Buying a crashed bike getting a deal or some one elses headaches?

Started by Nakedsuperbiker, September 18, 2009, 12:06:48 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Nakedsuperbiker

Has anyone bought a salvaged or totaled out bike before from an insurance company or wrecking yard? How much trouble is getting a bike with a clean title, or if it's a total what does that mean to the buyer?

I have been finding some nice bikes online all over the place with everything missing but the frame,engine to everything there with only cosmetic damage. and was wondering if they are worth the trouble to register repair re-paint or are they best for making a track bike or just to part out?


Just found this site tonight with a 2002 monster 620 the bidding is starting at $250. Has keys but won't start maybe a dead or disconnected battery?
http://www.crashedtoys.com/index.php?fuseaction=car.view&id=2692922
Bondo on the tank popped off and a slight dent/scratches on the plastic.
Perfect for a track bike that is repaairable and when it goes down again the road rash will match. Maybe get a sticker sponsorship...


The other site I have been looking at a few weeks is ridesafely. This 999 just came on at $1,200. Has a Key, runs and drives. All of the parts seem attached to the origonal places on both keys are safetyed to the bikes most of one of them. It seems to need a new paint job and some cracks fixed in a couple of panels and a new foot peg.
http://www.ridesafely.com/inventory.asp?vt=C&InventoryID=909073367&description=2003%20DUCATI%20999%20&Search=vt%3DC%26region%3D%26make%3DDUCATI%26model%3D%26Status%3D

I regestered on this site to view the pictures in larger format and to make a watch list. [drink]

Is this is where bikes go after their insurance companies write them off as a total loss?
I found a few wrecked bikes on cycletrader with a call for price safari cycle on Daisy in the crummy part of LBC. I was told when I bought my Monster that a lost both keys and no key code card means ordering a replacement ignition from the factory at $2,300. [bang] so making sure the salvaged bike has a key that fits the ignition is a real good start. [bacon]
Charlie in Surf City
2010 Streetfighter previously 2009 696
Arai Ducati Helmet, Joe Rocket UFO jacket Phoenix pants, Alpine stars boots, Shift Gloves.
Icon Mil-Spec backpack sometimes.

Howie

Difficulty in registering a salvage bike changes from state to state, so you need to find out what you need to do locally.  There are a lot of good deals out there since a dented tank, some broken levers and rashed parts mean total loss.  There are also some bad deals, since expensive damage can be hidden.  If the bike has an immobilizer make sure you will get the red key and code card.  Do keep in mind the bike has diminished value if you want to sell it.

Nakedsuperbiker

Charlie in Surf City
2010 Streetfighter previously 2009 696
Arai Ducati Helmet, Joe Rocket UFO jacket Phoenix pants, Alpine stars boots, Shift Gloves.
Icon Mil-Spec backpack sometimes.

Bun-bun

My 620 is a salvage bike.
Bought it at a salvage auction after Geico totalled it for a headlight and front turn signals.
The process for getting a bike retitled after it's been declared totalled here in Virginia involves an inspection by a state inspector, and a $125 fee. The inspection is mainly to see any old parts that you removed, and make sure that you have receipts for any parts you put on.  At the inspection I was told that the process if the bike was bought out of state
is so involved that it is almost impossible.
Two years and very little money later, still runs fine.
"A fanatic is a man who does what he knows God would do, if only god had all the facts of the matter" S.M. Stirling


Nakedsuperbiker

Hi Mitt, have to agree with you
That one sold for 4,700 with a broken frame at the neck.


The 848 with 43 miles is still at 5k with less than a day to snatch it up
all it needs from what I can tell is a new lever and the mirror bolts replaced. [popcorn]
I think I could save those reciepts if I get this bike.


Charlie in Surf City
2010 Streetfighter previously 2009 696
Arai Ducati Helmet, Joe Rocket UFO jacket Phoenix pants, Alpine stars boots, Shift Gloves.
Icon Mil-Spec backpack sometimes.