Looking at my last post, I may not have updated this. I gave up on VT altogether. After some research I decided to try getting a declaration from the court. More details were posted here:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/hometown/Bonded-title-process-for-vehicle-in-MO-/32-670033/ I noticed on Casenet that the DOR submitted a response to my attorney's petition. The response basically said "it's not stolen per MO Highway Patrol but it does show a lien placed in 2014. Here is the info on the lienholder." I was a bit concerned about that.
Had court on Wednesday. Turns out it was a nothingburger. Judge was reading DOR's response and said "I see a lien was placed on the vehicle in 2014." My attorney responded "Your honor, I'm confident that if we placed Mr Motoguy on the record he would state he purchased the vehicle without a lien of any sort."
Judge signed the judgement, stating no liens or encumbrances of any sort. I drove directly to the DOR and applied for a title. Should be here in a week or two. I've got a parts-only DRZ that was also purchased BOS only. I plan to submit my own documents (no attorney) this time and complete the process for the DRZ as well.
I'm super stoked. Turns out VT closing up was a blessing in disguise. The court method requires no inspections, no VIN verifications, nothing. Hell, I don't even need proof the vehicle is in my possession (which was mentioned to some of my SoCal friends who have title issues with their bikes). The caveat of course being "if you try anything stupid you'll likely end up crucified". So anything I do will be above board. Still, this opens up a world of possibility in Title-Nazi MO.
I did make the mistake of uttering the words "dirt bike" while at the DOR. They asked what the mileage on the bike was. I said "it doesn't have an odometer, it's a dirtbike". I forgot that a "dirt bike" is different in DOR / legalverse than in common usage. So they re-did the title (which was being processed as "2wheel", ie, motorcycle) to "dirtbike". That may have implications after I put all the lights on it and attempt to get it plated. Note to self: QUIT SAYING "DIRTBIKE" AT THE DMV.
When I was called up to the counter I stated "I finally jumped through the hoops to get a title for my daughter's motorcycle we bought a year or so ago". They asked roughly when I bought the bike and what I paid for it, but did not ask for an actual bill of sale. I presume the judge's order means they can't hang it up over having a BOS or not. They just need to make sure taxes are paid. That being said, they may be justified in charging taxes for full book value.
FYI - a year or so ago when I was at the DOR in Lebanon processing a VT title bike. A lady at the window next to me was stating she paid $500 for a relatively new car from a family member. The DOR rep stated "for purchases for 50% or less of book value we require a notarized bill of sale". That's stuck in my mind. Again, not sure how that would relate to the situation where a judge has ordered them to give a title.