Salvage Title
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 1,867
From: Unreconstructed
Salvage Title
I've been thinking about starting a side biz selling bikes and my idea is to pick up salvage title bikes, repair and lightly customize them.
What do you guys think of salvage titles? Would you buy one if it could be shown that whatever damage had been repaired, the bike was fairly priced and cool?
I know this is more of a general question, but I'll probably focus on Dyna's so I thought I'd ask you guys.
What do you guys think of salvage titles? Would you buy one if it could be shown that whatever damage had been repaired, the bike was fairly priced and cool?
I know this is more of a general question, but I'll probably focus on Dyna's so I thought I'd ask you guys.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 79
Likes: 17
From: York, Pa
I personally wouldn't buy a salvage title bike unless I purchased it in as wrecked condition or it it was repaired back to stock. But then again I'm leary of any vehicle that is modified.
Other thing to consider is personal taste. I hate chrome but some people can't get enough. If I were you I would sell the person the salvage bike and then have them pay you to mod it to their liking. Or maybe put together packages that include your labor and then they can pick the things they want.
Other thing to consider is personal taste. I hate chrome but some people can't get enough. If I were you I would sell the person the salvage bike and then have them pay you to mod it to their liking. Or maybe put together packages that include your labor and then they can pick the things they want.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 1,867
From: Unreconstructed
I personally wouldn't buy a salvage title bike unless I purchased it in as wrecked condition or it it was repaired back to stock. But then again I'm leary of any vehicle that is modified.
Other thing to consider is personal taste. I hate chrome but some people can't get enough. If I were you I would sell the person the salvage bike and then have them pay you to mod it to their liking. Or maybe put together packages that include your labor and then they can pick the things they want.
Other thing to consider is personal taste. I hate chrome but some people can't get enough. If I were you I would sell the person the salvage bike and then have them pay you to mod it to their liking. Or maybe put together packages that include your labor and then they can pick the things they want.
To add some detail, I am looking at bikes that only need cosmetic work, no mechanical salvages. I've accumulated a ton of parts over the years and could turn out my first couple of bikes without spending much. I'm also thinking that I could get a tuner license and throw a stage 1 at each bike if it doesn't have it. As far as styles, I get it, but I think I could sell Dyna-bro bikes all day long with no issue.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 79
Likes: 17
From: York, Pa
That's a really good idea, thanks for that!
To add some detail, I am looking at bikes that only need cosmetic work, no mechanical salvages. I've accumulated a ton of parts over the years and could turn out my first couple of bikes without spending much. I'm also thinking that I could get a tuner license and throw a stage 1 at each bike if it doesn't have it. As far as styles, I get it, but I think I could sell Dyna-bro bikes all day long with no issue.
To add some detail, I am looking at bikes that only need cosmetic work, no mechanical salvages. I've accumulated a ton of parts over the years and could turn out my first couple of bikes without spending much. I'm also thinking that I could get a tuner license and throw a stage 1 at each bike if it doesn't have it. As far as styles, I get it, but I think I could sell Dyna-bro bikes all day long with no issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,493
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From: Long Island, New York
As a potential buyer my first question would be how have you determined the frame is still straight? Lots of money thrown at something that is going to crab down the road is a problem.
Next, the used bike market is so bloated, your profit margin is a big issue. If you pick up let say a 2010 for $2k, then drop $2k into her to make it cool, is $4-$5k a reasonable expectation for sale price and therefore make enough money to be worth the effort?
Not sure if it will play out, lots of bikes without salvage titles for $4k. Just something to think about, I wish you good luck.
Next, the used bike market is so bloated, your profit margin is a big issue. If you pick up let say a 2010 for $2k, then drop $2k into her to make it cool, is $4-$5k a reasonable expectation for sale price and therefore make enough money to be worth the effort?
Not sure if it will play out, lots of bikes without salvage titles for $4k. Just something to think about, I wish you good luck.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2019
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Likes: 1,867
From: Unreconstructed
As a potential buyer my first question would be how have you determined the frame is still straight? Lots of money thrown at something that is going to crab down the road is a problem.
Next, the used bike market is so bloated, your profit margin is a big issue. If you pick up let say a 2010 for $2k, then drop $2k into her to make it cool, is $4-$5k a reasonable expectation for sale price and therefore make enough money to be worth the effort?
Not sure if it will play out, lots of bikes without salvage titles for $4k. Just something to think about, I wish you good luck.
Next, the used bike market is so bloated, your profit margin is a big issue. If you pick up let say a 2010 for $2k, then drop $2k into her to make it cool, is $4-$5k a reasonable expectation for sale price and therefore make enough money to be worth the effort?
Not sure if it will play out, lots of bikes without salvage titles for $4k. Just something to think about, I wish you good luck.
That's a good point about the frame and being able to prove to a buyer that's it straight. Could I learn how to take measurements and document them?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I hope you like really cheap beer...my guess is with today's market, you would just wind up with a shop full of bikes you can't sell without taking a loss...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 578
From: Ft Smith Arkansas
Title
Back in the 90s i bought sold and traded bikes alot. I learned real quick not to buy a bike with a salvage title. 1st thing is they are very hard to sell even at cheaper prices . Also you have no idea what is wrong with the bike the description you get on the damage is vague at best. Unless you can get them dirt cheap and part them out I would run from a salvage title.
