How to have Salvage title changed?

[fouramdesigns]

I bought my bike from Addams Cycles in PA, who rebuilds salvaged bikes, previous damage was cosmetic, bars & radiator.
As most of you know, I've parted the whole bike, left with the frame. The frame is straight as an arrow. I called the Miss Tax Commission Salvage Division, he told me I could apply for a rebuilt title. Told me the only way to get the title completely clean is have the insurance co readjust their assessment. Bike came from PA, I haven't a clue who the insurance company or previous owner was. There has got to be an easier way, the frame is flawless.

[He Man]

if you want a rebuilt title in NY, you have to present them with a rebuilt bike that works.

[fouramdesigns]

it's ridiculous, I just need the frame inspected, and cleared. Seems there should be a way.

[Grampa]

it's ridiculous, I just need the frame inspected, and cleared. Seems there should be a way.

it may vary from state to state, but in Cali, they want to see  a rebuilt bike... not parts from a bike.

My monster had a salvaged frame and engine (from seperate bikes), put together it became one rebuilt bike and I chose which vin (the engine or the frame) the rebuild was titled under.

[Popeye the Sailor]

it's ridiculous, I just need the frame inspected, and cleared. Seems there should be a way.

There's no proof to them it's a workable frame-things could be tweaked nice and evenly, so it's not useable and it's not obvious.

[fouramdesigns]

well lessoned learned on buying salvage. Apparently some insurance co's wont cover full with salvage.

[il d00d]

In Texas, the law says something like this: if the repair totals exceed 80% of the appraised value of the vehicle, then a salvage title must be issued.   It has nothing to do with how straight a frame is or how well the engine runs.   This is not exactly precise information about the damage, but I think this gives the consumer the info they need to judge the condition of a bike or car.  At the least, it gives a complete history.

I do get your point about the frame being OK, but if I was buying a bike, I would want to know if what I was buying was rebuilt from a bike that had been previously totaled.  I am sure your intentions are good, but if you accept that the bike was in a wreck, but the frame was unbent, why assume that someone else would not?  Also, if you did get a clear title, would you disclose that the bike had been in a wreck?  Again, we are not talking about whether parts are functional, but what potential buyers would want to know.

[dropstharockalot]

well lessoned learned on buying salvage. Apparently some insurance co's wont cover full with salvage.

Good to know.

A banker informed me that his bank would not lend on a salvage title.  I don't have any FHE with other forms of financing, but I'd imagine other lending institutions may have similar restrictions.

I also have no FHE with the salvage title process where you are, but one of my riding friends told me he got a builder's title for a basket case by having the State Police inspect the end result.  Dunno if that's the same thing...

[TAftonomos]

GA = must pay a $110 fee, and have the BIKE inspected at a certified rebuilders.  Will be issued a new "rebuilt" title.

You can still sell a frame with a salvage title, but it's only going to be worth about 300$ or so, and thats if you can prove it's straight.  A clean-titled frame (that can be bent) will usually sell for around $1000, although lately I've seen them dipping into the 700's.

I'm still debating on whether or not to use the 999r salvage frame that I've bought, or source a clean titled frame (can you say part out a 749r?) to use.  Really just depends on my insurance, but I haven't checked with them at this point.

[fouramdesigns]

I would totally disclose the history. More about getting people comfortable, and knowing they can get full coverage. At this point, I just want $400 and to walk away. But would be nice to get it moved, people are spoked by a salvage title.

[mikeb]

But would be nice to get it moved, people are spoked by a salvage title.

Its not a question of being spooked.  Its a question of why?  Ask yourself this question.  What's the advantage to buying a salvage frame?  There is no advantage.  Its nothing but hassle.

Now...I'd buy a salvage bike for a track bike.  But to put back on the street?  Not worth the trouble.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Its not a question of being spooked.  Its a question of why?  As yourself this question.  What's the advantage to buying a salvage frame?  There is no advantage.  Its nothing but hassle.

Now...I'd buy a salvage bike for a track bike.  But to put back on the street?  Not worth the trouble.

Well none-it's a pain, the resale sucks even if you make a beautiful bike around it, and you know, none of us could really know it's actually straight until we bought it and had someone check it out.


As far as I'm concerned, it's worth more than the scrap value, but not much, given the lifetime of headaches it would cause.


I'll give you $50 for it, cash. You pay shipping. 

[MadDuck]

If you made more money by parting it out than you spent buying it then I'd say you are good to go.