Opinions on untitled parts bike

I have a line on a parts bike for cheap. Everything is on the bike but the current owner has no title. Been sitting outside uncovered for a couple years.

If it had a title I think I'd take it no matter what but without title I would have to pay 200-300 to retitle I think (assuming it was worth fixing). I could always part it out but without title the frame is worthless.

2 hour drive to go look at it - opinions?

 

Do you have something better to do with that two hours? what does he want for it? do you need any of the parts or would it just be to strip and sell ? is that worth your time and gas?
these are all the questions i have or think you should answer!
shaun

 

Good used parts are very hard to pass up. If the price is right just use what you need and part out the rest. As far as the frame goes. Fabricator guys like to buy frames for spare parts. Maybe you'll make enough to get what you want for free just alittle time to market the parts you don't want. Good Luck

 

If the bike was titled in their name they can apply for a lost title. It only cost 10 bucks, if not do they know the previous owner. You can get the papers and have then sign it. Knowing the owners name makes the process simpler and cheaper.

 

I was able to take a no-title bike and get it made legal again (in Missouri) for closer to $100, if you count only the fees and such. If I had to do it again, I could do it a lot faster, too. The only catch is that you have to have it inspected by the MOHP, but you kinda want that done anyway to make sure it isn't stolen.

The cops around here were pretty laid back about it, since I came to THEM and this is a pretty common occurrence. The hardest part was proving that I had made a reasonable attempt to contact the previous owner of record (or, in my case, proving there was no record in the first place).

NEAT TRICK: Get the VIN and then see if CARFAX has a record of it, and in what state. You can often track down the last rightful owner that way, and pay that guy a couple bucks to file for a lost title (or at least tell you who he sold it to). Much fast, simpler, and cheaper.

As for whether or not it's worth it, there are parts on some of these bikes that are no longer made. Get the bike and then just go about making it legal. Odds are it'll be no big deal. Give me a PM if you live in Missouri and I can help you with the specifics.

 

Thanks for the comments - I'm going to take a look. I think this guy bought it no title too - who knows how far back that goes. He told me he was going to make a bobber out f it but never got around to it.

I only really need a couple of the parts as spares and was thinking maybe I can save this bike. But it could cost a bunch to get it going. My thought was I could spend some time seeing if it could be rescued then part it out if it can't. I should be able to easily get my investment back.

It's a 160 mile round trip and it's Real cold today - don't have any other plans

 

Bill if the exhaust system isn't rusted thru and beat up your investment could be recouped right there. Ya have to go look just to make the call. Good luck.

 

Might take along a 10mm socket, a fully charged battery and your compression gauge. Could be a diamond in the rough. The PO of my '81 RODE it every season but he kept it outside for 4 years and only covered it with a tarp in the winter. It cleaned up quite well, just took a bit of work.

 

If you do buy it don't forget to get a signed bill of sale with the VIN on it, sellling price, date, sellers name, address etc.

 

But don't give that information to the police. Knowingly selling a vehicle without a title is a Class C felony in Missouri. You could get him in a lot of trouble. It's useful stuff to have, since it might help your track-back project, but be careful how you use it.

 

Well I passed on it. Some of you would think I'm crazy - he wants 125 and will come down a bit but every fastener on the thing is solid rust. The tank appeared very clean inside which was a surprise. All the rubber is shot - tires boots etc. Throttle, choke and clutch very stiff.

The transmission was unbolted from the drive shaft because "the rear brake is frozen". So I couldn't see if it turned over. I carried some tools but didn't take them out of the truck.

With the title questionable and the rusted up fasteners I decided I didn't want to fight with it for what I could part it out for. I really want a restoreable bike.

May be a good deal for someone but I'm willing to pay a bit more for one in better shape. I may kick myself later....

 

Don't fret it. You WILL find something with much better possibilities.

 

I doubt you will. It sounds like there might not be ANY parts on that heap that were actually good. Even the frame probably has rust in it and the transmission is all twisted up. Kinda convenient that there was no way to test *anything* on it.

I wouldn't give it another thought. Sound like a lot of trouble to PAY $125 for.