QuestionHi, and first off thanks for your time. I recently bought a bike from a friend of a friend who lives about two hundred miles away and across state lines. Incidentally, the guy forgot to tell me that he removed the plates - I didn't figure that he'd be throwing V-Max personalized plates on a Harley. Regardless, I need to get this bike home. Should I rent a pickup then buy a ramp and some straps? I can't ride it back uninsured, unregistered, and without any plates and although I've got the title in hand the old owner got them to me without signing them over first. What should I do? I'd rather not have my girl drive me four hundred miles again just to get the signature, and then another four hundred after I've registered. Thanks again.
AnswerTony,
Thanks for the question.
You can probably make it home OK in one trip. When you go to get the bike, bring the title and have the owner sign it. Or, FedEx it to him and pre-pay to have it returned if he won’t do the same. Also, get a bill of sale with the VIN# on it and have it notarized (finding a notary online is easy).
Check with your insurance company and DMV about vehicle coverage coverage. In Oregon (where I live), any vehicle you buy is automatically covered under your current policy for 30 days. Many states have the same regulations. Check with your DMV and insurance carrier.
Lastly, why is your friend keeping the plates? He can't use them on the Harley. The vehicle plate tags numbers are set to the VMax. See if you can talk him into putting them back on the bike for the ride home, and tell him you will mail them back to him (if he really wants them) once you get your new plates.
If you have a title (even not signed), a bill of sale (he can fax/email it to you), and insurance coverage of SOME sort (check with your agent), you should be good to ride the bike home with no trouble if you get pulled over.
Unless you're doing something totally outrageous (not s stretch with a VMax, I know), most police are worried about bikes being stolen than anything else.
I rode a 1981 Honda Goldwing from Nashville to Portland, and got pulled over once (speeding). I only had a signed title, a bill of sale written on the back of an envelope, and my current insurance info for my OTHER bike (but not the Goldwing), along with my valid, endorsed license.
The cop gave me no hassle, told me to enjoy my ride and gave me a warning on the speeding. I think if you have your paperwork in some kind of order (or at least on you) and don't ride like a maniac, you should make it home without any problems from The Man.
Enjoy your new bike!
Bill Roberson
