Is this safe?

Mocha Man · November 8th, 2011, 09:13 AM

I just found an '08 Ninja on Craigslist for only $2,000. It looks to be in pretty good shape and everything except for a few easily repairable minor issues. What has me worried, though, is that the owners don't have the title yet. They claim they'll get it in a few weeks but shouldn't you always buy a bike with the title in hand? It seems kind of risky to go buy one if you have to take someone's word that they'll follow through with what they promise.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/2691353227.html

bluepoof · November 8th, 2011, 09:16 AM

Yeah, I'd be concerned about that. Though it sounds from the ad like they don't have the title from the DMV yet because the bike is so new? If that's the case, that's a bit less worrisome than if they just "lost" it or something. The release of interest is likely legally binding until the title comes in.

You could offer half the money now to reserve the bike, and then the rest of the money when the title comes in? (with a contract in writing, of course, in the off chance that the title never appears)

THE BIG SITT · November 8th, 2011, 09:18 AM

Try to do a "half now, half with the title" kind of deal. And you should get the VIN and see if the bike is actually titled in the guy's name. Also, write up a short little document/contract and both of you as well as two witnesses sign it. This isn't a fool proof system, but it could help a little.

ToyaDe · November 8th, 2011, 09:20 AM

I'd be a little suspicious, and I personally have never heard of a "release of interest". The main reason I came across sellers not having the title when I was looking for a bike was because there was a lien on it, and once the bike was sold they would pay of the lien with the money from the sale and then send the title to the buyer.

I of course did not purchase any of those, but another reason could be that the bike is stolen.

massacremasses · November 8th, 2011, 10:01 AM

thats weird. the release of interest is a piece of paper that is under the title... idk why they would have that and not the title.

I dont do no title stuff. sketchy as hell...

pop0tart · November 8th, 2011, 11:05 AM

Here's what I've done when I am in that situation: I tell the seller I'll take the bike after they get a title. I remind them that they don't want me going and getting into an accident on a motorcycle that thy still technically own, just to get them interested in not selling a bike without a title. It's only $2000 bucks, so if they need to pay to get a lein released, they can get that money anywhere..hell, even put it on a credit card for a week. Go look at the bike first, though, before going through the trouble.

CynicalC · November 8th, 2011, 11:24 AM

"Release of interest" is perfectly legitimate, but could be risky. I always like to have the title so I can see that it's clear before buying.

Alex · November 8th, 2011, 12:23 PM

No title, no sale. Not worth the trouble.

JLinde1339 · November 8th, 2011, 01:08 PM

^ Yup. Some states won't give you a physical title until the lein is off. Maybe they just paid it off and are waiting on dmv to process the title. If you don't know anyone in dmv that can check for you, maybe talk to your insurance agent. Give them the VIN and see if anything comes up. They should have access to the dmv system and know if there's any red flags.
Posted via Mobile Device

Bosgarage57 · November 8th, 2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

No title, no sale. Not worth the trouble.

AMEN.

If you are serious about it though, figure out where the title is (if its still with the lien holder, lost, or what), get the vin, call the police station and see if they can run a VIN check for you. I'd just tell him you've got the cash and will pay promptly when he recieves the title.

alex.s · November 8th, 2011, 01:16 PM

if you are fine with having a bike without a title, go steal one yourself. it will be cheaper

Ytse Frobozz · November 8th, 2011, 02:04 PM

When I bought my bike, the girl had a loan on it and man it was a hassle to get all the paperwork in order. It took a long time to get the title and register it, and it was agonizing to have the bike for a few weeks and not be able to ride it.

Also, I'm kind of disappointed to click on a thread called "Is this safe?" and not see a picture of a ramp and some barrels and a flaming ring or something.

pop0tart · November 8th, 2011, 02:52 PM

Is it safe?

massacremasses · November 8th, 2011, 03:10 PM

no you need a life jacket to be safe... like this guy.

