by buying out of state and they will nail just as hard with fee's for doing so .

Make very sure the bike is bone OEM stock and hasn't been in a wreck or has had major hard parts changed , that's what the CHP inspection is for they look for the hidden numbers on the later bikes and they better match or the bike stays with them till it gets sorted out . Not joking here , they are real bad with older iron because a lot of these " inspectors " don't have a clue about the numbering systems and what years they did and didn't use them .

PS they don't you tell at the DMV about all this till after you stand in line and spend money so be warned .