Forum

[OilyFingers]

Hello,
I have been offered an abandoned 2001 500 Bullet.
Been under a cover for a few years, scruffy of course but all there, a good project as if I needed another to go with the other six...

Owner last seen four years ago after dropping the bike at traffic lights, some light damage. He was a tenant renting a room at my mates house. When he moved he said he "couldn't be arsed with it any more"
Said mate is now moving house and wants bike gone.
Problem is the owner took the number plate off.
But, I have the VIN number, engine number and frame number etc.

So, can anyone find the registration number for me from the VIN?

I understand someone in the trade could do this?
Bike was on the road last in 2013 so should be in "the system" somewhere...

Adam.

[papasmurf]

The DVLA can connect a VIN with a registration number with no problem at all.

[OilyFingers]

Well I applied to DVLA but made the mistake of saying the bike was "abandoned"
They have replied saying they now want me to get a signed letter from the council saying they (the council) "have no objection to me taking possession"
Yeah right... the council are likely to do that...
I spoke to a very helpful chap at DVLA, getting through on the phone straight away...!
But he could only confirm that the details I have (VIN number, engine number, name and address of last keeper) all match the details on the DVLA database and because I have said the vehicle is "abandoned" its the responsibility of the local council... which is true unfortunately.

And them my friend whose house the bike was left at sends me a message this morning
"oh hi, I have just found the V5C"
D'oh!

[papasmurf]

NEVER give the DVLA any more information than is necessary.

I have know circumstances where people have been given ownership of an abandoned vehicle BUT that was when the police gave them that ownership in writing.

[Revband]

Your real big problem is regardless who has the V5C, your mate has no proof he owns the bike therefore he cannot legally give it away, you could spend time and money restoring it only for the true owner to decide he wants it back.even a V5C in you name is not proof of ownership. It's your gamble you will probably by what you say get away with it, or if unlucky you could be accused of stealing the bike.

[Andy M]

As Revband says, stop using the A word (it has a defined technical meaning for DVLA) and set about establishing your mates ownership. He should start by writing to the address on the V5 by registered post asking them to confirm the bike was gifted to him. It would be better if this was in lieu of rent as then a contract exists, which explains why neither party chased the debt or tried to recover the bike, but you can't just invent this. Give a reasonable time frame for reply (4 weeks) and include an SAE. If there is no answer, your mate signs the V5 to put it into his name, then writes you a letter stating he is the legal owner. If the first owner says he wants his bike back, he has every right to it and will win a legal battle based on him allegedly gifting it. Your mate can maybe try putting him off by saying he's run up a parking rent, but thats 50/50 without a contract and the fact no one has pursued anything for years. Is the bike worth the risk/work of not getting done for theft or handling stolen goods? Without this papertrail the first owner could ask for it back AFTER you've restored it and the law would support him. Andy

[OilyFingers]

Correct. Legally its potentially tricky but I'm confident he wont want it back so I will take the risk.

[Scalyback]

[center]
The DeVious LA are not interested in who owns it. They only keep details of the registered keeper which is not necessarily the owner.