Wondering what the guidelines are on a buying a bike with a Salvage Title? I'm looking at a 900SS for $3K (or hopefully less) and it's described as follows:

"The bike does have a title but it is a salvage title from New York. When I bought this bike it has a crack in the upper tube frame. I am a certified welder and have since repaired this and rode this at the track several times. I have not had this reinspected to get the title cleared up. I do not have the time to get an inspection done due to work."


This is for a project so worst case I could possibly replace the frame. I know the 900SS were known for having a problem with cracks in the frame. What do you guys think?

Well, to start with salvage title reduces value by about half, so you need to consider this in your purchase price.  To register it you need to get rebuilt, constructed title or whatever it is called in your neck of the woods.  This is local law, so inquire at your DMV.  IMO, $3K for a salvage bike that needs to be shipped from NY?  Belongs in the "More Craigs List Crack Addicts" thread

howie obviously hasnt see a 900SS paved in gold. :\


You should check your terminology.

Salvage and Rebuilt all have different meanings.

Salvage = its been trashed

Rebuilt  = its been trashed and rebuilt.

in some states a rebuilt title is transferable.

in some states ( such as NY) if it came from any other state, it needs to be inspected by a certified safety inspection place. It takes about 3 months, EVEN IF IT WAS REBUILT IN ANOTHER STATE!

Damn, I meant to post about this...

But He Man and Howie are right.  Salvage, non-rebuilt title = at least half off of market value, I don't care what the owner claims has been done.

A salvage title in NY, at least for cars, simply means the vehicle was totaled (damage is more than 70% of the value of the vehicle).  NY doesn't have a rebuilt title, the salvage designation remains on the title for the life of the vehicle.  In order to register it in NY, it would need to be inspected and determined roadworthy.  I think the seller is saying he just hasn't bothered to get it registered, since he's using it on a track.  Hope that helps!

Im pretty sure my Saab title says REBUILT - NJ  on it. Ill have to check.

If you keep it off the streets, theres no point.

My 750 has a Salvage title or at least it did in CA. Now It has an OR Title cant remember if it still says salvage. No inspection was required other than to make sure the Vin's matched up. So it has, a or had a salvage and I don't care. It still rides the same. i guess it depends on weather or not you care about resale.

Also where you live.  Here in NY you need to transport the vehicle (since it isn't registered yet) to one of the few inspection sites to be able to register it.  Mostly they will be looking at recipients to determine it was not repaired with stolen parts.  If they are not happy you will keep bringing the bike in until they are.  And, as stated by JPlip, salvage stays on the title.  Track bike?  No problem

I'm in Ca. and I have bought a salvage title bike before. I transferred it into my name, no problem. No inspection. Then sold it to someone else apparently no problem either... but I would get it as cheap as possible...

$3000 for a salvage 900ss?

Wtf?

I bought my good condition 900FE for $3500.  Needed fairing repair and forks rebuilt and carbs cleaned.  Not typical, but you can easily find original condition 900ss bikes for the $3000 price point that have no salvage issues.

walk away.

Yep. The certified welder bs is exactly that..bs. Not only is it salvage, it's not registered. If it hasn't been registered for a year or two you end up paying all those late fee's as well. Find a different bike.

Current craigslist market down here has 3 or 4 SS for sale with apparently clean titles for that $3k asking price.

I'm a certified astronaut. Trust me.

Has time for several track days but no time to get reinspected? Steer clear and look for one that needs work as others have stated but clear title! my 2c

Quote from: Scoober1103 on May 02, 2015, 01:03:49 AM
Has time for several track days but no time to get reinspected?

Whats wrong with that?

Sounds like the dudes having a balling time having fun is what.