Switching out an engine and California DMV

[teazer]

Or strip both motors and rebuild the original with the best parts from both plus new pistons and crank......

It all comes down to your level of comfort.  swapping a motor and riding that bike without telling the authorities would be a no brainer for most of us and in the extremely unlikely event that someone ever checked the numbers, you still have the original to swap back in. Checking frame and engine numbers against the record is something that would only happen around here if the LEO had a strong reason to believe the bike was stolen.  Otherwise they just write the ticket based on the plate number.

Some of us swap motors, or crankcases without a second thought.  It's still the same bike and all the parts were purchased legally, so not an issue.  But if you fear it could be an issue, use the stock cases.

[dugsgms]

 What exactly is the situation? is the bike currently registered in CA? Is it coming into CA from out of state? Has the bike been registered in CA in the past but has fallen out of the system?

[Still biking]

The bike I want to install engine in is titled in California and currently non op.  The engine I have no paperwork for

[SoCal250]

You should be OK if it's titled in your name and non-op. The only time it will be an issue is:
1) if you need a CHP/DMV inspection for some reason (which would happen if you're registering from out-of-state or re-titling after a long absence).
2) if you're running from the cops and they catch you, or if LEO believes it may be stolen for some reason.
3) It would also be a slight issue if you decide to sell it, but if you include the original engine/case with the deal then it's a moot point.
With non-op you just pay the fees due to get it back on the road and the DMV sends out the new reg card and sticker.

I've actually had to go through several DMV inspections for title transfers and it's a BIG PITA! They always assume you're guilty of trying to pull something.

[IR8D8R]

The only tricky issue I recall in CA is that if you get pulled over they often want to check the VIN sticker to make sure it matches the registration card. People used to register clean VIN's and then put the plates on a hot bike of the same model. Steal a bike and find a wreck to register to get a plate for the one you stole. A salvage title might be a red flag. Theft recoveries that have been written off get a salvage classification too.

Probably the only time they would even check the engine number would be if the bike was impounded or it was a new enough oft-stolen model like an R1 where they maintain hotlists. On a vintage bike they won't even check at the DMV unless it is a new registration. Then it will only be a VIN check.

IR8D8R

[Milan]

Can you come up with another bill of sale.

M