Hello everyone I started building a VW Trike a few yrs ago. I got a 77 Goldwing frame & had the title put in my name with antique plates. Since I have built a VW Trike with it will it be legal. I have been told they don't give titles for VW Trikes now. :xzqxz: With my health it has taken me yrs to build it, I almost have it ready for a test ride. Now not sure what to do I am ready to retire & was looking forward to taking it on long trips. Thanks for any info.
VW Trike Title TX
- Thread starter B-2
- Start date
peteg59
Meme Master
Not a Texas resident, but I've not heard good things regarding titling a home-built car/motorcycle fabrication. I hope things I've heard in the past, have changed. There are Texas folk reading this who can get you an answer.
Best of luck on your project.ThumbUp
Best of luck on your project.ThumbUp
2006gold
950+ Posts
Have any friends in Louisiana? Maybe you could register it there.
Ozarkryder
New member
There has been a thread or two on this, http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/29446-Texas-Law?highlight=home+made+trike+texas and I'm sure there is information and speculation on the internet. I would think the thing to do would be to call your local DMV office and see what they say. To back that up, I'd call another office to see if what they say agrees.
stinger608
New member
Yep, just from reading threads here on TrikeTalk it doesn't sound good!
Seems as though, if a trike isn't built by a "manufacture" then Texas will not allow it to be titled and licensed in the state.
Crazy if you ask me!
FuzzyWuzHe
New member
Just another case of the government making laws to protect us from ourselves ... :Shrug:
So first let me say I do not like what is happening in Texas and some other states.
Some of you may not like my opinion but here it is anyway.
I think if a person builds a reliable and safe vehicle it should be allowed to be titled and registered.
BUT I do understand the need for some type of quality control.
I was so worried about this when I built my 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] trike that I over engineered everything (that was good to do anyway)
But when it actually came to inspections they really did not inspect anything. Each year when I take my trike in for inspection they do not check much if anything at all.
Now don’t get me wrong I don’t complain to them about this. I like getting in and out as fast as I can. I have to make sure my Trike is up to standards and safe myself.
BUT some people would take advantage of this and not have their vehicles up to standards or even safe.
I have seen a lot of Trikes and other vehicles that are very poorly constructed. Some are downright UNSAFE
So yes I think there must be some sort of standard but I don’t think completely banning them is a right
If the inspections were actually done like they should be with qualified inspectors they would be able to weed out the vehicles that are constructed poorly?
So that gets into how to they inspect welds, design and such. I do not know the answer on that
I do feel some type of quality/safety inspection should be done by a recognized expert/official. Not just some sheriff or some local garage mechanic that may or may not know what he should be looking at
Just my opinion
Some of you may not like my opinion but here it is anyway.
I think if a person builds a reliable and safe vehicle it should be allowed to be titled and registered.
BUT I do understand the need for some type of quality control.
I was so worried about this when I built my 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] trike that I over engineered everything (that was good to do anyway)
But when it actually came to inspections they really did not inspect anything. Each year when I take my trike in for inspection they do not check much if anything at all.
Now don’t get me wrong I don’t complain to them about this. I like getting in and out as fast as I can. I have to make sure my Trike is up to standards and safe myself.
BUT some people would take advantage of this and not have their vehicles up to standards or even safe.
I have seen a lot of Trikes and other vehicles that are very poorly constructed. Some are downright UNSAFE
So yes I think there must be some sort of standard but I don’t think completely banning them is a right
If the inspections were actually done like they should be with qualified inspectors they would be able to weed out the vehicles that are constructed poorly?
So that gets into how to they inspect welds, design and such. I do not know the answer on that
I do feel some type of quality/safety inspection should be done by a recognized expert/official. Not just some sheriff or some local garage mechanic that may or may not know what he should be looking at
Just my opinion
I'm new to the trike seen, but I've been around
fiberglass VW buggies for a long time. I don't
know if it work for Texas, but what if you titled
and registered it in a neighboring state, then
transferred it to Texas?
fiberglass VW buggies for a long time. I don't
know if it work for Texas, but what if you titled
and registered it in a neighboring state, then
transferred it to Texas?
