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Hey everyone, so long story short. I got into buying Harleys from salvage auction recently. Had some luck on the last purchase and made a few bucks but this one unfortunately has a slight bend in the frame. Its a 2021 street glide special and I bought it for 7k after it was all said and done. The entire front end is the main damage. Rest of the bike is okay including engine, tank, etc. My question is, would I be better suited parting the bike out to get my 7k back should I purchase another frame and rebuild it as I planned? Like I said I wasnt aware it had a bend in the frame. Its very slight. I circled it in the picture. Thank you guys in advance.
In the last couple years, I've repaired a few Copart salvage H-Ds. Always for experience and pleasure, not to make money. I keep them for a year or so to enjoy and then move on to the next thing. I would not call it a crap title. It is a rebuilt title and it is not the same as a car where you can easily hide damage. Mine sold at around 60% of a clean title. I maybe made a couple hundred on each bike and probably came out to around $2 / hour for my labor .
I found around 70% of buyers are afraid of a rebuilt title, but there are 30% that know how to evaluate damage / repairs and plan to hold onto the bike. I avoid frame and motor mount damage as its difficult to repair and scares all buyers. I would look to have the frame straightened. I would not part out as I don't have the time, patience to deal with part buyers and eBay fees. You missed a showstopper when you bought it. Don't feel bad about it. We've all made miscalculations and learned from them. Consider it tuition. Good luck to you.
Last edited by tngarren; Nov 11, 2022 at 07:48 PM.
Frame can be fixed, had several older ones done. Still have a crap title so up to you on what's it's worth doing or not. Figure around $1200 to make is right again plus shipping.
Look at it like this. there were pros that already knew of that bike or even at the auction. They walked away and a point lower than you spent. For good reason. Unless you find a fool to buy it salvage titles sell a huge discount.
If there are enough Good parts you can sell over over time You may come out . But it will take some time to mover them.
You can buy a new frame for HD. You have to cut the neck off and return it to Harley. It will take awhile but you will get a new frame with the VIN. The bikes is still a salvage bike.
Hit that hard there likely more damage you are not seeing.
Thats my question as well. Could it be fixed with the bike in tact? Previously a bought a 2020 ultra limited with similar damage but no frame injuries. Ended up replacing the forks, and some other odds/ends. Ended up getting a rebuilt title through inspection and flipped it.
In the last couple years, I've repaired a few Copart salvage H-Ds. Always for experience and pleasure, not to make money. I keep them for a year or so to enjoy and then move on to the next thing. I would not call it a crap title. It is a rebuilt title and it is not the same as a car where you can easily hide damage. Mine sold at around 60% of a clean title. I maybe made a couple hundred on each bike and probably came out to around $2 / hour for my labor .
I found around 70% of buyers are afraid of a rebuilt title, but there are 30% that know how to evaluate damage / repairs and plan to hold onto the bike. I avoid frame and motor mount damage as its difficult to repair and scares all buyers. I would look to have the frame straightened. I would not part out as I don't have the time, patience to deal with part buyers and eBay fees. You missed a showstopper when you bought it. Don't feel bad about it. We've all made miscalculations and learned from them. Consider it tuition. Good luck to you.
Last edited by tngarren; Nov 11, 2022 at 07:48 PM.
In the last couple years, I've repaired a few Copart salvage H-Ds. Always for experience and pleasure, not to make money. I keep them for a year or so to enjoy and then move on to the next thing. I would not call it a crap title. It is a rebuilt title and it is not the same as a car where you can easily hide damage. Mine sold at around 60% of a clean title. I maybe made a couple hundred on each bike and probably came out to around $2 / hour for my labor .
I found around 70% of buyers are afraid of a rebuilt title, but there are 30% that know how to evaluate damage / repairs and plan to hold onto the bike. I avoid frame and motor mount damage as its difficult to repair and scares all buyers. I would look to have the frame straightened. I would not part out as I don't have the time, patience to deal with part buyers and eBay fees. You missed a showstopper when you bought it. Don't feel bad about it. We've all made miscalculations and learned from them. Consider it tuition. Good luck to you.
couldnt have said it better. last salvage purchase I made was a 2020 ultra. Bought for 9k, 11 after repairs and sold for 16,500. Yeah Theres a little bit of risk but money to be made for sure. Looks like you have had your fair share of experience.
You at again are ya LOL
If you haven't heard it run that would be of interest.
A concern might be if you do get it to run that down tube (frame) looks to be against the the engine.
M8 may not be inclined to shake but my 08 would beat the engine against that part of the frame.
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Salvage Question
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