Are Salvaged Bikes good to buy?

[johnotto]

I'm looking at buying a used suzuki gs500 or Kawasaki Ninja 250/500.  I man offered me a 2001 GS500 for $1500 but its salvaged due to dents in the tank and muffler.  Is this something to stay away from?  Also can you even insure salvaged bikes?  Please let me know anything is regards to salvaged bikes, and if anyone is selling used bikes that i'm looking for please email johno@efisfresno.com.  I live in Fresno, CA.  Looking to get one under $2500
Thanks

[EvilScooby]

hmm,
I would think it takes more than a few dents in a tank for it to have  a salvaged title. There must be something more that he is not telling you

[Hi-T]

Salvaged bikes can be great deals- I'd say if you wanted a track bike, spare parts or something to stunt or beat up on, then do it...

However- in MY humble opinion, I wouldn't buy a salvaged bike for everyday street use and commuting.  

1) You don't know all the details of the wreck - Even a little wreck can jack a bike up good- There are lots of parts that can bend or crack and not be seen.  If something comes up later that you have to fix- there goes your deal.

2)  Salvaged bikes are harder to resell- You will likey upgrade one day, and you will loose more money.

3)  Insurance and titles:  You can usually get a totaled bike titled and liscenced (check with your DMV).  If it's road worthy you should be able to get insurance- but I don't know what kinda coverage they offer on a previously salvaged bike.  If you wreck it you might be SOL.

I'd try to find a clean bike in good shape- especially if you're new to the bike mechanic seen...  And by the way,  I picked up my 2001 (stock) in great condition for $2225.   Keep Looking

Good Luck

[octane]

You can buy a decent, never dropped GS for $1500. Not a 2001 - but they're all the same mechanically and you can find a nice mid 90's model for that price.

[Jared]

Bikes get salvaged for some dumb reasons sometimes...--Cosmetic damage costs exceeding the value of the bike/versus whats owed on it blah blah blah... The bike is mechanically fine otherwise... Sometimes they are salvaged for obvious reasons like being mangled...


If the bike has been state inspected for safety and is deemed roadworthy-they can be very good deals. Salvage hurts resale -yes.

I had a *rebuilt salvage" GSXR 750 a year or two ago...

All it needed was a mirror/ a lower /fresh battery and plugs. It passed the state police "inspection" as Well as the Maryland Safety inpsection. I rode it for a bit to make sure nothing was weird too ( I do that on all of the projects..).  The owner was out of country  (bike was a theft recovery) and never claimed the bike... The tow yard guy got a salvage certificate.... And Thats how I bought it from him.

I paid 1000$  for it... fixed it ( had 1500$ in it total maybe...including inspection , title/tax fees , and all the parts)...

Sold it for $4300 ... (Book was about a grand over that I think at the time..give or take).....

So if the bike rides straight -runs good  and is cheap enough.... Maybe give it a shot....
But like Octane said.... lots and lots of older ones out there (especially in CA...) that can be had ...

Anyway....Good luck.

[JohNLA]

A dented tank will not justify a insurance company to salvage a bike. A new tank costs like $500 new. I am betting something on the frame got bent.

[destroyer]

Probably had bent forks or something messed up in the front end.  I have a salvage 2000 model gs500e that was practically given to me and thats why it was salvaged.  I have since rebuilt the front end and I havent had any problems.  Bike had 3000 miles on it.  Usually bent forks will total them out every time.

Over and out,

Stephen

[werase643]

a scratch in the paint on the frame will require a replacement frame.....
unlike a car where the car is fixed to driving condition....a motorcycle has to be fixed to NEW CONDITION.  every scratched item has to be replaced....

salvage title usually means no full coverage will be issued...good...cheaper!!!!!

[dandaman96]

My '92 is a salvage title.  The guy I bought it from got it from the motor cycle shop as a salvage.  He said it was ok after riding it for a couple of year, and I trust him, so I had no worried.  

Now, I have a dented tank, and a few scrapes here and there, but for my first bike, it doesn't bother me a bit.

FYI, I paid around  $700 for mine.  That price of $1500 seems a little high to me.