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Swapping Odometers On 690 Because Can't Get Registered in Cali?

3K views 16 replies 13 participants last post by  broke 
#1 ·
Hey guys, I am looking at a couple different KTM 690s for sale. I live up in Chico, CA and found out that you can't register a 49 state bike here unless it has 7500 miles on it. Not all the ones that I am looking at have that many miles.

How easy is it to swap the odometer on the KTM 690 SM so I could register it and switch it back?

Thanks, let me know
 
#5 ·
Are you guys positive that the odometer isn't connected to the ecu? Because that would make/break the deal if I couldn't get it registered in California because of the low miles.

That would be awesome if all the 690s were 50 state legal, I have been told otherwise, but I will call the DMV and see if they can give me any information.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback

Off subject, but have you guys had any problems with your headlight coming loose? The bike that I am currently looking at has a loose headlight after he brought it to the supermoto track. He just zip tied it, but I would prefer to figure out the problem. Thanks
 
#6 ·
So I finally got the bike and went to go get it registered out here in Chico and they wouldn't let me. I even called KTM themself and asked if it was a 50 state bike and they said it was, but because it doesn't specifically say California on the sticker, they won't register it.

Any ideas or suggestions to help me out?
 
#7 ·
Yeah I have a suggestion. Do what most other people (who have legal immigration status) are doing and leave Cali. Could there be a state that the government has f'ed things up more than Cali? This is just one more reason. Sorry, just had to say it.

1) Buy or borrow a cluster with more than 7500 miles on it.
2) Rig up something (electric motor) to spin the front wheel enough to put 7500 miles on the bike.
 
#8 ·
Option 2 for sure... Just run the front till its over. And no dude if it's got another states sticker its gotta be past the 75 mark which makes no sense what so ever. But here in grand ole california shit doesn't have to make sense it just has to make them money.
 
#9 ·
Is there an odometer requirement? I mean does the bike have to have one on it?

In VA one can legally have a bike without an odometer - it must have a speedometer, but not an Odo.

With a let out like that you could remove the stock guages, affix a functional speedometer, like one for a bicycle, and just say it's got more than 7500 on it.

You will have to suck of the fact that the title, and it bikes legal record show a different value than the Odometer. Any resale you do would have to make note of that discrepancy.
 
#10 ·
California is "goofed up", everyone knows that!!

Another possible angle here is that there are documented problems with the 690 smc cluster. Do you have a local KTM dealer there who can assist you somehow? Do they have a defective cluster that still shows 7500++ miles on the odo in their parts bin?? Maybe someone here, who has in excess of 7500 miles can temporarily "swap" you clusters for your DMV visit?? That would be the easiest way. I would offer to swap but i'm not at 7500 yet.....
 
#12 ·
From what I understand is the 7500 hundred mile req. was put into law due to CA dealers not wanting CA residents to buy new vehicles out of state & get them reg. in CA.

Also I live in CA & what I've found is that different DMV offices do things differently. Have you started the paperwork process with DMV yet as long as DMV hasn't put your info. into the computer you should OK. I've got a 690 speedo with 11K on it & would be willing to let you use it. (I live 3.5hrs south of Chico) after the swap hit a few DMV offices & you should be good to go. If not I know of a guy that gets stuff thru DMV.
I have had plenty of problems with DMV in the past but always get it thru. PM if you you want more info.
 
#13 ·
Thanks for your help guys, I found an odometer to use with over 7500 miles.

Off topic, but do you know where the stamped VIN # is on the 690 SM. I know where the VIN # is on the sticker(on the right side below the gas tank), but I can't get it registered until I show him the stamped VIN #, and I don't have my owners manual unfortunately.

Thanks again guys for your help, you just have to play California's stupid games if you want to be legal I guess.
 
#14 ·
I'll trade ya! In Iowa they dont give a rats ass about your vehicle, you can register whatever the hell you want! lol But, in turn, you can only ride your bike with out freezing your butt off for about 3 months of the year.
I would kill to be able to ride my bike year round! Maybe someday...
*California dreamin* :)

Thanks for your help guys, I found an odometer to use
with over 7500 miles.

Off topic, but do you know where the stamped VIN # is on the 690 SM. I know where the VIN # is on the sticker(on the right side below the gas tank), but I can't get it registered until I show him the stamped VIN #, and I don't have my owners manual unfortunately.

Thanks again guys for your help, you just have to play California's stupid games if you want to be legal I guess.
 
#16 ·
Hey Chico hope you got that bike through DMV, so many great roads up in that area. If not, my suggestion go to different DMV. The DMV in Chico sucks ass I lived there in my youth spent many days riding in the local hills and back roads. Good luck.:D
 
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