November 8th, 2011, 09:13 AM	#1
Mocha Man Blue Shell magnet Name: Nolan Location: Northwest Washington Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1997 Ninja 250 Posts: 816	Is this safe? I just found an '08 Ninja on Craigslist for only $2,000. It looks to be in pretty good shape and everything except for a few easily repairable minor issues. What has me worried, though, is that the owners don't have the title yet. They claim they'll get it in a few weeks but shouldn't you always buy a bike with the title in hand? It seems kind of risky to go buy one if you have to take someone's word that they'll follow through with what they promise. http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/2691353227.html

November 8th, 2011, 09:16 AM	#2
bluepoof ninjette.org sage Name: Carolyn Location: San Carlos, CA Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2002 Yamaha XT225 Posts: 597	Yeah, I'd be concerned about that. Though it sounds from the ad like they don't have the title from the DMV yet because the bike is so new? If that's the case, that's a bit less worrisome than if they just "lost" it or something. The release of interest is likely legally binding until the title comes in. You could offer half the money now to reserve the bike, and then the rest of the money when the title comes in? (with a contract in writing, of course, in the off chance that the title never appears) __________________________________________________ www.bluepoof.com

November 8th, 2011, 10:01 AM	#5
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	thats weird. the release of interest is a piece of paper that is under the title... idk why they would have that and not the title. I dont do no title stuff. sketchy as hell... __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

November 8th, 2011, 11:24 AM	#7
CynicalC ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Colin Location: Bay Area Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '96 EX250 Posts: A lot.	"Release of interest" is perfectly legitimate, but could be risky. I always like to have the title so I can see that it's clear before buying. __________________________________________________ Ç¥ñï©ª\| ßÿ Ñâ7µ®é. Äñt¡~§º¢Ïä\| ßý Çhøî©è.

November 8th, 2011, 12:23 PM	#8
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	No title, no sale. Not worth the trouble. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

November 8th, 2011, 09:18 AM	#3
THE BIG SITT ninjette.org sage Name: Andy Location: Indianapolis Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 771	Try to do a "half now, half with the title" kind of deal. And you should get the VIN and see if the bike is actually titled in the guy's name. Also, write up a short little document/contract and both of you as well as two witnesses sign it. This isn't a fool proof system, but it could help a little.

November 8th, 2011, 09:20 AM	#4
ToyaDe ninjette.org member Name: Toya Location: Brooklyn Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): Blue 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 11	I'd be a little suspicious, and I personally have never heard of a "release of interest". The main reason I came across sellers not having the title when I was looking for a bike was because there was a lien on it, and once the bike was sold they would pay of the lien with the money from the sale and then send the title to the buyer. I of course did not purchase any of those, but another reason could be that the bike is stolen.

November 8th, 2011, 11:05 AM	#6
pop0tart ninjette.org member Name: Dash Location: PA Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): stolen :( Posts: 158	Here's what I've done when I am in that situation: I tell the seller I'll take the bike after they get a title. I remind them that they don't want me going and getting into an accident on a motorcycle that thy still technically own, just to get them interested in not selling a bike without a title. It's only $2000 bucks, so if they need to pay to get a lein released, they can get that money anywhere..hell, even put it on a credit card for a week. Go look at the bike first, though, before going through the trouble.

November 8th, 2011, 01:08 PM	#9
JLinde1339 Fighterer in Training Name: Joshua Location: Schenectady, NY Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250R Posts: 316	^ Yup. Some states won't give you a physical title until the lein is off. Maybe they just paid it off and are waiting on dmv to process the title. If you don't know anyone in dmv that can check for you, maybe talk to your insurance agent. Give them the VIN and see if anything comes up. They should have access to the dmv system and know if there's any red flags. Posted via Mobile Device

November 8th, 2011, 01:16 PM	#11
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	if you are fine with having a bike without a title, go steal one yourself. it will be cheaper __________________________________________________

November 8th, 2011, 02:04 PM	#12
Ytse Frobozz Not dead yet! Name: Rob Location: Marlborough MA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 315	When I bought my bike, the girl had a loan on it and man it was a hassle to get all the paperwork in order. It took a long time to get the title and register it, and it was agonizing to have the bike for a few weeks and not be able to ride it. Also, I'm kind of disappointed to click on a thread called "Is this safe?" and not see a picture of a ramp and some barrels and a flaming ring or something.

November 8th, 2011, 03:10 PM	#14
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	no you need a life jacket to be safe... like this guy. __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Is this safe?	reabo	General Motorcycling Discussion	20	October 2nd, 2014 09:30 PM
that looks safe	alex.s	Pictures	19	March 7th, 2014 10:53 PM
you're never safe	alex.s	Off-Topic	5	April 11th, 2012 12:24 PM
Does this look safe?	Kevin2109	General Motorcycling Discussion	32	October 9th, 2011 09:53 AM
Be safe	Apex	Off-Topic	16	July 15th, 2010 02:31 PM