KTM 450 SMR Licensing?

Alright so I picked up a used KTM 450 SMR titled in good old Big Bear California! Yeah! The intentions are simple street it and rail the fuck out of my commute and travels around town and to the mountains. Easy right? I take the title down along with my registration for my pick up truck. I might as well take caand re of two things before I have to be at work. I make my way to the DOL in Fife a Licensing agency. I like those guys cause it's close to work and not as busy as other places like the Pierce County Auditor's office!

I wait my turn and speak to a cool guy with a ball cap on. He asks me, "how many miles does your bike have?" I look at him and say it's, "it doesn't have miles it's a KTM dude !"

"Oh!" He says. "OK."

I ask him, "Can I get a license plate for this bike?"

He checks with his co-workder, because he is rather new and didn't know. His co-worker an older lady that seemed to know everything. She said "no! It has to be titled as an 'Off Highway' bike." Fuck! I had to correct the fucker!

"What do I need to do to license it?"

"Take it to the WSP and have it inspected then bring it back and get your title. It'll cost you $65 for the inspection."

They give me the number to the WSP for any questions. "OK. I'll do that!"

I call the WSP and learned they have a website. I leave an email simple and to the point. The give a response that is very disheartening!

Here's the email:


To: Dvus

From: Equipment

July 12, 2008

This is in response to your e-mail.

First, please know that any vehicle including motorcycles originally manufactured for off-road use only will not be licensed for public road use in Washington State.

In order for a vehicle to be street legal, the vehicle must meet the federal requirements for road use and be certified by the manufacturer to meet those standards. Therefore, if you modify an off-road vehicle for road use, the manufacturer would need to issue a new Statement of Origin (or something similar) stating the modifications you made meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for operation on public roadways.

If you are interested in looking up these requirements in their entirety, they may be found at www.leg.wa.gov and selecting laws and agency rules and then clicking on RCWs and WACs - once there you will look under Title 46.37 RCW and Title 204 WAC to find most of the vehicle requirements (below is a listing of some requirements that may help you navigate these laws). The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards may be accessed at the following URL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...ection_toc=777

Attached for your convenience is a copy of most of the state and federal requirements. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Inspection information may be found on our Web site http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/vinspect.htm.


Thank you for your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Equipment




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: [myemail@email.com]
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2008
To: Equipment
Subject: Fwd: Street licensing a 2005 KTM 450 SMR

Hello,

I was informed by the DOL to contact you to detemine what all is required to license a supemoto bike in Wa?

Thanks,

Dvus


Fuck! Why did I have to correct that newbie at the DOL? Alright, what can I do? I think and review my options. I can try again and see what's up. I speak to a friend and suggested to try when it's busier. Alright around noon time would work. I go to the Sumner branch and almost get it until the lady asks an experienced person! Fuck!!! I'm screwed! I cannot get a license. Same scenario they give me a number to the WSP. Alright alright! I won't exchange the title yet. Re-evaluate my options. Track only and dirt!
I look at the website and notice the blurb "no off highway bike will be titled for street"
I inspected my title a bit closer and noticed that my title was 'Off Highway' and 'N/C Motorcycle' on the California Title. Aparently that means not a motorcycle meaning cannot be titled as a motorcycle.

I drag my feet not thinking about this. A buddy says try this other DOL where he goes. I'm passing it off and not really hearing him. I see an ad on craigslist advertising that he can street any dirtbike for $500 +. Hmm maybe as a last resort i'll do that. I talk to my buddy again and he's like try it at his local DOL. sure I'll do that today. I was going to take my bike in to have it straighten at Dick Wasco's, so I'll be in the area. I'll try one more time.

I go there and was in front of the lady that he said I should ask. She was going to help me, but another person said she can help. Fuck I think to myself. I'm going to get screwed again! I approach the lady and talk with her. She said it's an 'Off Hiway' bike. It can't get licensed. I say, "it's a dual sport. The guy that owned it didn't want it street titled. I do! With the fuel prices where they're at, I need a better vehicle." She asks, "is there a plate on it?" NO. Well she asks another employee and the talk amung themselves. I hear, "if he gets pulled over it's his ticket." Yeah it's sounding promising. "You have to fill out an affidavit stating that it is street legal. The bike has all the requirements for street. It has mirrors, lights, and turn signals." Ok! She gives me a pink 'I certify:...' form. I fill it out and sign! Sweet! I pay my fee and viola!!!! I contain my joy and sign the registration! Grab my plate, put my helmet on, and get on my Gixxer! I'm happy! I have my plate and now I prep the bike so I don't get pulled over!