The California registration process:

First, typically dealers handle the entire process. When buying a used quad or over the internet
you need to first take the vehicle to get it "Verified" then and only then will they register it.

There are companies around that do verification services otherwise they will send you to the CHP.
The CHP will more than likely schedule you an appointment sometime in the not so near future. :-(

The entire green sticker red sticker thing is a mystery even to DMV employees. Yes there are rules
but some of these Chinese sellers are doing some shady things. I would say in general if you are
buying one of the cheap chinese imports it will more than likely be a red sticker. They just dont
do all the steps necessary to get federal emmisions completed.

There are a couple things done in the verification process that can tell you if its green sticker or red
sticker.

a) The VIN check
b) Federal Emissions decal

The VIN is a 2 step process, they run it through a VIN Check program and they look at the 8th digit.
Then it either has an emisions decal or it doesnt. If it does not have the decal it should feinitely
get a red sticker.

Keep in mind all this is confusing and sometimes they dont get it right either. WHen out in an OHV area
the rangers may look at your VIN and determine DMV screwed up and write yuo a ticket anyway. :-0

badvox

 

did you order your atvs or buy them at a dealer?

 

Well I used to have a dealer's license. Thats how I know about the process.
There are sooooo many myths out there. Anyway, when I was dealing I used a
registration service for my stuff.

No one and I mean no one should be buying any products from a non licensed dealer.
If you buy from an unlicensed dealer then you are buying from Joe Blow and may as well throw your money out
a window. :-)

The do not follow the rules and are in fact breaking the law by selling in California without a DMV license.
Its those scum bags that are screwing up the market and not the chinese quads themselves. Its unlicensed dealers
doing the harm.

Sorry just my 2 cents.

badvox

 

I disagree wholeheartedly with you in the above quote. You can still purchase a Chinese quad from a licensed dealer and "throw your money out". All Chinese quads are virtually the same and you get what you pay for regardless of licensing. Let's face it, the Chinese quads are definitely not up to the same standards as the Top Four Manufacturers.

So the registration process that I went through with the California Department Of Motor Vehicles is a myth from what you are saying? They are the ones who did the inspection and verified my paper work. I have my title and Green Sticker to prove it. The process is not hard to do and if you take your time to fill out the paper work correctly and do what is required by the DMV you will get your title.

Application for Title Registration for California

Can anyone here in these forums tell me if they bought their Chinese Quads form a licensed California Dealer? And did you check with them to see if they were licensed with the DMV? Or do you even care? I agree that it does make it tough for a dealer who is licensed to make it in the market when you have these non licensed dealers selling the quads for far less than licensed dealers. The state will eventually require all non-licensed dealers to get their licenses. Heck there was a toy shop selling these quads for the Christmas Season and a Licensed Dealer from another city turned him in for selling the quads. He turned him in because the toy shop guy was out pricing the guy by almost a $1000.00 a quad. The toy shop seller found a way to get around the DMV licensing and is still selling the quads albeit at a limited number for the year.

Even when you buy a new or used quad from out of state, you still have to go to the DMV to register it and have it inspected. My trip to the DMV without an appointment was approx. 1 hour. It was very easy. I completed the Application for Title Registration form, handed them my Certificate of Origin, they verified the VIN, Engine Number and Federal Emissions Sticker and I was on my way with my Registration and green sticker.

People, don't get discouraged and think that a dealer needs to do the registration process for you. It is a very simple process that any of us can do by ourselves. When you purchase from a non-dealer, you don't have to pay the dealer fees, destination charges, etc...etc...

All in all, I understand that the right thing to do is to purchase your Chinese quad from a licensed dealer, but 9 out of 10 of us buying these Chinese quads, do not care if the seller is licensed or not. Heck, if you purchase out of state, it doesn't matter, you still have to make the visit to the DMV.

To make your visit to the DMV easier, fill out the form from the above CA-DMV link.

 

Well all I can say is everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
My point of view is based on the fact that I have had to listen to many
unhappy buyers who got screwed by internet and unlicensed dealers.

Thats all justa different point of view. I am very glad that you had
a good experience but I think you are in the minority. Look at the lawsuit against Patriot right
now. Yamaha is suing them and will definitely be winning.
The lawsuit asks a judge to have all yamoto product and parts
sent to Yamaha for destruction. :-)

badvox

 

Fortunately I did have a very easy registration process. I do understand that many people are having problems getting their Certificate of Origins. This still has no bearing on Yamoto or the others. This has to due with the dealers not supplying the correct paperwork. That's too bad! To my knowledge (based on the article below), Yamaha has settled with Patriot and is still going after Yamoto. For those buying quads from "dealers", it is best to know ahead of time what paperwork you need. Protect yourself, buyer beware!

Unfortunately Patriot took over Yamoto at the most inopportune time. Sure Yamaha is suing Patriot/Yamoto for various reasons, but as far as the design (raptor style quad) I think Yamaha may have to go after the Chinese companies who design these quads and import them to every Joe Blow out there trying to make a buck. It is not just Yamoto who is selling these quads. So your example is weak. Yamaha needs to step up their game plan and sue every one of these companies that is distributing/selling the raptor style quad. Because that is what we are talking about here, right?

Anyways lets say that a person who does not have their paper work in order, some how slips by the system and is issued a green sticker. This becomes good for us who depend on the fees we pay to manage and hopefully keep our riding areas opened and maintained to some degree. If this happens then more power to them and I'm glad they at least tried to be somewhat legal. At least the state still received their fees.

For those that do not wish to register their "campsite" quad, this is not the best way to go about it. Sure it sucks to have to pay $25 for a quad that never sees the trails, however, it beats paying fines for non-registration.

For those that want to see a recent article on the Yamaha/Yamoto/Patriot lawsuit, check out this site. It also has info on cracking down on Chinese piracy:


Yamaha/Yamoto/Patriot article

 

smb05
I must say thank you for a very intelligent discussion on your part. This I am sure will be very
helpful for potential buyers. I myself am very happy with my Chinese quads. As long as you
know the facts going in then there are no surprises. Its the surprises that get people upset.

I think that article maybe an old one. There was a new blurb in either new atv rider or new atv sport
that said Yamaha is going in for the kill now. They have proven that some of the parts are
genuine article yamaha parts and thats why the new suit. The article also pointed out
that this will be the first US Lawsuit. The other lawsuits have all been filed abroad and this will be
heard in US courts.

Thanks for adding all your insight
badvox

 

Badvox,

I too am happy with the Chinese quad that I purchased. I knew going into the purchase that I could not expect the quality of a Big Four quad. Having said this, I have found that knowing how to turn a wrench and being willing to do some mod's, the quad has turned into a good thing. I enjoy working on it and it runs and rides great for my daughter. Even having researched before my purchase, I knew I was not going to get top quality customer service, if any at all, and not be able to go to the local motorcycle shop and purchase parts. However, I am having great luck not only with customer service from Boreem, but I have been able to get compatible parts from various stores.

I hope that with the information that people are getting from these forum's they take the time to check out not only the quad, but the Company that they intend to purchase from. Knowing all the facts does keep most of the surprises away.

Enjoy your New Year's.

 

smb05,

Where did you get your daughters quad from? I'm looking for a quad for my son and would like something that can be registered with a green sticker.

Thanks

 

What size ATV are you looking for? Based on DMV code anything under 50cc does not
require registration. :-) Also what price range? Kymco are great quads up to par with
any other major brand and at a great price. Dealer network to go with it.

~badvox