I am seriously considering purchasing a motorcycle from a guy, but he does not have the title to it. It is a wrecked bike that will need to be completely disassembled and fixed and put back together, a long term project if you will.

What would be the process to apply for a title? Would it be a bonded title or what? The bike is a 2006 Honda RC51, and the price is $500. It would be to keep and ride, not for resale once repaired and back on the road. Thoughts?

If he's a friend, get him to apply for a lost title, and then transfer to you.
If not, then if your sure of the ownership, you can apply for a bonded title, but this may add a few hundred dollars.

mefoghorn said:

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If he's a friend, get him to apply for a lost title, and then transfer to you.
If not, then if your sure of the ownership, you can apply for a bonded title, but this may add a few hundred dollars.

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No, he isn't a friend, just someone selling the motorcycle.

I would hate to put a lot of time, money and effort into this just to find out it was stolen. May have to pass on this even though it is one hell of a deal.

Seems like you should be able to verify ownership with the vin?

aggiedata said:

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Seems like you should be able to verify ownership with the vin?

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Get the vin and call the tax office. They won't tell you who owns it, but they can tell you if its currently listed as lost/stolen/lien or whatever.

Also, if the current "owner" really is the owner, you can get a copy of the title in 5 mins or less at a regional title office. You can do it all yourself with a limited POA and a copy of his TDL.

Tim Weaver said:

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clarythedrill said:

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I am seriously considering purchasing a motorcycle from a guy, but he does not have the title to it. It is a wrecked bike that will need to be completely disassembled and fixed and put back together, a long term project if you will.

What would be the process to apply for a title? Would it be a bonded title or what? The bike is a 2006 Honda RC51, and the price is $500. It would be to keep and ride, not for resale once repaired and back on the road. Thoughts?

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Nice bike, and totally worth it!

You can apply for a bonded title. After 2 years (I think?) it becomes yours and gets a proper title. Motorcycles have to do this a lot, since it seems that new bikes are bought by a lot of irresponsible squids. They tend to lose the title, or sell to another squid who never registers it.

I've never heard of a bonded title being reclaimed by the original owner.

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I have owned a 2005 RC51 and a 2009 Aprilia RSVR and have regretted selling them both.