How To Get A Title For Your Chopper

[@Makermook]

I just built a chopper. Luckily, I kept the donor bike's engine and headstock (where the VIN is stamped); everything else has been scratch-built. As far as I've been able to understand, the chopper is still technically the same bike I bought and have the title for, it's just been "modified."

[@greasesgarage]

I would agree 👍🏼

[@laurentruesdale4088]

Glad you're back. Ive learned some expensive lessons, i wont buy a vehicle without a proper title.

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks for sticking with me, it’s good to be back 🙏🏼

[@rustypotatos]

Never unless it’s a scooter and you know you will be fine without any papers

[@leakyshovel19]

I used Joe @ Saints last year for my wifes 69 triumph. Straight up guy! Almost too easy of a process!!!

[@greasesgarage]

Glad to hear that! Nothing better than first hand experience 👍🏼

[@KurtHein-ft6vu]

Another great vid ....this is real world biker info...anything that can be passed to the new & uninformed is of a great benefit for sure.

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you Kurt 🙏🏼

[@upchuckchops]

Glad to see you back after some heavy work. This was a good video. The DMV is a racket but a guy has to play their game.

[@greasesgarage]

So happy to be back 🙏🏼 that was a crazy schedule

[@tonywilliamitis2421]

Excellent video! I have been curious about choppers and very old bikes for years but never understood if I could buy a bunch of parts and somehow end up with a titled bike. Thank you for the great guidance.

[@greasesgarage]

Glad it helped point you in the right direction, for most bikes, have the frame with VIN in tact is all you’ll need

[@robertginn6882]

I own abike in Ohio with a salvage title. The title is notarized but i never put it into my name. Salvage title bikes are worth less. Would i be able to do this process for a good title not be a salvage?

[@Smitty-1972]

1970 back harleys had an engine # only . to Id bike . No frame # great video !!!

[@greasesgarage]

Simpler times right? Yes the cone shovel I believe was the first to have it in two places

[@brettahlstrom9259]

Wow! Thanks for making this video. I had suggested it in the comments a few months back when you asked for ideas. Super helpful. Thanks!

[@greasesgarage]

I remember it! I keep a running list and this one has been on there for a while. Thank you for requesting it 🙏🏼 hope it helped

[@TubbyNinja-ti1ch]

Awesome video man, extremely useful info!

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@erikrapoport7318]

Dude, I'm I'm Minnesota. EVERYTHING is titled here. To make matters worse, the DMV wants the frame AND engine numbers. Now, as you said, shovelheads and ironhead and maybe some others had matching numbers on the frame and engine, but the EVO era changed it (I'm 99% sure). My 2020 has a different engine number than the frame, and I'm the only registered owner of it. Ever. In fact, when i bought my 01 sporty, they wanted a PHOTO to verify the engine case numbers. What a pain, It was a true kick in the dick

[@robert-sn2cl]

I've run into this problem twice in the last 6 months.

[@greasesgarage]

Hope this helps!

[@Comm0ut]

There are multiple ways to skin that cat. Many a basket case is sold off because the builder failed to plan (which is "planning to fail"). The formal way for each state does work but for the time cost vs buying a clear titled frame or donor bike it's usually no contest. Modifying a frame can be anything from the headstock back and it's worth knowing that tubular HD neck tubes aren't difficult (PROTECT THE VIN even if you have to tack weld a plate over it, tacks grind off) to free from their adjacent tubes. Evo Softail frames have the classic Shovel-and-prior castings if you want the classic look and make fine hardtails which have room for previous big twins or even adapted Twin Cams (Vulcan etc make adapter plates). Titled custom frames left over from parting out goofy boomer (I am one so entitled to talk smack) pre-recession clone bikes also have tubular necks. A stock title means no phuckery from your insurance company either. If you know a dealer or indy shop you can ask privately about how "magistrates" titles are issued in your county and may learn interesting things.

[@jamesnunya7368]

I got three words for ya... Damn glad to see ya back bro!! 🙂 Love the channel, great content, and great info!! 😁

[@greasesgarage]

Really appreciate that James thank you 🙏🏼

[@forgotten320]

For vehicles that are original in California I can do a "lien sale" on a vehicle. The DMV sends out info to the last know title holders who can then claim the vehicle if they have proper documentation and ID. After 30 days it clears lien and can be sold or you can get title.

