purchased motorcycle from someone - he didn't renew title to his name

[INEEDADVICE2]

What is the name of your state?Illinois

I purchased a motorcycle from this guy and paid it in cash (May 27). Little did I realize after I went to the DMV, the vehicle was not yet registered to his name. I have all his receipts and documents when he first purchased the bike, it shows that he paid the bike from the dealer in 2002 in full. He didn't title and register the bike to his name because I think he wanted to avoid to pay the taxes. Plus given the mileage of the bike I think he only used the bike less than a year. It has a license plate so I don't understand how he got that.

The bike looks legit because his receipt and certificate of origin is under his name. I was told by the DMV that he was not legally allowed to sell the bike to anyone since he didn't have a clear title. Is that true?

I am having difficulty contacting the guy on phone. I really don't know what to get from him in order for me to get the new title. Does anyone know a really good legal options I have? I am thinking of reporting him to the police wut I really want my money back.

Thank you in advance.
JS

[ahuja_ramandeep]

Hi,

I am in a similar situation except that I have not paid yet ! I found out that the the bank the seller had a loan on the bike with, did not have the Title with them !!! They said that they received a letter from the sec. of state stating that they could not issue a title because of an error a long time ago.

The bike was purchased new in 2001. The Seller says that he never received this letter from his bank ... He has to go to the secratary of state to clarify this tomorrow.

At this point I do not know what to believe. How can a bike not have a title all this time and it is registered, has a number plate !! Is it possible for the seller to create a false title ?

[INEEDADVICE2]

I was able to have the first owner to apply a title to his name. I personally accompanied the seller to the DMV to get this. Everything went smooth but my riding time was delayed by 3 weeks because of that. It was a good lesson for me being it was my first purchase of a vehicle. NEVER TRUST ANYONE. Always check for the correct title with the name and vin match with the vehicle. I was in a rush to get the bike and forgot all the important things that I should have done. The bike is now titled to my name and I am enjoying riding it every now and then. It is a nice bike, but there are few hidden defects where I didn't notice when I purchased it. I regret it somehow but always seem to forget when I ride it... You did the right thing by not paying up front. GOOD LUCK!