About a month ago I bought a 2001 VFR from a guy off of craigslist. Mechanically sound. Plastics could use a little work, but I figured it is over 10 years old and a VFR is really what I had my mind made up on. Plus it only had 9,000 miles on it. The listing was for $2900. Because the guy chopped the exhaust at the mid-pipe and the plastics were dinged up I bargained him down to $2700. Here is were my negligence begins. This is the first bike I've ever purchased. The Vin on the title matched the vin on the bike. Only thing is it was the vin of a 92 VFR 750. The guy told me it was a 1992 frame outfitted with 2001 parts. The vin was clear. I know, It should have raised a flag, but he had it insured, tagged and we even went to the notary to get the title transfered. I get it home. All is good. I get insurance and get it registered. I have 30 days to get it inspected. I take it to get inspected and a few days go by with no word. I finally call them and they tell me my bike is at the local police station and that it had been re-stamped. I am crushed. I love the bike and already put a stock can on it and new K&N air filter. I go over to the police station to see what's up. The officer on duty says they do have it and there is an officer investigating to see if it is a stolen bike. I haven't contacted the guy who sold it to me because I want to speak to the investigating office first. I don't want to spoke the guy and never be able to reach him again. I have the craigslist posting printed out and I have the entire texting conversation between he and on my phone. I don't think I can get in trouble, but I am pretty bummed about the whole situation. I am currently waiting on the investigator to call me. This really blows. Any comments? Thanks, Chris
you won't get in any trouble as you have all the info to back up your story. Worst case is you lose the bike and your money. Maybe you can get your parts back that you put into it. Best case is, it all works out and they aren't able to prove the bike stolen but that's sounding doubtful at this point. Maybe the best case is they nail whomever is responsible and you get your money back? I'll be very interested to hear how this one plays out.
I hope so. Just bummed as I am a new rider and I loved riding the bike. Plus, this weekend was beautiful outside. I hope I don't have to take this guy to court. Thanks for the reply.
I suspect the DA would be taking him to court and you'd be called as a witness. unless somehow he can prove he bought it from someone, got it past inspection etc.....
I guess if he got someone to right-off the inspection he would have been in the clear as far as being able to tag it and ride it, but yes they would have to prove he was the one who stole it or he knowingly bought it stolen. Would be awesome if the investigator calls me and says it's not stolen, but I figure if the vin was tampered with something is obviously not right. When I matched the vin up with the title I couldn't tell it had been re-stamped. Whoever did it must have known what he was doing. Thieves suck.
FYI, having a notary witness a signature does not mean a deal is legal. All a notary is doing is essentially saying "yeup, I checked the guy's ID and it looked good to me and he did not appear to be signing under duress." In fact in most states, although it is widely flouted, the notary can not say a word to the customer anything about the documents, even where to sign, they are only there to witness the signature, that is all. Having the notary witness the signing does nothing to verify that the deal is legal. This is a common mistake. But where do you live that you have to leave the bike for inspection?
sorry to hear this, sounds like the guy really fucked you hard, the only thing i can say is if it turns out that you have to give the bike back id fuck him over!
I live in Maryland and yes I thought the inspection was taking a little long. That's why I called them. I talked to the police about an hour ago and they said they are still investigating it. They said if I don't here anything within a few weeks to call back. Fuck a few weeks. How long does it take to check a vin against there database? I told them I'd help in any way I can. As far as getting the guy back. I just want my money back or bike. The law can handle him. Vehicle theft is a felony.
Ditto on the notary comment above...doesn't mean much...that sucks though...keep us posted and let us know what's going on. thx.
