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I have a 2010 FLSTF that was totaled due to extensive front end damage. Debate is to repair , sell as is for parts, or rebuild as a salvage. Question is what percentage of a reduction from normal value does the "salvage" title have if I decide to rebuild ? Damage from forks back is minimal and would look like new after rebuild.
At the most, it's probably worth half of what a non salvage bike will bring. You'll get more responses if you post in one of the mechanical areas, this is for forum issues and won't get much traffic.
If you keep it, you will save $$$ and get a ton of satisfaction and enjoyment. If you sell it, 40% off clean title but the gap closes as the bike gets older. $11.5K all in on this '20 Heritage with 600 miles.
I had exactly the same set of facts a couple of years ago. Bought the bike back, rebuilt the front end and have been riding the bike ever since. Salvage title yes, sure it diminishes the resale value, but I didn't rebuild to sell, I rebuilt to ride. After rebuild and repurchase costs I still wound up several $K to the good on the settlement. Worked for me.
Here's a hint too. Take pictures of the damage too. Smart buyers want to see why it was salvage. Bent forks on a newer bike, maybe 25% less than a clean title, tweaked frame thats cut and rewelded, less than 50% (to me)
I for one, wouldn't place any value on a salvaged title.
In my mind, the only thing to do with a salvage title bike is to strip it of anything still worth taking and then sell off the rest.
Unless you are either in the business of building/repairing bikes, the effort doesn't equate to the cost.
The only exception might be if you wanted to build it into a show bike.
Half the lowest list price on the bike. At best. lower if not done and documented prefect. Some insurance will not insure it and sale is harder as many will not finance one.
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Salvage title cost redction
