what would u do

recently got a 72 750 that needs minor work to get running. it has a title

this weekend i got a mk11 parts bike in pieces. they're all there minus fuel tank and in good shape. bike has no title but is numbers matching and i'm told a title can be got by some rather arcane methods.

i plan to ride the 750 and learn it, so to speak, this summer.

next winter i'd like to either assemmble the 850 assuning i can get a title or take the best parts of both bikes and assemble them on the titled 750.

will the 850 drive train be mountable to the 750 frame? what parts from the 850 are swappable and an upgrade over the 750? thanx in advance as always, rick

DMV

Ask your state's DMV (or RMV---if your state is liberal enough...) what they require for granting a title. In most strict states there is a process (lengthy enough) with plenty of tax (fee) potential.

Here in the People's Repbulic of Massachusetts you can be granted a title if you satisfy the following:

1) The VIN number is run by the local police and documented as not stolen.

2) You have a notarized bill-of-sale.

3) You write up a naritive disclosing everything you know about the machines history.

I would also add that having this process ramrodded (spearheaded, I should say) by your local state rep would insure success.

Your investment in time will pay off handsomely, when you (if you need to) sell the machine.

All the best,

RS

someone has told me i can sell the bike to a certain titlt company and then they will turn around and sell it back to me w/ a legit title, for a fee of course. sounds too good to be true. anyway here in indiana you have to completely assemble the bike, photograph it, have it inspected by the locals, and then go to the magistrate to beg on bent knee for a title. anyway i got it for a song and i'll probably cobble together a hybrid '72 850 in the end. this is ok w/me as numbers matching isn't high on my agenda and when i'm 90 and the nursing home won't let me ride it any longer i can sell it w/ the numbers matching components. i need a trip to mexico. winter madness is upon me.

The title service DOES WORK. I just did it for under $100
International Title Service 800-543-8626
Bike must be 1974 and older
Doug

I've used ITS at least 6 times. Sounds like they have lowered thier prices, too.

When I got my bike, it had been through seven owners, none of whom had bothered to transfer the title, as the bike was partially disassembled. I got that untransferred title, a stack of bills of sale going back to 1985, and an affidavit from the seller. According to the state, I needed an affidavit from the title holder, not just his signed bill of sale. Apparently, this guy died in the early '90s. Facing an uphill battle trying to sort all this out with the state, I used ITS. One week later, I had a title. Half an hour at DOT, I had my transferred title, registration and Antique tag.

will the 850 drive train be mountable to the 750 frame? what parts from the 850 are swappable and an upgrade over the 750?

Click to expand...

Yes, the 850 drive train will swap directly into the '72 frame. The 850 swingarm is beefier and preferred, tho I have never seen a failure of the 750 'arm. The 850 centerstand is definitely stronger and should be used. The 850 head steady is stronger and should be used (the 750 will crack), unless you choose to upgrade to a link-rod headsteady or Norvil isolastic type.

There is a one degree difference in headstock angle between the '72 frame and '74 frame and the '74 triple trees have a one degree offset to bring the wheelbase back to original. It is not recommended to mix and match 750 frames with 850 triple trees and vice versa, although some have done this and report no ill effects.

Others have covered the title services, but I'll add that in most states, the title goes by the engine number, and the frame tags are available blank. It would be very easy to title the engine and add a new matching number frame tag (or remove the old frame tag from the '74 frame). Having a title matching the frame tag but a different engine number can cause delays at a safety stop. :x

talked to the title co today and he assured they could do it for 85. that'll solve one big problem. thanks boys!