anyone ever make a dirt bike street legal in OHIO?


76 replies to this topic
  • JMathis

Posted 30 March 2008 - 03:33 PM

#41

All you should need to do is take the bike down to the BMV and they will verify the vin. Once that is done they will issue you an off road title. Come back the next day and sign the afidavit and you will walk out with street title.

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  • backroadsv03

Posted 01 April 2008 - 03:42 PM

#42

yeah, thats what i figured as well.

i was just hoping to skip a step.

won't i have to wait to recieve the title before i can convert it?

  • crf-f crf-r trx cbr

Posted 01 April 2008 - 04:21 PM

#43

backroadsv03 said:

yeah, thats what i figured as well.

i was just hoping to skip a step.

won't i have to wait to recieve the title before i can convert it?

if you don't have the title your lien holder will sent it to the title office to convert it......then you go next door to the bmv and plate it

  • backroadsv03

Posted 01 April 2008 - 05:22 PM

#44

yeah, i usually go to a deputy registrar (gahanna- the best) and they don't do title stuff.

guess i'll have to go somewhere else

  • Wellsville Mike

Posted 03 April 2008 - 08:10 PM

#45

Thanks to all on here, especially S2P and motoxer667! Did my title work today at the Portage Lakes title office in Summit county today. (Orrville office had no clue) Then went to Barberton liscence office and got my plates. After that was all done I went to the bike shop and ordered an MSR kickstand. (No kickstand motocross bikes are super cool but also a super pain in the butt when running into the store) I started riding dirt bikes on the road in 1985 and this will be the first year that I am actually legal. It will take some adjustment to not automatically whack the throttle and run when I see a cop!

  • pacree

Posted 03 April 2008 - 11:30 PM

#46

I was told today by a guy selling a bike with a "off road only" title that he checked at Athens Sport Cycles. And they told him they have the form that's used to get the inspection done in Ohio to get the "road-worthy" title. That said, you would have to have the lights, turn signals, brake light, mirrors whatever is legal in OH before they would do it I say. Maybe call Athens Sport Cycles and see what they say.

  • crf-f crf-r trx cbr

Posted 04 April 2008 - 06:58 AM

#47

Wellsville Mike said:

Thanks to all on here, especially S2P and motoxer667! Did my title work today at the Portage Lakes title office in Summit county today. (Orrville office had no clue) Then went to Barberton liscence office and got my plates. After that was all done I went to the bike shop and ordered an MSR kickstand. (No kickstand motocross bikes are super cool but also a super pain in the butt when running into the store) I started riding dirt bikes on the road in 1985 and this will be the first year that I am actually legal. It will take some adjustment to not automatically whack the throttle and run when I see a cop!

that'
s cool man.......:prof: :bonk:

  • Wellsville Mike

Posted 04 April 2008 - 07:45 AM

#48

NO INSPECTION NEEDED... if you do it right. You just have to sign an afidavit that states that you have installed the stuff. My bike is currently torn apart waiting on the last parts to legalize it yet I got all of my paperwork done and recieved plates yesterday.

  • MReimler

Posted 07 May 2009 - 11:18 AM

#49

Is the process in OH still this easy? I just tried to title my DRZ400E in MN and was shot down. It has all the necessary street legal parts but I was told

"effective immediately off road motorcycles cannot be titled as street motorcycle unless
1) you have receipts from the manufacturer for all the parts needed to make it street legal
AND
2) you get a certificate from the manufacturer stating the bike now meets federal emission and safety standards."

#2 is never going to happen so now I'm looking for options. Maybe a friendly TTer in OH would hook me up?

  • backroadsv03

Posted 08 May 2009 - 04:30 AM

#50

You would have to have the bike in ohio to do it.

The first step is getting a ohio dirt title and you have to have the VIN verified in person when you transfer a title from out of state.

  • jj650

Posted 10 May 2009 - 04:27 AM

#51

I just traded my 91 DR250se for a 2000 YZ125. I have a notarized bill of sale, which my local title agency said I will need to get the title or paperwork so I can an ORV sticker. I'm going to try to do this this week, is there anything else I need to know before I go? Do I need to get the offroad title first them go back and ask for the change of body afidavit, or try to do the change of body now to a street title?

