Dual Sport questions - honda xr200r

[EarthX]

OK moto experts. I need some help.
I've been looking long and hard for a dual sport bike. Something fairly small since Im still new to bikes.
I've found a 1994 xr200r in excellent shape that I can pick up for $1100. It starts right up, runs great and looks to have had a fairly easy life.
My concerns; the bike came down for oregon(Im in CA). Well I guess in oregon, in order to ride bike as trail only(which is all the po was doing) you dont need any paperwork or tags, you just go to the hardware store an buy a sticker?
So anyway, the title for the bike is long gone along with any plates it may or may not of had. I'm sure I can get a new title from the DMV, I don't think thats a problem. But, from what I understand, if they bike came from the factory as duel sport, the DMV can issue new tags and plates if not, no way in hell. So how do I go about finding that out? I've called a couple shops, and no one is sure, they think I'll be ok but there just guessing. My deal is, if I can get the bike street legal I'll buy it, if not Ill keep looking.

So key questions:

-Was that bike street legal right from honda?
-Is getting a new title hard?
-Is the price right?
-Am I making this hard on myself by not just getting a bike that already has plates?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Red Herring]

Stolen?

 

[EarthX]

No, I really don't think it's stolen. The guy selling it is a local shop owner and he seems to be an honest guy. I've got the vin# and I'll be calling the DMV tomorrow.

 

[baxter650]

I had a new 91 XR250L that was street legal.

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Call a local Honda dealer, but back in 94 who knows if it needed a title or not. You can probable apply for a title once you show them that bike is street legal.

 

[Kofoed]

I thought the XL series was dual sport. XR is dirt only. Does it have turn signals, horn, etc? No title and tags can put you in a bind with the CA DMV. No paperwork=no deal.

 

[VFRMAN]

L's are always street, R's are always dirt only. They used different designations off and on if I remember right? i.e. "XR650L" one year, "XL650" another year, but they are the same bike, XR250L/XL250(Same bike).

I've had 2 XR 600R's (dirt only Baja bikes )that I titled as well as my current XR400R that is titled in ND too. MN if I remember doesn't issue titles, just "Manufacturers Statement of Origin" in lieu of titles. This may not be right anymore but the point is, if the lady at DMV let's it slide, just keep licensing it. I've had mine licensed since 2000.

Caveat being if the Man pulls you over, it's up to you to prove it's "Street legal" which varies by state I'm sure as far as what all you need. Brake light, headlight, blinkers, mirrors, license plate, DOT tires, etc.

All I have on my 400 is a mirror and a license plate. I used to ride it to work 5 days a week with no trouble, but it all depends on the cop that wants to stop you.

On the 200R though for $1100 I would go up to the 250. You should be able to find a good one for less than $1500. Whole lot better bike than merely 50cc would indicate. Compare the 2 and see what you need.

I had a 91' 250R that I rode in the woods a Heck of a lot better than I can ride my 400 now. No use for the extra power, the way I rode anyway. Good luck either way.

FWIW I have my buddy's widows XR200R here in ND that I think she might finally sell someday. It's showroom new but probably hasn't been ridden in about 8 years.