It's been over a year since my last post.  I actually did virtually nothing over the winter of 2011/12 other than collect parts.  The original seat pan was so badly rusted, that I bought a new one on eBay for about $80.  It had surface rust, but was structurally sound.

I also purchased a new set of OEM 16" rims, a new round tank and tool boxes, shocks, and a sprung seat frame for about $225 delivered.  I would call it a C- investment for a variety of reasons, but specifically the 16" rim was suppose to be 17" and the 16" rim had a bad flat spot that I was not able to remove entirely - disappointing.  I disassembled the wheels, then sanded and polished he rims.  I feel like I correctly built the rim, so that was good, even thought the bike needs the 17's.

I purchased a new muffler and header pipe from Classic Ducati in the U.K during the summer of '12.  I just purchased new chrome spokes from Thailand, and am going to purchase new D.I.D. rims from Japan in one week.  Finally, I will shod the rims with Michelin M62 rubber.

My goal is to do the motor this winter.  Hopefully, I will update more frequently.  In between, life, work and the 911, time has been in short supply..

Finally...a Pennsylvania DMV Title

My title arrived in the mail today.  It has been considerable work over the last four months - research, phone calls, two trips to the county courthouse, another trip to visit the seller, but well worth the effort in the end.  The motorcycle is more marketable when I sell it and more fun now, because I can ride it on neighborhood streets without fear of being illegal.  Next, I will get it registered and a valid PA license plate.

Hoorah, Success!!!

The seller was kind enough to have my affidavit notarized.  It just stated that he sold me the bike by Bill of Sale. I called him after returning from vacation and it was done, I immediate ran up to his house - 45 minutes away - to pick it up.

This morning was my court case.  I really didn't have much dialogue with the judge, the clerk basically made the determination that I satisfied requirements that he (the clerk) established, actually it would be more accurate to say his interpretation of the law.  Hey, it works for me.  He handed the file to the judge and told him it was a transfer of title.  The judge got a really big smile and read out loud, "a 1966 Ducati".  I smiled and thanked him.  (The whole culture in the courtroom is everyone trips all over themselves to suck up to the judge. It would be really hard to remain humble after a while.)

Once I got back to the office I called the AAA supervisor to see what was next to obtain the title from the DMV.  She works Monday evenings, so I am going to head over there this Monday to process the paperwork.  In a few weeks, I should have a title, registration and a plate.

It is finally starting to feel like my motorcycle.  

Still waiting....

I filed a petition in Allegheny County Court (PA) to transfer the title to me.  It's really a pain, but the only way at this point to get it done.  I paid $128 to have the court hear my case, and I am hoping the judge grants my request without advertising.  The clerk suggested he may grant the transfer if I can get the guy I bought it from to give me a notarized affidavit saying the Bill of Sale is accurate.  I might have avoided this step if I would have got the Bill of Sale notarized.  The judge may permit the transfer without advertising since there is no record of the title at the state DMV, so in effect, there is no one to attempt to reach or notify of the transfer.  If I have to advertise, it will cost $330, over 25% of what I paid for the bike.

Unfortunately, I don't have a high confidence level the seller is going to get to the notary in time.  My court date is the 14th of September.  We will see.

The Design Target

I'm not a designer, but I do know what I like.  I also know that small details differences between the target and the end result make a HUGE difference - it's all about the execution.

I haven't made a final design selection yet, but have a few that I like.  I'll share one of my favorites today, but am reserving the right to change.

Here is the bike today....

This is what I would prefer it looked like...

It's basically the same bike - new paint, new larger, shinier wheels, new handlebars, etc.  The bottom line is that I should be able to rid the bike of it's dorkiness.  

Title - A little action and a lot of waiting

I called and received my paperwork to submit a Petition for Involuntary Transfer of Ownership.  One of the steps was to apply for a registration and get denied.  I already had done a title search (DL-135 in PA), so I knew all records of the bike were purged from the DMV, but didn't want to get in front of a judge and be sent away because I didn't have it.  I called AAA and was speaking with one of their title folks.  He was asking some questions about the bike and we were struggling a little to communicate - him to impart knowledge, me the facts surrounding my situation.  I told him that I had an old bike that needed a title. I made it clear that there was no record of the title in Harrisburg.  He asked if I had a registration card, I said "no".  Then he asked "Who is the owner of the bike", to which I responded "I am".  I never quite got to the part that I had just bought it and I had every intention to let him know, it just didn't come up yet in our exchange. He said that I should just request a duplicate title and explained the procedure when the records were purged.

Hmmm.  Brain is working.  Me, "So, I can just request a title."   Him, "Yeah, but it probably takes a month or so."  Me, "No problem".  Off I go to AAA the next day and submit for a duplicate title.  AAA indicated that sometimes the requests get kicked out, but I got the impression it would be for more information rather than outright rejection.  We will see.  I hope to have a response from the DMV by mid-August.

I am trying to hold off on further investments until I get the title.  Having a vintage bike with a valid title is worth much more than a Bill of Sale.  Obtaining a title on an old bike is a hassle, and in some states not possible.  The title means a lot.

Despite my attempted restraint, I bought a new seat cover.  I  am definitely going with a cafe look.  I think the stock bike looks a little dorky and unless you are going for a 10-point original restoration, there isn't much point in having a dorky looking bike.  I won't hack it to pieces and will keep all the original parts, so if some future owner wants to return it to its dorky state, they can.

Glacial Title Progress

I have been trying to get in touch with an attorney for a little guidance, but in the process I stumbled onto a thread with amazingly precise information for my situation.  I posted a link below that someone created and hopefully maintains that gives some summary and/or background detail on how to register a vehicle in a number of different - not all - states.  I called the correct department for PA and they are going to mail me the forms (woo-hoo).  The whole title/registration process will take four to five months and cost about $400, a lot of money for a $1,200 bike.  Actually, after I have a title it won't be a $1,200 bike anymore.  I am in no hurry, but very determined to obtain a title.


http://scoot.net/faq/Register_a_barn_find