Steve, I didnt go thru this thread in all its meandering entirety but regarding motorcycle rules in California, I am guessing that if it is registered as a M/C--which it better be for smog reasons!--then all M/C rules probably apply, including DOT helmet class and quite probably a full-on class C M/C license. Although of course any given patrolman might or might not know what to do. But in my experience, I predict they will trail and pull over the first m3w they see, just to take a look at it. I would assume class C license until proven otherwise.
If you only drive surface streets in daylight, might be able to get away with a m/c permit which doesn't need driving test. At least that's how it used to be.
