Author Topic: Motorcyle Registration Question  (Read 3335 times)

mikefixac

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Motorcyle Registration Question
« on: April 16, 2013, 07:47:03 PM »
Today at the motorcyle dealership I was told if I buy a new motorcycle it has to be registered before it leaves the lot.

I asked if I could use my AAA to register my motorcycle and they said "No, only they could do it". The registration is $103 and a processing fee on top of that of $55.

Believe it or not, the motorcycle new is only $577. Actually, a scooter. It's a made in China model but I met someone who owns one and he says it gets 85MPG.

So my question is, can I use AAA to register my motorcycle? I would think their costs are lower. $103 + $55=$158, that's almost 25% off what the scooter costs.

Matt K

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Re: Motorcyle Registration Question
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2013, 06:51:21 AM »
I don't know your state's laws, but it sounds very fishy that only the dealership can register the vehicle (how do used vehicles get registered?). Do you have a Department of Motorvehicles or similar? Give them a call. I doubt you even need AAA to help you out. It should just be a short trip down to the DMV with the ownership papers, fill out a form and stand in line. No need to pay any more than the actual cost of registration.

Spork

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Re: Motorcyle Registration Question
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2013, 07:30:21 AM »
I would think that any vehicle registration is a fixed state fee and would be the same anywhere.  Around here, with cars anyway, tax/title/license *is* paid at the dealer (for licensed dealers).  This is supposedly done to keep people honest about what they paid for a car.  Individual used car sales (around here) are based on a magic state bluebook value for a given car.


  ...but I only really know how it works in my state.  Matt is correct: a quick google or a call to the DMV should give you the answer.

AlexK

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Re: Motorcyle Registration Question
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2013, 09:24:09 AM »
Look for a high mileage Chinese scooter on craigslist. There aren't any. That should tell you something. A Japanese/Taiwanese scooter will last much longer and be a better value.

mikefixac

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Re: Motorcyle Registration Question
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2013, 11:41:42 AM »
Understand. That's why they're so cheap. The motor scooter is around 20% of what I paid for my Honda scooter.

Rollin

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Re: Motorcyle Registration Question
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2013, 12:54:52 PM »
Call your DMV.  I bet it is way cheaper with them.

...it sounds very fishy that only the dealership can register the vehicle (how do used vehicles get registered?).

Spork

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Re: Motorcyle Registration Question
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2013, 01:16:36 PM »
If "Brea" means Orange County, California, here's your answer:  (prices set by government)

Calculator

(This may only cover part of it.  Usually there is tax/title/registration for any vehicle.  This looks to cover tax+registration, but I don't see title costs in there.)
« Last Edit: April 17, 2013, 01:19:53 PM by Spork »