last i recall on this, have to pay all penalties and late fees. have your friend take care of that first, or factor it in your selling price as a decrease in price. it may not be a big deal, but you're buying your friend's bike and why not make it a clean deal? you're getting stuck with the dirty laundry here. friend or not, it's still your $$$.
you can always contact DMV to be on the safe side. but i thought you cannot xfer/register unless all penaties/fees are paid in this state.
"Leaders are like tea; put them in hot water to find out how strong they are." Anonymous