Salvage bike on copart????

[seanyp83]

Hello, was looking at one of these PCX's..... is buying a salvage bike a good/bad idea?

http://www.copart.co.uk/uk/Lot/39748615 ... 1389848641
This saying its cat C but i cannot see any defects in the photos.....should I be weary??


http://www.copart.co.uk/uk/Lot/38012435 ... 1389848641
Does the damage on this cat C bike look like structural damage?


http://www.copart.co.uk/uk/Lot/39116715 ... 1389848641
Does the damage on this cat C bike also look like structural damage?

I'm prepare to fix/replace panels but not to change a bike frame (don't think I would have the skill for this).

Thank you :-)

[Oyabun]

Hello, was looking at one of these PCX's..... is buying a salvage bike a good/bad idea?

In case you're mechanically inclined and have the tools and at least a shed where you can work and store the bike while potentially waiting for parts I'd say go for it. In general none of them seems to be completely screwed nor got involved in a high speed accident to get the frame bent.

http://www.copart.co.uk/uk/Lot/39748615 ... 1389848641
This saying its cat C but i cannot see any defects in the photos.....should I be weary??

To me it seems that it had slid and hit something above the foot rest while sliding. Most probably not structural but could not say for sure. It definitely seems repairable. The scooter is rather a tool for me which I take care of mechanically but not specifically interested in looks - so I'd probably ride it as it is. For sure changing panes helps retail value. The indication of est. retail value is way high. I would not buy it for more than 12 or max 13 hundred GBP. As one can buy a non-damaged 2014 PCX for as low as 1500-1600 EUR off season.

http://www.copart.co.uk/uk/Lot/38012435 ... 1389848641
Does the damage on this cat C bike look like structural damage?

It has a slide damage on the left side and potentially vandalism on the right. Would not touch it unless you get it for beans.

http://www.copart.co.uk/uk/Lot/39116715 ... 1389848641
Does the damage on this cat C bike also look like structural damage?

It seems to have the front stay damaged somehow. And also had a short very low speed slide. Nothing major I'd say the front stay is bolt on.

http://www.bike-parts-honda.com/pieces- ... X+125.html

I'm prepare to fix/replace panels but not to change a bike frame (don't think I would have the skill for this).

Thank you :-)

[seanyp83]

Hi Oyabun.
That's really really helpful.
Thanks so much! I'll keep an eye on the price and then decide which of the 1st and 3rd one Ill try and get.
Thanks

Sean

[waspmike]

Sean,

Do you know the price/value of a PCX at auction?

My advice would be go to an auction in person and find out what the bikes go for before plunging in on line. They are for sale at auction obviously because either they can't be sold retail because of condition, the insurance company has paid out on them or because the previous owner defaulted on the payments.

Anyone in the business of selling scooters wouldn't buy anything without seeing it in person. If you go in person you can look all over and under the bikes instead of relying on photos, which frankly is a mug's game. You might also find a deal on some other scooters there and surprisingly you might also get a tip from others about what they are actually worth.

Estimated retail 2,699 that is b@ll@cks aren't they that new? At auction, immaculate, you wouldn't want to pay half that.

Do your homework on the cost of body parts etc. so you know exactly what you are looking at. Then think about how much it costs if a mechanic has to fit those parts at a dealer. Riding with a few scratches is OK otherwise know exactly what they will cost to fix.

Good luck and don't hurry. BTW Bernie Ecclestone started off as a used bike dealer!

[Oyabun]

@Sean:
I've definitely missed the general part as i thought you've been closer to auctions before - I myself bought and restored quite a few bikes even in "basket condition" as I really enjoy working on those. Mike has great points to consider.

[seanyp83]

Thanks again both of you. Some really good advice! I think it would be a good idea to have a look in person before parting with my money, I guess photos don't always tell the full story.
Thanks again :-)