Buy and sell in the U.S.

[j3gq_imp]

I am pondering on traveling to the U.S. next spring, buy a CB upon arrival, ride my way, and sell it eventually (may be delays here). That is all straight forward. But the world isn't that simple no more since 9-11.

Would anybody have advice on any complications concerning registration, insurance, etc etc ? Could it be that this is relatively easy (and just a matter of papers and fees) in some states, while bordering the impossible in others ?

[pekingduck]

I am pondering on traveling to the U.S. next spring, buy a CB upon arrival, ride my way, and sell it eventually (may be delays here). That is all straight forward. But the world isn't that simple no more since 9-11.

Would anybody have advice on any complications concerning registration, insurance, etc etc ? Could it be that this is relatively easy (and just a matter of papers and fees) in some states, while bordering the impossible in others ?

If you buy a bike in the US, you will have to have it registered for road use, and have liability insurance. If you buy from a licensed dealer, registration and insurance can be taken care of immediately, and insurance can also be bought online. The problem is the proof of ownership (title).

The title may take a while, depending on the particular state's procedures and work load. In California, it may take 2-3 weeks to have the actual title mailed to you, so it may affect your travel timeline. Other states may be able to do it the same day. If you buy from a private party, you may be able to just carry the title that has been signed off, and insure and register it in your name.

However, in California, and I assume many other states, the title has a section that is torn off and submitted to the state's motor vehicle department that has the buyer's name, so he is protected in case you slam into a Bentley and run away. With this section torn off, some dealers or even private buyers may not accept it.

The registration and insurance in your name are all you need to use the bike in any of the 50 states. You don't have to show the title anywhere or anytime except when you sell the bike (or need to prove it's yours).

Be aware that some dealers will not buy a bike from you if it is not your name on the title. Also beware that some titles may be marked as salvage or reconstructed. That marks the bike as being of much lower value, and dealers will almost never buy it.

One thing you may consider is to buy a bike from a dealer, and negotiate a price to buy it back beforehand. That way, when the title is sent it will go to the dealer and be waiting upon your arrival.

[Frulk_imp]

Did you mean covid instead of 9/11? Not a political question. I’ve traveled all over since 9/11. Never had issues. Now Covid seems to be presenting a lot of obstacles for travelers going to and coming from other countries.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

I would think that no matter what state you buy it in you will need an address to register it and along with that ID with that address (drivers license, ect). Every state is different though. I know that in PA you do not have to possess a drivers license to buy and register a vehicle which I find odd....

Another thing, many states DOT's are slow as molasses right now. I live in Pennsylvania but bought a bike in Delaware and I've been waiting over two months for the registration (license plate). I have a temporary DE registration with a paper tag so I can ride but if the plate is taking that long the title is taking that long.

[j3gq_imp]

Did you mean covid instead of 9/11? Not a political question. I’ve traveled all over since 9/11. Never had issues. Now Covid seems to be presenting a lot of obstacles for travelers going to and coming from other countries.

I worked in the U.S. the very day of 9-11. Traveling was a little hindered but fine. But legal papers and paperwork got much more complicated for "ALIANs". So no, I meant 9-11 ...

I am pondering on traveling to the U.S. next spring, buy a CB upon arrival, ride my way, and sell it eventually (may be delays here). That is all straight forward. But the world isn't that simple no more since 9-11.

Would anybody have advice on any complications concerning registration, insurance, etc etc ? Could it be that this is relatively easy (and just a matter of papers and fees) in some states, while bordering the impossible in others ?

If you buy a bike in the US, you will have to have it registered for road use, and have liability insurance. If you buy from a licensed dealer, registration and insurance can be taken care of immediately, and insurance can also be bought online. The problem is the proof of ownership (title).

The title may take a while, depending on the particular state's procedures and work load. In California, it may take 2-3 weeks to have the actual title mailed to you, so it may affect your travel timeline. Other states may be able to do it the same day. If you buy from a private party, you may be able to just carry the title that has been signed off, and insure and register it in your name.

However, in California, and I assume many other states, the title has a section that is torn off and submitted to the state's motor vehicle department that has the buyer's name, so he is protected in case you slam into a Bentley and run away. With this section torn off, some dealers or even private buyers may not accept it.

The registration and insurance in your name are all you need to use the bike in any of the 50 states. You don't have to show the title anywhere or anytime except when you sell the bike (or need to prove it's yours).

Be aware that some dealers will not buy a bike from you if it is not your name on the title. Also beware that some titles may be marked as salvage or reconstructed. That marks the bike as being of much lower value, and dealers will almost never buy it.

One thing you may consider is to buy a bike from a dealer, and negotiate a price to buy it back beforehand. That way, when the title is sent it will go to the dealer and be waiting upon your arrival.

Appreciate, certainly all points need to be given some thought ...

[Nachodaddy]

You are correct to think that each state in the US has very different procedures and requirements. I am in Arizona and only recently Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has stopped issuing a paper title when you purchase a vehicle. An electronic record is kept and you can get a paper title if you request it, but you receive no paper title when you buy a vehicle. When you sell that vehicle, you and the buyer go to the ADOT office (or other authorized contractor) and they will look up the title and electronically issue the title to the new owner, but he/she will also not get a paper title unless specifically requested. No longer can you simply sign and notarize your title and hand it to the buyer unless you order a paper title in advance and have it ready when you make the sale. Each state has different ways of doing things. One thing that may help you is to go on-line and see what the requirements are for the state you plan to buy the bike and re-sell it and see what the requirements are for that state. Good luck and happy traveling.
When I lived in Las Vegas I know you could rent a motorcycle (or an exotic car, like a Ferrari or Lamborghini) if you were from out of the country, but I do not know any of the details.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

You may be better off just renting a bike from a nationwide company. Ride it like to stole it, and return it to the same organization but in a differing locality, like renting a U-Haul trailer one-way.

[pekingduck]

Have you decided what states you will be visiting? And where you will buy/sell it? That way residents can give solid info as Nachodaddy did.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I would agree with the address of the owner would be the most fundamental issue, but as already stated, not the only one.

Maybe buy the bike in another member's name?

[LongRanger_imp]

If you’re on a time schedule, I would recommend renting, not buying. Motorbikes are easy to buy but not always easy to sell.