Tittle issue effects on value?

[xb12scapades]

When I bought my XB12Ss in 2010 I bought it used from a dealership. They told me the bike was a trade in from another state and there had been a mix up when it was transferred from one state to another. The Washington state title I have says the odometer doesn't mach the recorded miles with the state form the last transfer. The
dealership told me the speedo was correct and the title issue was just a mistake. I bought it anyway, not sure whether to believe them or not, don't really care, that's not my question....just explaining the situation.

Question #1
I have a 2008 XB12Ss with 7600 miles on the speedo but the title says it has over 10,000. I want to sell the bike so I can buy a EBR1190RX but I don't know how much the title problem should effect the value of it. The bike is all stock with new Pilot Road III tires on it. It's very clean and runs perfect. I was thinking about asking $4k for it, does that sound about right?

Question #2
If the dealership was telling the truth doesn't it seem like I could have the title corrected and get the miles issue off so the title was totally clear? If so how do I do that?

 

[Sirius815]

For question #2, you are probably best off calling the local department of motor vehicles or equivalent.

For question #1, $4k sounds good. The bike may well have over 10,000 miles on it. The speedo could have been switched out during the bike's life with a lower mileage one. Not sure how to correct that issue. Guess you could induce a signal to the speedometer for a while and have the odometer click up to the title's mileage

 

[nicholas900]

Run a Carfax on your bike. It costs a little bit, 30 bucks or something. It might help you out with the mileage concern and be able to prove your point to the new customer. It might have dealer service visit milage and dates, and/or yearly inspection. It should definitely have transfer of owernship mileage. For the cost it's worth a shot. Your new customer will most likely want to run one (I always do) so at least you will be on the same page.

Your price sound realistic with 7,500 or 10,000 miles. But situations like this can scare off some buyers. Do a little leg work with the dealer, the local DMV and try to get it on paper.

GLWS

 

[go cytocis]

Not sure how representative I am of the general buying public, but I personally walk away from anything without spotless title.

Always get a report, such as carfax noted above, before buying!

 

[Cooter]

You said "Washington title" is that where you are? Washington state?

Even if you get your odometer to match the title, it will still be check marked on the title as "does not match odometer reading".
You can legally sell it like that. Some people won't care but others will, and the price you get will reflect that. Be honest in your ad.
I hate carfax, especially for bikes (that usually have a spotty history with dealer service). It may work for buying a commuter car, but just like KBB and NADA, it just doesn't apply to anything 'specialty' very well.

I have bought bikes with "mileage issues" before (20,000 miles, not 200,000 miles you DMV idiot) and is usually gets fixed by the PO signing an affidavit, and the local Sheriff doing an inspection.
You could go back to the dealer and have them sign the same affidavit as long as they are the PO on record (they should have transferred it when they got it). If they don't want to sign it, never, ever return there because they sold you a bike that they lowered the mileage on.

Is it worth it? Your effort will be rewarded by a higher re-sale and an easier sale. But either way, your 'off the hook' for any legalities, because the title is already stamped.

 

[xb12scapades]

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I live in Seattle so the title is licensed in Washington. I hate carfax too but printing out the history on the bike and having it to show the potential buyers will probably help. Once I get that I can also call the dmv and see if I can get any thing there.
Thanks.

 

[konarider94]

Some states may have an affidavit you can sign if it was simply a mistake but it probably matters how many owners it went through and how long ago. As both owners and time increase its prob unlikely for them to change.

 

[vroom]

Ride it until they match?

 

[user_deleted]

question 1-your price is more than competitive. here on the east coast a lightning ss long will sell in about 8 minutes particularly if it has transluscent bodywork. if perspective buyer questions the documentation pertaining to mileage simply refer them to the dealer you bought it from for verification.

question 2-it will never ever ever happen.

 

[Cooter]

You could always trade it back to the same dealer?