Salvage Question
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 934
Likes: 1,050
From: So Calif
The neck and triple trees are pretty tough on these, and it is common for the fork tubes to break, and the wheel to hit the downtube.
A frame shop will want the whole thing dismantled.
It is just a metal tube. Metal can be bent and straightened. I would rig up a jig using a ram and strap to pull it without removing the engine, or pull the engine so you can 'push' it out.
Check the transmission case where the swingarm pivot goes through. Sometimes they crack and break.
Fix it, and ride it.
A frame shop will want the whole thing dismantled.
It is just a metal tube. Metal can be bent and straightened. I would rig up a jig using a ram and strap to pull it without removing the engine, or pull the engine so you can 'push' it out.
Check the transmission case where the swingarm pivot goes through. Sometimes they crack and break.
Fix it, and ride it.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,459
Likes: 8,289
From: Inland NW
IMHO most people who fix salvage/damaged bikes do so on the cheap..... Most are looking for a cheap ride or a quick flip....
I absolutely agree they can be fixed better than new, but call me a cynic, I firmly believe they are in a small minority of bikes with salvage titles. There is rarely a way to know for sure...
If the insurance company gets involved and the Insurance company totals a bike for whatever reason, regardless of how well it is fixed, that bike's market value will forever be affected.
IMHO..... Any bike I saw with a salvage title, I would avoid.... There are just too many bikes out there to choose from, to take the chance on a salvage bike. Of course every used bike purchase is a risk. I've also walked away from non-salvaged bikes due to my inspections of them.... caveat emptor..
On the other hand, if I had damage to my bike that could be a potential "total"..... I would either choose to fix it properly, avoiding insurance company involvement to avoid the "salvage" label, or write it off and walk away....
Just my opinion, YMMV....
I absolutely agree they can be fixed better than new, but call me a cynic, I firmly believe they are in a small minority of bikes with salvage titles. There is rarely a way to know for sure...
If the insurance company gets involved and the Insurance company totals a bike for whatever reason, regardless of how well it is fixed, that bike's market value will forever be affected.
IMHO..... Any bike I saw with a salvage title, I would avoid.... There are just too many bikes out there to choose from, to take the chance on a salvage bike. Of course every used bike purchase is a risk. I've also walked away from non-salvaged bikes due to my inspections of them.... caveat emptor..
On the other hand, if I had damage to my bike that could be a potential "total"..... I would either choose to fix it properly, avoiding insurance company involvement to avoid the "salvage" label, or write it off and walk away....
Just my opinion, YMMV....
I have a friend that scored a '16 Low Rider with 2000 miles on it with very similar frame spur damage as pictured. He grabbed that thing in 2018 for $2500 from the insurance company, put a set of used forks on it, and had the frame repaired, all in a bit less than $5000 for a 2 year old, low mile machine that you now cannot even get any more.
He still has it, and has made an awesome Club style Dyna out of it, with no intentions of selling.
I love later model Low Riders, and would totally buy this machine from him.
Last edited by NorthWestern; Nov 16, 2022 at 01:42 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,929
Likes: 3,564
From: backwoods
For me, I keep things for so long, I am not sure the salvage title we bother me a lot, if I got a good deal. I've sold a Harley yet. Maybe someday, I'll have to.
When they got lots of miles, price has dropped to a floor. Maybe you still lose money. But you might also be able to convince them that you have been riding for ten years and XXX miles, its alright.
When they got lots of miles, price has dropped to a floor. Maybe you still lose money. But you might also be able to convince them that you have been riding for ten years and XXX miles, its alright.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 855
From: B.C.
For me, I keep things for so long, I am not sure the salvage title we bother me a lot, if I got a good deal. I've sold a Harley yet. Maybe someday, I'll have to.
When they got lots of miles, price has dropped to a floor. Maybe you still lose money. But you might also be able to convince them that you have been riding for ten years and XXX miles, its alright.
When they got lots of miles, price has dropped to a floor. Maybe you still lose money. But you might also be able to convince them that you have been riding for ten years and XXX miles, its alright.
That area of the frame is not critical.
Pull it straight, then put in a heat shield between it and the motor, weld on a stud, heat and pull. Repeat as necessary. Patience and care, do not over heat. Use a welding tip not a rosebud.
No problem in the right hands.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 231
Likes: 100
From: WI
Don't kmow about where the OP is, but in Wisconsin a totaled bike can't be insured again. My suggestion would be to sit on this bike a while, find a high mileage clapped out bike you can swap frames with to get a clean title. Part out what's left and scrap what can't be sold.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,929
Likes: 3,564
From: backwoods
Don't kmow about where the OP is, but in Wisconsin a totaled bike can't be insured again. My suggestion would be to sit on this bike a while, find a high mileage clapped out bike you can swap frames with to get a clean title. Part out what's left and scrap what can't be sold.
I know someone with older bikes, he has agreed apon price with insurance company,
But like all these discussion, who cares what other states do. But it is good to find out. I almost bought back total jap bike. I think by then I had my first harley, and decided I was going to ride anyways. I bought a harley to slow me dowm. Then I did big bore...... But glad I didn't buy it back
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 85
Likes: 15
From: Virginia
Wow didnt see this had so many comments! I appreciate all the input whether good or bad. I know this everyones preferred taste. From the responses, I am going to look into getting the frame fixed. Will report back. Thanks guys.