Assistance with 1983 chopper value

[Mdesoucey]

Good Morning: I’m new to the group and would appreciate any insight into finding the value on a 1983 chopper survivor . The bike was cut off on the road and sustained damages . Insurance needs some help in establishing the value and Ive scoured the web and can’t find anything to compare it to . Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[kitabel]

Take it to a shop.

[joe fxs fxr]

go to chopcult.com - they specialize in that kind of bike. you can browse the classifieds or maybe post one of your own asking

[Architect]

Danny,

If you can get a reputable shop to write up an estimate for the repairs, that would be a great place to start with the insurance company. The Bay and other sources for parts might also help to justify costs for the repairs. Lets say you need a new frame, comps from the Bay may help with insurance company.

Good luck, sorry to hear about the bike.

Bill

[Mdesoucey]

Hi The issue is the value of the bike pre damage , not repair costs.

[T. Cotten]

Hi The issue is the value of the bike pre damage , not repair costs.

Was that the insurance company's demand, Mdesoucey?

At risk of sounding harsh, professional repair costs would most likely be higher than the value of the running pile 'o parts.

Don't let them goon you...

....Cotten

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Generally, a highly modified bike -- unless built by a known shop -- trades hands at 40 to 60 cents on the dollar for a comparable unchopped model. Currently, NADA lists 1983 Harley Big Twins as running $6500 for a "good" bike (most original bikes) and $9800 for "very good" bikes (low mileage survivors). Pretty much all lighly modified bikes fall in the "fair" category -- which always honks off owners, but is the truth. Anyways, this places your base chop value in the $3000 to 7000 range. Likely you're laughing -- but unless you can find a market guide for chops and not just internet opinions -- you ain't gonna get far with an adjuster.


Bikes are NOT valued by insurance companies based on auctions, ebay, or independent shop appraisals. Insurance adjusters most often use NADA and KBB, with adjustments for miles and condition. Your chop fits no bill -- and so you can expect a laughably low value. Keep in mind that if your cost of repairs exceeds roughly 40% of the value -- the bike is deemed "totaled" and a whole different ball game starts.

Also, in the future, you may very much want to look into agreed value coverage with an insurer like Hagerty. I have a highly modified bike which was no problem insuring with Hagerty. It gives me a lot of piece of mind I won't get screwed by a clueless insurance adjuster.

[Mdesoucey]

Live and learn …all good food for thought thank you