Questions -- moving to Massachusetts

carnivorous chicken

carnivorous chicken

Over 1,000 Posts
So... I'm going to make a move from AZ to MA next year, and have a few questions if there are any Massholes present (and of course Imean that in themost flattering sense, my wife, after all, is one).

I've got a few bikes I want to bring, ranging from a '61 BSA to an '81 SR250. I also have a '64 Plymouth. I know MA cars need annual inspections and stickers, is there a cut-off date? In PHX, we need to get post-'68 cars and bikes emissions tested -- how about it MA? I've got a couple bikes that don't pass emissions registered and insured as historic bikes, which means they don't have to go through emissions. They are also limited to 2500 miles a year, but that's fine. Anything similar in MA? Is it easy or difficult to switch registration to MA? Is it possible to keep the vehicles registered in AZ? (I'll still have an adress there...). On a more mundane note, I buy old license plates for my bikes and car -- from the year they were sold -- and the DMV here will allow you to register and use them. They look way cooler than the "historic" plates and are cheaper. Same deal in MA?

I know I can look up rules and regs online, but I'm interested in hearing from actual people who may be able to relate their experiences, headaches, etc. Thanks all.
 
AlphaDogChoppers said:
Call up a tag and title place near where you are moving. They should be able to fill you in.
Click to expand...

Thanks, appreciate it, but I'd still prefer to hear from someone who has undergone the process, rather than call up a shop that may be seeing dollar signs with each question I ask. I've learned over the years that there are ways to save time and money by using loopholes or ways that people don't think of. For example, I used to get bonded titles for bikes I'd buy in AZ that didn't come with clear titles. Pay the DMV, pay for registered letters, pay for a bond, etc. Instead, one can apply for an abandoned vehicle title if the bike's been sitting for 30 days or more. So I let the bike sit at my place for 30 days, and I'm not really lying to the DMV. It's a flat $10 fee plus a visual inspection, and there you go. Obviously not exactly what I'm asking for in MA, but experience from someone who's done it a few times and learned a few things is important, and what I'd like to hear.
 
Massive2shits will rape you..... But you can use old plates for old cars but i think you have to have the doubles (both plates)....As far as registering anything it has to be insured to be registered by the state Older vehicles may need to pass a safety inspection but anything 15 years or older doesn't need to pass emissions....as far as getting something titled....ugh.... ask someone in NH to register it then use the previous Reg to get a title in Ma.....Otherwise it's paperwork central you need a Notarized bill of sale as well as a paper signed by the police stating the VIN is the same as your telling them. Then it's all got to be insured stamped etc etc...THEN if they like you a title will come in the mail...Bottom line if buying project bikes around here try and get em with a title or previous Reg it makes your life so much easier....Oh and BTW everyone here will piss you off the way they drive .....If AZ doesnt require Insurance you'll save enough money to expand your collection if you keep it all registered in AZ Insurance on bikes here is about $100 for the year depending on if its Brand New or not Cars is much different I can't even afford insurance on my truck so its off the road last time i checked they wanted $800 for the year and thats more than i paid for the truck so i was like NOPE!!!! and rode the bike all winter (looking to be the same way this year)
 
Genuine Bonafide Masshole.....Snow tires on a Vespa....Luckily this year I have the KZ750 motor up front to keep me warm
 

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Desmo, thanks for the info. I might have to try figure out a snow bike option, I guess. Let me ask you this, if you don't mind. Most of the bikes I'm bringing will have some kind of title: clear, bonded, and abandoned vehicle. Any experience in switching over titled bikes? I've also got a BSA C15 in boxes, but I should be able to title the frame here somehow, better to do that than try in MA, sounds like.
I know a little about the safety inspection -- no rust holes, right? But anything else I should know about for bikes? Some have been modified (rear sets, clips ons, seats, air/exhaust), etc. Anything that won't fly? I also have a 1969 CB160. It's registered and insured now as a collectior vehicle (so I don't have to pass emissions, which go to 1968 for some arbitrary reason). But it has no turn signals. I read that MA bikes need signals -- any way to get around that? Keep it as a collector vehicle?
How about mirrors? Two or one?
Loud pipes?
I appreciate the advice if you know about any of this stuff.
Cheers
 
