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Buying a vehicle from a private owner, what do I need to do?

J

jvisaria

Member
Hey guys..

I am going to purchase my first bike pretty soon. I've got my eye on a GS500F being sold around where I am. My question is.. what paperwork needs to be done to buy a bike? I've never purchased a vehicle before. I intend to pay cash.

I don't know anything about transferring titles, registration.. none of that. What other fees are involved?

Thanks!
 
A bill of sale is not necessary, but nice. This will list the date, sale price, names of buyer and seller, VIN, make/model, and (probably) say that it's sold as-is.

Then the seller signs the title and dates it, and takes the buyer's info so that they can report the sale (so that if you rob a bank with the vehicle tomorrow, they're not liable). There will also be a sale price on the title. This is the price that they'll use to calculate use tax when you transfer the title. Now it's technically illegal to misreport this, and they'll certainly notice if it's ridiculously cheap, but...I digress.

You'll take the title and registration to the DMV. They'll charge you a title transfer fee, the use tax, whatever the tabs will cost for the next year (and they'll give you the tabs), and they'll hand you the new registration in your name, and send the title in the mail in 6-8 weeks (or something). Done. Now you ride.

If you're buying a bike with expired registration, or in a different state, it's a bit more complicated, but not much.
 
insurance.. get the VIN, call insurance company, get the insurance for it.
I use bike-line (by markel - google for it). GEICO cyclegard is also good. Progressive sells bike insurance too.

GS500 is a great bike. Come join us at www.gstwin.com (and the forums there - message board).

You will need the VIN, title has to be signed by both parties, exchange cash, and oh yeah bill of sale.
 
Thanks guys! Looks pretty easy. I'll come check out the bike forums when I start riding probably... I'm not scheduled to start my MSF course until the 19th.. as of right now I don't even know how to make the bike function.

Where are good places on the web to start checking out quality gear at reasonable prices?
 
Come hang out at the forums, you will learn a lot there.. trust me.

Very cool group of ppl there.

Anyway newenough.com (for gear), motorcycle-superstore.com (for gear)

You need jacket, pants, gloves, boots and helmet (full face).

For helmet, i like HJC, but Scorpion is good too. Make sure its SNELL rated (latest i think is SNELL M2005.

Cyclegear.com (see if there is an B&M near by)
 
cyclegear is in FL.. i would say stop by there first. Get a helmet fitted there. It should be snug,.. its okay if its tight when it goes on, cause it will loosen up as you wear it. You can have them measure your head for the helmet sizing (tape measure goes above your ears and measures the biggest part of your head). I would say get a helmet, gloves from there, cause you will need it for the MSF course (though they provide lousy helmets).
 
TheGoodGuy,

getting my GS500F on wednesday! I tried to get access to the forum yesterday, but the registration requires administrative approval.. doesn't seem to be going through. If you get a chance PM a mod for me or something my user ID is Jayhovah.

Thanks!
 
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