Motorcycle Bill of Sale
A motorcycle bill of sale records a private-party sale of a motorcycle, scooter, or powersport vehicle with all fields required for DMV title transfer and registration.
When to Use a Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Use when buying or selling a motorcycle, scooter, ATV, or other powersport vehicle privately to create a legal sales record for DMV title transfer.
What Makes This Type Different
How a Motorcycle Bill of Sale differs from the standard Vehicle Bill of Sale.
- Specific fields for motorcycle VIN, engine number, and model
- Odometer/mileage disclosure for eligible vehicles
- State DMV requirements for motorcycle title transfer
- May include helmet and accessories in the sale
Complete Guide: Motorcycle Bill of Sale
A motorcycle bill of sale is a legal document recording the transfer of ownership of a motorcycle, scooter, or moped from seller to buyer. Like a car bill of sale, it documents the essential transaction details—the vehicle's identification information, the parties, the purchase price, and the sale date—but motorcycle transactions have specific characteristics that distinguish them from car sales. Motorcycles are often older and more customized than cars, raising specific questions about custom parts, aftermarket modifications, and the condition of components that have been upgraded or replaced over the vehicle's life. The financing and valuation norms for motorcycles differ from automobiles, and the seasonal nature of motorcycle use creates specific timing considerations for sale, insurance, and storage.
Motorcycle transactions frequently involve vehicles that have been significantly modified from their original factory configuration. Custom exhaust systems, non-factory wheels, aftermarket suspension, engine modifications, custom paint, and performance upgrades are common in the motorcycle market. These modifications affect the vehicle's value—often substantially—and must be addressed in the bill of sale. The seller must disclose what modifications have been made (since they affect the buyer's ability to register the motorcycle in states with equipment compliance requirements) and what they represent about the modifications' quality and safety. The buyer must decide what value to assign to aftermarket components and confirm that they are included in the sale.
The title process for motorcycles follows the same general framework as for automobiles: the seller assigns the certificate of title to the buyer, the buyer pays applicable sales or use tax, and the buyer registers the motorcycle with the state DMV in their own name. However, several motorcycle-specific issues arise in this process. Motorcycles are more frequently sold without current registration (because of seasonal use, storage, or non-operational condition) than cars, so buyers may be dealing with an out-of-state title, an expired registration, or a title in the name of a previous owner who sold the bike informally. Each of these situations creates additional complexity in the title transfer process that the bill of sale alone cannot resolve.
Insurance considerations for motorcycles also differ from cars in ways that affect the sales transaction. Motorcycle insurance is typically seasonal in northern states where winter riding is impractical—sellers may cancel their insurance at the end of the riding season, and buyers purchasing motorcycles off-season may find it challenging to obtain immediate coverage at reasonable rates. The bill of sale should address this: the buyer should obtain insurance coverage before taking physical possession of and riding the motorcycle, regardless of when the title transfer is completed. A motorcycle ridden without insurance after purchase creates immediate financial exposure for the buyer and potential liability for a seller who allowed the buyer to ride away uninsured.
How to Create a Motorcycle Bill of Sale: Step-by-Step
- 1
Identify the Motorcycle with Precision
The bill of sale must identify the motorcycle precisely: year, make, model, engine size (displacement in cc), color, and the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For older motorcycles with non-standard VIN formats, note the VIN location and format. If the motorcycle has been significantly modified from its original configuration, describe the key modifications—frame modifications, engine swaps, or changes affecting roadworthiness or registration compliance. Attach the current registration or title as a reference.
- 2
Address Aftermarket Parts and Included Accessories
Specify what is included in the sale: the motorcycle itself, any included aftermarket parts (saddlebags, custom exhaust, auxiliary lighting, performance upgrades), any original factory parts being transferred (original exhaust if an aftermarket system is installed), any accessories (helmets, riding gear, locks, covers), and any documentation (factory service manuals, modification records, maintenance logs). Explicitly state whether any storage equipment, trailers, or other property associated with the motorcycle is or is not included.
- 3
Conduct and Document a Pre-Sale Inspection
Buyers of used motorcycles should conduct or commission a pre-sale inspection to identify mechanical issues, safety concerns, and hidden damage. The bill of sale can reference this inspection: "Buyer has inspected the motorcycle and accepts it in its present condition as described in this agreement." If the seller agreed to repair specific issues before the sale, document these commitments in the bill of sale and confirm they are completed before signing. Note any known defects or issues in the bill of sale to prevent future disputes.
- 4
Complete Title Assignment and Odometer Disclosure
Federal odometer disclosure requirements apply to motorcycles of certain model years and displacements. The seller assigns the certificate of title by signing the back of the title, entering the buyer's name, the sale date, and the odometer reading (or a disclosure that the mileage may not be accurate for older motorcycles exempt from odometer requirements). The bill of sale should recite the odometer reading as disclosed on the title.
