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Salvage title bikes no madder how well the work was done are 50% of lowest value . Some insurance companies will not insure them . Many lenders will not loan money on them.
Rebuilt with a new title does a little better. Each state has different rules.
The only way to make anything on them is cheap parts and cut corners. Regardless of the sellers claiming different.
If you find the right one and do all the work yourself shop smart of new and used parts. And when done you plan to ride it forever. Maybe you save a little.
Knowing the history of the bike will reduce the risk. Mine was considered a "total loss" because she caught him with another woman an took a hammer to the bike. It was not in a collision. The bike was going to be customized so the damage didn't really matter. The bike runs and rides great and I've owned it for 19 years.
Just be careful what you choose, parts are more readily for late models, older models can be more difficult.
Anything with a salvaged title in Missouri has to be inspected by the state before you can plate it. I would never buy anything that had a salvage title.
I have seen some companies that rebuild cars and trucks and they have been some low quality repairs done. My advice is to stay away
Now if you want to build a bike for yourself to ride and keep this may be a good place to start.
People are nervous of salvage titles. You want for yourself, go for it.
I'd look on Craigslist or Facebook for one with clean title that needs work
I've wondered about parting out sometimes. Time,room, and have to deal with people
Right! That was kind of where I was going with my reply. From the title perspective, begin with bike that has a clean title and good frame but may need work. Then add on whatever you want. Perhaps even build from the ground up with 98% parts from wherever. But your starting block is a clean title with no red tape with the DMV or your insurance company
What is the most efficient way to obtain wrecked bikes with repair and sell potential?
As I see it, there are two main types; ones that have been totaled by insurance and ones that have just been wrecked, but the seller still holds a title. The first of those will have all the considerations the other folks have mentioned. If you get one that is still titled by the owner, you won't have to deal with any of that, and can still maintain a normal title to it. It seems to me, the main example of this is people whose bikes have gotten damaged, but didn't have full coverage insurance. If you can find those, I think you will have far less legal hassle.
There are many brokers who can buy for you auction bike and transport it to your place. In my opinion only one of ten wrecked bikes is worth the effort. Auction folks know very well how to make pics of vehicles. Looks not that bad but it usually is bad. Not mentioning potential title/reregistering problems. On the other hand if you repairing bikes and going to ride it later it could be fun.
Fall of last year. '23 Maverick Lariat with 9K miles. Purchase was $20K. Repairs $5K. Here is my salvage Maverick picking up a salvage '20 R1250RT yesterday. I love new bike day.
Best of luck if this is what you want to pursue.
Unless I knew the builder personally and the history of the bike, I would not buy a salvage title bike. There are just too many good used bikes out there to take a chance on a salvage.
Good point. However, a seller can sell a used clean title bike that has more damage/repair history than a branded bike. Buyer beware on both.
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