Maybe it was just a case of buyers remorse and he realized he needs to sell it but doesn't really know what to do now. I would talk to him and see if he is willing to go up to the DMV in person with you, in Michigan all it would be in this case is the taxes and a $15 late charge for not registering the title within two weeks of purchase. From there they should be able to just have it signed over to your name with appropriate taxes and title transfer fees paid.

As others have said, this seems to be a hard to find ride, and it is a 50/50 shot as to whether the seller is honest and will do what needs to be done to make it right, but it's as simple as walking away if he won't.