Not monster tech so, no moto content it is.

The second bike thread got me thinking... what's the difference between a dirt bike and a dual sport? Is it only the headlight/ blinkers for the most part? Maybe emissions stuff? My sister's bf talked her into getting a dinky dirt bike and I'm wondering if I can slap on a headlight and blinkers for cheap and use it as a backup bike. Not sure exactly what model it is but I could probably look it up quick.

Headlight, blinkers, taillight, brake light, battery to keep the lights on for X amount of time.....

The DMV got hip to the conversion of pure dirt bikes to street legal, so, AFAIK unless it came from the factory as street legal, it's tough to get a plate.

Seems to vary a bit by state; here in Arizona, it seems they'll put a plate on almost anything with a headlight & brake light -- converted dirtbikes, ATVs, sand rails... It's kinda funny to see the double-takes by visitors when something rolls by that'd never, ever show up on the roads of their home state.

Quote from: Speeddog on October 09, 2008, 05:31:05 PM
Headlight, blinkers, taillight, brake light, battery to keep the lights on for X amount of time.....

The DMV got hip to the conversion of pure dirt bikes to street legal, so, AFAIK unless it came from the factory as street legal, it's tough to get a plate.

Yep, you have to convert it, register it in AZ, then "move" to California. PITA. There are some already done, just have to check craigslist,cycletrader,ebay, etc...

Usually the biggest obstacle in most states is the title saying "Off-Road."  KTM's don't say that, there are plenty of ways around though ~

JM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on October 10, 2008, 06:24:10 AM
Usually the biggest obstacle in most states is the title saying "Off-Road."  KTM's don't say that, there are plenty of ways around though ~

JM

they do now. at least in PA they do. what i was told is that in order to bring over certain bikes they were forced to start putting it on the MCO and giving street legal bikes titles. there are ways around that though.  you just "rebuild" the bike and apply for a new VIN from the state.

It seems like a lot of the dual sports are less powerful than their dirt cousins, and the suspension isn't as good.
to make it street legal it will need a speedo, all the lights and a place to mount the plate. idk what the laws are in CA regarding conversions, but i'm sure if you asked at a local dirt shop they could tell you.

you coudl also check out advrider. there are always threads about conversions.

Quote from: KnightofNi on October 10, 2008, 07:04:14 AM
they do now. at least in PA they do. what i was told is that in order to bring over certain bikes they were forced to start putting it on the MCO and giving street legal bikes titles. there are ways around that though.  you just "rebuild" the bike and apply for a new VIN from the state.

It seems like a lot of the dual sports are less powerful than their dirt cousins, and the suspension isn't as good.
to make it street legal it will need a speedo, all the lights and a place to mount the plate. idk what the laws are in CA regarding conversions, but i'm sure if you asked at a local dirt shop they could tell you.

you coudl also check out advrider. there are always threads about conversions.

ThumperTalk is another good place, there's a dual-sport section and lots of info about converting.  The Dual-sport version often has a much more restrictive airbox & exhaust to meet emisions requirements.  Easily fixed though ~

JM

Quote from: the_Journeyman on October 10, 2008, 07:17:35 AM
ThumperTalk is another good place, there's a dual-sport section and lots of info about converting.  The Dual-sport version often has a much more restrictive airbox & exhaust to meet emisions requirements.  Easily fixed though ~

JM

yeah, but TT looks like a VS website 

ADVrider is also a good site.
For useful information, and useless information.

Pure dirt bikes (at least motocrossers) have a closer gear ratio than their dual sport bretheren, and a lot of times 4 gears, which makes street riding sort of annoying.

In Colorado you can plate pretty much anything.

Quote from: KnightofNi on October 10, 2008, 07:04:14 AM
idk what the laws are in CA regarding conversions, but i'm sure if you asked at a local dirt shop they could tell you.

We just told him. There is no legal way to do a conversion in CA other then the "out of state" conversion.

Quote from: the_Journeyman on October 10, 2008, 06:24:10 AM
Usually the biggest obstacle in most states is the title saying "Off-Road."  KTM's don't say that, there are plenty of ways around though ~

JM

They know because it's part of the VIN.

try supermotojunkie.com  lots of members there have converted bikes.

i have a 06 ktm 450 smr plated in texas.  its pretty easy depending on the state you live in.  california has some weird laws about mileage and whatnot for buying a out of state bike, and as far as i know you cant convert one there anymore.  if i remember correctly, someone on smj was talking about it having to have over 7500 miles.

if you want to do it the easiest, just buy a suzuki drz400sm.  its not as powerful as a 450, but still loads of fun.  depending on the distance you plan on riding, the gear ratio shouldnt matter too much.  my bike has a close ratio 6 speed tranny and i can comfortably do 75 all day, but i will top out on flat ground at 95, or 98 if i tuck way down.