Triumphrat

whodkne · 03-02-2007

I'm toying with an '02 Salvage S3. Supposedly it's all fixed, restored, etc, nothing wrong with it. I'm a pessimist so I would assume that once I buy it I'll find all kinds of problems.

It's front end damage.. and being a bike noob I could assume it's bent forks, bent frame, damaged brake components, wheel, etc. Maybe radiator, etc.

Assuming all that was repaired there could still be nagging problems (maybe a fork was slightly bent but not replaced, etc) these are the things I think about.

How much in unfixed but still problematic damage could there be? A grand? More? I know this is pure speculation.

It has a single headlight and some funky cowl on the front that I'd be pulling (who could murder the awesome dual headlight S3 look?!) and painting the bike over in black (and while it is apart probably paint the frame as well).

If I get the bike repainted, how do I get OEM decals? Do dealers sell them?

AlaskaS3 · 03-02-2007

I'd be scared of a bent frame. Not that I would be able to spot anything that was obvious. Take it for a spin.

DEcosse · 03-02-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-02 00:23, whodkne wrote:
..... how do I get OEM decals? Do dealers sell them ......

Here's the parts fiche for the bike you're looking at - there is indeed a section for decals. You can use BikeBandit or your local dealer to purchase - prices are similar, BB has no great discount scheme. So you will also get a good idea on the cost of parts you need.
Note that the BB part numbers are their own proprietary numbering scheme - you cannot take that number to the dealer.
However it is a usful source of reference.

As to Salvage, it's impossible to generalize - some can be as good (or possibly even better) than comparable years because of new parts; others could be hiding unknown sins. You just have to do the research & use best judgement by yourself & others of knowledge (i.e. experts).
I think if the bike is a REALLY good value (a couple of thou below typical selling price), then worth a roll - but remember that Salvage title will always be there, so re-sale will always be more problematic than a 'clean' title bike.

S32k1 · 03-02-2007

Let me guess. Your bike is blue with white stripes down the middle? I dont know about that one. I bought my bike with a rebuilt title for 2500 bucks same story. Everything is fixed, runs great, no problems, looks excellent so I bit. I rode it from vegas back to Bakersfield and when I got home the engine was knocking progressively louder. 2 weeks after buying it, the bike is in the shop for a motor rebuild (thanksgiving weeked) and guess what? I still haven't gotten it back.

DirtMcGirt · 03-02-2007

[quote]
On 2007-03-02 01:23, DEcosse wrote:

Quote:

but remember that Salvage title will always be there, so re-sale will always be more problematic than a 'clean' title bike.

+1...that can be the biggest issue you will face

BillT · 03-02-2007

If you're looking to keep it for a long time, salvage title shouldn't matter, if the price is right.

Salvage bikes are a good choice for anyone looking for a track bike.

Joemomma · 03-02-2007

If there is a G.M.D. Computrack near you, they can measure & asses the frame/suspension more accurately than the typical dealer. I'm always leary that all the cosmetics were fixed on a bike, while the important stuff is ignored.

Good luck, & hopefully you found a good deal!

whodkne · 03-02-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-02 02:11, S32k1 wrote:
Let me guess. Your bike is blue with white stripes down the middle? I dont know about that one. I bought my bike with a rebuilt title for 2500 bucks same story. Everything is fixed, runs great, no problems, looks excellent so I bit. I rode it from vegas back to Bakersfield and when I got home the engine was knocking progressively louder. 2 weeks after buying it, the bike is in the shop for a motor rebuild (thanksgiving weeked) and guess what? I still haven't gotten it back.

Hah.. same guy or you just happen to see the one on CL?

I figure it's worth a look but I'd be weary of a condition like yours. Did you have yours checked out before you bought it? Any word on what the problem is?

jimmie · 03-02-2007

Just a thought but, if you have to computrac it, repaint, and change back over to dual headlights, wont that get you back to the price of a good used one?

speedtrip30 · 03-02-2007

There was a link on here a while back to that bike. That fairing looked terrible. The front end must of got smashed up to change it like that. Take it for a test , if it doesn't want to go in a straight line it's probably bent.