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My question is why would anyone in the first place, unless your credit is marginal to begin with.
High interest rates, ahhh no thanx.
Yeah ok, Mr know it all. Amazing how stupid some people are. 3.89% with HD vs 1.99% at my credit union. Try getting ANY loan now days with marginal credit, and especially try getting financed with HD credit. My bike was bought on a Saturday between Christmas and the New Year, and HD credit was available, fast and easy. My bike was delivered on Monday before the banks even opened. 3.89% with zero down was a no brainer, but then again, we can't all be as smart or rich as you.
I have sold some vehicles that I have had liens on. I have always called the bank and asked for the payoff with the buyer there and ask how long for release of the lien/title.
I then put that down on the bill of sale so that the buyer knows they have a guarantee from the bank. Then I have the thing notarized by the local credit union and give them that. I have never had a problem since I can walk in with the cash and pay off the loan.
The only time I didn't was with my old Honda. I did the same thing showed the seller the documents and stated it would take 2 weeks for the title plus a week for extra. I got the title and was sent to him.
I picked up my bike on New Year's Eve in MN (so no riding anyways) from the seller who had a balance with HD Financing. Couldn't register the bike without the lien release. After waiting 4 weeks and no release, I had to go back to work overseas. After work rotation of 6 weeks later, I returned to letters from my credit union asking for the release, of which I still hadn't received. Hated doing it, but had to call the seller to ask HD Financing what the status of the paperwork was since his name was on the lien. They told him it had been sent out already. "Ok, fine but it must be lost." The woman at HDF gave a big sigh (like we were bothering her and forcing her to work) and said she'll get another one out "in the next few days". Finally got the release paperwork in April, 4 months after the sale of the bike. Not a pleasant transaction or experience with HD Financing. Only good thing was it wasn't riding season. If it was, it would have just added fuel to the fire.
Took HDF a long time to get me the title with loan release. I called and was then told that they had two different address, one for FedEx or UPS Overnight and another for USPS mailing. The story I was given was that if the cashier's check was mailed using Fedex or UPS Overnight, it had to go to this particular address and the other if using USPS. I was also informed by HDF that the two addresses are actually in two different city location in IL. So I waited and called weekly until I got the title. Talking about bureaucracy at its finest.
That's a great philosophy but kinda narrows down your search for a late model used bike since very few are actually paid off.
You'd be surprised. You get them off 50 year old + guys all the time that never had a loan on them. Young guys? Yeah you're right, they're financed. I know there can be some good deals out there if you're willing to deal with some potential headaches like the OP is. But in the end, when I hear "it's financed" I hear "I owe way to much on this bike to make the price competitive with a new one that has a full warranty".
Can you go and get a temporary operating papers? Here in Ca they can give temp plates (red paper) while the paperwork is being addressed. Maybe go to your local highway patrol and ask them if its ok to ride it in the mean time.
I had to do the same thing when I got my '10 Street Glide. Turned out all right but those were the longest 4 weeks I've ever been thru. The finance companies are in no hurry to get their obligations taken care of.
Don't know about Michigan but I just got insurance on the bike, kept the previous owner's tag on the bike, and kept my bill of sale with me. That bike didn't do any sitting around. I think you have 30 days in most states to get your paperwork in order anyway.
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