- 5
Verify Insurance Before Riding
Include in the bill of sale a statement confirming that the buyer accepts responsibility for obtaining insurance before operating the motorcycle on public roads. The buyer should not ride the motorcycle from the seller's location without proof of insurance coverage in their own name. Many auto insurance policies do not automatically extend to motorcycles—the buyer must contact their insurer before taking possession. The bill of sale can include a buyer's acknowledgment that they understand this responsibility.
Key Legal Considerations
Equipment Standards and Modified Motorcycles
Motorcycles must meet state equipment standards to be legally operated on public roads. Common compliance issues with modified motorcycles include: exhaust systems that exceed noise limits; lighting configurations that do not meet minimum standards; tire sizes or types not appropriate for the vehicle; frame or structural modifications that affect safety; and emissions compliance for states with emissions inspection requirements. A seller who knowingly sells a motorcycle that is not compliant with state equipment standards may have disclosure obligations. Buyers should research whether the modifications disclosed in the bill of sale affect the motorcycle's ability to be registered and operated legally in their state.
Lemon Laws and Their Inapplicability to Used Motorcycles
State lemon laws that protect buyers of defective new vehicles typically do not apply to used motorcycles sold in private party transactions. A private-party used motorcycle sale is generally an "as-is" sale, and the buyer assumes the risk of mechanical defects. Some states extend lemon law protections to used vehicles sold by licensed dealers, but these protections are typically limited. Buyers of used motorcycles are primarily protected by the seller's express representations and the implied warranty against hidden defects that the seller had reason to know would affect the buyer's decision to purchase.
Theft Recovery and Salvage History for Motorcycles
Motorcycles are stolen at significantly higher rates than cars per vehicle, making theft recovery and salvage history particularly important in the used motorcycle market. A motorcycle VIN check through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or commercial history services can reveal if the motorcycle was reported stolen, has a salvage title in any state, or has had significant damage reported. Selling a stolen motorcycle—even one the seller purchased believing it was legitimately owned—creates serious legal problems for both parties.
Storage and Winterization Representations
Motorcycles that have been stored for extended periods may have specific issues: degraded fuel, deteriorated seals and gaskets, battery failure, or rust in the fuel tank or exhaust system. Sellers who stored a motorcycle before sale may want to include representations about storage conditions in the bill of sale or, conversely, disclaim any warranties about the condition of stored components. Buyers purchasing stored motorcycles should factor the potential cost of recommissioning into their offer and document any specific storage-condition representations made by the seller.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Running a VIN Check Before Purchasing a Used Motorcycle
A VIN check through NMVTIS or commercial history services is inexpensive and can reveal title problems, prior theft reporting, odometer discrepancies, and salvage history that would significantly affect the value and legality of the purchase. Never purchase a used motorcycle without first running the VIN. Stolen motorcycles and vehicles with branded titles change hands in private sales regularly—often unknowingly—leaving buyers with legal problems and financial losses.
Paying for the Motorcycle Before Receiving the Title
Do not pay the full purchase price before receiving the assigned title. If the seller does not have the title present at the time of sale—because it is with a lienholder or needs to be located—either delay the transaction until the title is available or structure an escrow arrangement where payment is held until the title is delivered. Without a properly assigned title, the buyer has no legal proof of ownership and may be unable to register the motorcycle.
Not Specifying What Aftermarket Parts Are Included in the Sale
Disputes about aftermarket parts are common in motorcycle transactions. If the seller advertised the motorcycle with specific aftermarket components—custom exhaust, non-factory wheels, performance air filter—and then removes those components before delivering the motorcycle, the buyer has limited recourse without a written agreement specifying what is included. List every included aftermarket component in the bill of sale.
Riding the Motorcycle Home Without Insurance
Do not ride the motorcycle from the seller's location without insurance coverage in your own name. Call your insurer before completing the transaction to add the motorcycle to your policy or obtain a new policy. Many riders assume their car insurance covers a newly purchased motorcycle—it typically does not. Operating an uninsured motorcycle exposes the buyer to significant financial risk if an accident occurs before coverage is obtained.
Ignoring Title Branding or Prior Damage History
A motorcycle with a salvage, rebuilt, or flood title may be substantially less valuable and may be difficult to insure at standard rates. Some states require motorcycles with branded titles to pass special safety inspections before they can be registered for road use. Verify the title brand status before purchasing and factor any title branding into your price negotiation and post-purchase insurance assessment.
Other Vehicle Bill of Sale Types
Not quite the right fit? Explore other variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Motorcycle Bill of Sale.
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