Title transfer question
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
tell him you'll take the title as is, he can keep the bike and a small deposit, if you go to title the bike and get a clear title from your DMV you will pay him the difference and pick up the bike
If for any reason the title is not clear (reported stolen, totaled and a salvage title was issued, bank lien, duplicate title issued, etc ) you are left holding the bag.
Tell him he has to give you a clean MD title in his name signed over to you.
Or be sneaky and ask for a copy of the title, find the name on it (previous owner) and get the skinny from him on the title situation.
What year is the frame and does your state require titles back to day 1 or do they drop off after 10 or 15 years like some states.
I live in a state and work in a business where I can produce documents and get titles for vehicles over 15 years old with not a lot of trouble.
I did one for a friend of a friend who restored a CB750 without having a title... only to find out in his state he needed one.... I documented and titled the bike and then sold it to him on paper to bail him out. But even then the stipulation from our DMV is if there is a question of ownership the person holding the original title can claim the vehicle
If for any reason the title is not clear (reported stolen, totaled and a salvage title was issued, bank lien, duplicate title issued, etc ) you are left holding the bag.
Tell him he has to give you a clean MD title in his name signed over to you.
Or be sneaky and ask for a copy of the title, find the name on it (previous owner) and get the skinny from him on the title situation.
What year is the frame and does your state require titles back to day 1 or do they drop off after 10 or 15 years like some states.
I live in a state and work in a business where I can produce documents and get titles for vehicles over 15 years old with not a lot of trouble.
I did one for a friend of a friend who restored a CB750 without having a title... only to find out in his state he needed one.... I documented and titled the bike and then sold it to him on paper to bail him out. But even then the stipulation from our DMV is if there is a question of ownership the person holding the original title can claim the vehicle
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
I've transferred open titles a few times, but they were on antique cars.
You will have problems with this, as the BOS won't match the name on the title, and I'm pretty sure the DMV will reject the application.
Make him title the bike or find another one..
You will have problems with this, as the BOS won't match the name on the title, and I'm pretty sure the DMV will reject the application.
Make him title the bike or find another one..
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,053
Likes: 19,189
From: The Wasteland
I guessed it would be more trouble than its worth. Too bad because it was a fairly good deal.
A 1990 1200 Sporty. Needed fork seals and oil leak fixed. He was asking $1500 but I think I coulda got it for about $1200.
A 1990 1200 Sporty. Needed fork seals and oil leak fixed. He was asking $1500 but I think I coulda got it for about $1200.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,491
Likes: 34,602
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
Better for you to hold out for a 1991 & up. You will be better off with a five speed that doesn't have the alternator behind the clutch hub. When that fails (and it will) it's like getting your wallet caught in the primary....Stay away from the 4 speed alternator Sportsters!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 579
From: Ft Smith Arkansas
Title
I transfered more than one open title in my time . Do you have to have it Notarized in PA ? In Arkansas you dont and you dont have to pay late fees if the registration is out if the bike hasnt been rode.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,752
Likes: 3,271
From: West Central Florida
I have done a "double transfer" before. Same situation but the second guy signed it. I had to pay double the fees, the title went from original seller to second guy who signed but did not register, to me. This was 15 years ago in Fla
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,968
From: Lake of the Ozarks
Open title transfers used to be pretty common around here(Mo.), never was legal but common just the same. Folks would buy one, tinker with it, drive/ride it a month, then flip it and start over.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
Also called an open title in many states and is a crime in some. Used as away to avoid a dealer tax for sell bikes or cars. Most states after a few require you to have a dealer license. Used by fillers to hide their activity.
