Legislation moving motorcycle registrations and plates from a fixed expiration date to the bike owner's birthday appears likely to be signed into law.

Bikers say it's not that big a deal. Motorcycle dealers say it'll mean some changes for them. The Michigan Secretary of State department hopes it will streamline operations at branch offices.

Under the legislation, expected to be signed into law by the governor and to take effect Feb. 1, 2005, motorcyclists would have their registrations and plates due on their birthdays and can renew up to six months in advance.

Currently, motorcycle registrations expire March 31, and bikers can renew up to six weeks before then.

This affects 200,000 Michigan bikers - 23,199 in Oakland County.

"This is really about the customer first and foremost, but there's an ancillary benefit to our branch office staff," Secretary of State spokesman Ken Silfven said. "You won't have the crush of customers having to renew all at once."

Some bikers who flee the state in the winter sometimes overlook their motorcycle renewals, the state says.

The state expects little cost savings from the change but a sizable easing of the impact on state workers with the workload being spread out over 12 months.

After the changes take effect Feb. 1, renewal fees will be prorated for the first year based on the number of months from April 1 to the owner's birthday. After 2005, fees are calculated for a full year from the owner's birthday.

At ABC Harley Davidson in Waterford Township, manager Tamara Tressler said the dealership currently issues half-year plates or full year plates, depending on when a motorcycle is purchased.

"It's probably a bigger deal for us," she said, but noted it'll make the process easier for bike owners.

"I suppose if you're getting everything else on your birthdate, it's simpler," she said.