Topic: VIN Numbers and Title Trouble PLEASE HELP

[GizmoDuck]

Tried to title my bike today and the title was rejected. Cannot contact act previous owner but I have the signed title. Unfortunately he kept it folded up in his pocket and the first number of the VIN is worn off. I know that because the title says 1973 the only thing that number could be is a 1 but the DMV says the title is damaged and I have to go to court to prove it is the title to the bike or sell it for parts/scrap. I left the DMV completely stressed and sick that I have potentially wasted a lot of money.

We all know the VIN for a 1973 350F begins CB350F-1XXXXXX. But the fold has worn it down so that only CB350___XXXXXX is visible. This was compounded by the DMV supervisor licking her finger and trying to rub dirt off the title. Are there any published books or resources on Honda's website that demonstrate that he Honda VIN system and prove that the only possibility for a 1973 CB350F is for the missing part of the VIN to be "F-1"?

[flybox1]

http://www.motorecyclenow.com/title-service.html

Hope is not lost...

[scottly]

Is the VIN tag on the steering head of the frame intact? If the last numbers match the title, maybe an inspector will accept it. Once again, where are you, as it makes a difference. Both CA and AZ used to include both the frame number and engine number on the title, but AZ now only uses the frame number, at least on older bikes.

[AlekStooge]

Has any one used motorecyclenow? I don't have a title on my bike and this seems like a better option than a bonded title in IL.

[CycleRanger]

Page three of the parts manual. First digit can only be a one.

Don't be afraid to escalate at the DMV. The first-level people just follow a script but their supervisors have much more leeway to make things happen.

[Nayl]

My first step would be to try a different DMV office, and whatever you do, act like you have no idea there could possibly be any problem.  I had issues with my title because it wasn't signed by the person who sold me the bike because I went into a DMV office and pointed out the discrepancy, with the result that they told me I had to have the previous owner get a title in his state first (not likely).  So I went to another office, just pushed my paperwork across the counter and kept my mouth shut.  Bingo.  DMV employees are reliably inconsistent, just pull that lever again.

[RevDoc]

If the above suggestions fail you could always go the Vermont route as I did with my two bikes. All that you would need is a signed bill of sale and a notarized statement of mileage. All paperwork & instruction is available on the Vermont DMV website. DMV.Vermont.gov

There are several threads here where this is discussed.

[vames]

My first step would be to try a different DMV office, and whatever you do, act like you have no idea there could possibly be any problem.  I had issues with my title because it wasn't signed by the person who sold me the bike because I went into a DMV office and pointed out the discrepancy, with the result that they told me I had to have the previous owner get a title in his state first (not likely).  So I went to another office, just pushed my paperwork across the counter and kept my mouth shut.  Bingo.  DMV employees are reliably inconsistent, just pull that lever again.

That's exactly what I was going to say. Here in New York City the DMV workers are angry trolls and wouldn't process a title in which the PO started to print his name in the signature box, scribbled out the first letter, then signed. So I went to a DMV upstate where the nice lady called me "honey" and processed it without a second thought. Have a snapshot available of the VIN on the neck of the bike as well. Shouldn't be too hard.

[knochgoon24]

I had one DMV person that insisted I pay tax on the $1200 NADA value, even though it was just a frame. I went to a different DMV with the bill of sale and was able to pay tax on much much less. I'd try a different DMV office. Take some documentation just in case, but I wouldn't bring it to their attention unless required.

[Grinnin]

It might help if you mentioned what state or country you're in.

[Bob Wessner]

It might help if you mentioned what state or country you're in.

Kentucky.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

California is a PITA! Hopefully, Kentucky is easier.  I echo the prior advice and recommend either escalating the request (but bring some documentation on VIN numbers) and/or visit another DMV office.  If that fails, perhaps the Vermont option.

[GizmoDuck]

Thanks everyone!  I will try a different DMV and then see what the legal fees will be to take it to court.  It is really ridiculous as only the last five digits of the serial number changed during the production years.  Thanks a ton for the link to the manual. Printing that and taking it with me.

[GizmoDuck]

California is a PITA! Hopefully, Kentucky is easier.  I echo the prior advice and recommend either escalating the request (but bring some documentation on VIN numbers) and/or visit another DMV office.  If that fails, perhaps the Vermont option.

