Although dirt biking can be an enjoyable and exciting experience, buying or selling it can be more challenging. One important thing to look for while buying or selling one can be its title status. Do you know what titles are? Are titles common, and why are they important?
Titles can make or break your dirt bike deal. In simple words, a title is a form of legal proof that identifies the owner of the vehicle. Titles are common when buying or selling houses, but they’re not particularly common when it comes to purchasing a dirt bike. However, having titles for dirt bikes can be valuable.
But there are many different laws and other details that come with dirt bike titles. That is exactly why we are here. Let’s find out what titles are and why you need them.
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What’s A Title?
A title is essentially an important piece of proof that indicates that a certain person or business owns the vehicle mentioned in the document. The secretary of the state usually issues the title in whichever state it was purchased in.
The department of motor vehicles gives the title, which is also known as the pink slip. However, the laws related to titles can differ depending on each state. There may be some states that require the involvement of notaries while completing the title.
Along with requirements, the document’s information and appearance can also vary in each state. But here are some of the factors that you will be able to find in every title document.
The manufacturing date of the vehicle
The number of the title
Tax information
The vehicle identification number
The number on the license plate
Address of the owner
Number of the owner
The model number of the vehicle
Having a pink slip can be valuable so that an owner can prove that the vehicle belongs to them and isn’t stolen. So having one can help you in the long run if you’re selling your dirt bike or need help finding your stolen bike.
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Are Titles Common For Dirt Bikes?
Even though titles have great importance, unfortunately, they are not common when it comes to dirt bikes. When it comes to cars, you can’t buy one without a title because, in some states, it is illegal. Because even if a person has paid for the vehicle, they can’t be the owner of one unless they have the title.
The same goes for a dirt bike. When you are purchasing one, make sure it comes with a pink slip or some kind of proof that confirms the real owner of the bike. Get any kind of proof with the owner’s sign, name description of the model, etc.
So make sure to have proof of ownership before buying a dirt bike from a stranger.
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Do Titles Come With New And Old Bikes?
When it comes to old bikes, you may have a very slim chance of actually finding a title along with it. The previous owners may have lost the slip after a long time because titles have only just started to become a necessity for dirt bike owners.
Having a title is the safer route to take because you don’t want to end up with the consequences of having a stolen one. On the other hand, when it comes to new bikes, you can easily get the title of a dirt bike as its first owner. If dirt bikes are street legal, they will likely come with a pink slip.
Due to scams and the fear of stolen bikes, it is a good and safer idea to buy a dirt bike only if it comes with a title.
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Factors To Keep An Out For Before Getting A Dirt Bike
Impulsive buyers may not look into the background of a product before they buy it. But you shouldn’t be thinking about getting a dirt bike that doesn’t come with a title. And running background checks will do you more good than harm. Here are some of the important factors you should look out for.
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Ask For The VIN Number
Before purchasing a dirt bike, make sure to check its vehicle identification number. You don’t want to get a bike that is stolen or salvaged in any way. The seller can give you the VIN. And if they aren’t giving you one, then that’s a big red flag right there. No dirt bike is worth the trouble of not having a title.
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Ask Questions About The Title
Make sure to ask the seller if they have the title. Having the title will save you from any hassle you may face while purchasing a dirt bike.
You can find any information you need to know about the vehicle and its owner using the title. Paying for the vehicle and having its pink slip will make you the rightful owner of the new bike.
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Be Aware Of Liens
If you find a lien on the bike, it will mean that the bike may have been financed somehow. With the VIN, you can find out if any remaining money is left to pay on the bike. You should not be responsible for any leftover money from any previous owner.
If the owner has the title, then you’ll already know. Just make sure to follow the current laws in your state. Laws can change with time, so it’s better to find any information you can before buying or selling your bike.
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What Should You Do With The Title?
The easiest thing you can do is to keep it safe and protected. You have to keep the title safe even if you are not the bike’s first owner. It is a valuable document to have.
You can easily sell your motorcycle if you have a title in your possession, and you can also stay out of any legal trouble in terms of ownership issues.
So why take on all that trouble when you can just keep your title safe for the future?
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