[GQ*]

So I'm going to check out a 2006 SV650S today. Here's the rundown on it:

- 22k miles & estimated sitting time of ~6 mo.
- Salvage title, website says due to theft
- Seller says ignition is fine but gas tank can open w/screwdriver (WTF)
- reported cracks in plastics
- repainted flat black
- Seller says it "runs good"

Thanx in advance you guys ;D

 

[JPDD]

Personally, I would move on.

 

[Lost1888]

How much????

 

[mn99x]

Every bike is worth checking out if it is priced right!!

 

[Zach]

$1500

 

[mn99x]

It would definitely be worth it at that price. Hell I would drive to pick it up at that price!!

 

[GQ*]

$2300 is his asking price....I haven't tried to negotiate at all b/c I haven't seen it.

 

[GQ*]

Any tips on specific things to look/listen for on this year SV?

 

[Zach]

are you a handy person?

if you need to pay someone to fix the potential issues, this is NOT the bike for you.

 

[GQ*]

I'm pretty handy but I don't have a garage so if it's a major project that presents a bit of a problem as I would have to borrow the space to do the work.

Are you saying this bike specifically or SVs in general?

 

[Zach]

I'm pretty handy but I don't have a garage so if it's a major project that presents a bit of a problem as I would have to borrow the space to do the work.

Are you saying this bike specifically or SVs in general?

Here's how I look at salvage bikes.

You find a bike with a good reputation as a reliable steed. SV fits this wonderfully.

Next, you plan for the worse. Hacked wiring harnes (IE electrical gremlins), broken locks, bent wheels, wear items that needed replaced long ago (tires, chain, sprockets), Has the oil EVER been replaced? Check the oil, is it the right level? The oil will be dirty, but you can tell if it is really old.

If any of these things scare you or stand out when you look at the bike, walk away. If you need to pay someone to fix the bike, you will see the profits of buying a salvaged bike quickly dwindle. Also, you need to know the laws in your state. It varies from place to place in how difficult it is to register the bike for the street. Also check insurance. Some carriers WILL NOT insure a salvaged bike.

Make sure it isn't stolen. The problem with the tank says to me that the original ignition is gone and was replaced at a later time. check the back seat lock, does the ignition key open it?

 

[GQ*]

I hear ya; anytime I hear salvage I go in expecting the worst.

I planned to already need to change fluids and at least the plugs. I already assume the ignition has been changed out (probably when he painted it to sell) so I am prepared for the locks to be different. I forgot about the insurance, but I think I would be able to just get liability (which is what I'm looking for since it's a cash bike) and the registering/titling is just an passed inspection away

I'm going to check out the bike, see how much effort was put into making it look pretty to sell vs how much wear the sprocket & tires show so I get some sort of idea how much work I'm in for if I do leave w/a new SV.

So w/what I know you guys think $2300 is too much?

 

[autobahn]

Personally I think $2300 is a little high, it's obviously had a tough life.

 

[Lost1888]

Here's how I look at salvage bikes.

You find a bike with a good reputation as a reliable steed. SV fits this wonderfully.

Next, you plan for the worse. Hacked wiring harnes (IE electrical gremlins), broken locks, bent wheels, wear items that needed replaced long ago (tires, chain, sprockets), Has the oil EVER been replaced? Check the oil, is it the right level? The oil will be dirty, but you can tell if it is really old.

If any of these things scare you or stand out when you look at the bike, walk away. If you need to pay someone to fix the bike, you will see the profits of buying a salvaged bike quickly dwindle. Also, you need to know the laws in your state. It varies from place to place in how difficult it is to register the bike for the street. Also check insurance. Some carriers WILL NOT insure a salvaged bike.

Make sure it isn't stolen. The problem with the tank says to me that the original ignition is gone and was replaced at a later time. check the back seat lock, does the ignition key open it?

^ Good advise right there!

 

[Zach]

I already assume the ignition has been changed out (probably when he painted it to sell) so I am prepared for the locks to be different.

So w/what I know you guys think $2300 is too much?

Like I said, just make sure it isn't stolen. New ignition and a new paint job are BIG red flags. Verify the VIN on the title and Frame. The vin is stamped into the headstock of the frame. It should be also listed on a sticker on the frame on the clutch side (these are sometimes removed).

Yes, I do think 2300 is too much. Every logical person that sets a sale price should expect to come down at least a little bit. The way I look at it is this, the bike in EXCELLENT condition with those miles would be worth around $5000. Salvage title drops that $1500. Mis-matched locks $500 (not the replacement cost of the locks, but it indicates a questionable history of the bike, further reducing the value). Tires, sprockets and chain: $500. Cracked plastics and sitting for six months drops it another $500 AT LEAST.

IMO, $2000 may be a fair price IF you get a good vibe from the seller. But keep in mind, if you have intentions of fixing this thing back up to be pretty, you will pay more to make this one nice than you would pay for a nice one.

 

[GQ*]

Thanx for the great advice. I may just walk b/c the guy came down from $2800 w/o me even trying to lower the price and no seems pretty set on his $2300. Someone went to check out the bike and is telling me it seems in decent shape but they didn't ride. Although the flat black look like a rattle can job. I think you're right on the money about me ending up putting more into this bike than just buying one in good shape

 

[Zach]

I'm guessing this is the bike?

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1031306723.html

it doesn't look too bad. I'm gonna send him an email and see what I can get out of him.

 

[GQ*]

That's the one

 

[Zach]

wow, he's a fast responder!

dayum! look at that (not stock) rear tire

and something is wrong with the shifter too...

 

[GQ*]

yeah he responds fast...did you get the webpage? So is the tire a bad thing? How hard is it to undo the drop in the front?