It goes without saying that buying salvage repairable motorcycles and restoring them offer great savings for buyers. Yet, before you go ahead and buy crashed motorcycles for sale, it is important to familiarize yourself with some basics. When a motorcycle is deemed a total loss by its insurance company, it receives a salvage title that indicates that it has been damaged to the point where the cost of repairs exceeds its value. That said, many of the salvage motorcycles can be repaired if you have the required expertise.

But before you jump in, it is important to know the history of a used bike by running a motorcycle VIN check. We also recommend discovering common reasons why a motorcycle can get a salvage title, and we will cover the topic in this blog post. Read on. 

Road Accident

One of the most common reasons why a motorcycle may receive a salvage title is due to collision damage caused by a road accident. If the motorcycle is involved in a serious accident and the cost of repairs exceeds its value, the insurance company may deem it a total loss. This could be due to damage to the frame, engine, transmission, or other critical components.

Theft Recovery

If a stolen motorcycle is recovered by the police after its owner has received their claim from the insurance company, it may receive a salvage title. Also, if the motorcycle has been stripped of its parts or otherwise damaged, it may receive a salvage title. Many of these motorcycles are in relatively good condition and are the ones to look out for at auctions.

Fire Damage

If a motorcycle is damaged in a fire, it may receive a salvage title. Fire damage can be particularly devastating to a motorcycle, as it can damage the engine, electrical system, and other critical components. While most fire-damaged vehicles may be beyond the scope of repairs, they can still be used to salvage parts. 

Flood Damage 

Motorcycles can also receive salvage titles due to flood damage. If the motorcycle is submerged in water and the engine, electrical system, or other components are damaged, it may be deemed a total loss. Even if the motorcycle appears to be in good condition after a flood, there could be hidden damage that could cause problems down the road. So, be careful. 

Vandalism 

This is another common reason for which a motorcycle can receive a salvage title. If the bike is damaged by graffiti or other acts of vandalism, it may be deemed a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds its value. These motorcycles can be a good restoration project for body shop owners and enthusiasts who have the capability to restore them. 

The Last Word

If you’re thinking about buying a salvage title motorcycle, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly, or better yet, have it inspected by a mechanic. This can help identify any hidden damage or potential problems that could cause issues down the road. As far as buying repairable motorcycles is concerned, AutoBidMaster has got you covered. Register with us and take your pick from the largest auto auction inventory in North America, including a wide variety of cheap motorcycles for sale. If you have any questions, simply call: +1 (503) 298-4300, Monday through Friday, 05:00 AM to 04:00 PM PST.

AutoBidMaster Staff Writer
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