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.