It’s not uncommon to see new motorcycles sit for years….nothing is flying out of dealers since 2008.

The Suzuki VL800, VL800C, VL800T are also not CARB approved.

The Yamaha XVS650, XVS650A, XVS650AT are not CARB approved.
Neither is the XV250

Maybe nobody in California likes the V engines?

Out of 62 certificates that are for engine classes that are not approved for California that is it for the Japanese. The remainder are all Chinese models that include all of the Chinese Yamaha V clones.

I really doubt that the major manufacturers cheap out on CARB approval, but anything is possible. They may cheap out on R&D to get to that level. Assuming the EFI can attain a level may be a panacea if the engine is not an efficient design to begin with. The multi-valves permit better oxidization of the fuel and burn completer.