Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Create a professional bill of sale specifically designed for motorcycle transactions. Covers VIN documentation, title transfer requirements, and custom build considerations.
Why Motorcycle Sales Need a Specialized Bill of Sale
Motorcycles represent a unique segment of the private vehicle market. Unlike cars, motorcycles are frequently bought and sold between enthusiasts, often change hands more frequently, and are far more likely to have aftermarket modifications that affect their value, safety, and registration eligibility. A motorcycle bill of sale needs to account for these realities.
The motorcycle market also includes a wider range of vehicle types than most buyers realize. Beyond standard street motorcycles, a motorcycle bill of sale may be used for sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, dirt bikes (when street-legal), scooters, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Each of these categories may have different registration requirements and titling rules depending on your state and the engine displacement.
Another key distinction is value documentation. While car values are well-established through resources like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds, motorcycle valuations can be more subjective — particularly for vintage bikes, custom builds, and limited-edition models. A thorough bill of sale that documents the motorcycle's condition, mileage, and any modifications helps establish a fair market value record for both parties.
Finding and Verifying the VIN on a Motorcycle
The Vehicle Identification Number is the single most important identifier on any motorcycle. Locating and verifying it before completing a sale is essential for both buyer safety and DMV compliance.
Common VIN Locations on Motorcycles
- Steering neck: The most common location. The VIN is stamped into the metal frame where the front fork mounts to the frame. Turn the handlebars fully to one side to read it.
- Engine case: Some manufacturers stamp the VIN on the engine block or crankcase. This serves as a secondary verification point.
- Frame near the motor: On some models, the VIN is located on the frame rail near where the engine mounts to the chassis.
- Title and registration: The VIN is printed on the title certificate and current registration. Always compare the physical VIN to these documents.
VIN Red Flags to Watch For
- VIN on the frame does not match the title document
- VIN appears to be re-stamped, ground down, or altered
- Seller cannot produce a title or registration with a matching VIN
- VIN check reveals the motorcycle is reported stolen or has a salvage title
Motorcycle Title Transfer Process
Transferring a motorcycle title follows a similar process to car title transfers, but there are a few motorcycle-specific considerations that buyers and sellers should be aware of. The process generally involves four main steps that must be completed in order.
Verify the Title Is Clean
Before agreeing to a sale, the buyer should verify that the title is in the seller's name, that there are no outstanding liens, and that the title is not branded as salvage, rebuilt, or flood-damaged. Run the VIN through the NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) to check for title issues.
Complete the Bill of Sale
Both parties fill out and sign the motorcycle bill of sale, documenting the VIN, year, make, model, engine displacement, odometer reading, sale price, and the names and addresses of both parties. Keep a copy for both the buyer and seller.
Sign the Title Over to the Buyer
The seller completes the assignment section on the back of the title, including the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading. Both parties sign where indicated. In states that require notarization, this step must be completed in front of a notary public.
Register at the DMV
The buyer takes the signed title, bill of sale, valid ID, and payment for fees and taxes to the DMV. Most states require this within 10 to 30 days of the purchase date. The DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name and new registration tags.
Custom and Modified Motorcycles
The motorcycle market has a strong custom and modification culture that does not exist to the same degree in car sales. From simple exhaust and handlebar swaps to ground-up custom builds, modified motorcycles present unique documentation challenges that your bill of sale must address.
For motorcycles with minor modifications — such as aftermarket exhaust, grips, seats, or cosmetic changes — the standard bill of sale is sufficient. Document the base motorcycle (year, make, model) and note any significant modifications in the description field. This protects the seller from claims that parts were missing, and gives the buyer a record of what was included in the sale.
For heavily modified or custom-built motorcycles, additional steps may be required. If the frame is from a different manufacturer than the engine, or if the motorcycle was built from scratch, many states require a VIN inspection before the motorcycle can be registered. The state may assign a new VIN to the custom build. Document the frame manufacturer, frame VIN (if applicable), engine manufacturer, engine number, and all major component sources in the bill of sale.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale FAQ
Common questions about motorcycle bill of sale documents and title transfers.
Unlike cars where the VIN is on the dashboard, motorcycle VINs are typically stamped on the steering neck (the part of the frame below the handlebars where the fork passes through). You may need to turn the handlebars to see it clearly. Some manufacturers also place the VIN on the engine case or frame near the motor. The VIN should always be cross-referenced with the title document before completing a purchase.
While a general vehicle bill of sale can technically be used, a motorcycle-specific template is strongly recommended. Motorcycle transactions have unique considerations — including engine displacement, frame type, and the frequent presence of aftermarket modifications — that a general form may not capture adequately. Using a motorcycle-specific template ensures all relevant details are documented and accepted by the DMV.
The process varies slightly by state, but the general steps are: (1) The seller signs the title over to the buyer, filling in the buyer name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading on the back of the title. (2) Both parties complete and sign a bill of sale. (3) The buyer takes the signed title, bill of sale, and valid ID to the DMV to apply for a new title and registration. Some states also require a safety inspection or emissions test before the transfer can be completed.
Yes, but additional documentation may be needed depending on the extent of the modifications. If the motorcycle has a custom frame or has been significantly modified from its original build, some states require a special inspection to verify the VIN and confirm the motorcycle meets safety standards. Document all modifications in the bill of sale, including the frame manufacturer, engine source, and any major component changes. This protects both parties and helps the DMV process the registration.
Selling a motorcycle without a title is difficult and varies significantly by state. Some states offer a bonded title process where the buyer can obtain a surety bond and apply for a new title after a waiting period. Other states may accept a bill of sale alone for older motorcycles (typically 15+ years old). However, most buyers will not purchase a motorcycle without a title because it raises concerns about theft or outstanding liens. It is always best to obtain a duplicate title from the DMV before selling.
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