1dn5up
<b>Thumper</b>
So first let me say I do not like what is happening in Texas and some other states.
Some of you may not like my opinion but here it is anyway.
I think if a person builds a reliable and safe vehicle it should be allowed to be titled and registered.
BUT I do understand the need for some type of quality control.
I was so worried about this when I built my 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] trike that I over engineered everything (that was good to do anyway)
But when it actually came to inspections they really did not inspect anything. Each year when I take my trike in for inspection they do not check much if anything at all.
Now don’t get me wrong I don’t complain to them about this. I like getting in and out as fast as I can. I have to make sure my Trike is up to standards and safe myself.
BUT some people would take advantage of this and not have their vehicles up to standards or even safe.
I have seen a lot of Trikes and other vehicles that are very poorly constructed. Some are downright UNSAFE
So yes I think there must be some sort of standard but I don’t think completely banning them is a right
If the inspections were actually done like they should be with qualified inspectors they would be able to weed out the vehicles that are constructed poorly?
So that gets into how to they inspect welds, design and such. I do not know the answer on that
I do feel some type of quality/safety inspection should be done by a recognized expert/official. Not just some sheriff or some local garage mechanic that may or may not know what he should be looking at
Just my opinion
in NY we ck horn,tire wear,signals, all the lights, (add ons included, gota work) ck for broken or loose wheel spokes, and one rear view mirror. All for $6.00.
Doesn't even halfto be registered.
sonny8l3
New member
My trike was built in Tx. but I bought it from a less than honest fellow in Ok. with an Ok title. The VIN is on the neck which came from an early model 2 wheel mc. I brought the Ok. title to La. DMV and transfered the title from Ok. to La. in my name. I handed the DMV lady my Ok. title and my money and we did not discuss any thing about the bike. When I called it in to my insurance agent I gave them the VIN and what it is titled as. They asked about anti thieft and rider education class. They did not ask about modifications and I did not mention it either. I reckon if I ever wreck it there may be some discussion about the VW rear end. But it won't show up in any blue book so I don't figure they will give me much for it any way. It could be titled in La. with nothing more than an address.
Thanks for your time.
Thanks for your time.
Ozarkryder
New member
So...has anyone gotten the definitive word from the state about home built trikes? I have heard much speculation but not much definition. As I am from Missouri, I don't rally have a dog in this hunt, I'm just curious.
BTW - I called the DMV and said I am moving to Texas and have a trike I built. They seemd to say, without committing themselves to any firm answer, that I might seriously consider selling it before I moved.:Shrug:
BTW - I called the DMV and said I am moving to Texas and have a trike I built. They seemd to say, without committing themselves to any firm answer, that I might seriously consider selling it before I moved.:Shrug:
Woolie
New member
Texas has done away with ASVE title designation. That stands for assembled Vehicle. I bought VW trike from a fellow who built it in Colorado. Colorado had assigned a VIN number and issued a Colorado title. The Colorado designation on the title was HOMEMADE, I had a little trouble registering it here but managed to get it done, then renewed the registration several years, no problem. Texas didn't allow HOMEMADE designation so it was changed to ASVE. It couldn't be anything else because of the VIN. Then about 3 years ago The law was changed and ASVE was not allowed, I could not renew my registration and could not change the designation. I could have sold it out of state but I gave it to a friend who wanted it to ride in parades and such. If you are using forks or front end from say a 1985 Yamaha whatever with VIN intact, and have a proper title with that VIN you can take to the tax office for registration you might get it done because it would still be designated a motorcycle by VIN. I can't guarantee that will work but I know a couple members of Brothers of the Third Wheel who ride VW's that are registered as Motorcycles and they are ok for now. Too many Libs in Austin!
Agree 100% with what you said but a friend has a home built VW trike that has a Honda front end VIN tag and all intact. When he went to get in inspected they flagged it. (In Texas you have to have all vehicles utilizing public road have to go thru inspection before tags will be issued.) He went to the tax office to get his tags and being it was flagged during inspection they advised him about the only possible to register a home built vehicle is to have ALL (even factory) welds magnafluxed and certified. AND there was no guarantee that he would be able to register it after having all that done. FYI just for kicks he checked and the closest place that would magnaflux and certify his trike was 125 miles (Woolie's backyard) away and would cost him approx $3000.00-$4000.00.
