Blink,
Not sure of the law in CT but in Colorado here is the deal.
If you are going to dual sport your bike (ride on the road) you have to title your bike as a highway vehicle. Here, when you buy a dirtbike you don't pay the same taxes as a road bike. when you go to get set up you'll have to pay the taxes as if it were a road bike, then the DMV generates a registration. When you go to get your plates you'll need a title and registration (just like a car).
In Short a "Title" shows you as the owner of the bike, if you are being financed, the bank has this. The Registration shows the taxible value, VIN, etc.. of the bike
When we "register" our bikes to ride in the NF, Colorado has OHV stickers required to ride in NF. You need to know your VIN and have $15 handy that's it. So it's easy for theives to get "stickered" here since no title/registration/bill of sale is needed.
As far as a bike light, check your local laws. Here in CO we need a headlight, tail light, Brake light (activated by front or back brake) a horn (even a bike horn is ok) and DOT tires. this varies from state to state. I personally wouldn't want to do any extended riding on the road with just a bike light. But thats just me.
Rod