I must admit there's some confusion about the legitimacy of a salvage motorcycle.

I believe the confusion is caused by the idea that a salvage motorcycle is the same as a junked motorcycle.

Nothing is farther from the truth.

When a motorcycle is involved in an accident it could have a little damage or it could have major damage. It is up to the insurance company to value thenmotorcycle and decide if it would be cost effective to repair it - or junk it.

If it is junked, then it can never be retitled.

However if it is wrecked, destroyed, or damaged to such extent that the insurance company considers it uneconomical to make repairs to it the determination may be to consider it to be a salvage motorcycle.

To clarify, consider these two scenarios:

One - A new bike is wrecked into a mangled mess. The insurance company may just decide that this bike should never be on the road again in any altered form. The decide to junk it.

Two - An older bike is wrecked. The damage is repairable, but the insurance company decides it would still cost more than the bike is worth to have a repair shop fix it. But if the owner is mechanically inclined and is willing and able to do the repairs himself or he wants to sell the bike to someone who would like to buy at a bargain price, then the bike may be considered a salvage motorcycle.

*Here is a MAJOR TIP* You may get a tremendous bargain if you are looking for a classic motorcycle or vintage motorcycle because their value is not listed in NADA and is more difficult for an insurance company to value. If you know the value of the motorcycle for which you are searching, and you have the ability to repair or restore it economically, a salvage motorcycle might be a unique alternative to consider when you are looking to buy.

Now, besure to check with your local DMV to verify that the information I have told you is relevant in YOUR state and the exact rules you need to title a salvage motorcycle.