Motorcycle Salvage Yards: Where and What to Look For

Motorcycle salvage is a great way to get a high-end bike at a reasonable low cost. I’m not kidding. I’ve seen deals where people were selling high-end Ducati motorcycles for around $ 2,000 to $ 4,000. That’s a steal considering a new Ducati could pay you back between $ 10,000 and $ 20,000. But what is the catch. These bikes need work. Some have had minor or major accidents. Some may have some structural or body damage. Some may only need cosmetic items to be made. Some simply need engine care. Someone who knows how to recondition engine parts.

This could happen with a high-end motorcycle like a Ducati. These are very fast bikes and if they are not cared for and maintained over the years, the engines can explode.

But where would you find salvage motorcycles? The best places to look for salvage motorcycles are your local junkyard, your local newspaper, or auction sites. I personally recommend auction sites. Mainly, because the selection is very good. You can probably find anything you are looking for, from a Honda to a Suzuki to a Ducati. With so much selection, it will probably be very easy to find exactly what you want.

Good, now that you have found the bike of your dreams. Here are some tips for evaluating your purchase.

1. Don’t buy the first bike you see. Take your time and bring a friend who knows a lot about bikes so you can both inspect the bike. This is very important because buying a bicycle is usually an impulsive purchase. Your friend will not be connected to the purchase so they can give you an honest opinion.

2. What is the general appearance of the bicycle? Yes, this may be a salvage bike, but don’t take anything that you can’t repair. Especially if you have to replace parts due to a poor paint job. Also, look to see if the bike is looking down on the center line and down on the forks.

3. Has the bicycle suffered an accident? Yes, this is a salvage bike, but frame damage could be expensive to repair.

4. If possible, test drive. Because this is a salvage bike, you may not be able to take it for a test ride. But, if you can, this is a bonus.

5, check the clutch, brakes, fuel tank, wheels, suspension, seat and tires. The less it is wrong, the less there is to repair.

These are just some of the points to check. For a more in-depth evaluation, take a mechanic who specializes in motorcycle repair.

Remember there are many great deals on salvage motorcycles, just follow the steps to find them.

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