Only lived in California and Kentucky and both DMVs suck!

[CycleRanger]

Thanks everyone!  I will try a different DMV and then see what the legal fees will be to take it to court.  It is really ridiculous as only the last five digits of the serial number changed during the production years.  Thanks a ton for the link to the manual. Printing that and taking it with me.

You can download the entire parts list pdf here:
http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb350

[GizmoDuck]

Thanks for the parts list link!

Talked to the office in the capitol after calling the local circuit court. Apparently whoever I talked to at the local DMV was having a bad day because all I had to do was check a different box and apply for a classic automotive title rather than a regular title.  They inspect the VIN give me a work in progress title and then give me a classic motorcycle title once it is road worthy again.  Heading back down there with fresh paperwork next week.  That caused way too much stress for checking a different box. I am dressing up this time so maybe they will show me some more respect.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Thanks for the parts list link!

Talked to the office in the capitol after calling the local circuit court. Apparently whoever I talked to at the local DMV was having a bad day because all I had to do was check a different box and apply for a classic automotive title rather than a regular title.  They inspect the VIN give me a work in progress title and then give me a classic motorcycle title once it is road worthy again.  Heading back down there with fresh paperwork next week.  That caused way too much stress for checking a different box. I am dressing up this time so maybe they will show me some more respect.

It would be nice to have that option in California.

[Cqyqte]

Tried to title my bike today and the title was rejected. Cannot contact act previous owner but I have the signed title. Unfortunately he kept it folded up in his pocket and the first number of the VIN is worn off. I know that because the title says 1973 the only thing that number could be is a 1 but the DMV says the title is damaged and I have to go to court to prove it is the title to the bike or sell it for parts/scrap. I left the DMV completely stressed and sick that I have potentially wasted a lot of money.

We all know the VIN for a 1973 350F begins CB350F-1XXXXXX. But the fold has worn it down so that only CB350___XXXXXX is visible. This was compounded by the DMV supervisor licking her finger and trying to rub dirt off the title. Are there any published books or resources on Honda's website that demonstrate that he Honda VIN system and prove that the only possibility for a 1973 CB350F is for the missing part of the VIN to be "F-1"?

Go to a different MTO office and ask for a replacement ownership card, they will print you a new one based on the PO's address.  Then take it back to the same biotch at the other place and have her change title to your name, when she's done tell she must be off the "rag" today!

[knochgoon24]

Do they place any usage requirements on it for being a "classic" motorcycle?

I know that some states limit in mileage or time of day that you can ride. They also sometimes limit usage (only to shows or events).

[GizmoDuck]

Not that I can tell but I need to look that up.

[fmctm1sw]

When was the last time it was actually registered?  I used moto recycle and this is what they say about the title, "We are not responsible if there is already a title on file in your state or if there is a lien on the vehicle.  Please research before contacting us."

This is from their FAQ:  "How do I know if there is a title on file?  We recommend using Auto Data Direct.  For only $4.95 you will get a full vehicle history report.  Most importantly you want to see if your state has the most current title on file.  As well as if there is a lien on the vehicle.  If there is no title in your state, or no lien listed, then we are clear to move forward.  *Vehicles with less than 17 digit VIN will not pull history from online searches.  It is best to call your DMV and ask"

You obviously aren't going to be able to use that site with a pre 1981 VIN.  So I guess your best bet would be to try to call DMV and see if the have a title on file for it.  If not, you have about a $200 problem on your hands.  If they do, you may need to get more creative.  What's the reason you can't find the PO?

[atm cycles]

You probably shouldn't have left MV. When the superviser licked her finger and rubbed it you should have freaked a little bit.  MV has a habit of making criminals out of good people while giving licenses to illegals and terrorist. Go to Vermont MV website and register threw them. I just did it on cb750 had it back in two weeks to the day

[Stev-o]

Not that I can tell but I need to look that up.

I register all my bikes as antiques. Dont worry about the limitations they have in writing, I would bet half the cops dont even know that info.
In Texas, the law states you can ride it for shows, events or for testing.
OK, all of my rides are test rides now! I may do a 100 mile test ride today!!