newbie buys wrong bike

I cant believe that the Yamaha PW is a Red Sticker Model, this state is absolutely ridiculous. Unfortunately I dont know of any way to convert a Red Sticker bike to a Green Sticker the state bases its Red/Green Sticker requirements solely off of the VIN number. Below I pasted a short passage from the rules stating how it is determined. It was originally supposed to only affect competition 2 strokes but now the way it has been written it limits any new competition bike (including 4 strokes) and as you have found out even your sons play bike. It really makes no sense because I believe even the new model year KDX is a green sticker bike. When you consider who will be using a PW and the performance level of the bike it just blows my mind that they have allowed this bike to be a red sticker model. There are some riding areas that are year round regardless, I dont know if any of them are near your area but this is the link to check it out, it also list the red sticker open seasons at each area: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21928

"If the vehicle has a 3 or a C in the eighth position of the Vehicle Identification Number, then it does not meet the emission standards and should be issued a Red Sticker. The Red Sticker is exactly the same as the Green Sticker except that these vehicles can only be operated during certain times of the year"

in2h2o said:

Can any of you California riders tell me or direct me to what Manufactures and models are green sticker compliant. Or maybe it is easier to identify which ones are red so I can avoid them. I am thinking 70cc to 200. Thanks

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I have never seen them promulgate a list of models. But basically all of the motocross competition models are Red Sticker 4 stroke or 2 stroke, the competition trail models and then as you found out, there are some play bikes out there, especially the 2 stroke ones that are hit too. The only exception to these rules are bikes that are 2002 model year or older. The rule applys for bikes and quads starting with the 2003 model year and newer so if you can find a good condition 2002 or older you will be safe regardless of the model. I am pretty sure that all of the 4 stroke playbikes I have listed the links to each below, are all green sticker. Unfortunately a large number of the KTM models fall under the Red Sticker category. To be sure check the VIN I would hate to give you bad gouge here.
Honda CRF(playbike version)http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/off-road/
Yamaha TT-R http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/lifestylehome/home.aspx
Kawasaki KLX http://www.kawasaki.com/product_detail.asp?product=56&category=2&tag=motorcycle
Suzuki DRZ http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/OffRoad/Default.aspx

in2h2o I dont blame you for making the error, if I was buying a PW I would have never thought to check either. Just based off of the size of the bike and the fact that it is a kids playbike I would have never guessed. Absolutely ridiculous.

in2h2o said:

Thank you JST122. I am so bummed. I had planned on visiting El Mirage this weekend with friends. Now I feel like selling this bike and looking for an XR 70. I sure screwed up. The wife is gonna be pissed!!

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it ain't red sticker season already yet is it? you should be ok this weekend..

im glad i dont live in cali

in2h2o said:

..one more thing does the 03-06 Honda CRF 70 have a green or red sticker?

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I am almost positive that the Honda CRF 70 is a green sticker model regardless of the year. As a small bore 4 stroke playbike it should comply with the regulations. The Yamaha TT-R models, Kawasaki KLX, and Suzuki DR-Z models should all comply regardless of the year. Four strokes in general are more likely to meet the regulations with the exception of the race competition models.

H20 - I saw you have the bike already listed for sale. While this might be a long shot - try taking it back to the dealer you bought it from. I think a dealer should be well enough informed they shoudl have known to point out to you this was a red sticker bike. Who knows, they might be willing to cut you a sweet deal on a green sticker new or used they have on the floor already.

I sure am glad I live in Michigan!