[@pedroandbettysbigrevival2766]

Excellent information and very timely for us! Huge thanks brother.

[@greasesgarage]

Happy to help hope it gets you guys the paperwork you need 🙏🏼

[@larrys5198]

I won a motorcycle off a Chicago FOP raffle, the guy who donated it gave them the title which was in the previous owners name, the donor had signed the title and handed that to the FOP for the raffle. It took almost 2.5 years to finally get the title in my name!

[@greasesgarage]

Ahh yea that’s exactly the type of situation I was talking about! It makes it so difficult to get it worked out, though I think a title service do could probably get around that

[@larrys5198]

Well, if you would've done this video 2.5 years ago.... 😂😂😂

[@greasesgarage]

@@larrys5198 hahah

[@channingtutt1423]

Your video helped me out a lot. You mentioned a title service company. Will you explain that please? Thanks!

[@greasesgarage]

Link is in the description 👍🏼 it’s for people in states where obtaining the title on your own isn’t possible

[@MicahBell_1860]

Happy trails, Cowpoke

[@Lanesplitter]

Good to see you back man 👊

[@greasesgarage]

Good to be back, thanks for sticking with me 🤘🏼

[@ToroBravoCoffee]

He's Back!!

[@greasesgarage]

Back and ready to talk chops again! 🤘🏼🙏🏼

[@maryspeight2840]

You nailed it ! Cheers !! G. Speight

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you!

[@thomasgriffin7774]

I’m planning on getting a paugcho frame and an s&s motor and building a bike from scratch. How would I go about getting a title for that?

[@greasesgarage]

You’d use the mso from your paughco frame to get a special construction title at your local dmv it’s a common thing should not be any hang ups if you’ve got that mso

[@evantimm4544]

Video didn’t even start yet but needed to hear this

[@greasesgarage]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@juliochingaling5824]

Great video. Liens are another problem.

[@AaronStrumpel]

Thanks for the video! I'm curious what makes a title service company different than a normal owner in terms of using a VIN to get a title? I"ve explored a lot of options here in Colorado and it comes down to a bonded title which has drawbacks but it legit ir you're holding on to the bike - and title companies. I've seen the folks that advertise for court-ordered titling processes as well but after inquiring with the DMV, that process is primarily only for title disputes.. Curious what a title service company does to attain something that seems to have no loopholes? Thanks again!

[@greasesgarage]

That part is a mystery to me as well but I’m glad someone is able to make it happen for those of us in states that make it impossible

[@dendimov534]

Man! Thanks for such a great video! The only question is: if your motorcycle is DIY and electric?

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏼 what year is your bike

[@dendimov534]

@@greasesgarage 2024

[@greasesgarage]

@@dendimov534 oh so it’s totally home built, that’s too unique of a case for me to be able to advise you unfortunately

[@dendimov534]

@greasesgarage , in any case, thanks for an answer. It's about Ukrainian e-moto MYBRO Hooligan. They are licensed in Ukraine , but not in US. So we are looking the ways 😏

[@Tripleblack94]

Cali bonded title for value of the bike easy day $100 walked into the dmv vin check and done ✅ title came in the mail clean title

[@greasesgarage]

That’s awesome

[@timtowers7997]

Is it possible to just buy a title? I.e. then build a bike with an repro frame, and or engine, and just number them the same as the title.

[@greasesgarage]

No unfortunately you’d need to use the stock frame

[@kennethlschneider2149]

Your information is right on!

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you Ken!

[@conservativeteacher1987]

I have a custom built bike on an Ultima frame with an cobbled together EVO engine. I've done a VIN search with no records found for it. Will a title service be able to get a title for a bike never registered?

[@greasesgarage]

Not with an aftermarket frame, but if you call the manufacturer of the frame and get a new MSO you could take that MSO to your DMV to get a special construction title

[@levilehman4629]

What a great video. Thank you so much!

