if all else fails!

[ajoc_prez]

I won an auction on eBay for a KLR at the beginning of the summer and I am ready to get the title transferred. But I think I have a problem with the title. I recieved the bike, and its in great shape, low miles, etc, but the title has me dumbfounded. Its not in the name of the guy that was listed in the auction (or who I wrote the check to), and now I cannot get ahold of the guy. I've tried everything, and even tried to contact the original owner (name on the title), but no luck there either. eBay is of no help in this case, and said I should have used escrow, which I wanted to do, but the guy talked me out of it. What should I do? The title doesnt appear to be filled out correctly, and I am not about to alter it since it states that is a misdemeanor. I've called my title bureau and they say I may be stuck with the bike, unless I can get ahold of the seller. I don't have a bill of sale either, and now I'm worried that I'm stuck with a bike that I can't title. What should I do? Any ideas? The thought crossed my mind to just sell it on eBay just like this guy did to me, but I don't want to do that. If I can't title it in my name, should I part the bike out? I just don't want to be out $3500. Thanks in advance.

[Kurt Simpson]

What exactly is incorrect about the title and the way it is filled out? If there is indeed serious problems with the title I would spend a good deal of energy tracking down the listed owner, including using techniques trying to find a neighbor...Once you get in touch with him/her he is likely to help or tell you the bike is stolen. If it is stolen you'll return the bike and be out the money. If not, you have peace of mind and be able to register it... Kurt

>>> ajoc_prez 9/7/2002 8:26:28 AM >>>

I won an auction on eBay for a KLR at the beginning of the summer and I am ready to get the title transferred. But I think I have a problem with the title. I recieved the bike, and its in great shape, low miles, etc, but the title has me dumbfounded. Its not in the name of the guy that was listed in the auction (or who I wrote the check to), and now I cannot get ahold of the guy. I've tried everything, and even tried to contact the original owner (name on the title), but no luck there either. eBay is of no help in this case, and said I should have used escrow, which I wanted to do, but the guy talked me out of it. What should I do? The title doesnt appear to be filled out correctly, and I am not about to alter it since it states that is a misdemeanor. I've called my title bureau and they say I may be stuck with the bike, unless I can get ahold of the seller. I don't have a bill of sale either, and now I'm worried that I'm stuck with a bike that I can't title. What should I do? Any ideas? The thought crossed my mind to just sell it on eBay just like this guy did to me, but I don't want to do that. If I can't title it in my name, should I part the bike out? I just don't want to be out $3500. Thanks in advance. Checkout Dual Sport News at http://www.dualsportnews.com List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[ajoc_prez]

The title is signed by the original owner, however there are a few other sections of the title that need filled out, but they are not. I don't want to alter it myself, since I believe that is illegal. Plus, I was told I need a bill of sale. I didn't realize that when I bought it, and the seller did not send one. As for it being stolen, thats the 1st thing I checked into, and it doesnt appear to be. Pus I have all the paperwork and accessories (title, warranty info, manuals, extra keys, etc) which you probably wouldnt get if the bike was stolen. I have had no luck getting ahold of the seller. I've emailed, left voice mails, etc. I even talked to the shipping company and they told me this guy ships bikes occasionally, so I suspect he is operating as some sort of dealer (a shady one). The shipping company did not want to get involved with helping me track the guy down though. I just don't know what to do. I could try to go get it titled, but I know they are going to decline because I dont have a bill of sale and the title is not filled out correctly. They will say to contact the guy who's name is on the title (which I've tried) and he's not the one that sold it to me. The other problem is that I have to take the bike to get an out of state inspection before I can title it, and I don't have a license, so I can't get the bike there very easily.

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., Kurt Simpson wrote: > What exactly is incorrect about the title and the way it is filled out? > > If there is indeed serious problems with the title I would spend a good deal of energy tracking down the listed owner, including using techniques trying to find a neighbor...Once you get in touch with him/her he is likely to help or tell you the bike is stolen. If it is stolen you'll return the bike and be out the money. If not, you have peace of mind and be able to register it... > > Kurt >

[Jim Priest]

Tough call. I'd spend some resources and find out if it was stolen. That's worse case scenario since if you ever did get it titled the original owner is going to come collect someday. Should be fairly easy if the VIN #'s are all correct. I'd contact your local police dept and see if they could help, maybe also contact the better business bureau and see if they have ever heard of this guy. If nothing turns up there I'd write up a bill of sale, find a friendly notary and act ignorant at the DMV when you go get it titled. I bought a boat once, out of state and the owner was retired and traveled a lot so I couldn't get a hold of him when I had problems with the DMV. I fudged a few things and everything worked out. jim

On Saturday, September 7, 2002, 11:06:39 AM, ajoc_prez wrote: a> The title is signed by the original owner, however there are a few a> other sections of the title that need filled out, but they are not.

[Zachariah Mully]

On Sat, 7 Sep 2002, ajoc_prez wrote:

> The title is signed by the original owner, however there are a few > other sections of the title that need filled out, but they are not. > I don't want to alter it myself, since I believe that is illegal. > Plus, I was told I need a bill of sale. I didn't realize that when I > bought it, and the seller did not send one.

I don't know what state you're in, but every state that I've lived in has considered a signed title a bill of sale... At least in MA, DC, MD and VA, they have entries on the back of the title to fill in price, mileage and to sign over ownership of the vehicle.

> > As for it being stolen, thats the 1st thing I checked into, and it > doesnt appear to be. Pus I have all the paperwork and accessories > (title, warranty info, manuals, extra keys, etc) which you probably > wouldnt get if the bike was stolen.

Either that, or he's a damn good thief

> > I have had no luck getting ahold of the seller. I've emailed, left > voice mails, etc. I even talked to the shipping company and they > told me this guy ships bikes occasionally, so I suspect he is > operating as some sort of dealer (a shady one). The shipping company > did not want to get involved with helping me track the guy down > though.

Have you gotten Ebay's fraud department involved? I just bought a used laptop from their Half.com subsidiary and *all* serial numbers on all the pieces to the laptop had been removed; even the ones in the software. Very suspicious, so I called them to find out the process of determining whether or not these were stolen goods and they have been extremely helpful and cooperative.

> > I just don't know what to do. I could try to go get it titled, but I > know they are going to decline because I dont have a bill of sale and > the title is not filled out correctly. They will say to contact the > guy who's name is on the title (which I've tried) and he's not the > one that sold it to me. The other problem is that I have to take the > bike to get an out of state inspection before I can title it, and I > don't have a license, so I can't get the bike there very easily. >

Have you actually spoken to the DMV about this? I would call (feigning ignorance) and tell them that you want to buy this vehicle from state X and need to know what you should have to retitle and plate it in your state. Ask if you need a seperate bill of sale, and ask them how you should fill out the title when you buy it. Find a buddy with a pickup, give him a 6 pack and borrow it for a couple of hours. I rode my KLR down to the inspection station on borrowed plates, they didn't seem to care. Z DC

[zrod73026]

Chapter 42 for storage and or repairs?? Wonder if that would work in a pinch.