You should be able to go to the DMV tag office and do a title search.. just simply say u purchased this and lost the title.. i believe it will be like 35 bucks to do a title search... Once done , and u get a new copy of the title , Just sign the previous owners name on it , considering hes not around anymore... Write your self up a Bill of sale at a low amount to save your self the sales tax , and your done.. Bikes now yours... If it seems a bitch sketchy , thats cause it is , your pulling a fast one on the DMV , but i have recently done it and know its doable...