Looks like I have the opportunity to buy a salvaged 2014 Tiger 800 for $7,300. Mileage is unknown, the bike won't start without the instrument cluster, and there appears to be some misalignment in the rear.

This bike is sick. I know this. I never thought I'd be considering purchasing one, but the price is right. Can you guys help me pick apart the issues and let me know what I'm getting myself into here? I am severly lacking in the Tiger knowledge department... I don't care if she's pretty and OEM I just want to ride her forever.



edit: my thread title is supposed to say 2014. DOH

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I am a BIG fan of buying "Salvage" title bikes. I've bought a couple over the years and they were great deals. So I get your temptation.

But at $7300 ... that is NO DEAL. The fact you may be looking at a bent frame both front and rear, right away means NO GO for me, but YMMV.

Also, those electronic bits are crucial and as you know, bike will not run without them as they talk to ECM. Lots of specific knowledge required to "fix" things so bike will run without them. New Dash/instruments are OUTRAGEOUS $$$$$. Check it out.

Also consider that used Straight Tiger 800's are around in the $8000 to $9000 price range all day. If you are willing to travel, I'm guessing you could find a deal if you're patient and NOT in a hurry and find a Cherry, Clean Tiger 800.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/4853201161.html
This one is LOW MILES, but I'd bet a higher mileage one could be found in the $8000 area.

If your bike had a low side it would be worth gambling on. I've seen MUCH better salvage deals than the one you're looking at. Too much possibly deal breaking damage lurking there, IMHO.

If you're dealing with an insurance company, just make a very low offer. But if me ... I would avoid that bike ... even if free. Too many unknowns. But offer $5000, I'd bet they'll take it. At $7300, no one in their right mind would buy it given current used bike market for those Tigers.

I would get onto the Tiger 800 specific forums research and get opinions from "educated" Tiger guys. One last thing I would do if you really feel "good" about this bike. Go into a Triumph dealer and have them give a real estimate of damage and repairs. Figure cost, then make an educated offer. If frame is straight or just sub frame is bent, then not so bad. It could work out to be a good deal.

Good luck!

there are several auction sites online,guiltyparty on advrider had his panel damaged,frame cracked he would be a good source of first hand experience .
but $7000 or even $5000 is alot to pay for a bike that just took a big hit in value,doesnot as yet run.Are mechanically inclined enough to go it alone,if not at the price a shop gets today may as well buy a nice used one-ready to go .?
low mileage with 6k miles $8k,new $9k in orange county CRaigslist today.

Too much damage
Too much money

buy a good one, it will be on the road quicker and cheaper than that.

I buy and fix salvage bikes as as a hobby from insurance companies auctions. That bike looks like a $3000 bike. Someone is trying to make a killing on you. There are so many bikes that have "lowsided" with minor damage that there is no need to get involved with major damage. Check out copart.com and iaai.com. pm me if you see something you like.

here are a couple of Tiger 800s that will sell for less than the one you are looking at:

https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/Vehicl...oadRecent=True

https://vis.iaai.com/resizer?imageKe...640&height=480
https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/Vehicl...oadRecent=True

Thanks for the input folks. I hadn't considered the typicaly issues with salvaged bikes and the bent frame issue. Hadn't even considered it.

I'm a fool at times, I know this. Comparatively it seemed like a good price but once I zoomed outside of my region, things do get much cheaper.

I do not intend on buying this, and will instead get the 2013 CRF250L I'm going to check out this weekend. Not quite adventure-style but it's a great bike anyways..