Can property be taken back if it was given as a payment for work completed and i do not have the title?

Question

i was given a motorcycle as payment for some work that i completed i never was given the title and it has been 4 months and now he says he wants the motorcycle back.what are the legalities of this?

Answer 1

Who ever has the title, is the owner.

Answer 2

Who ever has their name on the title owns the motorcycle.  Choices are to return it, or not.  If you choose not to, he can have you arrested for theft.  Next time get the signed title too, and switch it over.

But, you might convince him you can only return it upon him paying, in cash, what he owes you.  He might believe it.

Answer 3

If he has the title he owns it.  You should have gotten it from him when he gave you the bike.

If you have some kind of written contract then take him to court and sue for the title.

Answer 4

This is a Barter deal - Still a legal transaction.. You should spend the few dollars and bring him to small claims court. The fact that you have the bike is an indicator of payment..however if he is real trash, he will claim that you stole the bike and report you to the police.