Texas License Plate Saga

[vfrhugh]

I’ve hit a snag in my quest to get a license plate for my KTM520 EXC. I finally got the “off –highway use only” title in the mail. I’d gotten insurance and inspection done a couple of weeks ago and thought I was ready for a trip to the Harris County Tax office annex. The clerk freaked out when the “off –highway use only” came up on her computer screen and disappeared to the back. She came back her supervisor who shoved a hand full of forms at me with a cover sheet titled “Instructions for obtaining a title for reassembled vehicle or motorcycle”.
Form 68-A Application for assigned or reassigned number.
Form VTR-301 Request for pencil tracing
Form VTR 470 Standard Safety Statement
From VTR-63 Bill of Sale for component parts
Form 130-U Title application
Form 61 Affidavit for rebuilt vehicle that was either rebuilt, assembled, reconstructed, stripped or has had a change in component parts
The instructions also say to take the completed forms to the TDOT office in Houston with pictures and weight certificate. “Notorized”

Is this right? I anyone has gone through the process lately, please let me know how you did it. I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal.
Thanks in advance,
Hugh:uhoh:

[mlinkibikr]

Whew - it would be easier just to fab up a license plate !
:popcorn:

[mcrider]

I got my 520 licensed 2 years ago without a problem. I got a form VTR-470 from Cycle Shack North. Took the form & bike to an inspection station. They inspected the bike, filled out the form, gave me an inspection sticker. Took the VTR470 & off-road title to county. Bingo license plate! I may have had to pay additional sales tax, do not remember.

[Tourmeister]

:rofl:

She came back her supervisor who shoved a hand full of forms at me with a cover sheet titled “Instructions for obtaining a title for reassembled vehicle or motorcycle”.
Form 68-A Application for assigned or reassigned number.
Form VTR-301 Request for pencil tracing
Form VTR 470 Standard Safety Statement
From VTR-63 Bill of Sale for component parts
Form 130-U Title application
Form 61 Affidavit for rebuilt vehicle that was either rebuilt, assembled, reconstructed, stripped or has had a change in component parts
The instructions also say to take the completed forms to the TDOT office in Houston with pictures and weight certificate. “Notorized”

When in doubt... bury them in forms! Ever see the movie Brazil? If not, rent it. You'll have a fine appreciation for it now, hehe. Just remember, the world is a better place because the government has regulated this stuff for our benefit :thumb:

[vfrhugh]

I haven't given up yet! This bike is just to much fun.

[ta2240]

Go to the Title office on 290. They will do it. All you need is the inspection paperwork and a form from the Inspection station, I think it was an "Out of State Inspection Transfer" form.

I did my WR450 in mid December in Montgomery County and it was smooooooth. The girl at the tax office even rode dirt bikes. Some friends tried to do theirs in Harris County a few months ago and they freaked out the same way. The lady told them to go to the 290 office so they did and it went easy. Call the title office they will tell you over the phone everything you need.

I think it is an Harris County thing. SCARED.. The 130-U form is for when you don't have the title in your name, I think! That is crazy. And what the heck is a Pencil Tracing Form?

[vfrhugh]

After thinking about my experience, I know what happened. There wasn’t a box to check on the computer for what I wanted to do. I go to the Baytown tax office enough to recognize the gals that work there. I did notice a new ‘head mistress’ was handling the money. The rest of the workers seemed uncomfortable when she was around. My next move is the 290 office. I didn’t want to go to Houston but if that’s what it takes that’s what I’ll do.
Hugh

[vfrhugh]

Success!!
The secrete is to make it easy for the clerk.
1. Know what you are asking for. “Corrected Title”
2. Have form# VTR-470 filled out
3. Have form# 130-U filled out. Check the “Change in Vehicle Description” box on line #17.
4. Have (4) $20 bills in you pocket.

I would advise a phone call to TxDOT and talk to someone that will verify that form#VTR-470 is all you need. Get their name and extension so when the local annex tax office Nazi tries to bluff you out of the office you’ll have some back up. It worked for me. All I had to do was suggest they call the number and somehow they found a way to sell me a plate. I was nice to the clerks. Other than the ‘manager’ they are helpful folks.
Hugh

[gotdurt]

Gotta love the government. And to think that there are people that think we need more of it....

[Teeds]

Gotta love the government. And to think that there are people that think we need more of it....

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
Ronald Reagan
40th president of US (1911 - 2004)

Great post. I am musing on making my KTM400 into a DS machine. This reduces one hill of misinformation to a manageable size.

[Plane Dr]

try importing 2 motorcycles 1 car and 1 trailer. 2 days of my life (total time lost) I won't ever get back.