[@alfredoquiros6161]

Great video, thanks! I live in NC and will be buying my first bike (1992 chopper) from a guy with a PA title. I plan to take the steps you mentioned in this video to get the title transferred to my name and will also request a bill of sale. HOWEVER, from my understanding, here in NC, you also need to register the bike to drive legally.. how do I pass registration with a chopper? (It doesn’t have a front brake, horn, blinkers, etc..). Am I missing something? Thanks again!

[@greasesgarage]

Hi Alfredo, So there’s two things here. The first is registration, that’s correct your bike needs a registration as that’s what gives you your license plate. This video focused only on the title aspect as many riders CANT register a bike because they can’t obtain a title. So yes after the title you will need the registration but it’s very easy your local DMV will do this for you. The second part you’re describing is an inspection sticker. Here’s the thing about that. Is it required for the bike to be 100% legal? Yes. Will all the choppers you see at a show pass an inspection? Absolutely not. I would be amazed if ANY of them would pass inspection and it’s likely that the majority of them do not have a sticker. I cannot make that decision for you and this is NOT advice or encouragement for you to ignore the rules but that’s just the way it goes. My bike would never pass for a sticker.

[@assassin_chad_2315]

Not sure if you know but vt removed the part of the bill that required titles for all vehicles and went back to 15 and older no title required there is still a lot of confusion because of the change

[@greasesgarage]

I did hear that. The VT loophole was a method where non VT residents were using the state of VT to obtain titles for their bikes without ever entering the state. That’s the loophole that’s been closed but if you’re an actual VT resident you’re correct you don’t need a title after 15 years 👍🏼

[@levilehman4629]

I have a question for you about the title service Grease. Say I purchased a bike from someone that is the second owner, however, when they purchased it from the first owner, they failed to get a title because the first owner lost it. They also did not complete a bill of sale. Can the title service company apply for a lost title if there is not a bill of sale trail? And in that instance the vehicle is still titled to and legally owned by the original owner. Does the lack of paper trail not allow them to do get the title? Or is the only limiting factor it being flagged as stolen? What about attempting to receive a title for half of a cone shovel, is that possible if you don’t have both VIN’s? I live in a state where a title is required to register in any Road vehicle. Thanks

[@greasesgarage]

My understanding in talking with Joe is that they could obtain a new title for you just off your VIN but give Joe a call or shoot him an email he told me specifically that he’s happy to answer any questions you may have about the process 👍🏼 let me know if you can’t get an answer though

[@FacadeDrummer22]

Kind of a random question for this video but what bars are you running on that chopper?

[@greasesgarage]

Haha no worries man, these are a set of standard ape hangers. I believe they’re 10” but if you want any specific measurements just let me know and I’ll take them

[@alvacullum3345]

I mistakenly bought a title that said "for export only " . Any way to title it in the United States?

[@greasesgarage]

I’m sorry to say I’ve never seen a title like that so I can’t assist with that situation

[@richardchevyz71]

That info is right on I have a question I own a 78 flh the title is in my name I need a engine case I was going to buy it used ether from ebay or the swap meet in NH may 5th how do I check the 9 digit vin no vin search I can find works for a 9 digit vin only 17 digit vin thanks

[@greasesgarage]

This is a good question I’ll have to find this answer for you

[@richardchevyz71]

Another question so my 78 was registered and insured. But I transferred the plates to another bike I don't know where my original engine case is if someone tries to register it with the vin on the case even though the title is in my name will they succeed

[@survidmt]

The Bill of Sale, think he missed, Date, of the transaction. Additionally I recommed it be noted the item was PAID in full and method. Rarely can one have too much documentation.

[@bankstonmills]

i got a custom chopper built in new hampshire , my vin isnt stamped in the frame its like a steel sticker basically. the bike is sick 99 evo ,hardtail.cammed, the bike is built ! im in ct the dmv here makes dam near impossible to get this bike legal

[@greasesgarage]

I used to be in CT, what’s the issue? You need a vin verification form and bill of sale

[@bankstonmills]

@@greasesgarage honestly man kinda gave up on getting the bike street legal for now , I gotta super e carb , I watched your video on maintaining the carb just went through the whole cleaning out the jets, bowl and I noticed there was a crease in the diaphragm so I ordered and replaced that now I’m just waiting on a couple of-rings and hopefully I can keep this machine running

[@bankstonmills]

@@greasesgarage I know this might be a shot in the dark but my bike will fire up sounds good , but it seems as if I get the bike to a certain temperature it just shuts off and will not start again but if I wait a couple of minutes the bike will fire right up again. Is this something you might have any idea about?

