Motorcycle salvage yards: where and what to look for

Motorcycle salvage is a great way to get a high-end bike for a reasonably low cost. I’m not kidding. I have seen deals where people were selling high end Ducati motorcycles priced from around $2000 to $4000 dollars. That’s a steal considering a new Ducati could cost you $10,000 to $20,000. But what’s the trick. These bikes need work. Some have been in minor to major accidents. Some may have some damage to the frame or body. Some may only need cosmetic items. Some simply need engine care. Someone who knows how to restore engine parts.

This could come for a high-end bike like a Ducati. These are very fast bikes and if they are not taken care of and maintained over the years the engines can blow up.

But where would you find salvage motorcycles? The best places to look for salvaged motorcycles are your local junkyard, local newspaper, or auction sites. I personally recommend auction sites. Mainly, because the selection is very good. You can probably find anything you’re 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.

Ok, now that you’ve found your dream bike. 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 both can inspect the bike. This is very important because buying a bike is often an impulse purchase. Your friend will not be associated with the purchase so they can give you an honest opinion.

2. What is the general appearance of the bike? Yes, this may be a salvage bike, but don’t take anything you can’t fix. Especially, if you will have to replace parts due to a bad paint job. Also, look to see if the bike is facing down the center line and down at the forks.

3. Has the bike been in an accident? Yes, this is a salvage bike, but frame damage can be expensive to repair.

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

5. Check the clutch, brakes, gas tank, wheels, suspension, seat, and tires. The less it is wrong, the less it will have to be repaired.

These are just some of the points that you should review. For further evaluation, take it to a mechanic who specializes in motorcycle repair.

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