Yes, i meant to say that the VINs were not on the frames pre-1970. Thank you.

 

Thanks guys for all the info and opinions. I am going to give the guy a call later to see if he has an explanation for why he doesn't have a title.

I guess I will put it in his hands at this point. If he wants to prove that he does actually own the bike and can get title then I don't have any problem with buying it. If not then I guess I will just keep looking.

One other question, where on the engine and the frame would the serial number be located?

Thanks again for all the help guys and I will keep you posted.

 

Well, I just got off the phone with the guy and apparently he bought the bike off of his brother who also never had a title. The registration that he has is in his brothers name, not his. He doesn't seem to have any desire to try and get a title for the bike.

It sounds a little fishy to me. What do you guys think? He seems to be having a tough time selling it and I don't want to be the idiot that buys it since this will be my first bike.

 

if his brother has a registration then the title was in his name and he can file for a lost title, after all how could he register the bike with out a title? sounds fishy, there is something goin on there maybe one bro owes the other money and he took the bike?? i would stay away if you really wanted to i would write down the vin ,im sure you could have the local police run the vin number

 

just remember that good ole cliche "CYOA" ITS YOUR MONEY BUT DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!! could be a great investment for some cool old school iron or a $2k crap shoot

 

On another forum very recently a guy posted a thread about an IronHead that he bought, spent thousands on, and two years later had it taken away by the police and returned to the rightful owner.

This is serious. No title == no deal!!!

Also, even if there is a title check it out with local DMV or whatever it is called.

 

Thanks Mick, from what I have read on this forum you guys really know your stuff. I have decided to stay away from this bike and keep looking. I guess I just have to be patient, the right bike will turn up eventually. Thanks again everybody for all the advice.

 

i think you should still go by the dmv and run it.i thin it might cost 5 bucks????? you might be able to get the bike wayy cheaper than asking price....at least you should be able to imo.you migt be able to contact the titled owner and who knows maybe he was payed fair and square back in the day and has no problem signing it over to you......then you can go pay the man who actually has it.you will be jumping through a hoop but it really shoudnt be that complicated.-----but if you mention it to the holder of the bike he may want more...idk i dont know the guy...youre call.--------------this sounds like a big deal but it doesnt have to be.-----also the dmv will tell you the laws specific to your state about getting a title if you cannot find the owner in texas you can put up a bond through a bonding company.probably be couple hundred bucks/wait some time and if no ne comes forward the bike is legally yours.you need to check yoiur own state...might be an easier way.--i wouldnt run just yet,just talk to the dmv and see whats up.-----you never know,even if you still decide not to buy it this guy migt contact youlater with a super cheap price,wouldnt you want to know the info then?if nothing else you will get an education from it all lol

 

This -79 info was on Cyborg Cycles and Harley performance web pages, it was also in some book... I try to dig it more.

 

I wouldn't give up yet, I agree with straydog13, go to the DMV or whatever it's called there, and run the VIN to find out who owns it. If the brother or someone in that family actually owns it then try to get a face to face with the owner, get a notorized bill of sale from the actual owner.
If you really want the bike it'll be worth it, if not........keep lookin.

I have actually seen a bike get escorted from a swap meet by the police and don't want any part of that BS.

Good Luck