01-27-2019, 12:31 PM
(01-27-2019, 10:36 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: At least you got a Salvage title. I bought a Junking Certificate Title; about three clicks below a Salvage - with minor damage. Instrument cluster chassis was cracked so I ordered a new set of plastics off of ebay for $100. Used the core and rear plastic cover, replaced the metal cup with a Honda unit. Done (the rest of the plastics in the kit were pretty low quality). Had a muffler on hand. Bought new handle bar weights. New RH case. New brake lever. Looks like new.
Getting a title was an interesting task as right on the Junking Certificate it say that after 2 weeks another title WILL NOT BE ASSIGNED. Arizona (as well as most states) honored that statement. Turns out you have choices. Like Montana. Or California (two confirmed states, not sure about others but there are more). Took four trips to California but now I have a clean title (really should be a revived Salvage title but I think a clerk messed up). The bike was in too nice of shape to pass up or melt down. Less than 3K miles on her too!
These bikes seem to depreciate so much with such a low demand for them that in my ever so humble opinion salvage title or not, they hold little value after a few years. May as well hold on to them and ride 'em. I was going to flip mine but she is such a sweet ride that unless someone really wants it I think I'm going to keep her. At least for a while. The 2013 has a fairing on her, so having a naked bike so I have a choice of faired or clean bike to ride is kinda cool.
It's also pretty neat to have such a great bike at a fire sale price. Lot's of value for the dollar.
Sadly, a week ago I stepped into a Kawasaki dealership and talked about the industry in general. The dealer was not taking trade-ins for any bike. They say most are not worth anything to them, and even the top-shelf super sports are dimes on the dollar. They used to take trades, but industry demand is hurtin', it is just not HD, but everyone. Hence, their sales take somewhat of a hit because they want buyers straight up - which appear to be hard to find. All the dealers I have visited in the past three months suggest to all their clients to keep their rides, or sell privately. One may think it is the season, but they say it is rather the current state of the industry ... at least up here.