Topic: Salvage Titled Frame...for project platform?

[brycegp]

So...I wanted to run this past you guys.  I am building a Cb500 motor.  And I am on the hunt for the platform.

I  came across a frame locally.  Its straight.  It has a welded in hoop on the rear of the frame similar to Benjies weld on tail hoop. The PO has already shaved all the tabs.  Most of the prep work for a full custom cafe project is either done or close.   

The catch is that the frame has a Salvaged Title.  What do you guys think about this??  I mean I personally don't care as long as the frame is straight.  BUT...do you think it will seriously hurt the bikes value when finished that I started with a salvaged frame??  The bike will be fully new when done and the salvaged frame is really irrelevant.

But that doesn't mean I would be able to convince a would be buyer of that fact.   Thoughts??

[srbakker]

Are you building it to sell?  Personally, if the frame is straight, it wouldn't bother me at all.  How about making sure you document the integrity of the frame and tuck the photos away so you can pull them out when you sell?

[brycegp]

Are you building it to sell?  Personally, if the frame is straight, it wouldn't bother me at all.  How about making sure you document the integrity of the frame and tuck the photos away so you can pull them out when you sell?

This is what I was thinking....

I am not "building to sell"... but lets face it...they all get sold off eventually.  Im just thinking ahead...

...and I don't care about the title as long as it is legit and I can get it registered.

[Lostboy Steve]

Why not get an untitled frame from one of those junkyards in the flyover states and then work on acquiring a clean title for it.

[Lostboy Steve]

Not for nothing, I like your overall idea though. I keep thinking seriously about purchasing a good ford 2.3l turbo in need of a rebuild. At some point in my life I would love to build a Merkur xr4ti into a Sierra Cosworth and having a ready-to-go 2.3 would be a great start.

[Xnavylfr]

You need to check for insurance on a bike with salvage title. I'm not sure how insurance companies look at or insure it.
This may be a BIG issue, you may be able to build a bike worth 10k but the insurance co. might not insure for anything near that or insure it at all.

Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[verslagen1]

Insurance is the key.
Totalled means they've paid for it already and they don't like paying for it twice.
If you only intend to carry liabillity, then you're fine.
But comprehensive is another question.  Best to talk with your agent.

[brycegp]

hmmmm....insurance...

all good points...

[brycegp]

so I just talked to the DMV about this.  They told me that prior to purchase I need to have the current owner go to the DMV and "Junk" the title/frame.  Then I buy and upon completion of the project have it inspected by the DMV at which time do an "Amended Junk" Title...and they clear the title.

...in case anyone wanted to know...

[Rigid]

Lots of good frames and project bikes around cheap.  I would find another frame with clean title.  You are right, "building to sell" is often seen as a bad thing on this forum.  What anyone with any experience will know is just what you said, they all get sold eventually.  If not by you, then your survivors :-)

[brycegp]

yeah I'm gonna pass on it.  just don't want the hassle...

$200 for that frame with all the welding done here in LA is a good deal...but im in no rush...

[jamesb]

if any of you guys have dairyland insurance they do not cover bikes with salvage titles