Title Issue

[d0nald]

Hey guys, Newbie to the forum here.

So heres a long story short. I bought a siezed 79 xs650 for $600. Spent the last 4-5 months rebuilding it. I insured it last night. Went to register it today and theres a title issue because the person i bought it from bought it from a gentleman who never registered it after purchasing it from the original owner. I have no idea what to do. I heard in Maine you dont need to be a resident to register a bike up there, and all you need is a bill of sale? Ive also thought about buying a frame simply for the paperwork.
Does anyone have any suggestions or has anyone dealt with this issue before?

[richard]

The number one rule when it comes to restoring bikes is never spend any money on a bike until you have the title in your name. That is step one. I’m not sure what you could do about that California is different but any past due fee will probably follow the bike. You may be stuck with that.

[XS Rod]

Ditto what Richard said...
Put some perspective on the equation... how much time and money do you have in the bike? How much are the fees? In California, I beleive there is a cap on the registration back fees. The back fees here are based on the current registration fees, which for these machines is fairly low.

[roadrash]

As was stated there will be some late fees that go with the registration. In Missouri the cap is $200.
There are ways to get titles. Check with your states Department of Revenue for details and forms. But basically have the local sheriff run a VIN check on the bike and document it on the proper form and send it to the DOR, they will send you the address of the last known owner, you send the last known owner a certified letter and wait 30 days, after that take all the paperwork back to the DOR and they reissue a title to you.
Also; if you are lucky; it is possible to find a judge local to yourself;that if you explain the situation and provide paperwork; he may award a title to you. Used to be common around here but too many people took advantage and now he wont do it anymore.
Be aware that if you find a loophole and try to register the vehicle out of your state that you will most likely pay sales tax in the other state then pay the sales tax again when you try to register it in your state.
It takes time and patience but if you follow the correct procedure and are on the up and up a title can be obtained.