  • GlennF

Posted 10 May 2009 - 10:03 AM

#52

When you sign the change of body affidavit, you are swearing that you have made the changes required. I got my street title and plates before I bought the dual sport parts, but it was mid-winter, so I wasn't riding.

  • Alacrity

Posted 10 May 2009 - 02:46 PM

#53

The only time a inspection  is needed is out of state transfer. I was lucky my "E" had a road title.

I've been testing the limits of Ohio's new ORV law - here's how it reads. If we hafta register our off road bikes, at least theres a benefit. 2., 4. and 5. are most useful.

Quote

OPERATING REGULATIONS

Ohio law requires that all pertinent provisions of the motor vehicle traffic laws and of the laws prohibiting specified offenses relating to motor vehicles, applies to the operation of snowmowbiles, off-highway motorcycles, and APV's.

Authorization is given to utilize snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and all APV's to be used:

   1.  To cross a highway other than a limited access highway or freeway;
   2.  On county and township highways whenever approved by those having jurisdictional authority over them;
   3.  Off and alongside streets or highways from the place of unloading the vehicle to the place at which it is intended and authorized to be used;
   4.  On the berm or shoulder of any highway, other than a limited access highway, or freeway when the terrain is such that the vehicle can be used safely;
   5.  On the berm or shoulder of a county or township road when traveling from one area of operation to another.

The operation of such vehicles is prohibited under the following conditions:

   1.   On any limited access highway or freeway or the right-of-way thereof;
   2.   On any private property without special permission of owner or in any nursery or planting area;
   3.   On any state-controlled land or waters except those which have been posted as permitting snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles or APV's;
   4.   On tracks or right-of-way of any operating railroad;
   5.   When carrying a loaded or uncased firearm, bow or other hunting implement;
   6.   To chase, pursue, capture or kill any animal or wildlife;
   7.   From sunset to sunrise, unless displaying a lighted headlight and taillight as required under equipment regulations.  

Section 4519.48 preserves the right of local authorities to regulate the operation of snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and APV's on streets and highways and other public property under their jurisdiction, but prohibits them from requiring the registration of such vehicles on a local basis.

Not suggesting anyone do the same, but so far couple of County and a Township LEO have let me travel on once we discussed 4519. Havnt ran into a Statie yet - that might be more of an issue. Oh, it helps to have the pertinent statute at hand and not be an a**hole.

  • GlennF

Posted 10 May 2009 - 05:12 PM

#54

What you are describing is an OHV licence. You buy them for three years. They are not the same as a regular plate. You are supposed to ride on the berm if present. I have them on my atv's and snowmobile. I had one on my DRZ250 but have plated it since.

  • Alacrity

Posted 10 May 2009 - 06:16 PM

#55

GlennF said:

What you are describing is an OHV licence. You buy them for three years. They are not the same as a regular plate. You are supposed to ride on the berm if present. I have them on my atv's and snowmobile. I had one on my DRZ250 but have plated it since.

Glenn:

Didnt mean to hijack - but I see this as an alternative to DSing in certain, limited situations. Its clear from the posted Section 4915 what the registration is - certainly an APV registration and all OHM are required to be licensed now. You get a decal like boats in Ohio. If somehow it appears I'm implying they are the same, I am not. Almost certain I will not DS the KDX I'm looking for.

I ride between two farms we own - roughly 16 miles apart in the same county. Once I discovered this I saw some merit to the APV registration. Haven't found very many people knowledgeable or even aware of this section of ORC, tho I can see the usefulness. If not for other considerations, I would have continued to operate this way.

This does not say you must ride on the berm:

Quote

Authorization is given to utilize snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and all APV's to be used:...

...2. On county and township highways whenever approved by those having jurisdictional authority over them

Quote

OPERATOR LICENSING

In Ohio, only a person who holds a current valid motor vehicle operator license, commercial driver license, probationary license or a motorcycle endorsement may operate a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle or APV on any street or highway, on any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or on any public land or waters, as provided for under the laws of Ohio.

Quote

The law provides penalties similar to those imposed for the related offenses involving motor vehicles, for violations of registration, equipment or operating requirements.

The three together make it plain there's at least contingency for OHM operation on public roads. The question is whether approval must be affirmative or assumed. Ive had none of the 3 LEOs give me any hassle after we spoke.

