Advise on titling

[mhanahan]

I recently purchased a TMX100 from a local guy who had it for several years. He sent me the title/owner's manual a few days after I bought it and the title is a little strange. Firstly, it is from 1977 - so the date section for signing off on it has the prefix 19--. Secondly, I did a quick search of the guy that signed off on the title, and he passed away earlier this year. He only signed it, there is no date or address written on it. Should I just predate the title to before his passing, try to do an address search and hope for the best? I would prefer not to dump any money into the bike until it is properly titled in my name.

I hate it when people jump title! 

[OldSwartout]

His address should be on the front of the title, just use it, even if he had moved.  That should be the one on record at the BMV.  Then just date it prior to his passing.  He obviously signed it prior, anyway; just left the date blank.  The only thing is that you'll have to pay a little extra (at least you do in Indiana) since it will have been over 30 days or whatever your state's requirement is for getting a transfer.

[Toystoretom]

I don't know what state you are in, but you could always call down to the DMV and ask them their opinion on this. I'm in Missouri and I go down and bug the folks down at the DMV all the time and they are really pretty helpful. They don't tend to get all technical on a pretty much worthless 45 year old bike.

Also, in some states (Kansas to name one) you can get an antique title on a bike over 30 years old with only a bill of sale. Just move to Kansas!!!

Tom

[mhanahan]

Ok thanks! The title is from MO, and I live in IL - so it shouldn't be too bad.