Oregon M/C Registration

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Since my son, Earl Phorqs, now has my R65, I'm asking a question on his behalf.  Sometime in August he and his S.O. will be leaving Texas for the left coast and will settle in Portland, Oregon for a few years of graduate study.  I've looked at the Oregon DMV for registration regs, and while it looks pretty straight forward, I just wonder if there are any pitfalls, tricks, or traps to look for.  (Most governments have them just waiting to jump up and bite the honest taxpayng citizen in the rump.)  

An examination of his bike earlier today told me that the silver vehicle ID found on the right side frame rail has been removed by a P.O. when it was painted.  The bike has a current inspection, license plate, and clear title, but will that id tag be an issue?  I'm aware that can be a serious issue in states like California.  Can anyone comment on Oregon?  -Mike

[darrylri]

I can't comment much about Oregon, but that sticker is the official VIN sticker.  (Only the last 7 digits are stamped in the frame near the steering head.)  

Oregon does have an assigned number program to put a new frame number on the bike.  I don't know what's involved in getting that done.  Because the sticker was essentially unreadable, the PO of my bike, an Oregon resident, had an OR assigned number.  

[Ed Miller]

My sticker is also illegible.  The VIN on my title is just the last digits, the ones that are on the motor and frame 6385572.  I've never bought an out of state vehicle so I don't know if any physical inspection is involved (maybe emissions in Portland?) but nobody from DMV has looked at mine since I've owned it.

Have him join the Airheads, they're pretty active here in Oregon, especially in the Portland area.

[tvrla]

Motorcycles don't have emissions testing in Oregon. But there is a Vin inspection for out of state vehicles, and it's not cheap. They walk out to the car/bike verify the vin, then charge something like $35 just for that.

You can download the inspection form and have a cop in your area verify and sign the form. That way you slip past that fee.

But if it were me, I'd keep the original Texas plates and ride it like that. It is currently plated and insured, so just leave it. It's not a big deal if stopped and he's forced to get Oregon plates. But it's easy enough to say he's just visiting (which he essentially is).

Getting the bike registered and plated will cost something like $200. The plates are good for two years. From then on it's about $50 every two years. And you can have it plated before leaving Texas.

[k_enn]

FYI, when I went to school out-of-state, I just kept my vehicle registered in my home state.  Never had a problem.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

I'll suggest that to him.  His S.O. also has a little Honda Rebel 250.  I know that she wants to take her bike also.  Good information here.  Thanks for the reply.