Dont recommend this instead of conversion to a road registration. Like much of the ORC, its ambiguous and conflicting. Dont think I'd want the ambiguity adjudicated out either. From a practical standpoint, most country roads have no berm.  I've asked a couple Legis staff member to get me some clarification - but hasn't been a top priority. Interested to see what they come back with.

  • panaman

Posted 13 May 2009 - 09:25 AM

#56

LOL... omg.....

After reading through this thread...I decided to run home at lunch time and grab my title for my 1997 XR400 and I took it to the Title Agency in Lewis Center on 23 in the Walmart shopping plaza.

I walked in and I said "I need a change of body affidavit" The lady goes and fumbles through some filing cabinet. She fills it out, asks me if it has a headlight, horn, brake light.. etc... i say yes. I pay 6 bucks and I now have a standard motorcycle title. I then go to the DMV which is like 6 doors down in the same plaza and buy my license plate.

Gotta love ohio...

  • woxofoh

Posted 13 May 2009 - 05:57 PM

#57

05/13/09 - I bought a a used CRFX about a week ago. Before buying I called Hinderer Honda In Heath, OH to try to clarify the title situation. They said all bikes now come with titles in OH. The bike I bought had a title. With this title alone the previous owner could have gone to the registrar (plates next door) and gotten motor cycle plates.

I went to the title dept of Licking County and applied for a title in my name. Since the front of the title said NO ODM (the previous owner should not have put 27 on the back where the mileage was) the questions started. This was the ACTUAL mileage (I got such a deal). Had he not done that I would have been given a title straight away. Instead, several of registrars tried to figure out what to do. I suggested they ignore the mileage since it was obviously entered in error. They asked several times if it was "Off Road" or Dirt Bike" I kept insisting it was a dual purpose since it already had a headlight and tail light and I was going to install the required additional equipment. They finally gave me the a new title with out much hassle since I had pointed out it already had a title and the mileage was an error.

They also gave me a form stating the necessary things needed to make (according to the form) "Off highway or self assembled motorcycles... with the following equipment to be titled as a motorcycle. Brakes, head light, tail light, license plate light, mirror,muffler w/ baffles, horn, saddle seat, (and can you believe this) handle bars".  

This is an "Affidavit Change of Motor Vehicle Title" it has the standard boiler plate about name MC type etc.to be notarized by them. They said bring this back when the changes were made. But here is the issue -  I'm not applying for a title for something that didn't have one. Usually an actual inspection would be necessary by some inspector. But I now have a title and I walked next door and got a plate no problem at all. The BMV doesn't care what the bike looks like. If you have a title you're good to go. So I got a plate. So now, illegal as far as equipment goes, I have a bike I can ride on the street once I do the upgades.

BUT, just to further confuse the issue I went to the Drivers License exam office in the same complex (with plate and title in hand but didn't tell them). I pointed out that the requirements for making the "Off Road" MC qualify for a new title were less than what I thought were the requirements for MC in general (see above - CHANGE OF ...Title). Note: no mention of brake light or more than a single beam on headlight or TURN SIGNALS. This guy goes off on another track completely telling how I have to add ALL the junk because my MC was made since 1964, contact the State Highway Patrol and get an appointment with an inspector then get a title. I don't think anyone really knows the entire procedure. Once I have the title and plate I'm not wasting my time doing this because the cops just want to see a plate, a title, insurance, and whatever level of equipment will keep that particular cop off my back (Sorry, Officer my brake light must be burned out). Of course it looks like they don't even have the equipment requirements straight. If I follow the ones on the affidavit is it enough? After I get a title with the minimum requirements (per above) am I then required to add more junk AFTER it's inspected?

In addition I stuck my driver's license in my scanner before I left to copy it and forgot to put it in my pocket. Both the title dept and the BMV allowed me to get this all done without it or my SS card! (Did have VA ID w/out SS #)

I guess a pleasant demeanor helps. Several of my friends have CRF250/450 X that have also gotten plates but they said Franklin County (Columbus) was more difficult so they did it in Licking Co.

Also regarding bringing a bike into Ohio. If you have a title from another state the only inspection needed to get an OH title is to go to a car or bike dealer and have them confirm on some form that the VIN matches the out of state title VIN. No equip check, etc.
Remember: The worst penalties when you are stopped (if any) are not for equipment squabbles but insurance and registration.

