Hey everyone,

I just purchased a 2000 GS500 as my first motorcycle after tons of searching for a bike.  I stumbled across this mesage board and I think I'll be spending a lot of time here now.  I'm getting the bike trailered here on saturday and as soon as I get it registered I'll be riding it.  Registration looks like its gonna be a nightmare since I'm not a resident of the state I'm living in (here as a student) and might have to take the bike home (300 miles) to get it registered there. Anyone know if you can title a vehicle in a state where you're not a permanent resident (my drivers license is from Ohio, I'm in Maryland). Anyways I just wanted to say hey and see if you guys had any wise words for a first time gs owner and a first time rider. Thanks.

Welcome!

I think it really depends on the state and I can't really speak for Ohio but it may be possible to register it at school.  I'm from NJ, but go to school in NY.  I bought a car in NY a couple years ago and I registered and insured in NY even though I have a NJ licence.  The address on my registration/insurance is my school housing address, which changes every year and is returned to sender in the summer.  Is this legal? Did someone screw up at the DMV? IDK.  Do I care? No.  I have been pulled over twice in this car, and the cops never gave me any real crap about it so it may be fine.

congrats and welcome, i got my first street bike to, should be picking up my 95 gs500 tom hopefully. I was in the same situation as you, im from long island NY but goto school in philly. rather than register and all that back in Ny i decided to switch my license to PA. Only costed $36 and about an hours time with the right documents(old license, birth certificate, SS card, 2 pieces of mail at your current address). Have fun and good luck.

If you have a problem, post it and wait. Don't get too flustered and realize that with proper maintenance the GS will live nearly indefinitely.

Grats on the bike    Lots of info on this forum if you have a question just ask . . . . . .

Welcome to the craziness!!!!

welcome

Welcome, both of you!

I made a bunch of phone calls today, turns out someone at the BMV didn't know what she was talking about, I CAN title in ohio without taking the bike there, just have to wait for a form in the mail to have an MD cop fill out to verify that VIN on the bike matches the title and then I can title and register it myself when I go home for laborday weekend.  I hate paperwork.  Ohio has some of the best rates on motorcycle insurance and I don't have to transfer anything when I move in December so at least it'll save me some cash, even if it does mean waiting one more week before I get to ride  .  A friend of mine who rides at home (in ohio) suggested saving some cash on the storage unit (apartment = no garage)  once winter comes by just storing the bike in my room.  I've got the space -- the only catch is my apartment is on the 2nd floor.  Anyone ever try wheeling a bike up a flight of stairs?

Quote from: mjn12 on August 25, 2006, 11:32:45 AM
I made a bunch of phone calls today, turns out someone at the BMV didn't know what she was talking about, I CAN title in ohio without taking the bike there, just have to wait for a form in the mail to have an MD cop fill out to verify that VIN on the bike matches the title and then I can title and register it myself when I go home for laborday weekend.  I hate paperwork.  Ohio has some of the best rates on motorcycle insurance and I don't have to transfer anything when I move in December so at least it'll save me some cash, even if it does mean waiting one more week before I get to ride  .  A friend of mine who rides at home (in ohio) suggested saving some cash on the storage unit (apartment = no garage)  once winter comes by just storing the bike in my room.  I've got the space -- the only catch is my apartment is on the 2nd floor.  Anyone ever try wheeling a bike up a flight of stairs?

dont store your bike in your apartment, it's dangerous and most likely against the law.

Welcome to the board! 

I know there are a few who've gotten their GS's upstairs, but it's not a great idea....  As for storing them inside, we have two sitting in our enclosed back patio...we wouldn't let our babies sit out in the cold, damp night....all alone and askeerd!!