| Author | Message | ||
     S1w222 |
anyone know what my options are? I have a Buell S1 not registered in my name and no bill of sale, lost all paperwork and cant get hold of previous owner, at sea currently (work as seafarer) so cant call DMV, any advice appreciated, Thx | ||
| Dannybuell |
Find the real owner through DMV and then Google? (Message edited by dannybuell on December 15, 2014) | ||
| Reepicheep |
This has all the classic flags of the start of a scam (at sea, need somebody to help me out, I'll send you money and you send part of it out and keep the rest). So tread carefully here, and S1w222, you are going to have a really hard time getting much material help because scammers have peed in the well you need water from.  In Ohio, it is illegal to sell a vehicle without title. They will sort of turn a blind eye to it for old dirt bikes, because back when they were purchased in various states they often did not require a title in the first place. But to plate it and get it on the road? No way, not going to happen, without a title. You will have to find the owner and get them to sign it over. There may be laws in other states where you could transfer the bike there, claim title via their "non responsive seller" path, then bring it back. But it will be dodgy, time consuming, and probably expensive. I think California has a decent path to doing this if the bike is there, but I don't recall details. Maybe somebody from CA that has done this can chime in. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I believe you now own an S1 parts bike... | ||
| Davefl |
S1 frame with clear title in the classifieds. | ||
| S1owner |
I have the s1 frame with clear title!!! | ||
| Lynrd |
It's going to vary from state to state. In Florida - from County to County. I had to do something like this once in Broward County with an olde truck. I got it done but it took months. I would personally avoid it as DMV work will suck your soul out through your nostrils in small increments, but if it could not be avoided... In CA I would start with a form 343 (Application for Title) and a statement of facts on how I came to own this bike with no bill of sale or title. Use the DMV statement of facts form to avoid confusion. DMV would look at the form, run the numbers for the first time, take my money (yes, you have to post your fees long before you get a tag or title) and refer me to the highway patrol. They might be nice and give me a trip permit or temporary reg so I could ride it to CHP. Ask for one - they may not offer it otherwise. If you do not get a trip permit - do NOT ride the bike anywhere, especially to the cop shop. The inspection officer WILL get nasty about that. Bring it in a truck or trailer. Once I get to the Highway patrol (and you must make an appointment) the inspection officer would look at all your paperwork and check several sources to make sure the bike isn't hot or part of an insurance scam. Assuming it comes up clean, the officer will sign off your paper and send you back to CHP, where they review the paperwork and give you your tag. I don't know what happens if it does NOT come up clean, but there you are, conveniently located at the cop shop already - it's a short walk to the back room... I just did this successfully for Gloria (S2 #212) a few months ago. The big trick is actually to be very nice, civil and personable at all times to everyone at the DMV and CHP - if you get frustrated at the slow pace of government workers, show it by smiling bigger. | ||
| Hootowl |
If you're sure it's yours, and have simply lost the paperwork, swapping the frame for one with a clean title might be easier. However, if I was in that situation, I would go through the DMV and get it done right. | ||
| Coxster |
In Missouri a trip like that to the Highway Patrol is called an ID/OD. My '54 Ford had a typo on the title ( A "G" got typed as an "A"). I had to make an appt, used a trailer, and the highway patrol was super nice. They might even want to talk about how rare it is. I'd have it clean and perfect and all those lights etc working just in case . . . | ||
| S1w222 |
Thanks for all the advice, Reepicheep I meant I am currently at sea not the previous owner, I've emailed him and got 2 different friends to call him from the US, he's now saying he sent the paperwork and keys already and then wont answer the phone from a number he recognizes as calling about the issue previously. Pretty sure he's lost it all and cant be bothered to help me sort it. When I get back to the US i will run the VIN and make sure its not hot but don't have the VIN with me so cant do it now. Pretty sure its legitimately his though but will check. Lynrd I will be doing this in Broward County so your advice is very relevant. If i cant get the title i guess i could take what i need parts wise and sell the rest, I originally brought it for some of the parts that were on it/came with it as extras to add to my S1W and then sell the rest but seems a shame to break it down as its in great shape and only has 9k on the odometer, guess I'll see what happens when I get back to Florida, either way I'll have some parts to sell including full Vance and Hines exhaust system in great shape, a tail section (single) and a Buell helmet, I'll post when i get back Thx | ||
| Mhlunsford |
In ca I did something similar years ago with a car. If reg in your name u can get a new title. If not ca dmv has some forms you can fill out as lynard mentioned. I could not get the former owner to sign so I did all signing and all went fine. I figure dmv has real crime to keep them busy than chase me. Results may vary. Dmv site you can run the vin to check status; they also have an app. I check now before I buy. (Message edited by Mhlunsford on December 17, 2014) |
