Salvage restoration question
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Longmont, CO
Salvage restoration question
I've seen some posts when members have purchased a bike with a salvage title and has peaked my interest on starting my own restoration project. My question is how do you go about purchasing a wrecked bike and what's the best way to assess what will be involved with a restoration? I'm not scared to do some wrenching but getting a bike with extensive mechanical issues is more than I feel like biting off
What I want is a street glide (or RK) with stretched bags, new fenders, custom fairing, and other little additions. This will not be a bike I want to sell ever so resale value is not a factor. When the project is complete I want to ride it into the ground, restore, and repeat
What I want is a street glide (or RK) with stretched bags, new fenders, custom fairing, and other little additions. This will not be a bike I want to sell ever so resale value is not a factor. When the project is complete I want to ride it into the ground, restore, and repeat
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
Different States have different rules and requirements concerning salvage title vehicles
Here in Texas I have had a couple of trucks and one bike with a salvage title.
Any salvage vehicle is something of a gamble as to what you have to do them.
Myself I wouldn't consider buying a salvage vehicle without seeing it in person and cking things out.
My insurance company would only issue a liability policy, not anything else.
Have heard some will and some won't
WP
Here in Texas I have had a couple of trucks and one bike with a salvage title.
Any salvage vehicle is something of a gamble as to what you have to do them.
Myself I wouldn't consider buying a salvage vehicle without seeing it in person and cking things out.
My insurance company would only issue a liability policy, not anything else.
Have heard some will and some won't
WP
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,824
Likes: 38,677
From: Post Falls, ID
AFAIK, insurance auto auctions only sell total loss vehicles (with salvage tiles) to licensed auto wreckers, car dealers, rebuilders and body shops. You will need them to make a purchase on your behalf.
Salvage Cars for Sale | IAA (iaai.com)
Salvage Cars for Sale | IAA (iaai.com)
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Longmont, CO
BTW, I have contacted a broker so I have reviewed the details on purchasing a wrecked bike and have been told to expect to spend 60% of KBB value on a wrecked bike. I also saw the thread for the salvage rebuild but decided to start a new post so I didn't hi-jack that post
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Longmont, CO
I have always wanted to do a rebuild and was guessing a wrecked bike would be a good place to learn. Repairing my truck has been fun so far so want to try a harley since I've heard their not bad to wiring on. I've got some knowledge behind me but have stopped short of a full engine rebuild which I'd like to try at some point. Might abandon this idea in the near future but thought I'd kick around the idea.
Last edited by FishStick; Mar 18, 2021 at 02:40 PM.
The only salvage I would consider rebuilding would be my own. Too many unknown variables and parts cost so much that I can't imagine it would be a cost saving venture worth embarking on unless done for the experience alone.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
From: Longmont, CO
AFAIK, insurance auto auctions only sell total loss vehicles (with salvage tiles) to licensed auto wreckers, car dealers, rebuilders and body shops. You will need them to make a purchase on your behalf.
Salvage Cars for Sale | IAA (iaai.com)
Salvage Cars for Sale | IAA (iaai.com)
1) sign up with broker
2) sign up with auction place (with fees)
3) bid and win
4) notify broker
5) broker pays off bike
6) auction place provides claim number
7) pick up bike
8) auction sends title to broker (~2 weeks)
9) broker does paperwork and sends out title to me
10) go to DMV to register bike
From pick up of the bike to having a title in hand is 3-4 weeks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
I think you would be better off searching Craigslist and finding a used bike, maybe something a little ratty then customizing it your own way. All those broker's fees and auction fees are just ways of separating you from your money with no worth.
carl
carl