[yater]

All you need is a green sheet! You need to have the bike inspected before you go to the tax office. Go to a dealership and have them look the bike over...then tell them you need a green sheet (costs $1). Go down to the tax office with the title and green sheet and you'll be in and out in 5 minutes. I've converted and registered no fewer than 5 "dirt only" bikes in the last few years and have guided a couple of friends through the process.

[jussi]

One more word of advice....be sure to have a odometer reading on the green form you get from the inspection....if it does not say anything, they freak out :)

If you do not have an odo, just tell the guy inspecting it what you are up to, he'll understand. 99 miles is cool...I mean that's how much my XR650R's odo would show before rolling over to 00 ;)

Oh, also, it helps if you have a statement describing the changes you have done to the bike to make it street legal...install one mirror, install a horn, change tires to DOT approved ones, install DOT approved headlight and headlight switch, install break light, install license plate light (white)...that should do it. I actually had to send in photos of the bike afterwards to Austin to get the title...but, nevertheless it was easy :)

Jussi

[vfrhugh]

I thought I'd post an update on my KTM. After getting the plate I finally started on function. I've added a "comfort seat" from Guts Racing and a 3.5 gallon tank from an 06 MXC. I fabricated a mount for my old Garmin GPS III+. I was thinking about a Trail tech computer but the Garmin works pretty good. I'll need to add 12V power though. 5 hours is about all I can get out of a set of AA batteries. I need to fab a shield for the exhaust pipe, I've already burned a hole in one pair of pants and melted a spot on my Alpinestar boots.

http://home.houston.rr.com/howellext/ktmafter.jpg

http://home.houston.rr.com/howellext/ktmafter2.jpg
You can see the GPS and Dual Star mirror. The Guts seat is 100% better than the original. After Sunday, the original equipment tire is 50% done.

I also adjusted the suspension and set the sag Saturday. The previous owner must have been short or very light weight. After setting the sag for my weight, the ride and handling is fantastic. Not as wheelie prone either. It's still not a tight woods bike though.
Later,
Hugh:rider:

[mcrider]

Your bike is entirely to clean. :sun: I've got an '02 520 EXC, but the rear finder & side covers are mega scratched, mostly from my boots. It's to tall.

I used exhaust pipe heat wrap on my pipe. It is expensive, but works well. I have had to change it once in 3200 miles. My boot rubs it just behind the frame. I got it at Competition Sales on I45.

[XR650Rocketman]

Hey Chris....Are you back in the saddle these days?
I found a piece of your footpeg in my jacket pocket the other day, you bet that brought back some memories....We're busy planning many rides this year...Stay in touch and join us when you can....

Steve

[mcrider]

Steve, It is healing very slow, so I am not riding yet. The muscles in that arm get very tired quickly. I go back to the doctor Monday, will see what the x-rays look like. I ordered a new foot peg yesterday.

[vfrhugh]

Chris,
Have you changed out the cam gear on your KTM? I bought this bike with out any research (too good a deal to pass up) and have since heard I need to change the cam gear out with a later model. Have you had any trouble with your KTM? Any first hand information appreciated.

Thanks,
Hugh:rider:

[mcrider]

Hugh,
I do not think it is the cam gear, but a part that attaches to it to do with the auto compression release. No, I have not changed mine. I think KTM changes some time in '02, so guess I have the up grade. I got it Nov. after the '03 came out, it was a left over. My 520 has been very trouble free; I have 160 hours & 3200+ miles. I go over every thing at the 1st of the year: check/adjust valves, new plug, chain/sprockets if needed, tires, fork oil & seals if needed, pack shock hime-joint with marine grease (KTM says no grease), check all nuts & bolts. I keep constant check on the rear sprocket bolts (they will work lose), & the cam chain tensioner. I also change the break fluid more than most, because, I race it. I had to change the shock hime-joint last year & I added a piece of inner tube cover attached with a tie wrap. This year it was perfect condition.

You can find more that you would ever want to know on KTMTalk.com 4-stroke site.

[Tx Rider]

I guess mine went so easy because the oklahoma title I got when I bought the bike didn't say "offroad only" on it or anything like that.

Apparently there's no inspection in Oklahoma?

A friend just got his 625sxc plated, same deal, got his green sheet at the insection station, went to the tax office with his title and green sheet (Arizona title for him) and walked out with plates.

[DANNYROTH]

I bet a lot of the process has to do with the air of confidence you portray when you walk into the Tax Office. If you act unsure, and are asking for advice, you get it by the bushel, plus a stack of forms. Go in there with your sheet (green) together, you don't give them any wiggle room.