I remember watching on the news how cars are being titled in different states that end up removing the "salvaged" label on the title, then retitled in the original state as clean.

1 Million Used Cars Are Hiding A Terrible Secret

 

I would but I am a bit of a gambler. If the price was right, it was something I wanted, and if I had the full intention of keeping it long term, i would be all over one. I have done it before and not had any issues.

 

Seems like 2 to 1 against salvage titled bikes. Speaking for myself here I'd say that's a good enough reason to walk away from one. It's not like the old days, no one keeps these late model bikes forever. Some of my friends are still riding the same Panheads and shovels they rode 30 years ago! There is a guy in Staten Island who has a few good looking Salvage bikes on Craig's list. I've seen his adds for these bikes for a couple of months now. They are priced about 30% below market for the salvage titles and they are still for sale. BUT if you're broke and down hearted and need to get two wheels under you then roll the dice and get in da wind! If you lose a few grand on the resale so what...everybody pays for entertainment.

 

Some of these bikes have damage which is hard to detect, sometimes, like bent frames. Flippers do a Mickey Mouse patch-up on the obvious stuff and hide the rest.

 

Salvage title is "just a piece of paper" is a ridiculous statement. In the very least, it means red flag and buyer beware.

 

My first bike was a salvage. I was 24 an an e3 in the military so I didnt have much money. All I could afford was a 99 sporty 1200 that had been totaled twice in it's life. But the frame was straight and it ran the ***** and after a year of chasing the electrical gremblins out of it and chopping it to pieces I had a respectable little rat bike and I knew all the quirks of my bike plus I new intimately how to fix all her little problems

 

The salvaged title means a lot to some because of their fears and lack of knowledge the opposite is true of those who do know what's going on. We did sell our 02 124" powered bike and it was hard to see it go. I never advertised it but did mention to some was thinking about selling it.
Again it is all about ones confidence level and what you might be after for a bike. You can save some serious money with a salvaged machine as was the case with our 06 155" powered bike. Keep the rubber side down no matter what your straddling.
Dog

 

Depends if you are buying it to keep it or selling it. Salvage title will always be hard to sell. And bring less money. I bought my 2007 Ultra in 2009 with salvage title for $6900.00 with 5000 miles on it. Spent another $2000.00 on it in cosmetics. Thing with buying salvage is if you are going to keep it? I bought mine with the intent of keeping it. Buying cheap you can do more to it. $80.00 TourPak I got of craigslist is not included in pic.
Before and after.

 

I would buy one, you can get a good one cheap and when you want to sell it,remember you got it cheap so don't expect to get rich selling it.
Buy a new ultra and ride it for 6 or 7 years and see how much you loss.

 

My best friend was killed in 2005 on his 1994 Sportster 1200. Bike was totaled by the insurance company but no frame damage. Forks bent to hell, front wheel bent, tank smashed, lots of ginger bread stuff.

His mom spent about 10 years and as much as she could afford rebuilding the bike for my buddy's son, (her grandson) when he is old enough. Well, she ran out of money so I purchased the salvaged titled bike from her and am working on finishing the rebuild and getting a reconstructed title for it.

When it's complete and when my buddy's son is 18, I'll be giving the bike to him. I'll be sure it runs properly and safely. After that, he can do with it as he pleases.

In PA there are very clear steps to follow to obtain a reconstructed title. I've followed them explicitly and expect no problems. As far as value, well a '94 Sportster isn't worth much to begin with, but reconstructed will be worth even less. However, to my best friend's son, I know it will be priceless to have is late father's Harley.