I've rode in the hot lanes/HOV up here in NOVA and did not use an ezpass but my bike is registered with the system.  I don't remember getting any bills..

If you are registered, and the transponder is not read, the license plate reader SHOULD still link to your account and act the same as using a transpoder.  But, at least in Hampton Roads, I don't think you can create an account without them sending you an EZpass transponder, which they apparently expect you to mount and use.  I scanned through their documentation and FAQ's and can't find any mention of exactly what happens when the transponder is not read.  I can only find anecdotes elsewhere.

Presumably if the tag is not read while in the express lanes, the system will assume NON-HOV mode and charge the full amount of the express lane toll at the time based on vehicle class (which for a motorcycle is zero dollars) to the plate holder's account.  Have no idea if a notification or warning is issued.  If there is no account for the plate holder, it will charge that plus hefty fees which escalate over time ("pay by plate" or "Missed-a-Toll") to the owner of the car via mail.

So it does make one wonder why bother with a transponder or account if you are a motorcycle and use ONLY Express Lanes without using toll bridges and tunnels.  I thought of this, but wanted to be on the safe side with no surprises.  There might be some fee for non-account-holders.  It is amazing there is no info on that.

I didn't think that you had to use a transponder thingy for motorcycles on roads.  I've never used one up here on 95 before.  What is this $20 option you speak of?

They converted the failed I64 HOV lanes into "Express Lanes" and added readers for that purpose (similar kind used at all the toll bridges/tunnels).

I don't know about there, but here, ANY vehicle using the express lanes is required to have an EZPass account and transponder on the vehicle.  Creating an account and registering the plate is "free", and the transponder is "free", but you have to load a minimum of $20 on the account for tolls.  Then they send the transponder.  Since I am likely never to use any toll, that $20 will just sit there on the account forever.

http://www.64expresslanes.org

From what  I understand the best place to mount it is in the side case on the angled section facing forward and up. Use the Velcro to stick it on just like on a windshield. The plastic of the side case is easier to transmit through then a windshield. C14 riders who have done this report 100% success. Plus then it's protected from the elements and theft.

The new "Express Lanes" on I64 are now open.  And from everything I read, motorcycles can use that lane *any time* for free.  I travel that road/direction for a good distance about once a week, so I decided it might be worth the hassle.  It is only a single lane, so getting caught behind someone slow would be irritating.  But otherwise, it is another option for travel if the main lanes had an accident.  Or just because it is physically separated from other vehicles (wider lane and has physical barriers on about halfway) so it would increase motorcycle travel safety.

So I decided to plop down the $20 and the pass arrived today.  I plan to mount it in the right pannier, exactly how you described.  Nothing to steal, no number for someone to examine, protected from the elements, can't just fall off onto the road, etc.  I am not sure how I will know if it is working or not, since they might use plate if the read fails and might not send any notice at all.  Guess I wait and see.  I am likely to use it Saturday night.  So Big Brother will be watching....

Another benefit of using all the bike's original ECUs is that the TPMS will work, as long as their batteries are not flat.  Their ID also resides in the Kipass ECU.

Yes, its a US bike and parts. I’m not going to fool with it if i can’t get the ECU. Im not going to drag a non-running bike to a dealer to program it. Ideally I want to just swap all parts and see if it runs. I may send off the stuff to get a fob from the company CA.