They may have been in an accident and totaled by insurance, but have usable parts that can create a new motorcycle. There are cases where you may be buying a (or multiple) salvage motorcycles for parts. Do this as early in the process as possible, perhaps before you start the building process.
Be sure to discuss the proper location to place the VIN and how it should be affixed to be legal with the registration office. In this case, the registration office can issue you a home built VIN number that will need to be permanently affixed to the frame of the motorcycle. If you built your own frame instead of buying one, you won’t have a VIN number or MSO to use as documentation of the origin of the frame. You can use that in place of the VIN initially, but you will want to discuss how (and if you need) to get a proper VIN with your local registration office before the time of attempting to register the motorcycle. This shows that they purchased the component legally but never went to get an official VIN number. If you are buying a frame or engine that has no associated VIN, you may get a Manufacturer Statement of Origin (MSO) from the seller instead. If you purchased a frame without a VIN:.
This will allow you to easily transfer the title into your name during registration time. If you purchase the frame and/or any engine parts, make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the frame or engine block matches the VIN listed on the Title of Ownership. Here are things you’ll need to make the registration process run smoothly:
According to the California DMV, a custom motorcycle is “built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer.” There are small details that can hold up the process of registering a motorcycle and make it difficult to complete. varies on what you need to provide to the registration office at the time of registration. This process can be a bit tricky for anyone who chooses to build their own motorcycle but doesn’t worry, we’ve got you covered.Įach state in the U.S.
Once you’ve completed the build, the only step left is to officially register your motorcycle so your masterpiece is road-ready.
You watched those TV shows about building a custom motorcycle, and you’ve spent the last few years in your garage piecing together your dream motorcycle. What to Bring to Your Motorcycle Registration Appointment