beansbaxter
Needs a life
Posts: 5911
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posted April 02, 2004 08:42 PM
What is everyone's opinion on a salvage title?
Hey just curious on how a salvage title not only affects the price valuation of a motorcycle, but also one's personal preference of purchasing a motorcycle?
Obviously, if you wreck hard enough, its gone anyways, so the effects of not having anything other than liability insurance since it has a salvage title, then so what...
But how do you take the value of a bike and how do you adjust it accordingly when it has the title is no longer clean, but rather salvage?
Please enlighten me....
   
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted April 02, 2004 09:46 PM
Rule of thumb.. 1/2 of retail value.
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canadamaxxer
Pro
Posts: 1090
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posted April 03, 2004 08:31 AM
I suppose that the salvage title takes away resale value, but are you buying the bike (if that's what you're actually doing) to resell OR to ride? It is true that the salvage title either reduces desireability or value when the bike is to be sold, but it also can be a great deal to buy. It just depends on the extent of the damage (frames can be straightened, engine cases replaced or repaired, Plastex is a wonderful thing, etc). I have seen some salvage title cars and bikes that were properly repaired to the point where you would never know they had enough damage at one point to write them off. My 12 has a salvage title, and to me it just means that I am not modifying a full value 12, but a bike that will always be worth a little less than a clear title bike...and I don't have to freak out if I decide to weld the frame up for a turbo (or whatever). Mind you, most of the quality of the repairs on my bike,made by the previous owner, are comical. The idea of a good repair for some people is bread twist ties and scotch tape. Since my bike is pulled down to the bare frame and cases, I can safely say that I think I have repaired everything that was either broken during the accident or not repaired to my standards.
Here is a quick story about a clear title bike: I assisted my girlfriend in buying a used bike (89 ex500 in good condition). We knew it needed work, so haggled the price down. there were some broken plastic tabs, and a coolant leak, noisey valves, etc, etc. Nothing major. I pulled of the cover over the radiator filler neck, looked down at the left side front signal arm mounting hole in the front fairing, and saw something that didn't belong...I grabbed a trouble light and shone it in the area....what did I see? A freaking CANNING JAR LID used to support the inside of the fairing, because there was a hidden crack around the signal post hole. I will say it again: the repairs made be the previous owner are comical!! Most people should not be allowed to touch mechanical devices. Mechanics wire, duct tape, and tie straps have a purpose, and even jar lids have a purpose, but are not proper items for repairing anything mechanical (minus a couple of exceptions for duct tape and tie straps). Basically, if it is used, you are taking your chances. I have seen cars with 10,000 km's that are so butchered by the owner (poorly run neon lighting wires, stereo wires, big holes through the firewall, painting dash pads while still in place..paint running into the defroster ducting, etc) that there is basically no coming back. These cars are totally fucked and no one is any the wiser. Clear title, etc and unless someone really starts to look (and I am still surprised at the number of used vehicles bought through the newspapers, used car lots, etc, that don't get an inspection....I am a licensed automotive tech...I know what I am talking about) the car will be sold to some poor unsuspecting person (usually a kid...first car..very emotional decision), who is crushed when the reality of the butchery becomes eveident in the size of the repair bills. The same thing can happen with a bike as well.
To me, either the additional parts and mods on my 12 will more than make up for the loss in value as a result of the salvage title, or I take all the mods off, put the bike back to stock and sell off the extras (if I Ever get to that point, that is), someone will get a great deal.....or I'll part it out and sell the whole damn thing on ebay and make back all that I put into it and more.
There is one other point as well...all you need is a clear title same model year frame, and you can transfer the parts and have a full value bike. I have seen several frames on Ebay with a clear title and not for too much money either.
The insurance issue is something I have never heard of. I had no problem in Alberta getting full coverage for my bike. They just asked the declared value, and that's it.
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Your Car Is Slow
Needs a job
Fuck Nitrous...Got Boost?
Posts: 4089
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posted April 03, 2004 09:11 AM
I suppose it depends on what caused the salvage title.
My Impala SS is a salvage title car (rebuilt) from a freshwater flood...130k miles since the incident and zero issues. I got no problem with that 
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