Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I was just wondering how this will work. I found I bike that I am going to be buying here soon, and it is from a private seller. So after I go check the bike out and make one last little go-over before buying, I give him the money....then what? How does the title transfer work? What else needs to be done right after I buy the bike?

With the transfer of title, there is a place on the back of the title where the information about the bike's current condition and a place for seller and buyer's signature. Than you take the title and do some paperwork for the dmv. You also need to get the bike registered and get insurance for it and maybe also get it inspected.

Well, now I know a little more on what to do. If there is anything more I need to do I would really like to know before going to get the bike, as it is kind of far. I would hate to have to go all the way back to the seller because I missed a signature or something.

If the guy is cool, he will just sign over the title and let you fill in the rest of the information. That way, you can put a smaller amount on how much you paid, so you don't pay as much in tax, and you do not have to rush to get the title in your name. In New Jersey, you have ten days from date of purchase to tell the DMV. Since the guy I bought it from left it all blank, I can put a later date and the correct mileage, so it will look like I just bought the bike and have not been riding it around illegally.

I just sold my truck last weekend, and If the motorcycle transaction is anything a cage transaction, there is at least two things you should do at the time of the exchange.

1) Have him sign over the title, on the back, to you...and you keep it.

2) Draw up a bill of sale. There are a lot of samples on the 'net; just google "bill of sale". Or just make up one of your own. Be sure it includes the VIN, mileage, make, model, and color. Also, the address of both parties and have a witness sign it, too. Not necessarily a notary, but just a third party. And it's good to include the price. Make up two copies so you both will have originials.

He will keep the license plate that was actually afixed to the bike. You take the title to the county or parish vehicle tag office and have the m/c licensed in your name. At that time, his plate will become invalid.

You need the title the obtain the license plate, and the bill of sale to prove you just bought the m/c and were on the way to the tag office to get a plate for it, in case officer friendly stops you for not having a plate.

The bill of sale is important.

I'm no lawyer...this is just advice from a nobody. Remember, most advice is worth what you paid for it.

Make sure and get a bill of sale. It should identify the vehicle, the purchase price and be signed and dated by you and the seller.

Go to the DMV and ask what paperwork you need. Also ask if the bike needs to be inspected so you can have the bike with you if needed.

Here in Oregon there is a 100$ fine for not tranfering the title within 30 days of the purchase, so don't wait. If you need more information call the DMV or go to the office for assistance.

Thanks for all of the helpful info everyone! I will be sure to get the title signed over to me and work up some sort of bill of sale. I'm sure I will make a post to let everyone know how things went.

.....and the procedure and requirements vary by state. Here in GA, you need to obtain insurance before you can register the vehicle. Etc...

call your state dmv or hit up their website.

maryland's as an example:
http://www.marylandmva.com/VehicleServ/ ... htm#buying