Salvage Title 2004 1150R a Good Buy?

[Unlawfulsm]

Locally there is a 2004 R1150R for sale. It has 10k miles, ABS and was laid down on the right hand side. The tank has a nasty dent, but that looks to be it. It has a salvage title from another state and is currently registered here in GA. I am thinking about picking it up as its listed for $3250. Without seeing the bike in person, plan on doing that tomorrow, what should I be looking for to ensure that its not a basket case later on? Without knowing the details of the mishap would the final drive be suspect to damage from a low side? The engine looks very clean as though someone took really good care of it. The only damage seems to be cosmetic and the current owner has ridden it over 1700 miles since he fixed it up. Do you think this would be a good buy or am I wasting my money? The plan is to pick this up and sell the wifes car now that she is working from home and she can drive my truck and I take the bike to work since the current bike, dual sport, is not very highway worthy. Thanks for any insight.

[Oilhead]

So you are looking to repair the bike to get the title upgraded to a rebuilt so you can register it?

[Unlawfulsm]

It is already registered in GA.

[maduko]

It might be a good deal if resale value isn't a big issue for you.

Look over the valve cover/cylinder head closely on the damaged side.

If you do buy it, and fix everything, take buckets of pictures. You know what's wrong with it now- you can see it. The next buyer will see a salvage title and assume the worst.

[Oilhead]

It is already registered in GA.

Ok I'm in CT and the law must be different in GA. In CT, a car with a salvage title cannot be registered. It would have to be repaired to roadworthy standard, inspected by the DMV, and if accepted, the title upgraded from "Salvage" to "Rebuilt" in order to be registered. Getting the rebuilt status in CT is quite an hassle and hardly worth it in most cases. But once again, it sounds like the law is quite different in GA.

[jsoque]

Hi Oilhead,

I thought the same, and aquired my R1150R from a woman in Buffalo, NY.
It had a salvage title, but no big deal.
I had bought the bike with only photos as well, but accepted the risk.
When I got her, the cold weather caused some chaffing of internal hoses in the fuel injector
pick up line in the tank, and mine needed a new battery.
I got it last August 08, and have put 7K miles on her since then without
a hitch.
I see you have a 2002, and don't know if that has the twin spark.
I'm in Long Island and if you want a "go to bike", for urban assault, or commuting
to work like me, or some 600-700 mi weekenders, she's definitely the next machine for you.
Mine is all bagged out with Twisted Throttle's Bags Connection Quick Lock, Tank Bag system,
OEM system cases -full, and Givi E52 with the light package, and a hwy windsheild.
The lady hasn't let me down yet and I ride 4 or 5 days a week, 35 mi R/T to work.
I also go to Lake George, Worcester, Boston, Providence, and the Cape routinely.
She's great for 2-up, I have references.
If you want an upclose of the 2004, I'll be on the ferry in a couple of weeks.
As for the GA bike, S/H would be the only worry, and that's about 450-550 to your
door for a 535 lb machine.
Good Luck and keep us posted.
Jim
e; [email protected]

P.S., I'll be crossing to NL on June 26th, 6 pm on the way to Boston.
Then, I'll be riding to Danbury on July 18th to hook up with Westchester Beemer friends.
If you are close by, let me know.
Lastly, got to love the sound of that Boxer Twin! (twin spark)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-H-ZeqzADU