My ST1300 was totaled but like a fool I kept it and rebuilt it. Now with a salvage title I need to get it inspected. The only information I have indicates that it’s difficult and expensive. Does anyone have any information? Thanks.
CA Bay Area. Seeking Information on Motorcycle Inspections
- Thread starter Danger
- Start date
this link should get you started. Doesn't look particularly difficult, but as far as fees go, that's a question for the DMV. As long as the registration hasn't lapsed for multiple years, the fees probably aren't horrible. Where people get blindsided on fees is if they let the registration lapse for several years without filing a non-operational certificate during those years. Then when you bring the registration current they back-charge you for all the years that weren't paid. However, for something that's been totaled and reborn, you may be able to start out with a brand new license plate and avoid any back fees on registration. Or, if you haven't let it lapse, then you're OK with the current plate.
at a minimum you need a VSSI inspection, its one of the bullets in the list of things to bring to the DMV.
you can find locations using this link:
www.bar.ca.gov
type your zip code in the box, select "vehicle safety systems" in the menu, and it should give you locations.
you can find locations using this link:
Auto Shop Locator
The Bureau of Automotive Repair's auto shop locator allows you to find licensed automotive repair dealers near you.
www.bar.ca.gov
type your zip code in the box, select "vehicle safety systems" in the menu, and it should give you locations.
Thank you for the great information. Do you know if any of these places are motorcycle inspection sites? Please say yes.
I don't know anything about it other than what I've posted so far.
if there's not one reasonably close to your home, you get an exception and only have to go to a licensed repair shop and have the brakes and lights inspected. I have a feeling that's going to cost much less than a full VSSI inspection, so I'd try that loophole first.
if there's not one reasonably close to your home, you get an exception and only have to go to a licensed repair shop and have the brakes and lights inspected. I have a feeling that's going to cost much less than a full VSSI inspection, so I'd try that loophole first.
Someone on Reddit suggested Brake Plus Smog Check Center Daly City.
The price is, I believe, $357 plus certificate.
Edit for further reference. Further investigation reveals that if it’s required for them to do Anything to facilitate the inspection they charge (outrageous prices) for that service. Someone mentioned an inspection costing $600+
The price is, I believe, $357 plus certificate.
Edit for further reference. Further investigation reveals that if it’s required for them to do Anything to facilitate the inspection they charge (outrageous prices) for that service. Someone mentioned an inspection costing $600+
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ST Gui
240Robert
When I see posts where someone "mentions something" I always wonder how factual they are. It is clear to me some auto shops charge ~$90–$100/hr shop time. That's a hefty price. I'd want to know what "further facilitate the inspection" actually means.
If the bike is covered in Tupperware it may have to come off. If there are owner additions that interfere with inspection they may have to come off or be worked around possible requiring additional time.
Does facilitate mean any mechanical work so the bike passes inspection? That would require additional time and possibly parts.
I'm not saying $600 is justified. There's not nearly enough info for me to make that call. Additionally I have no idea what's required for such an inspection. But it certainly could be.
Toto – you're not in Kansas anymore.
Lights – check.
Horn – check.
Brakes – check
Tires – check
General seaworthiness – check
Paperwork — check
Obviously that's a short list and a total guess on my part but really... How deep of an inspection is required? That's info I'd want to know.
They said that to inspect the rear brakes the muffler had to come off. That required unbolting it and cutting a weld. There may have been more but I honestly have forgotten.
I sincerely wish there was another place to go but I’m left with one location.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
Firstly, removing the rear wheel requires rotating the mufflers out of the way. They do not need to be removed.
Secondly, inspecting the brakes does not require rotating or removing the mufflers.
Thirdly, even if there was a requirement to remove the mufflers completely there is no weld that needs to be cut anywhere to accomplish this.
This shop is ill-informed, incompetent, crooked, or all of these.
This was not an ST being inspected. Completely different bike. Sorry for the confusion.
Removing the shroud, unbolting the muffler etc adds up. I expect the bill to be $600 minimum. Sad.
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...and you still live in California???
Chris
Chris
CA does have its drawbacks, that’s for sure. But with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge out my front picture window, and a beautiful rich wife who is from the area its grown on me.
PS I was out riding today, it was 57 degrees outside.
PS I was out riding today, it was 57 degrees outside.
you sound like you've already decided you want to take the most expensive way out, and that's your call, but in my limited experience with the DMV you get a different answer each time you talk to someone new. So there's not necessarily a right and wrong way to do it, just a bit of trial and error. I'd take the exception method I showed earlier, get that simple brake/light inspection (REG256 form) done at the cheapest place around, and take that form into the DMV. If the first person rejects it, try again with someone else. Tell them there isn't anywhere nearby to get the VSSI done on a motorcycle so you followed their exception rule, eventually someone there will agree with you.
After further investigation I found out that the VSSI Exception is no longer valid. When I pulled up the VSSI manual the table of contents was 2 1/4 pages long.
I AM FLABBERGASTED.
On another note, last night I made my own ‘Brake and Light’ inspection form. Will try and see what DMV thinks of it. It’s called “shoot your shot”,
I AM FLABBERGASTED.
On another note, last night I made my own ‘Brake and Light’ inspection form. Will try and see what DMV thinks of it. It’s called “shoot your shot”,
Try going to the local CHP office for inspection.
ST Gui
240Robert
That sounds worth a try. Somewhere in the bureaucracy there's an actual list from a statute of what needs to be inspected in this situation. It sounds like like no one really knows and doesn't know who to ask or where to look. So they refer someone to a certified station and some or most of them just make it up as they go along.
As I posted earlier this should be pretty basic. But nobody seems to know.
The VSSI Handbook was quite specific about the requirements. An amazing read. I condensed it down to a tight 26 page format in subject matter that was of interest to me. One area of interest was the heading, Do Not Certify, after each section of the requirements. Example: Do Not Certify: Windshield has a crack. The section on headlight inspection was quite long regarding the required setup.
I’m going to put the bike (The Beast) back together and have it inspected with my very own Brake and Light Inspection Form and see what the DMV makes of it.
They do the VIN and chassis inspections.
I would like to mention that I’m taking my homemade ‘brake and light inspection’ form to my local guy that has been doing my tires for years as well as answering bike related questions. When I show up to ask questions I usually flip the guy a $20 because I’m taking up his valuable time.
What I’m saying is that I’ve built up a relationship with him. When I showed him my B&L form he said to me, “I’ll do it for you.” Looks like my money paid off.
What I’m saying is that I’ve built up a relationship with him. When I showed him my B&L form he said to me, “I’ll do it for you.” Looks like my money paid off.
You’re so over thinking this.
Many years in California, building choppers, and registering bikes with salvaged titles etc.
Simply take it to either a CHP station, or make an appointment with your local DMV.
A person will simply walk out and give the bike a once over, check for mirrors, horn, and lights, and sign you off.
Many years in California, building choppers, and registering bikes with salvaged titles etc.
Simply take it to either a CHP station, or make an appointment with your local DMV.
A person will simply walk out and give the bike a once over, check for mirrors, horn, and lights, and sign you off.