I'm about to purchase my first bike, got my license and everything all lined up, now I'm prepping to buy a pretty damn clean 96 CBR600. Has only 6k miles, but the only thing I'm skeptical about is that it has a salvaged title.

Now I've had many friends ride and buy salvaged bikes so my first question is, is it a bad idea to even think about buying a salvaged bike? (I've heard it's okay from some people).

And 2, if buying salvaged isn't a bad idea, which salvaged titles should I stay away from (i.e. theft, accident etc). The bike is a 96 CBR with 6k original miles and it's only $1200, has a few scratches but being my first bike I expect to probably lay it down at least once as I gain experience.

Aight thanks for the input!

 

Ask the owner why its salvaged. Sometimes the salvage title can be a result of severe cosmetic damage. If that is the case mechanically it should be ok to ride.

 

It's an F3. Steel frame, tough bike. As long as the wheels and forks aren't bent, you will be getting a great bike for a good price. Take a friend who rides bikes with you and see what he thinks.

 

Agreed. Bring a friend with you that knows bikes...you might be needing a new chain, tires, signals, etc that could add to your cost of getting the bike road-worthy. In my experience, Salvage title bikes are OK as long as you're paying a good deal under the Blue Book value. Even then, just make sure there isn't something wrong hidden underneath newer plastics.

 

for sure. i saw the bike. just needs a carb cleaning, and a front left lower fairing and the seats a little worn but other than that it looks solid.

 

As long as it can be registered and you know the story behind it you should be good.

 

Make sure it hasn't had any kind of major front end damage or flipped. That damages the bike the most and those needed to be stayed away from. Look at the alignment of the triple clamps & bar and wheels also. If it's out of alignment that doesn't mean the bike is bad or something is bent, that just means that everything needs to loosened, examed and readjusted. The front end can get binded from a little knock over or lowside.