California lost title question....

[ryandalling]

So, I bought a 1976 CB550-four, fixed it up, and turned the thing into a cafe racer. Bike looks nice, runs nice, and is ready for the road. Unfortunately, I only have a bill of sale from a guy, and he bought it from somebody else, who bought it from somebody in California. The plates look like they were last registered in 2006. I just want to plate it, and ride it, in Oregon. Any ideas on how I get California to hook me up with a title? I don't mind a little legwork... but flying out to Cali is probably not on the agenda... and definately not going into a California DMV... ugh.

Thanks for your time. 

[Duck-Stew]

If you have a moto-shop near you.  Have them do $20 worth of work to it and then claim the 'owner' didn't ever pick it up.  They can then put a 'lien' on it for the title.  You'll owe the shop owner a case of beer and have to cover their fees but it shouldn't be too expensive.

That's probably the least amount of hassle as the DMV acknowledges that people flake out and they don't want to jam up the shops w/vehicles that haven't been paid for or picked up.  This route usually bypasses a LOT of red-tape and BS. 

So long as the bike doesn't come up stolen, this should be your fastest route.

[hbliam]

If you have a moto-shop near you.  Have them do $20 worth of work to it and then claim the 'owner' didn't ever pick it up.  They can then put a 'lien' on it for the title.  You'll owe the shop owner a case of beer and have to cover their fees but it shouldn't be too expensive.

That's probably the least amount of hassle as the DMV acknowledges that people flake out and they don't want to jam up the shops w/vehicles that haven't been paid for or picked up.  This route usually bypasses a LOT of red-tape and BS. 

So long as the bike doesn't come up stolen, this should be your fastest route.

That's called fraud.

Better off just going to your local DMV and asking how they would like you to handle it.

[madmatt]

 

[ID_DUC_MON]

Every single one of these stories turns out to be about six months worth of hassle or a stolen bike. After going through one a bunch of years back I settled on never buying anything without a title. No title, no sale, plain and simple.

I do wish you the best of luck though, I feel you are going to need it.

[cduarte]

So, I bought a 1976 CB550-four, fixed it up, and turned the thing into a cafe racer. Bike looks nice, runs nice, and is ready for the road. Unfortunately, I only have a bill of sale from a guy, and he bought it from somebody else, who bought it from somebody in California. The plates look like they were last registered in 2006. I just want to plate it, and ride it, in Oregon. Any ideas on how I get California to hook me up with a title? I don't mind a little legwork... but flying out to Cali is probably not on the agenda... and definately not going into a California DMV... ugh.

Thanks for your time. 

there are title companies that do all the work for you, and they don't cost too much. I got a title for a '81 honda ascot that way. Most states don't require titles for motorcyles that old though. I'd check with the dmv and see what they say.

[lawbreaker]

Step ! : verify it aint stolen

Step 2:  Walk into the DMV and prepare to standby.......

[ryandalling]

there are title companies that do all the work for you, and they don't cost too much. I got a title for a '81 honda ascot that way. Most states don't require titles for motorcyles that old though. I'd check with the dmv and see what they say.

Most sites are saying $350 for the service... for a bike that I bought for $1200 (before my work on it)... dunno if it is worth it. Plus 3-6 months of wait time... oye....

Every single one of these stories turns out to be about six months worth of hassle or a stolen bike. After going through one a bunch of years back I settled on never buying anything without a title. No title, no sale, plain and simple.

Thanx.... I think I should have gone this route to begin with... no title no deal... oh well... too late now.

[GregP]

How about vintage racing? No title needed to flog her at the track!

[Duck-Stew]

That's called fraud.

Better off just going to your local DMV and asking how they would like you to handle it.

[ryandalling]

How about vintage racing? No title needed to flog her at the track!

I had originally considered that... but our clubs run the cb160's and cb350s.... the 550 is a tad over anything being run right now. I could probably dominate in the open vintage...     I may have to look into that one... ha ha

[hbliam]

its only "fraud" in the eyes of the law if you are caught and its proven in court of law.

It's always fraud when you lie to an organization to obtain an official document.

So is it only murder if you are caught and it's proven in court?

[Duck-Stew]

Ok.....

The OP goes to a legitimate bike shop and asks for $20 worth of work to be done to his bike.  He doesn't pay.  The owner then files a lien on the bike to obtain the title waiting the appropriate time and paying the appropriate fees.  After a legal title has been obtained, the owner of the shop can do with this vehicle as he sees fit (usually sold off to recoup the loss of revenue).  Is it illegal if the OP buys the bike back from the shop owner?!?

[lawbreaker]

Ok.....

The OP goes to a legitimate bike shop and asks for $20 worth of work to be done to his bike.  He doesn't pay.  The owner then files a lien on the bike to obtain the title waiting the appropriate time and paying the appropriate fees.  After a legal title has been obtained, the owner of the shop can do with this vehicle as he sees fit (usually sold off to recoup the loss of revenue).  Is it illegal if the OP buys the bike back from the shop owner?!?

That's not exactly what you posted before.......

- Anyways-

Personally there's a right and wrong way to do things.. what and how you do them is up to you... You can do what want to deal with the issue you got yourself into. If you're trying to circumvent the proper process and it backfires on you, Just don't act surprised when it happens ...

Just my .02 and best of luck.

[red baron]

So is it only murder if you are caught and it's proven in court?

Depends, did they deserve it.........