Has anybody done this before? We have had a motorcycle (a Zephyr) that has been sitting at the bodyshop for over 3 months. It was apparently stolen or something, but the owner has decided not to get it or something like that. I was thinking about buying it from the shop owner and trying to get a title for it.

How hard is this? Really fucking hard and expensive. My other idea was to simply part the bitch up (its in really good shape, except one of the gauges is busted and the engine case? or something is cracked and leaks out fluid on one side) but is it legal to part up a bike that was sold? Will anybody even give a shit? Just wanted to know so I don't get busted for selling stolen goods or some shit.

2/22/2006 9:06:59 PM

You have to have the title in order to part and sell it.

Getting the title costs $50, and takes about a month.

2/22/2006 9:09:58 PM

ebay

2/22/2006 11:09:16 PM

pretty standard mechanics lien type deal, get the form from the dmv

2/22/2006 11:10:01 PM

i've heard horror stories about trying to get a new title for cars at least, like taking 6 months sometimes.

this is the DMV remember?

2/23/2006 1:41:17 AM

they just want your money.

2/23/2006 1:51:01 AM

the dmv has a lein form (like 69 said). you fill it out stating how much you charge for the storage and how long you've had it. the dmv tries to contact the owner (sends them certified letters and such). after X amount of time that the owner hasn't replied, they will issue you a new title.

if the owner responds and wants the bike back, then they have to pay the storage fees to get it. if they don't then you can still take the bike as payment.

if it was stolen and they contact the original owner who is missing their bike, then you'll probably have to give the bike back anyway. there will also probably be police involved at that point.

2/23/2006 11:35:54 AM

Buy the same model from out of state, wrecked.

2/23/2006 7:05:04 PM

you could get a new frame with clear title and rebuild the bike on the new frame... but that would require lots of work.

2/23/2006 8:23:07 PM