Getting a title for a vehicle that lacks inspection records?
 

I recently came across a listing for a used motorcycle that was being sold without a title. When I inquired the seller about the lack of a title, he responded that in order to get a new title, the owner must be able to present the inspection history for three years prior, but he wasn't able to do this. Thus, he bought the bike with no title (or inspection history), and is selling it as such.

My question: Is there a way to get a title for a vehicle that doesn't have its inspection history on record/receipt?

Furthermore, is there a way to find out a bike's history, perhaps to see if it is listed as stolen, or if the title may have just been legitimately lost?

Take the VIN number down to the local DMV and ask?