Abandoned Bike

I would like to know if anyone has had experience in getting
an abandoned bike registered. There is a bike here that was
abandoned several years ago. It's an older bike, but could
be interesting. It has CA plate, but no title, registration,
or keys. And the column and seat are locked, so can't start it.
We have only a vague idea of the previous owner, so contacting
him is not likely.

Does anyone have any idea what kind of info I need to get this
bike registered, if it is even possible?

Thanks

donc

 

Really good ideas... thanks.

donc

 

you can just call the DMV toll free line, tell them you're considering
purchasing the bike, read them the tag number, and they'll tell you who
the legal owner is, if they have a clear title to it, and when it was
last registered.

warning: if it's out of registration and the previous owner didn't
non-op it, you're liable for back registration and penalties, at the
time you apply for a replacement title/transfer of title. the DMV (skip
AAA for this situation) clerk has a little wiggle room for waiving some
fees, but not much. consider carefully whether the bike is worth more
than those fees. it might be more cost effective to just part it out
than to take ownership of it.

I just went through this, twice. Also, getting a key cut is a $40
proposition, but probably still cheaper than replacing the lock.

Ken