Would you buy a salvage title bike?

Looked at a clean 93 Nighthawk tonight. Very well taken care of, up to date maintenance etc. All good until he mentions that he wiped out at a light and paint costs were over $3K so they totalled it. He bought back and fixed up but I'm concerned about the insurance and resale costs. Thoughts?

 

Yes. But at a reduced price from the typical market average for a same-condition machine with a standard title.
In most states you'll never be able to get it back onto a regualar title, and that will affect the value permanantly.

Do the usual due-diligance prior to buying.

Our Miata recently became a salvage vehicle. Hail damage + faded paint = full bodywork and re-paint that would cost well over the value of the vehicle. It's still the same reliable vehicle, just not quite as pretty now.

If he has it on a rebuilt, or rebuilt salvage, title then most insurance companies will let you carry comprehensive insurance on it. You alos look into an agreed-value policy; that's what I did for my XJ.

 

Done. Will need tires, brake lines original. Fluids are clear and clean. Runs and rides very well. No evidence of leaks on engine, carbs, and forks. Outside of that, I know nothing about these bikes.

He agreed to $1k before the title issue came up, thinking I'll go back with $800 tomorrow. Not many sold on ebay and there are few on craigslist, seems to be about a $2k bike tops. My main concern is this would be a bike for the wife and if she doesn't like it, I need to resell for same money.

Here is a pic of bike in question. Only have the one that wife sent when she saw it on a walk. This is the side it was laid down on.

 

I think that $800 to $1,000 is in the ballpark. They tend to go for around $1600 to $1800 here in similar condition.
Bonus for you....the valves are self-adjusting. Hydraulic tappets for the win!

 

I saw that, very nice. More time for post tuneup celebration beer

 

does he have the regular title or did it go through a salvge title.
I have had cars totaled by insurance companys because of minor body dents and the buy back was just deducted from the payout with no ownership papers ever changing hands.
get the details on the transaction.
I am guessing that he took the cash and the shop got it from insurance company fixed it and he purchased it back from shop not insurance company..

 

Salvage rebuilt. In Ohio, if you make the claim with insurance and they deem it totaled and you take the payout, the bike gets a salvage title. You can then purchase back with the salvage title, make or have repairs done, and get a salvage rebuilt title after an inspection. The inspections are a joke, they basically look to see that the damage was repaired and any parts with serial numbers are looked up to ensure they weren't stolen. No inspection on quality or work, road worthiness, etc.

He took the payout, bought the bike back, made the repairs and then got the salvage rebuilt title issued.

I passed in the end, this would've been for the wife and if she didn't like it then I would have to deal with selling it. If I was buying for me to ride and enjoy for years to come, I would've bought it.