Would you buy a bike with a salvage title?
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Would you buy a bike with a salvage title?
I am repairing a 2004 SE duece that I bought from a bank "repo" and It will have a salvage title due to a bent front forks, and several scratches. I have replaced the entire front end, new tire, and repaired the paint scratches.
It rides and runs excellent, but how much does it effect the value? Should it have even been "salvage? I spent less than 1500 total fixing it.
Would you be OK with it?
It rides and runs excellent, but how much does it effect the value? Should it have even been "salvage? I spent less than 1500 total fixing it.
Would you be OK with it?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
I have thought about it for building a project bike, but have yet to pull the trigger.
I think each state is a little different on salvage title laws, but I think most require you to declare it, or once it has been a salvage title it pops up under that VIN.
It could be a potential issue with some buyers, but I think many would be ok as long as it can be demonstrated there is no leftover damage, especially to the frame.
I think each state is a little different on salvage title laws, but I think most require you to declare it, or once it has been a salvage title it pops up under that VIN.
It could be a potential issue with some buyers, but I think many would be ok as long as it can be demonstrated there is no leftover damage, especially to the frame.
Salvage title is just that, a title. It can indeed lower the price value of any vehicle because it's not a "clean" title but if your bike is for you and/or a project build, that's what I'd buy. Especially if you replaced all the damaged parts. I live in CA though and the vehicle laws are stupid over here especially with out of state vehicles.
My last bike had a salvage title, rebuilt the whole damn thing and made it a show quality bike. Easily sold it for its clean title value.
My last bike had a salvage title, rebuilt the whole damn thing and made it a show quality bike. Easily sold it for its clean title value.
Last edited by Sharkbait21; Jun 25, 2012 at 09:27 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 421
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Better check state regs on salvage/rebuild titles.
I would never buy one unless I needed the parts only. In AL, it is nearly impossible to get a clear title back on a salvage vehicle. Have to have it repaired by a licensed tech who will then swear an affidavit it is fully repaired & safe to drive, then have it inspected by DMV. Very difficult to find a tech here willing to take on that liability. Just not worth it.
I would never buy one unless I needed the parts only. In AL, it is nearly impossible to get a clear title back on a salvage vehicle. Have to have it repaired by a licensed tech who will then swear an affidavit it is fully repaired & safe to drive, then have it inspected by DMV. Very difficult to find a tech here willing to take on that liability. Just not worth it.
