What to do?

I recently picked up this 82 xj650 and MaximX motor mainly for the MaximX motor as mine is frozen (another story, not very exciting). I got them and have confirmed that the motor does turnover and is complete, compression and valve check coming soon. The guy didn't want to split it up even though I only had need of the motor. So now I have a mostly complete 82 xj650 in various cardboard boxes, but no title for it. The question is, do I part it out, or put it back together and try to figure out a title for it? The xj650 motor will have to be completely rebuilt.

 

Joe, I can tell you from experience that the title thing can be done. But it will cost you an extra $74.00 and a couple extra weeks. I did it by going through the Vermont DMV first. First step is to get a Sheriff to come over and run the VIN number to confirm its not stolen. You can download the proper form for this certification from the FL DMV that he will sign and confirm the odometer at the same time. Even if it is all in boxes I suppose, but I would ask when you call them. Then you download the proper forms from the VT DMV and send it by mail. You don't have to be a resident of VT. This will give you a registered bike with VT plates for a year. So you can ride it for year with that plate or use the registration to get a FL title and plates immediately. The FL part costs about $150.00 even if the bike already had a title.

I will add one caveat to this process. I knew mine was an out of state bike. But if it had been a FL bike, when the Sheriff runs the plates the current owner for the bike may show up. Then you are talking a hassle because you would have to contact him (if he is still alive) and try to get him to get a copy title then sign it off to you.

Is this worth all the trouble? I can tell you the bike I bought I paid $275.00 and is in bad shape, so I paid about $275 to get it a FL titled using this process. So far, no. Maybe in a year or two, once I have the bike running and looking good I may think so. But I will have to plow at least $1000.00 into it. For a total of $1550.00 for tilted (not counting plates) bike. Doesn't make sense. Could have waited and purchased a nice running example for that price and have been riding a along.

So do the math and see if your situation makes sense or not. See how much do you think you will have to spend on it in addition to the title cost.

 

By the way, once you get either of your rides going, you should consider hooking with these guys: http://www.meetup.com/cafe-moto . I'm a member, but rarely go on rides since I'm 75 mi away from Orlando.