Sean Ahern


  • woxofoh

Posted 13 May 2009 - 06:32 PM

#58

With all due respect I would pray that all posters on all topics on all forums would take the time to be as informative as possible. We are trying to HELP each other so please take the time in posts to add to the knowledge base not the confusion. Here is a link to a PDF version of the document you need for a "Change of Motor Vehicle Title" you will note it is an "Affadavit" this just means it is a sworn statement. In the Licking County version the left side of the page lists the required equipment needed on the bike to sign the affidavit without perjuring yourself. I point this out because the term "Body Change" is being bandied about and when you ask these people (BMV/Title) about that it just adds to the confusion. As in my previous post I had a title so I should have gotten a title no problem. Eventually I did and then I was given this. For me it was unnecessary but perhaps they should have had me sign off on it first. When dealing with title depts remember, often "They know not what they do."
Also I discourage calling these places in advance. If you are close enough in Ohio go there and you can much better make your case.

http://www.co.lucas....x?DID=1067&DL=1

  • theckeler

Posted 31 July 2009 - 01:34 PM

#59

I just had mine done, asked for a body change... no issues except they asked me for the mileage from the odometer... told them I had none and they started to give me hassle. I told them that it is not listed as a requirement on the back of the form, they told me that the form was an old one... I let them know that I already called Columbus for verification on what it required and that was not one of them (never called). They got Columbus on the phone and after issued me the title change. Just picked up my plates today with no issues.

  • wobblyknobby

Posted 05 August 2009 - 04:19 PM

#60

You guys should really not be so foolish-calling here-calling there-telling them you have no odometer. :ride:

When they ask for mileage, tell them a number! Sooooo stupid to tell them you have no odo! :worthy:

Dont tell them what you want to do, (get a plate for a dirtbike). Just ask for the proper forms. Fill them out, pay cash and leave without raising an eyebrow.

What to do if you have no title, follow to the letter or you suck:

1> Come up with a notorized bill of sale with date of sale, year make model, price, vin, sellers&buyers full name, address, phone#.

2>Load the complete, assemble bike into truck and go to LICENSE BUR. Have the notorized bill of sale in your hand and ask for a vin inspection for an off road bike. They will come out, write down the vin, charge you $3.75 and give you a vin inspection form.

3> take notorized bill of sale and vin insp. to TITLE BUR. ask for a title for your off road motorcycle. Be polite, pay them and leave.

4>go home and stare at the title and be happy-you are almost there!

5>at some later date a day, a week or two later, go back to title office. With off road title in hand, ask them for A CHANGE OF BODY AFFIDAVIT. they will prob ask you a question, answer with: OR to MC. (oh-are-too-em-see). Smile the whole time and assure them you have ALL the stuff you need. Look them in the eye and smile: (yes I do have a horn and it works great!)

6>hand them back your change of body affidavit, along with your off road title, and politely ask for a motorcycle title. pay cash and leave.

7>go back to the license bur. and buy an mc plate.

8>celebrate by buying me dinner.


If you have an off road title:

1>go to title office. With off road title in hand, ask them for A CHANGE OF BODY AFFIDAVIT. they will prob ask you a question, answer with: OR to MC. (oh-are-too-em-see). Smile the whole time and assure them you have ALL the stuff you need. Look them in the eye and smile: (yes I do have a horn and it works great!)

2>hand them back your change of body affidavit, along with your off road title, and politely ask for a motorcycle title. pay cash and leave.

3>go back to the license bur. and buy an mc plate.

4>celebrate by buying me dinner.

*************IMPORTANT TO NOTE***************

when buying a machine to convert, try to get one with a title! The only way you can exchange a bill of sale for a title is if the title search comes up "not in file or "nif". If someone already has a title for that frame, or if it is stolen, they will not give you a title.

If you are seriously wanting to buy a bike without a title, right down the VIN, and pay someone to do a title search. If it comes back nif, you are good. If there is a listed owner, ur s.o.l.

Do not argue with the people, just go to a different office.

I tried about 10 title bureuas before I got hooked up. Most of the ladies said "you need an O S P inspection". Ask them to call the main office but if that dont work, move on but do not make any enemies, PLEASE.

Do not ride until you have the headlight, tailight and brake light at least.

Posted Image

LEDs are your friend.

You are welcome! :thumbsup:




 
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