I updated my original post and believe this issue to be closed with no vehicle code violation with the tail lamps.
Sorry to dig this back up, but I just joined to find out if you were actually ticketed and if you came to a resolution with the state of CA... Though I don't own one of these bikes, I have an Ford F250 with tinted tail lights, PLUS supplemental DOT red reflectors on my bumper, yet received a ticket for ca vc 24600.
This section seems to apply to night, and I'm further confused by cars such as the Prius and Nissan leaf which have clear lenses, and no red reflector in the location of the lighting...
In regards to your situation, or anyone else in CA who has trouble with factory equipment, the burden can be shifted to the manufacturer.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26104.htmV C Section 26104 Required Laboratory Tests
Required Laboratory Tests
26104. (a) Every manufacturer who sells, offers for sale, or manufactures for use upon a vehicle devices subject to requirements established by the department shall, before the device is offered for sale, have laboratory test data showing compliance with such requirements. Tests may be conducted by the manufacturer.
(b) The department may at any time request from the manufacturer a copy of the test data showing proof of compliance of any device with the requirements established by the department and additional evidence that due care was exercised in maintaining compliance during production. If the manufacturer fails to provide such proof of compliance within 30 days of notice from the department, the department may prohibit the sale of the device in this state until acceptable proof of compliance is received by the department.