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I woke up this morning with a bad feeling about a bike I just bought yesterday. I got it from a guy who bought it at an auction and sold it to me via craigslist; also claimed no title bc it's from auction. I was so excited to start working on it that I only checked the frame for cracks, rewelds, or bends and paid the guy. After going over it more I get the feeling it was laid down and possibly salvaged. Is this a hard lesson learned or can I legally obtain some money back? This was an all cash transaction. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
You'd need info from the auction. Did he buy it knowing it was salvage? If so then perhaps you'd have a shot at small claims or something as he didn't fully disclose the status of the bike.
But at the end of the day you paid cash for a non titled bike on Cragslist. I think you're stuck. Did you get a receipt from him?
First things first. Where do you live? In some US states, the no title issue is... A non issue. Secondly, what kind of bike is it? Also, what makes you think it was laid down? In most situations a bike that's been laid down only suffers cosmetic damage. Its when the bike hits something, or gets hit, or highsides and bounces down the road that the real issues arise.
Depending on how much energy, time and money you want to spend almost any problems can be overcome. Sometimes its worth it, other times its not.
Basically I'm saying that we need more info to really help you decide on the next step. That said, getting your money back is probobly not worth your effort. Especially since it was a cash transaction. Best case scenario, you put in some leg work and get your end of ownership sorted. Worst case, you sell the bike for parts and maybe lose some money.
Good luck man, and let us all know the details so we can try and lend a hand.
Thanks for the replies! So I got to talking with the seller and he says the auctioneer never told him anything and it wasn't salvaged. Story is the auction house bought a storage unit and found this in there; sold it to my contact as is. I guess in the end I overpayed for a bike; doubt I'd be the first one to do that. Oh, this is a 1974 Honda CB750 in NC. We are required to have a title and according to my DMV correspondent, I'll have to go through the indemnity bond process. I will be getting a bill of sale since we both forgot to bring one to the meet up. Very shady, but as is life.
I'll try to upload pictures tomorrow of the weird things I've seen. The rear tire is torn up on the left side, but rolls through the frame without contact. Making me think it rubbed on some type of uneven pavement. The entire frame, fenders, and tank are terribly rattle canned semi gloss black; the old layers of paint can be seen underneath. There's a good chance the previous owner just wanted to give it the blacked out look from afar, but the skeptic in me thinks they tried to cover up some marks where it got laid down. Like I said previously, the frame is not bent out or re-welded. The engine cover is also dented and will have to be replaced. This is one of the biggest WTF pieces of evidence for me and can't believe I missed it on the look over.
After reading your comments, I don't think it'll be worth going to court over a few hundred bucks considering a lawyer would be more than that. I'd rather put that money towards getting this bike on the road and adding this story to my long list of Life F-ups. Once I get a place to properly store and wrench on the bike I'll start up a thread to make up for this initial mistake, haha. I'm getting an entire front end from a Goldwing this weekend so planning on a Sunday funday if I don't have to work overtime during then.
It looks a bit scruffy, but I spy an electronic ignition, oil pressure gauge and some interesting mag wheels which all point to the bike being modified for speed in the past.
You might actually have a nice bike under the rough facade.
Worst case scenario is you part it out. You should be able to re-coup a few hundred.
Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm definitely going to keep this after taking it apart last night. The wheels are...interesting. The front end I'm getting tomorrow have comstars, so I'm gonna need to find a match for the rear. Any suggestions for what to look for or warnings against the front end?
Oh, the H bar. I understand the structural stability it gives, but do you ask know of methods to replace them? Thinking of possibly creating a customizing one in shop.
Honestly man, I wouldn't spend another dime / minute on the bike until you get a clean title in hand. Save up your cash while going thru the process, and keep an eye out locally for a clean / titled frame that will work. Just in case......
Looks like a decent project to me (if you paid in the $300-$500 range) I am here in NC as well. Lots of these bike come up on CL all the time, here in Asheville I think there are two frames one with a motor one without that have clear titles (so the add says). Find a good parts bike with a title and you will solve a ton of issues. My buddy picked up 2 bikes both laid down on opposite sides and it was a quick fix for the cosmetic stuff. I've seen much worse condition on here and with a little elbow grease and innovation you will be surprised at what you can come up with. Stay positive, you can always recoup your cash on ebay!
Also not sure where you are at, but Steve's Cycle in Maggie Valley is about the greatest MC salvage place in the US. If you need a part Steve has it for any bike any year. He also has a ton on knowledge and stories, just be prepared to spend the day with him if you go. lol
It's worth fixing. There are plenty of Honda SOHC 750 parts available and more being produced every day. Be sure to check the HondaSOHC board and Hondachopper.com for information and parts sources. You've got all the basic parts, looks like a good cleanup would get you way down the road. Those wheels look like Invaders. If so, check the spokes for cracking.
Rich, why should I get a title before working on the project? I thought getting an new title was applying for a antique/salvage title and poof on to get it registered. Or maybe I'm just dreaming and need to research this more, haha. I was planning on titling it after I get it customized/restored and road worthy to register.
I'm in the Piedmont (Greensboro/CH/Raleigh area), so Maggie Valley will be quite the trek. Not opposed to driving out to Blue Ridge and scouting out some good routes though!
I will be sure to check out this mysterious buying section once I get everything sorted and ready to be built back up; lucky for me I like "trashed" stuff. I'll PM you, Yinzer, once I get them off and replace it with the coms.
You would be amazed at how many people start pouring time and money into a project thinking the same thing - and then find out it's impossible to get a title. Not saying it will happen to you, just trying to save you a potential headache.
If titling a bike is really that simple in NC then go to town - but make absolutely sure first. Sucks to have a rideable bike and no possibility of a license plate.
Titling a bike in NC is a huge pain in the ass. Rich is right. Work on the title first. The indemnity bond is not a terrible process, but there are a few paperwork and inspection hoops to jump through.
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