California Emissions

[Jamlemans]

Hi All,

I am due to import two motorcycles to California. I have a:

• 1999 Moto Guzzi Quota
• 1982 1000SP

Both Bikes are over 25 years old and have over 7500 miles, with their original documentation and in mostly original configuration.

I have found a sticker on the quota although I am not sure it is the bikes original panel as I believe the bike to be and EU Bike. So what would be the situation upon vin verification?





The 1000sp I have a copy of a sticker for although could do with some advice from Guzzisiti on approximately what size it is?





Another alternative is to import both and register them in AZ at a friends and then transfer the title to California although I believe I still run into the same VIN Issues.

Thanks

[Tom H]

I believe you want to bring the bikes from UK to California. I do not know what California DMV will look for as far as emissions stickers and compliance. You could contact Ca. DMV and ""...Maybe.."" get the right answer, usually going in to the office is better, but still the agent might not the the correct requirements. Another thought, is that there are companies that will help you register a bike for a FEE. Many of them know the work arounds for some of the common issues.

I did just buy a bike registered in AZ. I went to Auto Club Ca. since I'm a member. All they wanted to see in person on a '73 BMW was the VIN tag on the bike and that it was what it was claimed to be. It was very easy, though I did have to pay for a Ca. plate and a few minor other fees.

Hope this helps,
Tom

[Aldo]

I'm guessing no US titles and UK docs only?  You have anything that proves ownership in your name? if not, that may be an issue.

Also, do they have the "US" style VIN plate that dictates they conform to all federal motor vehicle standards? How about VIN stamped on frame itself? These were two items that were inspected by DMV/CHP on my Guzzi's, on top of the emissions stickers.
Example:

DMV / CHP inspections vary greatly based on personality and location, at least in my experience here in California.  Having registered quite a few out-of state Guzzi's here, emission stickers were inspected for anything over 1980.  Location on the bike didn't seem to be an issue.  Finding your engine family in the CARB database below and having this match your emissions sticker info is a plus.  I usually printed these and kept it with the Guzzi for the inspection.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/applications/new-vehicle-and-engine-certification-executive-orders-light-duty-vehicles

I love living here in Cali, but registering out-of-state motorcycles made after 1980 is a pain in the ass here, IMHO. I've gotten the run around many times.

[Jamlemans]

Hi,

I have the registration documents for both bikes.

In both Bikes cases Vin number is stamped into the frame and engines and match the title docs. The 1982 bike has a sticker similar to your plate above and I have the VV Executive Order for that bike and engine.

Would it be possible to acquire a sticker that says it conforms with all vehicle safety standards for the Quota? Although I can't find anything in the CARB database that matches my engine No hence thinking the panel is from another bike.

I have also just messaged the DMV as I have partner in AZ, I though about importing the bike into her home state, then brining them over to California.

According to the agent and this is from the Chat Transcript:

Me (Mon Aug 10 2026 22:07:22 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)):If it was registered in Arizona first then brought to CA i assume this would be fine?
 
Agent: Correct, because it's not a direct import, it's coming with an out of state title.

Thanks,
JW