I have the chance to buy a 'classic' bike but the owner has recently moved and has lost the title. A bill of sale will come with the bike. There are no leans on the bike. He's owned it for 3 years and rides it regularly. What does one do when buying a moto that has no title?

Pros - good price on a vintage bike

Cons - hassle getting it titled

Any other concerns?

lost the title?  BS.  he can apply for a new one.  I wouldn't buy it.

can of worms.  RUN (not walk) away from this deal.

Make him apply for lost title.

Your other option is bonded-title, which essentially waits a period of time for others to pipe up and declare they are rightful owners. Its somewhat like adverse possession. If nobody pipes up and complains about your bonded title, then after the term, an actual title issues to you. There are many companies that can do this.

Agree with you all.  It's just such a cheap deal i was tempted for a moment. I'm over it now. Thanks. 

The old saying applies here: if it's too good to be true then it probably isn't. Glad you're over it. What was it by the way? Curious minds want to know.

did we change the thread to politics Fastwin?   

Well, If I must, I'm looking for an inexpensive bike (read '70's - '80's) to cafe. I think it'd be fun to strip down and rebuild something like this



A 1978 Honda cb750 F supersport w/13k. Just had a G worth of work done last April, saw the receipt. It would be in my garage if the title was there.

I found this on cl advertised for a G. When pushed as to the immediate sellability he said the title was at his sisters house in Nebraska. I called the DMV with the VIN and it is a Texas bike last registered in 2003. He said he moved out of state and lost the title.

Not to fear there are a few bikes out there at the moment with titles that actually run! Just looking for something to have some low cost fun with.

check in on this guy http://www.re-cycles.com
sometimes he has oldies but goodies.

Thanks he put me in touch with a guy who deals in project bikes.

Red - last time I had low-cost fun I was on antibiotics for six weeks.   

happy ending at least? 

someone buy this thing....
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/1737051320.html

Are you tempted?  [moto]

bad ass. i want the front end (forks, brakes, wheel, axle) and the rear wheel. Split the cost with somebody who wants a motor.