California Title questions

[Rollin668]

I've just bought a bike from a friend here in California who bought the bike from another guy a few months back. The title was never switched from the original seller to my friend's name so if I walk into the DMV with title (with original seller's name) and insurance verification for me, am I up for a problem with the dmv? I have no copy of the registration and nothing else for the vehicle except for the insurance, title, and my personal information!!!  

During this dmv excursion I also need to get a new plate (orignal owner demanded it from my firend...) and bring the registration up to date (it expired in December 2002), so might there be any other pieces of documentation that I need to take in with me...

Thanks.

FYI - the bike is a 1990 GS500 I've added to the collection that I plan to set-up as an old-school cafe racer (clubman bars, cut off end of rear subframe, different rear-sets, mount a 1970s style tail/seat section, repaint, new spoked wheels, and a few other cosometic changes... should be fun!!!).



Rolly

[Adam R]

I was in the same position a few weeks ago.  Make sure you have a bill of sale; I had the title but it wasn't signed over to me, it was signed over the previous owner who never registered it.  To complicate matters, the bike was from Arizona.  But I think I must have caught the DMV clerk (Costa Mesa) on a good day because she was friendly and helpful and told me that everything could easily be taken of.  I ended up with plates and registration (I had no previous registration) WITHOUT ever showing proof of insurance.  Also the bike inspection that they did was the most superficial affair ever - all they did was make sure the Frame and Engine numbers matched the title.

Hope this helps and good luck registering your bike.

Adam

[Blueknyt]

but, most Bikes frame and engine #'s dont match, unless thats newer bikes? even then most just have a "Family" number  for bikes using Simular Platforms

[Pkaaso]

Is there a date written on the title? If so, if it's over 30 days you'll have to pay a penalty.  You may be able to talk your way out of that one if you show a bil of sale for a newer date.

The only thing the DMV want is your money.  You will have to pay for back registration.

Good luck