Motorcycle: inspect before tag/registration or registration before inspection

[Snowdog]

I'll preface this by saying I live in Western North Carolina.

A buddy is trading his low-miles/near new condition Suzuki C50 Boulevard for my DWM Luger and RIA GI model 1911. 

He hasn't this bike for a while and it needs a tag and inspection.  My currently plan is to use a 5x9 open ramp trailer and haul it to a nearby shop that sells new and used motorcycles.  I would like them to give it a once-over and hopefully have it inspected.  The problem is that it currently has no tag. 

I'm thinking I need to get to the DMV first for the tax, title and tag before I can drop it off at the shop.  Does that sound right?

Thanks in advance.

[Hawkmoon]

Both motorcycle wheels on the trailer, off the ground?

I can't say for North Carolina, but I know that for my state a motor vehicle only needs to be registered if it will be towed with one or more wheels on the ground. If it's entirely on the trailer, we can town it all over the state without registering it. (But the trailer has to be registered.)

[Snowdog]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm uncertain whether I should leave the C50 in his garage until after I've squared away the registration at the DMV.  I'm wondering if the shop would do any work on a bike that doesn't have a tag.  The bike was winterized 3 years ago and never ridden again.  I'm sure it's in need of some work at this point.

[Blakenzy]

Wouldn't this be similar to a non road-legal dirtbike situation? So long as the rubber isn't touching the public road and the bike isn't stolen there shouldn't be any issues, I think.

[Fly320s]

In NH, we have to have a valid registration to get a vehicle inspected. 

[Jim147]

In Missouri you have to get it inspected before you go to the court house for your papers.

I would have to look up for off road but I think you have to reduce it every three to five years. I don't know of anyone doing it again after the first time.

[RocketMan]

I've always had to get my vehicles inspected before the DMV folks would issue new or renewed registrations.  I don't know the procedure for title transfers, however.
I live in western North Carolina, as well.  You could stop by your local DMV office and ask what needs to be done in your case.  The folks at the one close to my house in Hickory are friendly and helpful.  It might be because they are contractors and not actual government employees.