Topic: Title for my Honda

[country joe]

   I hope someone can help me out here, as I'm sure someone has encountered this problem. I have 1978 Honda CB550k that was given to me by my brother. I really think this bike would make a killer bobber, but I have one problem. The guy he got it from did not have the title for it. The guy who gave this bike to my bro is a friend of his, and he got it from the original owner as payment for helping him move. My brother was going to fix it up for him and put it in safe, ridable condition. My brother told his friend that before you go any further to get the title for it. Well, I guess he called the original owner, only to find out the guy had passed away, and whoever he talked to did not know where the title would even be. Well, the bike sat in my brother's garage for a while and his friend lost interest in trying to procure a title, and told my bro he could have it. I don't think he looked too deeply into trying to get a title for it. So anyway, my brother asked me if I wanted it, and I told him sure. I always thought honda fours were pretty cool bikes, and thought this bike would make badass bobber. So, my problem now is I need a title before I do anything, otherwise I can't get it insured, or even prove that it's mine. I am 99% sure this bike is not stolen property or anything like that, but I have no idea what to do.Any advice would be great. Thanks.

[ekpent]

It would help alot if you mentioned where the heck you live at. Have you gone to your local DMV yet to ask that question?

[TomC]

Hi Country Joe
     Find the executor of the owner's estate. If the executor will sign papers for you then get the paper work from the state for a replacement title which the executor can then sign. The exact process will vary form state to state.
     Best Luck TomC in Ohio

[bikehenge]

Joe,
I've used this service in the past with good results.  It does cost money though; about $100 - $150 as I recall.
http://www.broadwaytitle.com/

Rob

[syth82]

Looks like you're from illinois. This basically translates to you being screwed. Even the site posted above says they can't help you. Without a title or the PO available to apply for a lost title, your best bet it to find a frame with a clean title...

[fmctm1sw]

You can try Broadway and ITS.  From what I can tell from the websites, this got a lot more expensive since I did it.  They also say you have to have proof of insurance, and send them a copy of your driver's license among other things.  I haven't gotten in touch with Staab Agency yet but I hear they can do it too..

[joec3613]

I had the same problem here in FL. I Called a few of these so called title places. Most of them can't get you a title, they can get you a registration. A reg doesn't do you any good getting a title. I ended up having to send my frame to my buddy in GA. He titled the bike then sent me the frame back......

[Johnie]

Do you have any friends in MI. I was told you can usually get a title in that state fairly easy.

[fmctm1sw]

A reg doesn't do you any good getting a title.

That will work in Florida.  A current registration and bill of sale is how I got mine titled thorugh ITS.  Since Florida issues titles on everything and I obtained the vehicle legally, they had no choice but to generate a title for it.  Shafted by their own rules...

[fletcha221]

Hey! I JUST did this. The website is not correct from ITS. I got a bill of sale (have your brother make one out to you) print out the paperwork from the site, and go to a notary with both. When signed, you send all the paperwork to ITS. They then register it in a title-less state like vermont (they dont title motorcycles over 15 years old). You will then get a vermont registration whcih you can take to a title agency or DMV and have it transfered to your state. I then got my title in the mail. Is it a royal pain in the ass? yes. Does it work? yes. Call them and they will send you everything you need.

[fletcha221]

Joe36, you are right, you don't get a title from them. You get your name on a registration from a TITLE-LESS state. For example, my registration had a transfer of ownership section on the back. Since this acts as a title in those states, it is valid, and your state will issue you a new title when you register in your state.

[fmctm1sw]

Hey! I JUST did this. The website is not correct from ITS. I got a bill of sale (have your brother make one out to you) print out the paperwork from the site, and go to a notary with both. When signed, you send all the paperwork to ITS. They then register it in a title-less state like vermont (they dont title motorcycles over 15 years old). You will then get a vermont registration whcih you can take to a title agency or DMV and have it transfered to your state. I then got my title in the mail. Is it a royal pain in the ass? yes. Does it work? yes. Call them and they will send you everything you need.

What did it cost you if you don"t mind me asking.  This was $85 less than 2 years ago.  I looked at it a month or so ago and it was like $250!

[fletcha221]

Mine was $190....A little steep, but it was really my only option.

[CU2151]

Went through something similar in Colorado.  First look into your state's DMV and get some info there.  A trick in CO is to get a notarized bill of sale stating it was for "off road use only" and then all you had to do was take that and the bike to a DMV to make sure it was street legal and they will issue you a title. 

Instead, I found a titled frame locally for $50 and had no problem or paperwork nightmares.

[country joe]

  Hey. I would like to thank everyone who has given me advice thus far. You have all been very helpful, and gave me a few options that I hadn't even thought about. I am definitely going to try your suggestions and see what happens. Thanks to all the members who have and continue to contribute advice to me.