Need advice: 400cc bike registered as 250cc – is it worth fixing?

[YW Creations Y Studio]

Hey everyone,
I’m looking at buying a Honda XR 400SM (2008) – chassis number ND08-120xxx. The bike itself is solid, and everything checks out: genuine chassis and engine numbers, good condition overall.

BUT – it’s registered as a 250cc.

I’m hesitant because of this mismatch. I really want to keep everything legal and clean. If anything were to happen (accident, inspection, resale, etc.), I want to be able to speak up without fear or trouble.

So I’m trying to understand:

1. Is it possible to legally correct the engine capacity on the registration?

2. What’s the proper process to do that through RMV/DMT?

3. How much would it typically cost?

4. How long does it take?

5. With the current delays and situation at RMV/DMT, is it even worth trying right now?

If anyone here has gone through something similar or knows someone who has, I’d really appreciate your advice. I want to do this the right way and avoid issues in the future.

Thanks in advance!

[john cooper]

With the recent stories, there was a whole saga about the registration of a few of the vehicle models in SL, including the motor bicycles.

So, give it a miss, don't make it your issue when it is someone else's issue. I have heard the investigations are underway.

High capacity bicycles are being registered legally due to a loophole in the RMV process/paperwork, so snap one of them if you need fast two wheels.

Ride safe!

 

Regards,

JC

[iRage]

On 4/16/2025 at 2:40 PM, YW Creations Y Studio said:

Hey everyone,
I’m looking at buying a Honda XR 400SM (2008) – chassis number ND08-120xxx. The bike itself is solid, and everything checks out: genuine chassis and engine numbers, good condition overall.

BUT – it’s registered as a 250cc.

I’m hesitant because of this mismatch. I really want to keep everything legal and clean. If anything were to happen (accident, inspection, resale, etc.), I want to be able to speak up without fear or trouble.

So I’m trying to understand:

1. Is it possible to legally correct the engine capacity on the registration?

2. What’s the proper process to do that through RMV/DMT?

3. How much would it typically cost?

4. How long does it take?

5. With the current delays and situation at RMV/DMT, is it even worth trying right now?

If anyone here has gone through something similar or knows someone who has, I’d really appreciate your advice. I want to do this the right way and avoid issues in the future.

Thanks in advance!

Legalizing is always a good thing. However, in a country where regulations and its practice is nothing short of a clown show you might be shooting yourself in the foot when it is not even your problem. As JC mentioned...stay away from anything that has a questionable book.
To answer your questions, the best place (and frankly,should be your only place) in the RMV. Give a call and present the situation as a hypothetical scenario. Some of us can share experiences or what we believe is the regulation, but things change so much (at least in practice) that what was the case last year might not be so this year.

[YW Creations Y Studio]

8 hours ago, john cooper said:

With the recent stories, there was a whole saga about the registration of a few of the vehicle models in SL, including the motor bicycles.

So, give it a miss, don't make it your issue when it is someone else's issue. I have heard the investigations are underway.

High capacity bicycles are being registered legally due to a loophole in the RMV process/paperwork, so snap one of them if you need fast two wheels.

Ride safe!

 

Regards,

JC

Thanks for the heads-up, JC!

[YW Creations Y Studio]

2 hours ago, iRage said:

Legalizing is always a good thing. However, in a country where regulations and its practice is nothing short of a clown show you might be shooting yourself in the foot when it is not even your problem. As JC mentioned...stay away from anything that has a questionable book.
To answer your questions, the best place (and frankly,should be your only place) in the RMV. Give a call and present the situation as a hypothetical scenario. Some of us can share experiences or what we believe is the regulation, but things change so much (at least in practice) that what was the case last year might not be so this year.

Totally agree—no point getting caught up in a mess that isn’t yours. I’ll check directly with the RMV and tread carefully. Appreciate the advice!

[tiv]

Stay clear...