Getting a Title

[robert sheehan]

Some of you may recall that the 1978 Bonneville, The Beast, I was given, lacked a title. That's been something of a concern as I spent money restoring the bike.

The state of Colorado is relatively accommodating on resolving missing titles, particularly when the vehicle is at least 25 years old. However, depending on the vehicle's condition, the resulting title may bear the label of "salvage". Not wanting that, I held off having the State Police inspect The Beast until it conformed to their definition of "roadworthy".

Yesterday, it was inspected. 

A VIN search verified that the bike had not been stolen, but because it had not been licensed in 30 years, no other history was available. Not a problem. At most, I'll have to spend $3.50 at the DMV for them to make a similar determination.

I trailered The Beast to the inspection site, and the bike remained on the trailer throughout the inspection. Lights and horn were checked. "Did it have factory turn signals?" "Not when I got it." "Okay." 

The final test was to determine if the motor ran. It started on the first kick.

The inspector was helpful, and informed me that there is a two-year window from when the bill of sale is signed, during which a vehicle can be titled without posting a bond. For me, that window closes next February. I have an appointment with Boulder County next Tuesday to apply for title application.

Bob

[robert sheehan]

"to apply for title."

I really should proof-read before hitting "send".

Bob

[Robert Wendl]

Bob,

Great update and glad to hear that the title process is going smoothly.

I went back a looked at photos of Denise's 1971 Bonneville and it had turn singles. See attached photo.

Bob Wendl

------ Original Message ------

From "robert sheehan" <bob.sh...@gmail.com>

To rm...@googlegroups.com

Date 12/12/2025 10:14:30 AM

Subject [emrat:15234] Getting a Title

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[robert sheehan]

Mine had turn signals, once upon a time. The switch is still there. I guess that because they weren't present when I got the bike, I didn't have to replace them.

Bob

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[Vince M Lane]

Nice work Robert,

Congrats for sure!

Vince

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[Norman Wright]

Great news and best of luck with the process.  I've generally found county dmv people helpful if your story makes sense, as yours does.

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