[@greasesgarage]

@bankstonmills it sounds like you’ve got a circuit breaker tripping I’d go through your wiring look for anything loose or pinched

[@bankstonmills]

@@greasesgarage so I just went through all the wiring and I absolutely found a broken connection! There was an inline fuse added to the ignition after the fact, since I fixed it the bike hasn’t shut off , it would always just shut off at 140 degrees now I hadn’t had that problem. Thanks man

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Where I live, in Mississippi; we used to be able to get a title using a hand written bill of sale with a title bond. A few years ago the laws changed, and now you have to have the title from the actual owner with their signature on the back. Absolutely no way around it. Don't pass Go, and don't collect $200. I found this out the hard way when I bought what would have been my first a shovelhead project. Sadly I ended up selling it for parts to get out from underneath the burden. From now on, no title... no sale.

[@greasesgarage]

Or you can use a title service company who will get the title for you, then you’d be going to your DMV with a title from the actual owner and a bill of sale. But it would cost you $400

[@vorhese]

What is the title company doing on the backend to get you a title?

[@greasesgarage]

Applying for it in a state where an actual pathway exists. Some states have one, other states don’t. If you live in a state that doesn’t, this is your only option. If your state has a pathway, you are one of the lucky ones and you can track it down yourself

[@thinkinfocus6242]

They might shut this down if too many people do it. That’s what happened with the Vermont loophole. Too many folks knew about it and talked about it and the state dmv shut it down.

[@lawrencecoleman7850]

What got Vermont loophole shut down was a lot of people figured out that Vermont would register a bike for them so they were going out and stealing motorcycles from a state close to the one they lived in getting it registered in Vermont and then they were transferring it to their state

[@rodolfocedeno599]

Does this work with cars too

[@greasesgarage]

It does!

[@MrJason1crawford]

Great info

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks Jason!

[@user-to9ho7yx4r]

Stolen vehicle might not be in the dmv system after x years or the owner has not updated the stolen status on a regular basis

[@greasesgarage]

Good to know! Thank you for sharing this

[@stevenflauding9010]

It's best to call the County Sheriff they should have all the NCIC connections you need.

[@richardchevyz71]

Doesn't work. I've tried because I'm not a cop they will not look it up for me, well in Massachusetts, though. in order for them to look it up. It would have to be involved in a case of some sort and presented by an officer only.

[@greasesgarage]

@richardchevyz71 one more reason to use the online NMTVIS vin lookup. Costs a few bucks but it will accomplish the job quicker

[@stevenflauding9010]

@@richardchevyz71 Just saying they have the equipment at most Sheriffs dispatches, may not work in all jurisdictions, I know if I were a cop I'd want to find out if it were a stolen bike to close a case or just to make sure you as a citizen didn't get stung. A local deputy might run it for you, would depend on their policy. Thanks for your input Richard - Lefty (Under the Blood M/M) P.S. this should come under the title of official business.

[@markprater72]

Joe at saints no longer good. State laws have stopped this. Any other options?

[@greasesgarage]

I’ll have to do some digging, I’m not aware of any off the top of my head. Did Joe tell you this?

[@greasesgarage]

I just looked at his website and he’s got a whole explanation of what’s going on and how long it’ll last, you should read it

[@Jeekinz]

I had a local cop look up two VIN numbers for me. He said if one comes back stolen, the system puts up a red flag and they have to start an investigation. They don't just ssy "Oh, one is stolen" and your done.

[@craigg4925]

Yeah, back in the day I had that problem, my DMV just added A to my VIN. and I guess the guy with the motor got a B.

[@greasesgarage]

That’s interesting I’ve never heard of that but glad your DMV was cool about it 👍🏼

[@craigg4925]

@@greasesgarage Back in the 80s I made around 20 choppers, most were HDs, back then you could buy a junk one for $50 or less just for the VIN, the Shovelhead was the cheap one to buy because of AMX, I still think they are the best motors, as long as you know how to work on them.

