Hi, I have the opportunity to buy a running '74 CL360 for a very low price, HOWEVER the bike does not have a title. I ran the VIN through a few sites and Oregon DMV. A few of the sites reported that it was not listed as stolen or a total loss but if I tried to dig up more information about it, sites would tell me no information could be found. The Oregon DMV ran the number and nothing came up suggesting that it might not have been titled in Oregon. The person who would be selling it to me is not the original owner. I'm not really sure what to do at this point or if the bike is even worth it. If I was able to contact the original owner could something be done? What can be done if the original owner cannot be reached? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Too many red flags for me but, something you might consider is to find a police officer or sheriff and check with them. The DMV and the LEO do not always access the same databases. I've heard stories of people getting their vehicle registered but still getting pulled over for it being reported as stolen. You might post this question to the LEO section of the forum. The stories I've heard are just that, stories. Even so, things that are too good to be true are often exactly that.
i got a bike like this, ask dmv what paper work they want for u to run it threw the hiway patrol and get it licensed, in Washington i just needed a bill of sale notarized for them to then put a 3 yr hold on the title and get tabs for it, when the 3 yrs is up then i can get the title or if i sale it just go to dol and switch it into who ever i sale it too. takes a little work but it is possible to do .
Yeah, I'm a little iffy about the whole thing too. I've talked to the guy a few times and he seems trustworthy. He gave me the VIN right away which I am taking as a good sign. I'd like to at least explore all of my options before either committing or passing on this sale. Sounds like talking to someone in law enforcement wouldn't be a bad idea. Thank you for your advice!
Did you print forms from the DMV in order to acquire a bill of sale? What exactly does a 3 year hold mean? Are you still able to ride it? Thanks for your help!
Right, right. If this bike was determined to be originally titled in Washington and I live in Oregon if I would have to abide by the Oregon or the Washington rules for retitling?
Where ever you wish to title the bike are the rules you must follow. If you live in Oregon you would have to follow Oregon rules.
This. I know a guy who purchased two VW bugs this way. Basically he's just got to keep them until the three years burns up and he gets title. They've already sat in his garage for over a year so I don't think it will be a problem. I've gotten to the point I'm surprised when someone DOES have the title. I make them go with me to the DMV and walk out with clear ownership. After reading the recent thread about the guy getting screwed with the RZ350 I'll be way more cautious.