If you already have a title for the bike then thats all you need to get it insured and registered ...Def get a title for the BSA if you know an easy way otherwise you'll be at the DMV for hours all week trying to sort it out . As for bike inspections ( the only bikes i have ever gotten inspected were NEW) They say you have 7 days after registration but I have been riding my KZ since May with no inspection and a year ago i registered My 1960 Ducati 125 Bronco and never inspected it because it had no mirrors or signals.....I actually got pulled over at 11pm one night riding the Bronco home from the beach and the cop gave me Glow sticks because my rear light was out LOL....My thoughts are if in 1960 there were no turn signals or mirrors on there i'm not adding them thats not original and I use my Hand signals & neck ....Safety Inspection for cars is no rust holes, E brake has to work, Headlights need to be the right height, no lights out, and they have there other little things they check tires, front end etc.... But it's like anywhere else if you know the inspection guy he may cut you some slack on the loud pipes and no signals other places may not want to risk their license....As a rule of thumb i always make sure my car has a current sticker but i never worry about the bike ( i don't even think they can see my plate it's all mangled up under my seat) Never been ticketed on my bikes done some stupid stuff too i guess i'm just lucky
 
Thanks again, Desmo, just what I was looking for. I'll try to get titles for anything I'm bringing. I may hit you up again if something comes up. You in Boston? I'll buy you a beer or coffee after the move.
 
I'll be out some time next summer. I'm not much of a joiner, but I like checking out events and seeing what others are doing. I'm gonna miss the swap meets, rust free old bikes, and killer winter riding weather of AZ.
 
bostonian checking in. i know its an old thread, but figured id let you know my experience.

had a bike built. all you need to show the RMV is a title. you need insurance. and my bike has a current inspection on it with no turn signals or mirrors, so you can get around that bs. havent been hassled yet riding around boston for a few months.

my experience with cars has been a lot more difficult. but worst case scenario, rock a "R" sticker for 6 months at a time until you are able to get whatever you need registered and inspected. a buddy of mine did that with his 996tt for 2 years.
 
Awesome, thanks man. Do you know if you can use old plates? In AZ, I can find a 1969 motorcycle plate on Ebay and then take it to the DMV and register it. The "historic vehicle" plates cost $30 a year and have no benefits, and the old ones are way cooler and cost the same as regular plates.
 
I should add that aside from the winter weather, I'm getting psyched on heading out. My wife is in Natick now, working for Bose in Framingham. I went out there with her to get her set up and was stoked on some of the roads out there -- some cool windy roads to cruise through.
 
I recently traded for a stack of Old MASS plates so i'll keep you posted on what it cost to used them etc...Picking up a few more bikes this week I hope to use an old plate for one
 
It's been a very mild winter, at least in the city. No idea about using an old plate. I've cancelled plates and then used them again, so i don't see why you couldnt do that with a really old plate.
 
Yo Massholes!

My move is looming, and I'm gearing up. Been selling off some of what I have here, but it looks like I will be moving 5 or 6 bikes and my old car. My wife's work is paying for the move, and one month of storage, but I may be able to get a couple bikes out before they store 'em -- wouldn't want to miss a month of riding weather in MA. We also have to look for a new place -- her place in Natick is too small for both of us. My question is this: since space is going to be limited, anyone know of anything like a cooperative arrangement for space for bikes and projects? Warehouse space? It's one thing I am considering doing if we get into a smaller space without room for my bikes -- and my '64 Plymouth is a convertible so I'll want to park it November - March or whenever weather dictates. Any ideas?
 
plenty of garage space for rent check craigslist when you get here...not sure about the co-op kind of place, most people have their own stuff...I went to pick up a English wheel off craigslist and the guy had several 4 and 5 axis CNC machines in his basement along with tons of other tools....so you never know who you'll meet around here
 
Desmo, et al.: thought of another question. I have a great plating place here, and was thinking about getting a bumper chromed before I head to MA. The place is top notch but their turnaround time is a little long -- 3 weeks -- which makes it difficult to pull off. Anyone know a good place in the Boston area for chroming? Thanks again.
 
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