Motorcycle Used Parts Michigan

Titling An OLD Motorcycle From A Bill of Sale in Michigan?

I have purchased a non-running motorcycle, early 70′s, in Michigan from a gentleman who originally purchased it to restore, him also using a bill of sale. I checked the VIN, it is not stolen and I do not believe there is a lien. I suppose my question is two parts: How do I go about finding out more about the bike and will I be able to acquire a title? I have read the “doom & gloom” answers to similar questions to this but the seller (owns a MC shop) claimed the process was relatively easy and he has done it many times before. I will try to obtain more details on the steps he took to go from bill of sale -> title, but has anyone else done this before?

I don’t know about Michigan, but here’s what I go through in Texas. It’s not that tough in the state of Texas. You have to do some leg work and spend a few bucks. You can easily get a copy of the title, it’s getting the title transferred that will cause you more problems. After a few times I started paying a title person to do it all for me. They charged me about $100 on top of whatever state fees had to be paid, but they always get the title back to me with my name on it and good tags with a new license plate. The most costly part is getting the insurance. Wait till you get the bike all ready to run and then go hire you a title person. It’s been a while, but I want to say it used to take about 4 weeks because of the waiting period of sending a certified letter to the person that is actually on the title.

BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan