Dual Sport - Plating the XR650R in Massachusetts!

[Maladjusted_XR]

I'm not from Mass. but maybe I can offer something to this discussion.

Your title reads "Off road use only" just like mine did...after I secured the vehicle inspection sticker, which indicates vehicle meets all "on-road" legal requirements for motorcycles, I went to register the bike for plates.

I mentioned to the gal behind the counter that she should remove the "off road only" statement as bike now meets all "on-road" requirements (as indicated by my new inspection sticker). She agreed without question.

My opinion is that if you act like you know what should happen (or what the state is supposed to do) they usually will.

I know every state is different and Texas is probably one of the more lenient states when it comes this registering off-road bikes for road use.

When in doubt...baffle 'em with bullshit.

Good luck. CJ

[adam574]

that sounds good but i have no idea where to get this "special sticker"

[TimBrp]

Adam, you don't need any "special" sticker. Walk into the registry with your paperwork. I have a process for mass reg. outlined if you want it..?

[Maladjusted_XR]

In Texas, every street legal motor vehicle must have a "vehicle inspection" performed every year. You receive a new sticker to affix to your vehicle after meeting all legal requirements. It's not a "special sticker" here.

I assume from the replies that Mass does not have the same process for registering a vehicle.

I would follow Tim's advice as he surely knows the ins & outs for your particular needs / situation better than I do.

Good luck with the PIG.

[ztsd]

had a question about getting this done... when you say you ahve to get it inspected by a motorcycle inspection station do you mean anyplace that does the regular stickers can do this or are there special shops that have to inspect a bike for something like this.

I believe they are talking about a special Motorcycle inspection station (normally a motorcycle dealership). I went to a local Honda Dealer and talked to the guy that does the inspection. I told him what I have and what I have done to make it street legal and asked him if that would be enough. He said I had everything covered and I shouldn’t have a problem. I have been waiting for a special speedometer to become available since last November. They keep telling me two or three weeks... Finally, I was told that they are in Customs and they should be available any day now. That was over a week ago. As soon as they ship it, I’ll go for the plate...

Actually, I think I'm ok in any event as the bike I bought was previously registed in Vermont and it has a Vermont title so it's a simple straight transfer. Got lucky!

[4whlfun]

There is a very nice speedometer key switch combo sold on ebay in the Xr650R area. Made by a guy in California that is very nice 125 dollars. I bought one and am very pleased with it. Mounts up easy and looks very nice. ?

[adam574]

Adam, you don't need any "special" sticker. Walk into the registry with your paperwork. I have a process for mass reg. outlined if you want it..?

yea definately that would be awesome... if i can get tommorow off i should be picking up my new bike... unfortunately i will need to take a small loan out. right when i decided i wanted a new bike my damn oil tank for the house needed to be replaced. there goes 1200.

[ztsd]

There is a very nice speedometer key switch combo sold on ebay in the Xr650R area. Made by a guy in California that is very nice 125 dollars. I bought one and am very pleased with it. Mounts up easy and looks very nice. ?

4whlfun: Yeah, I saw that one, it’s cool! I’m trying to get a do it all digital speedometer that gives RPM and water temperature. The RPM is mostly bling, who needs a tach on a dirtbike, but I do want to keep an eye on the water temperature. I’ll wait another week and If I can’t get the one I want, I’ll get the next lower model down... Thanks for the response!

[XR_mad]

if you havent managed to get it plated, import an aussie R they come plated already ?

[4whlfun]

Just import one from Arizona. Easy to plate here. Cheaper on shipping

[ztsd]

My new speedometer was shipped yesterday and I’m going for my plate today. I’ll let you know how it turns out. BTW, there’s an introductory price on the 3900 speedometer right now, $149, $30 off!

Tachometer, Temperature meter and Speedometer.

Multi-functional LCD ATV/Motorcyle computer includes 4 LED lights for differant purpose indicators.

LCD has 2 rows digital and analogue rpm bar-graphic deisplays with blue LED backlighting.

Odometer and total riding time are stored in memory, even when the power is off.

Individual clock power line to keep hour meter on when power is off.

Temperature range is suitable for both water and oil temperature.

Includes temperature sensor kit.

Includes rpm sensor, speed sensor and magnet kits.

[TimBrp]

My new speedometer was shipped yesterday and I’m going for my plate today.

Good luck on the plate man!! ? That speedo looks identical to the unit service honda is trying to put out as "their" own.

[ztsd]

Good luck on the plate man!! ? That speedo looks identical to the unit service honda is trying to put out as "their" own.

Thanks! Actually it’s the same, but Service Honda doesn’t have the 3900 which has the temperature gauge and sender... That’s what took so long, the 3900s became available in this country yesterday!

[TimBrp]

I'm going to look into one. However, I have a GPR barmount stabilizer and I'm afraid the speedo will get in the way of it or vice/versa. I'll have to fab up some custom mount. Nothing a few beers and a welder can't accomplish.

[ztsd]

Just came back from the RMV with a shiny new registration plate.

I guess it’s no big deal as the bike was previously titled and registered in Vermont. I was just worried that Taxachusetts would give the bike a thumbs down...

Anyway, I’ve got a TICKET TO RIDE! ?

[ztsd]

I'm going to look into one. However, I have a GPR barmount stabilizer and I'm afraid the speedo will get in the way of it or vice/versa. I'll have to fab up some custom mount. Nothing a few beers and a welder can't accomplish.

Hey Tim,

Not much a few beers and a welder can't accomplish. ?

[TimBrp]

Hey Tim,

Not much a few beers and a welder can't accomplish. ?

Yeah, until you see this quack job of a mount I drum up. I'm not very handy with a welder, but if it's functional...I'm happy-that could be the beers too..hmmm... ?

[ztsd]

LOL! Long as it works...

I’m really getting psyched up now! It’s been 20 years!

I defiantly need to start off slow so I don’t fulfill my wife’s expectations. Don’t want an ‘I told ya so...’

To tell ya the truth, I’m a little afraid myself...

[TimBrp]

The street is a very different animal on a dirtbike. Do NOT trust your knobbies in the corners. Let me know whenever you've got a free weekend Tom.

[ztsd]

The street is a very different animal on a dirtbike. Do NOT trust your knobbies in the corners. Let me know whenever you've got a free weekend Tom.

Hey Tim,

I put about 50 miles on it. The Kenda K270s seem ok so far. Had to drop the air pressure to 10psi before they would bite in the dirt and 15 psi seems good for the street. I was pretty nervous riding the street, but each time I took it out it got better. Started to remember why I loved riding. I was playing around with some stuff and got it running great. The Baja Baffle really makes a huge difference in sound without too much of a power loss that I can see.

I have an Edelbrock coming in a couple of days and hope to get a couple of hp back. Also have the new Digital Speedometer/ tachometer/ temperature gauge coming along with a 12 kg rear spring. Got the front forks firmed up with some progressive springs and higher oil level but I think I went a tad too stiff. I’ll ride it with the new rear spring for a while and see how it feels. If I can’t adjust it the way I want, I’ll try lowering the oil level.

The bike is really impressive on and off road. I still need to get some front and rear luggage and a wind deflector to bring it to the dual sport level I’m looking for.

Can’t wait to get it all sorted out so I can quit wrenching and start some serious riding. The next big landmark is the safety inspection sticker which I hope to get by next week.

Got a bunch of stuff coming up in the next three or four weeks then I’m good for the summer, I hope... Looking forward to riding with ya!

Tom D.