Is a bill of sale good enough for a 1989 Ninja ex1000? And is $500 a good deal?

Question

There is a guy offering me a 1989 ninja ex1000 for $500, but he doesnt have the title only a bill of sale, would that be good enough? Also is $500 a good deal, I think it may have a carbuerator problem, this would be my first bike.

thanks

Answer 1

Here in Arizona a bill of sale and toilet paper have about the same use at DMV. So there is no title and it doesn't run. As Grandpa would say.... walk away, with your money.

Answer 2

Without a title, it is not a vehicle, it is a collection of random parts. Laws differ by state but You better call Your local Dept. of Motor Vehicles or whatever it is called there to find out.

Answer 3

Absolutely positively not. Forget it. Stolen or not, it's a really bad idea. There's probably a lien on the bike, and when they repossess it, they don't care about your little bill of sale. Move on son.  

Answer 4

You need the title to register the car for license plate. In your case, you don't need a bill of sale, but just title, so you can register your car.  

Answer 5

Its most likely stolen mate, you need the title to do anything'

other possibilities include finance, which i doubt or most likely the bike has been classed as a right off and has been re-built but may not be safe.

Answer 6

If the guy owns it, he should be able to get a replacement title fairly easily.  For you to get a title could be a real headache, and there's a chance it would be impossible.  

$500 is a good deal, but chances are it will cost you a lot more to get into ride-able condition.  Spend an extra 1 or 2 thousand and get a bike that is ready to go unless you like wrenching.

Needs carb work means that it probably has been sitting a while, which means it will probably need tires($2-300), fluids, lines, battery, etc.  Also, why would somebody let a good bike sit, unless it had problems.

Answer 7

Do you know how to rebuild carbs?  Do yo have another grand to sink into this money pit?  Who is the dude selling you the bike?

Bad Idea.  Save some more money.  Buy the best condition motorcycle that you can afford.  You shouldn't worry about the size.  You won't be fast until you learn how to ride well.  A bike without a title and needing attention you can't afford is really slow.