AND anybody thinking about registering in another state and keeping it in Texas they are watching for those trikes and pulling them over. You have a Texas drivers license you have something like 30 days to get Texas tags or face a pretty stiff fine. This is not even getting into the insurance issues.
Want some interesting read just Google "Polaris slingshot" Texas legal issues....
Just saying....
8~\o
Well it looks like I am going to try & sell my trike for parts or maybe sell it to some one in another state. It is reg. as a 1977 Goldwing with antique plates. :xzqxz: So I would think it could be reg. in a state that will still let you build your own trike. I moved to TX 10 yrs ago and never had a problem with my Model-A getting reg. but now I'm wondering about it coming next since it is home built.
- - - Updated - - -
We were looking forward to taking it on the road this summer, but now I guess I will be saving for another trike that is able to be reg. in TX
- - - Updated - - -
We were looking forward to taking it on the road this summer, but now I guess I will be saving for another trike that is able to be reg. in TX
peteg59
Meme Master
Sorry to hear of your bad luck on completing your project B2.
Find a friend out of state to sell it, to or take to for sale.
If you try to sell it in TX., every potential buyer will likely know the trike is basically worthless as a runner in state of TX., therefore offering peanuts on its actual value.
There are always fair deals on older factory converted Goldwing trikes on craigslist around me. Gotta be more of the same in Texas, I would have to believe.
Anyhow, good luck on whatever decision you make, & hope to hear you found something to ride.ThumbUp
Find a friend out of state to sell it, to or take to for sale.
If you try to sell it in TX., every potential buyer will likely know the trike is basically worthless as a runner in state of TX., therefore offering peanuts on its actual value.
There are always fair deals on older factory converted Goldwing trikes on craigslist around me. Gotta be more of the same in Texas, I would have to believe.
Anyhow, good luck on whatever decision you make, & hope to hear you found something to ride.ThumbUp
Thanks I moved here from IN so I'll probably take it back home & have my Brother sell it for me. I've always rode a Honda just wanted to build my own I'm riding a 1986 Goldwing sei that I brought back from the dead. I thought about making it a trike but parts are to hard to find out on the road & we want to do cross country riding now that I'm retried. Guess I'll have to look for a older Goldwing Trike
rhino 2
100000 + Posts
No Motorcycle inspection in NJ. The state did away with them in 2011...
The inspection was a joke anyway.. You would pull up to the inspection station..
Ask an inspector please can you break away from your grab-ass session with the other inspectors and [You gotta say please again] maybe he'll walk over at a half time pace and look at your bike...The inspection consisted of turn on lights right signal left signal brake light... The the most important part this is where most people fail... Do you have enough reflective tape on your helmet so it can be seen on both sides...
The inspection was a joke anyway.. You would pull up to the inspection station..
Ask an inspector please can you break away from your grab-ass session with the other inspectors and [You gotta say please again] maybe he'll walk over at a half time pace and look at your bike...The inspection consisted of turn on lights right signal left signal brake light... The the most important part this is where most people fail... Do you have enough reflective tape on your helmet so it can be seen on both sides...
DeathBySnuSnu
Old Redneck Motorhead
DMV here says "what is on the neck is what it is period"
So build it with a titled vin neck and good to go.
Mine is a registered antique with permanent plates and no further taxes or inspections. It is all photographed recorded and insured.
I dunno what I would do if had to move to TX.
I dont really understand how they could deny registration for a vehicle with pre existing valid registration.
So build it with a titled vin neck and good to go.
Mine is a registered antique with permanent plates and no further taxes or inspections. It is all photographed recorded and insured.
I dunno what I would do if had to move to TX.
I dont really understand how they could deny registration for a vehicle with pre existing valid registration.
deepellum3
New member
I just left the DMV office here in Texas with a ASVE MC title.
It was titled in my name no questions asked. None answered either.
I was told, not by DMV, that if you title it as a motorcycle with a motorcycle title you are fine.
It was titled in my name no questions asked. None answered either.
I was told, not by DMV, that if you title it as a motorcycle with a motorcycle title you are fine.
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