why?

[vtwin650]

Why do so many bikes that pop up on Craigslist not have titles? I refuse to ever buy another bike without a title (unless it is for less than $350 and then merely as a parts bike)

this one just popped up

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/2968831413.html

and I want it, but who in their right mind would bay $1200?

 

[Tim]

I think mostly they've been sitting around for so long that people have lost titles etc. In Ontario it's not a big deal to get a title. Anyone can do a search on past owners based on the VIN, and you just produce a notarized statement saying you bought the bike. So long as there aren't any claims/liens against the bike you get a new title and ownership documents.

Not sure why it's such a pain in the ass in so many US states.

 

[famousseajay]

Because people are dumb. This could also be the reason why the bike is listed as a 350, but both side covers say 250... ???

 

[foundation982]

The state needs to stop being dumb about it and make applying for a title easier, all we're doing is having useful bikes sit and wasting resources god I could rage for hours about how stupid it is

 

[vtwin650]

Because people are dumb. This could also be the reason why the bike is listed as a 350, but both side covers say 250... ???

yep = I too noticed that! people are dumb!

 

[buckeyebike]

Ohio is one of the worst states to try to get a title for a nontitled bike. Hoops, red tape, lots of time and around $200. No title here = parts bike. If you think about it optimistically though, you can pick up a bike for $200, take what you want off it and then supply others with what they need and get most, all or more than your money back. I have never done that, but I heard it works . . .

 

[SwissGuy]

Here in RI it's easy, same with MA I believe. All you need is previous registration for anything over 10y old, you take it down to the Cop-Shop, have them run the VIN, if it checks out as not stolen, you take that form, the notarized bill of sale, and a previous registration (if you have it, makes it easier) to the DMV, they register it, and a week later, you get a new title.

A bit of running around, but not exactly hard, nor is it cost-prohibitive.

 

[frogman]

Texas you can get a bonded title, just need bill of sale and some other paper work. Search the forums here its been done by someone down there recently, in Dallas as well. If the PO had a title in their name they can get a copy made for a fee. If not, maybe the owner before them can be tracked down.

Nearest neighbor to the north has a Title Lien process that when followed gets complete ownership and clear title in 6-8 weeks. Done it myself once and will be doing it again.

Sure, a bike with a title is always nice in this area and it does make for good haggling room when they don't have one.

 

[Hoofhearted]

Every state has ways of titling a no title bike (or car). Some state have complex set ups. Others can be fairly simple. If you don't know how to or haven't got your paperwork in order, you rant. Its their rules and their ball. Learn them, follow them and getting a title can be relatively easy.

 

[foundation982]

Every state has ways of titling a no title bike (or car). Some state have complex set ups. Others can be fairly simple. If you don't know how to or haven't got your paperwork in order, you rant. Its their rules and their ball. Learn them, follow them and getting a title can be relatively easy.

Unless you live in IL >:[

 

[Redbird]

Here in RI it's easy, same with MA I believe. All you need is previous registration for anything over 10y old, you take it down to the Cop-Shop, have them run the VIN, if it checks out as not stolen, you take that form, the notarized bill of sale, and a previous registration (if you have it, makes it easier) to the DMV, they register it, and a week later, you get a new title.

A bit of running around, but not exactly hard, nor is it cost-prohibitive.

Similar here in Louisiana. A few different hoops to jump through, but I got a title for my DS7 and it only cost me about $125

 

[Hoofhearted]

Some years ago I bought a bike with no title. In fact the guy I bought it from didn't (by the rule of law) even own it. He took it in lieu of money owed and never bothered to get the title and transfer it to his name. I went to the DMV. They sent me to the Highway Patrol who ran the numbers. All good. Back to the DMV. Pick up my tags and new plates. $38 and done. In reality it took a bit longer than I make it seem. But it was a straight forward process.

As I said each state has a process. Asking here is like asking the DMV where to get parts for your bike. You'll get various answers. Some right. Some way out in left field. Ranting and raving about it won't get the answer you need. Go to your DMV with whatever paperwork you have and ask what is the process needed to get a title. Ask politely. You know. Bees, honey and vinegar.

 

[DrJ]

I just titled a bike with no history in Ontario. Needed bill of sale, notorized affidavit -$20 and letters of VIN confirmation from 2 motorcycle dealerships - free. Newly created ownership - $20, sales tax $20. Total - $60, not too bad but the real cost is the time to do all that.

 

[Thunderchild]

Texas you can get a bonded title, just need bill of sale and some other paper work. Search the forums here its been done by someone down there recently, in Dallas as well. If the PO had a title in their name they can get a copy made for a fee. If not, maybe the owner before them can be tracked down.

Nearest neighbor to the north has a Title Lien process that when followed gets complete ownership and clear title in 6-8 weeks. Done it myself once and will be doing it again.

Sure, a bike with a title is always nice in this area and it does make for good haggling room when they don't have one.

Yep, big PITA here in Texas. My son went the bonded title route on his CB750F that had a screwed up Nevada title. He paid a company to do all the paperwork for him. Made it somewhat easier than doing it yourself. The outfit that did his is ran by a retired judge and his wife used to work for the Texas DMV. They have connections and can get get stuff done.

If anyone wants details on the company, let me know. I'll ask my son.