Transferring a Branded Title

[duc_fan]

Okay... tried to get the title to my bro's totaled '05 CBR transferred to me the other day... I wasn't gonna mention that it had been wrecked, but it was already in their computer.  Problem: they won't transfer the title 'til they do a VIN inspection.  She made a comment about understanding that I wouldn't want to ride it in the current weather (this was in Lake O, and there was still snow on the ground).

This makes me curious...

Does the bike have to be street-legal and rideable for a VIN inspection?  Can I just transfer the title of a wrecked vehicle for the purpose of restoring it?

I hadn't intended on fixing the lights... was gonna take them off in the process of making it a track bike.  But, even as a track bike, I wanted the title (branded or not) for resale purposes.

So do I have to make it streetable before I can transfer the branded title?  If so... bigtime suckage.  Gonna have to figure out how to make a naked bike with legal lighting on the cheap, 'cause I sure as hell ain't buying replacement street bodywork.  Was only gonna buy track bodywork.

My question to you all: Does anyone know if it's gotta be street-legal for a VIN inspection?  Or can I trailer the bike to the DMV for them to check the VIN?

[Bendy]

You should be fine with trailering it. All they want to do is compare the papers to what's on the frame. It's standard procedure for out-of-state titles, as well as things that are getting titled for the first time after they've been branded, or for reconstructed/replica stuff.

[bnbmike]

My question to you all: Does anyone know if it's gotta be street-legal for a VIN inspection?  Or can I trailer the bike to the DMV for them to check the VIN?

Not that I am being a smart ass, but that is a good question you could have asked at DMV.  If you didn't think of it when you were there, the LO DMV is not that busy, go back.

[toolfan]

why pay the fees associated with a title transfer if you aren't going to make it street legal again?

[bnbmike]

In California, my race car, one of 32 VW Cup cars, never registered, from VW with the same VIN, all 32.  I got an off road registration.  It proved it was mine and my insurance would cover it when it was being towed by my registered and insured truck.

I don't know if Oregon has such a thing, but I would think so for the ATV's and farm utlities out there.  Another good question to ask DMV.

I hope that helps...

[Mother]

No

All the DMV wants to verify is that the VIN on the bike and the VIN on the title match

the bike could be a bare frame for all they care

[ryandalling]

Yeah... I have had my track bike for about a year now... and I just don't think it is worth it to trailer it to the DMV and pay the fees to register it in my name... it isn't like my insurance is going to cover me on the track... and I don't even have the parts to make it street legal... all I have is a washington plate and a valid washington title... but hey... it goes in circles on a closed course... do I need it to have my name on it? 

[Bendy]

But, even as a track bike, I wanted the title (branded or not) for resale purposes.

QFE. Don't knock the guy for wanting to have his shit straight.

[duc_fan]

Well, at least one person actually read the OP. 

I want the title in hand, clean or not, to make it easier to sell if the time comes.

And thanks, Mother, for chiming in.  That's what I needed to know.

Mike: I forgot to ask while at the DMV, and I didn't feel like taking another hour-and-a-half out of a workday to go back and ask one question.

[scott_araujo]

Curious.  I live right around the corner from that DMV.  When I brought my bike in from Cali I had all my paperwork and everything all set.  They never even went out to look at the VIN.  Maybe showing up in gear with all my paperwork in order and being polite was all I needed.

But with a wreck on the bike's record...

I would say that whatever DMV you go to speak to a supervisor and make sure that you can get what you want when you bring the bike there on a trailer.  You don't want to go through the trouble of trailering it there to be turned away.  If they are reluctant tell them that you want the title transferred before you start putting in money and time to repair it, and that you're not looking to register it, just to get the title.  That should be a reasonable request.  You need not mention that you don't plan to register it.

If all else fails you can always remember that familiar refrain from every other bike add on Craig's list, "No title, bill of sale."  (Ok, just kidding on that one.)

Scott

[Bendy]

Curious.  I live right around the corner from that DMV.  When I brought my bike in from Cali I had all my paperwork and everything all set.  They never even went out to look at the VIN.  Maybe showing up in gear with all my paperwork in order and being polite was all I needed.

No change in ownership.

[scott_araujo]

No, there was.  I bought the bike from my friend.  Rode it up under her regi and transferred it after I got here.

Scott

[Bendy]

Ah, well touche. Politeness can help, or maybe it was lunch time. Heh.

[duc_fan]

Scott:  The reason they had to do a VIN inspection was because the listing in their computer shows "totaled", and regardless of whether it was my bro or I wanting the "Reconstructed" title, they have to do a VIN inspection before they'll issue it.  I looked it up on the DMV website, and it's just standard operating procedure for getting a title after a vehicle has been totaled.

I've got some parts on the way to make it mechanically rideable.  Dad and I found some good deals on Fleabay yesterday, so I jumped on 'em.  Only other parts I need at this point are a clutch cable (which is cheap), and bodywork.  Dunno if I'll have the budget for bodywork this year, but one way or another, I wanted to get the mechanicals all taken care of (broken throttle-side switchgear, mangled throttle cables, crunched radiator, bent rear brake pedal, etc).

I'll call the DMV before I go to all the effort of trailering it down there, just to make sure.  It'll be another month or so before I give it a go... the lady at the Lake O DMV was kind enough to put a hold on the title transfer, so I'm not bound by the 30-day time limit (if you wait more than 30 days after a sale, they charge you for a late transfer).

[scott_araujo]

the lady at the Lake O DMV was kind enough to put a hold on the title transfer, so I'm not bound by the 30-day time limit (if you wait more than 30 days after a sale, they charge you for a late transfer).

Nice folks.