OK, I don't kow if this will work anywhere but Texas, but here goes. We've all seen the ads "bike for sale, title in previous owners name". I have run from those ads before thinking it would be a major pain to get a title in my name. But it really isn't. As long as previous owner has signed the back of the title, and the person selling it has not signed, you can get a title in your name. Simply fill out the Title Transfer paperwork and where the Previous owner is supposed to sign, just write "Unable to Contact" and sign your name beside it. You may have to pay late transfer fees ($10 In Texas), but at least you have a title and tag for your new bike.