This is to assist other owners of a Kalk& in California in registering your bike for the first time to obtain a license plate and sticker. I have no clue about other states, so this is specific to CA. You can read about my horrible experience trying to register my bike at the DMV.
Here are items you will need. First Form REG343 which is a fillable PDF from the DMV. This is what the form looks like.
The VIN to your bike is on the right frame rail that runs from the neck of the bike to the bottom. There is a label with the VIN and it is also stamped into the frame rail. You can view the stamped VIN by looking under the right frame rail.
The engine number can be viewed as you are underneath the bike. It is located just forward of the shock mount. The CA DMV will need to visually verify these numbers on your bike, so it is important that you know where they are located to show the DMV inspector.
This next document is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to have when you visit the DMV. It states that the bike is EPA approved in the USA AND California. CAKE should/will supply you with this document.
My DMV inspector INSISTED that the bike must have a Zero Emissions sticker “Like Teslas do.” It’s electric for crying out loud you idiot! But nope he would not approve my bike until I got this letter from Cake. The other thing he insisted on was the bike should have two VINS “Like Teslas do.” But I never got any notification from the DMV that I needed to supply that later after the inspection.
My view is how/what you will be asked for is up to whoever you get as an inspector. But these are the things I learned during my ordeal.
These next documents come with your bike and should be taken to the CA DMV.
As a final word of caution, take your checkbook! The day I went to register my bike they said “Oh our credit card system is down so we only take cash or checks today. No debit cards either.” I anticipated that scenario so I took my checkbook.
You’ve been warned.
I don’t want others to go through the fucking hell I did at the beloved CA DMV. You’re welcome.
3 Comments
Hey Mark, in the exact same boat as you were. The verifier did sign the form, but wrote “none” in the box where emissions sticker/engine family number is. The fellow sort of shrugged and said send it in and see what happens. My question is, would they not even sign your verification form without that letter? And with the letter, was the form filled out completely? I am getting a letter, but am wondering if that will do the trick. Pain in the arse.
My question is, would they not even sign your verification form without that letter?
And with the letter, was the form filled out completely?
I am getting a letter, but am wondering if that will do the trick.
Pain in the arse.
Answers: Yes, Yes, Yes and FUCK YES!
Sorry but you’re bringing back painful memories. Get the letter. You should get a noticed that an EPA clearance is needed otherwise your registration will be invalid. Don’t get too excited when you get your license plate because shortly after that arrives you will get the letter stating that you must have a letter from the maker about emissions. UGH
hah, just got my license plate, and my hopes are now crushed. thanks 😉 I did include a lousy copy of the letter you had, so we shall see if that suffices. It being the DMV my guess is no, although you have cleared the way so maybe they will put it all together and the bike will be good to go. Cheers, M
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