As I understand it, in order to put an engine from Bike A into Bike B, you have to have a title for Bike A and Bike B.  Then take both titles to the CHP post-swap, and have them inspect and sign off.  Then DMV.

Not that I've looked this up with the thought of putting a big bang engine into my FZ6 as soon as some squid totals a new R1, or anything like that.   

Quote from: gaspy on September 26, 2008, 06:55:12 AM

Quote from: Roadstergal on September 25, 2008, 02:57:53 PM
When I moved to CA, they did inspect my bikes.  They cared more about the VIN and engine number than the lighting, though.

What if you've done an engine swap? (sorry for thread jack  ). What are they checking against the engine number? emissions, or theft?

You can't put an older engine in a newer bike, they really don't like that, even for things like the GS where the engine has never really changed...

Quote from: fred on September 26, 2008, 08:30:26 AM

Quote from: gaspy on September 26, 2008, 06:55:12 AM

Quote from: Roadstergal on September 25, 2008, 02:57:53 PM
When I moved to CA, they did inspect my bikes.  They cared more about the VIN and engine number than the lighting, though.

What if you've done an engine swap? (sorry for thread jack  ). What are they checking against the engine number? emissions, or theft?

You can't put an older engine in a newer bike, they really don't like that, even for things like the GS where the engine has never really changed...

What about a newer engine in an older bike? My motor was knocking so I had to go to ebay for a replacement. The replacement is actually a California model, but I don't have a title for it. Uh-oh. This could be a hassle if I actually move to CA next year. Or I could just get a different bike...

Not sure how strict things are in CA, but I know when I bought my bike in WV and titled it in OH, I had to get it "inspected" at the BMV.  I was sort of nervous about it, but in the end, the "inspection" consisted of one of the clerks walking out and writing down the VIN off the frame.  Didn't check it against anything else.   

VIN verification for out of state bikes are common. They dont do engine numner check at all.
Now CA title does have the vin # in it, but if you have a CA title and do a motor swap, there is no reason you would go back to the dmv at all ... so R'gal you're fine ... R1 in FZ6 not a problem.
Now if you had a bike from a state that does have the engine number in it and you have swapped the engine and not put it in the title, and move to CA, will they then verify that also and then toss you in jail ... I ahve my doubts. They will probably verify the frame number, and totally ignore the other numbers.
Newer older bla bla bla applies only to cars. CA only checks vin in the title against the frame for out of state vehicles in a 1 time check type deal. Every subsequent year at registration, and at sale time or if you buy a in state vehicle, it totally is of no consequence. No one checks nothing.
I dont see why you cannot stuff a hayabusa motor in a GS and ride on ... of stuff a 2 stroke in a gs ... may cause some issues there, though I dunno how ... maybe if stopped by a cop and ... I dunno have no experience there.
If you want to swap the engines and have it put in the title correctly ... then that whole donor bike title business etc etc comes into play.
Cool.
Buddha.

Quote from: The Buddha on September 26, 2008, 10:22:49 AMNow if you had a bike from a state that does have the engine number in it

That's the issue - CA titles have the engine number on 'em.