Titling and registration, by state

Ive been lazy about my HKO. My silver tag is due for renewal next month. I may just test out the system and go for a title transfer.
 
Plate and registration. YOu don't get a title from Vermont since they do not issue titles to vehicles older than 15 years. YOu take this plate, run it on your bike for a year, and when the tag expires, you can either renew it or you can go down to your state DMV and transfer this to a title in your own state.
 
Another Washington Experience:

Know you facts before going in! Especially your curb weight (141lbs) - best bet would be to print the specs page from the factory manual.

I went in yesterday to title/register my '78 that was previously titled and registered in OR (original title was from 1978, last tags were from 1998). I intentionally never called it a Honda Trail 70, just a Honda CT70. Everything was smooth until she asked me the weight, which the previous title didn't provide. When I didn't know it, she Google'd it and saw that the bike was called a Honda TRAIL 70 and then refused to title it as a street legal vehicle and going as far as calling it a 'pocket bike'! She wanted me to register it as an OHV, even though it was previously titled in OR! After some back and forth she finally titled it as a street legal vehicle, still with much skepticism.

So just a tip, if you are transferring a title from another state to yours, be prepared and have all you facts at the ready to avoid any possible conflicts!
 
On that note, titling these bikes as street legal, is good and right and legal. They are not doing us any favors by granting a title. They are simply doing their job. When you walk in, you should know this, stand tall and be persistent. If your bike does not have all the lights and horn and mirrors etc. It's up to a cop to catch that and ticket you or whatever. The title is a different thing.
 
Another Washington Experience:

Know you facts before going in! Especially your curb weight (141lbs) - best bet would be to print the specs page from the factory manual.

I went in yesterday to title/register my '78 that was previously titled and registered in OR (original title was from 1978, last tags were from 1998). I intentionally never called it a Honda Trail 70, just a Honda CT70. Everything was smooth until she asked me the weight, which the previous title didn't provide. When I didn't know it, she Google'd it and saw that the bike was called a Honda TRAIL 70 and then refused to title it as a street legal vehicle and going as far as calling it a 'pocket bike'! She wanted me to register it as an OHV, even though it was previously titled in OR! After some back and forth she finally titled it as a street legal vehicle, still with much skepticism.

So just a tip, if you are transferring a title from another state to yours, be prepared and have all you facts at the ready to avoid any possible conflicts!

If you had known the weight off the top of your head, do you think that information would have been accepted? You're lucky you got it all processed, I think if its not on the paperwork, i.e. "official", you have to go down to the scales and have it weighed. Just an extra hassle for a system that encourages not being able to think for yourself.

Anyone know if the Vermont paperwork has the weight on it? Im going to transfer it over to Washington for one of my Xmas gifts.
 
If you had known the weight off the top of your head, do you think that information would have been accepted?
I believe so. The way my local office (Twisp) works, if any of the information comes from you or off of the internet, there is a little form where they cite the source of the data and then you sign it.
 
Has anyone used the Vermont method to get a title in Texas? I'd like to get my st90 legal, but don't want to spend the money if Texas won't accept the Vermont reg.
 
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INDIANA
I just purchased a ct70 in Indiana, no title. Walked in with proof of Insurance and bill of sale, and walked out with MDC-A plates. No vehicle check, no turn signals, no title. Couldn't be happier!!!!!
 
This is a bit off topic, but I was wondering, with so many of these old bikes being sold without a title has anyone ever come across or heard of anybody trying to title one of these little bikes only to find out during the title search that the bike was stolen or something of the sort that would prevent you form gaining title? Thanks
 
Google motorcycle vin check and many sites pop up. I use the free ones but also go to my DMV with the vin and ask them to check for me. I tell them I am interested in buying it and the results so far have been there is no record. That's what I want to hear. I then use Vermont DMV
 
This is a bit off topic, but I was wondering, with so many of these old bikes being sold without a title has anyone ever come across or heard of anybody trying to title one of these little bikes only to find out during the title search that the bike was stolen or something of the sort that would prevent you form gaining title? Thanks

Yes I have had it happen. Bought a pair of 74s CRB kind of a shady deal to begin with. Long story short DMV inspector came out(applying for a bonded title) looked the bike over wrote the vin down, got a call a day or two later stating the bike was stolen and the local sheriff will be out to reposes because original owner can prove prior ownership and theft was reported. "Don't move or relocate the bike, we know where it is." Bought the pair for $900 so I was out $450 on the deal. The worst part was the inspector from the town I bought the bike in, initially he said I would get my money back there is a fund set aside for this kind of situation, but then later reneged. Then told me that the guy I bought the bike from would have to go down to the police station and admit he sold a stolen bike or give them the name of the seller he bought the bike from.

The only up side to the story is that the other 74 that wasn't reposted have the vin and motor serial 1 digit apart.
 
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How long after your purchase of the 2 bikes did you apply for titles?
I've had my bike for 10 years now but maybe the time I've had it has nothing to do with it.
I wonder if there is a statute of limitations or how long police records are kept.
I don't believe it was stolen but I've already spent the cash and done the wrench work on a complete
restoration of the bike. I know now to check it out first before buying one.

Thanks


Yes I have had it happen. Bought a pair of 74s CRB kind of a shady deal to begin with. Long story short DMV inspector came out(applying for a bonded title) looked the bike over wrote the vin down, got a call a day or two later stating the bike was stolen and the local sheriff will be out to reposes because original owner can prove prior ownership and theft was reported. "Don't move or relocate the bike, we know where it is." Bought the pair for $900 so I was out $450 on the deal. The worst part was the inspector from the town I bought the bike in, initially he said I would get my money back there is a fund set aside for this kind of situation, but then later reneged. Then told me that the guy I bought the bike from would have to go down to the police station and admit he sold a stolen bike or give them the name of the seller he bought the bike from.

The only up side to the story is that the other 74 that wasn't reposted have the vin and motor serial 1 digit apart.
 
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