I ride a 1996 1100 shadow ace that is a salvage tittle, I bought it from a reputable yard/dealer that had all their permits in order, I got online and checked the BBB for complaints and the DCA (dept. of Comsumer Afairs) for any 'rebuild' complaints and to see the mechanics licenses where in order before I bought...
and like a used car, I still had to TLC (tender loving care) it up to spec. It was soo close to the 16k mark on the odo, I just went ahead and did all the manuals (OM and clymer service..) maintenance just to be safe.
Insurance won't cover Comp or Collision because a claim using that Vin # has already been done, but UM and Liability are not a problem...there are some that won't touche a salvage, shop around...
best of all, the ittle is mine, so in a year, I'll reveiw this whole riding-thing decide if I like it or sell and no harmn done (even if I can't get what I payed for it), salvage works out fine as a first bike and trainer for me...I also figure, if I can keep extras under $500 (the deductable on comp..) and never carry anything I can't afford to loose, then why have it on my isurance?
i think that is a good choice.. i mean, that was a great looking bike, but resale could be a pain (never know, might sell it easily) and like grym said, no full coverage or comprehensive. That bike is too kickass looking to lay down and have to pay for the repairs yourself.. good to see you are just gonna save yourself the headache.
oh, i forgot...
banks shy away from financing salvages (because you can't get full insurance is my guess..)
mine was cheap enough I could get it outright, it fullfils my need for somethiing That can take what a noobie can dish out and not leave me feeling like someone that just pee'd on shroud of turin if I do noobie mistakes...
good luck with the hunt, try your local graigslist for ideas
