Flood Salvage Title
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
do not even think of buying it.
I could write thousands of words on why not, but since you have no idea of if it was salt or fresh water, if it got in to the internals, what it did to the wiring, etc etc etc RUN AWAY FAST
I am an appraiser, I total cars and bikes at the first sign of water damage, we don't even try to fix them, the liability is too high.
any bike with a salvage title is worth more than 50 cents on the dollar of NADA clean trade values, and that is buying a bike that you KNOW was fixed properly
I could write thousands of words on why not, but since you have no idea of if it was salt or fresh water, if it got in to the internals, what it did to the wiring, etc etc etc RUN AWAY FAST
I am an appraiser, I total cars and bikes at the first sign of water damage, we don't even try to fix them, the liability is too high.
any bike with a salvage title is worth more than 50 cents on the dollar of NADA clean trade values, and that is buying a bike that you KNOW was fixed properly
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
do not even think of buying it.
I could write thousands of words on why not, but since you have no idea of if it was salt or fresh water, if it got in to the internals, what it did to the wiring, etc etc etc RUN AWAY FAST
I am an appraiser, I total cars and bikes at the first sign of water damage, we don't even try to fix them, the liability is too high.
any bike with a salvage title is worth more than 50 cents on the dollar of NADA clean trade values, and that is buying a bike that you KNOW was fixed properly
I could write thousands of words on why not, but since you have no idea of if it was salt or fresh water, if it got in to the internals, what it did to the wiring, etc etc etc RUN AWAY FAST
I am an appraiser, I total cars and bikes at the first sign of water damage, we don't even try to fix them, the liability is too high.
any bike with a salvage title is worth more than 50 cents on the dollar of NADA clean trade values, and that is buying a bike that you KNOW was fixed properly
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 818
From: Nevada
What kind of water, fresh water or salt water??
When hurricane Sandy hit our area, lots of bikes got submerged in salt water which is very, very bad. All the electronics fried, and who knows where that nasty salt water went or still is, lots of people speculated the salt water might still be in the frames rotting them from the inside out. Salt water was also in primaries and motors. Go talk to someone that has a boat that they use int he ocean, everything rots away, even stainless.
When hurricane Sandy hit our area, lots of bikes got submerged in salt water which is very, very bad. All the electronics fried, and who knows where that nasty salt water went or still is, lots of people speculated the salt water might still be in the frames rotting them from the inside out. Salt water was also in primaries and motors. Go talk to someone that has a boat that they use int he ocean, everything rots away, even stainless.
Illinois Secretary of State's Office screens title applications from states affected by Sandy to see if the vehicle is registered in a flood county. Applicants must submit a Hurricane Disclosure Statement in order to get a clean Illinois title. Statements must be signed by the vehicle's registered owner and the insurance agent at the time of the storm. If an applicant is unwilling or unable to supply that form, they will receive an Illinois Flood title only.
As far as boats....many brokers and buyers shop used freshwater boats in the north to avoid corrosion. Also, freshwater boats in the snow belt states typically have less hours on the motors.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
I wouldn't ever buy any vehicle with a salvage title, especially a flood title. You don't know how much of the vehicle was submerged in the flood. It could have rust in places you don't know. It could mess up electronics.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
you have a bike worth 20k pre loss, gets slammed, needs 12K in damage. Salvage search (IAAI, CoPart, in New England ARGO cycles) shows the bike will bring 10 grand at auction.
So we can start the 12 grand in repairs, with a supplement for 1500 in hidden damage, and be out 13.5, or we write you a check for 20, blow it through the auction and get 10 back, leaving us ahead of the game 3500 bucks.
The only salvage titled bike I would buy would be my own, or one I know the history of back to before the loss that was totaled for cosmetic damage only... no frame or driveline issues.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
Harleys bring STUPID money at salvage auctions, usually 50% of ACV
you have a bike worth 20k pre loss, gets slammed, needs 12K in damage. Salvage search (IAAI, CoPart, in New England ARGO cycles) shows the bike will bring 10 grand at auction.
So we can start the 12 grand in repairs, with a supplement for 1500 in hidden damage, and be out 13.5, or we write you a check for 20, blow it through the auction and get 10 back, leaving us ahead of the game 3500 bucks.
The only salvage titled bike I would buy would be my own, or one I know the history of back to before the loss that was totaled for cosmetic damage only... no frame or driveline issues.
you have a bike worth 20k pre loss, gets slammed, needs 12K in damage. Salvage search (IAAI, CoPart, in New England ARGO cycles) shows the bike will bring 10 grand at auction.
So we can start the 12 grand in repairs, with a supplement for 1500 in hidden damage, and be out 13.5, or we write you a check for 20, blow it through the auction and get 10 back, leaving us ahead of the game 3500 bucks.
The only salvage titled bike I would buy would be my own, or one I know the history of back to before the loss that was totaled for cosmetic damage only... no frame or driveline issues.
Copart is thru the roof with auction prices . Plus all the fees. But it helps u guys out ...plus guys that have a loss don't have to go thru the headache of getting it fixed .