Motorcycle Salvage Yards - Where and What to Look For

Motorcycle salvage is a great way to get a high end1. Don't buy the first bike that you see. Take your
bike at a reasonable low end cost. I am not kidding.time and bring a friend with you that knows a lot
I've seen deals were people were selling high endabout bikes so that both of you can inspect the bike.
Ducati motorcycles priced at around $2000 to $4000This is very important because purchasing a bike is
dollars. That is a steal considering that a Brand newusually an impulse buy. Your friend will not be
Ducati could put you back $10000 to $20000 dollars.connected to the purchase so he can give you a
But what is the catch. These bikes need work. Somehonest opinion.
have been in minor to major accidents. Some may2. What is the overall appearance of the bike. Yes,
have some frame or body damage. Some may justthis may be a salvage bike, but don't take on
need cosmetic items done. Some just plain needanything that you will not be able to repair. Especially,
engine care. Someone who knows their way aroundif you will have to replace parts because of a shabby
refurbishing engine parts.paint job. Also, look to see if the bike is sight down
This could be coming for a high end bike like a Ducati.centerline, and down forks.
These are very fast bikes and if their not taken care3. Has the bike been in a crash? Yes, this is a salvage
of and maintained as the years pass, engines canbike but frame damage could be expensive to fix.
blow out.4. If possible take on a test drive. Because this is a
But where would you find salvage motorcycles? Thesalvage bike you may not be able to take the bike
best places to look for salvage motorcycles are aton a test drive. But, if you can this is a plus.
your local junk yard, your local newspaper or auction5, Check the clutch, brakes, gas tank, wheels,
sites. I personally recommend auction sites. Mainly,suspension, seat, and tires. The less that is wrong
because the selection is so good. You can probablythe less that will have to be repaired.
find anything that your looking for from a honda to aThese are just a few of the points that you should
Suzuki to a Ducati. with so much of a selection it willcheck. For a more indepth evaluation take along a
probably be very easy to find exactly what youmechanic who specializes in motorcycle repair.
want.Remember their are plenty of great deals in salvage
Ok, now that you have found your dream bike. Heremotorcycles, you just need to take the steps to find
are some pointers to evaluate your purchase.them.