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

O-ho the Wells Fargo Wagon is a-comin' down the street, Oh please let it be for me!

The last thing I really need to do at this point is to start buying parts, so naturally I started buying parts.  Actually they're used parts - wheels, tank, side covers, seat frame and rear shocks.  My wheels are shot, so I posted a question about upgrading to a larger size and was contacted by a guy trying to unload a set he didn't need.  A pair of new wheels and spokes would have cost over $500, these were $125, but are not perfect.  I needed one side cover and my tank has a pin hole that would need repaired....so you can see how easy it was to justify doing something that wasn't a priority.  I might has well practice those skills, they will be in use again and again.

The Wells Fargo Wagon should be here late this week.  

Title Search Results

A letter from the DMV was waiting for me when I got home yesterday.  Oh please have the name of the former owner - a nice older gentleman  - that will be happy to help me get the title transferred.  No such luck.

Dear Customer,

..."We are no able to provide this information because the record you requested, as indicated below, does not exist in our files."

So now what?  I have two choices.  One would be to use an out of state titling agency, but they require the bike be inspected and you can get it inspected in PA without a registration, which you can't get without a title.  Maybe I only have one choice.  I have to file an Involuntary Transfer of Title by Court Order.  Yes, I am going to need a n attorney to at least direct me.  Hopefully nothing more.  This is why people say don't by a bike without a title, but bikes with titles are worth more money so hopefully it's just the hassle of getting it.  Now I need to find an attorney that won't rake me over the coals - miracles do happen.