[@pump_6669]

Serious question here, WHY does a motorcycle need to be titled & registered if its NOT being used for Commerce? Its a personal CONVEYANCE to go TO & FROM a destination for PERSONAL USE, NOT USED to make monetary gains.

[@greasesgarage]

This one is beyond my scope haha, I hear you 100% though

[@nonya8956]

CT don’t require a title for anything over 20 years old PA does that’s the situation I’m in

[@mikedurkee9604]

What title service company is $400 that MA accepts

[@greasesgarage]

In description

[@christopherhilliard3681]

In nh if you are only at dmv 1/2 the day count yourself lucky 603

[@OL-Tom]

It's a total pain in the butt here in NV .... No title and they will dump on you.

[@jerrybigrig9475]

😎👍😎

[@AIRMANBEAR]

IF THE TITLE IS FILLED OUT ON BOTH SIDES AND YOU CAN FIND THE PERSON ON THE BACK (THE ONE YOU BOUGHT IT FROM ) OF THE TITLE TO REGISTER THE BIKE THEN WAIT FOR A NEW TITLE IN THEIR NAME THEN THEY CAN SELL IT TO YOU.. AND YOUR NAME WILL BE ON THE BACK...OR GET THE PERSON THEY BOUGHT IT FROM TO GET A DUPLICATE TITLE THEN BYPASS THE ONE YOU BOUGHT IT FROM ..TAKES TIME ...

[@Art-i4h]

N.C.I.C. Stands for National Crime Information Center, which is run by the FBI. As a police officer every stolen vehicle gets sent there. There is no tier level. A vin check on a bike can show it stolen but it may not depending on how each state enters the information through their teletype system. We also check the numbers on the frame and engine in case the bike was stolen and parted out.

[@richardchevyz71]

Please help me, sir. I'm looking to buy a used 78 shovelhead engine case no vin search I can find will work for a 9 digit vin only a 17 digit

[@Art-i4h]

An NCIC search would show if the vehicle was stolen.

[@richardchevyz71]

Thank you

[@greasesgarage]

That makes sense. I’ve heard a few stories where that NCIC did not flag but NMVTIS did show it belonging to another owner. Do you believe it’s still worth running both or do you recommend one over the other?

[@letscheckitout1985]

Incorrect you Still need a registration man

[@greasesgarage]

To use the title service company?

[@letscheckitout1985]

@@greasesgarage no, I’m in. CT close to your neck of the woods and we are the same with over 20 years old, but they require a bill of sale be the most current or previous registration to register the bike.

[@greasesgarage]

@@letscheckitout1985sure but this video isn’t about how to register a bike in CT it’s for all the people who live in states that don’t have an easy pathway like yours and mine

[@letscheckitout1985]

@@greasesgarage but we don’t have an easy pathway lol that’s my point. We are no different. The registration acts like the title man. No registration you got a parts bike

[@greasesgarage]

@@letscheckitout1985I wonder if it changed because I actually solved my MA issue with my XS by going to CT with the frame, getting a vin verification form and getting a CT plate for it then transferring that to MA

[@davidnorris5675]

Sooo many great bikes on Facebook marketplace without a title… not worth it. Find one with a clear title

[@greasesgarage]

Or use this method to obtain a title. The option is there!

[@richardlee2488]

If it turns out to be stolen or just insurance claimed as stolen or even just the motor then you are screwed whatever.

[@stewart4711]

I was gonna say not in this state u wont be

[@greasesgarage]

Title service will work in all 50 states. You’ll end up with a title and bill of sale from the previous owner which will work for any dmv in any state 👍🏼

[@NA-oq4ty]

No title no bike no sale

[@greasesgarage]

Doesn’t have to be that way anymore, clear path outlined in this video but to each their own.

[@jasonlogan5765]

If you're not rich you can do it yourself if you don't have to use a title company some of it you like to spend all of our money on our bikes instead of lawyers and s***

[@greasesgarage]

This video is specifically for people with no other choice, if they were able to do it themselves at their local dmv why would they be clicking on this video lol