[VrodRick74]

Well, it finally happened. I got in my first accident last night and laid down my 03 V-Rod. It wasn't my fault, but who cares right? The bottom line is the bike went down.

Figures that it would happen after I finally finished "customizing" it with all the accessories (i.e. chrome, exhaust, etc etc etc) to make it just how I wanted it.

The important thing is that I'm okay (aside from some road rash and bruises), but the bike is another story. I haven't gotten a good look at it yet because it's at the tow yard. But I'm not optimistic. I know that some parts on the left side (i.e. foot pegs, gear shifter, etc) completely snapped off, and other parts on the same side practically disintegrated from sliding along the rough asphalt.

The insurance adjuster already took a look at it, but couldn’t decide if it was a “total loss” or if it was repairable. (Didn’t sound like he had any experience inspecting a V-Rod.) He said a piece of the frame was actually ground down to nothing, which would normally make a bike a total loss. However, on this bike he said it looks like there was a place on the frame that could be cut away or something like that to drop the engine, which may mean that the frame can be fixed and the bike repaired.

In any event, he’s going to take the bike to a local dealer to have them look it over and (I think) give an estimate on what it would take to repair it. He said as a general rule of thumb they will pay up to 80% of the bike’s value to get it repaired. Since this bike is so expensive (with the base price and everything I’ve added on), I can’t see the repairs costing over 80% of the bikes value. But that’s just a guess.

My concern is that I don’t think I want this bike back. Even if they “repair” it, it will never be the same. And I don’t know if I would feel safe riding it because who knows if they could have missed something that will later break while I’m on it.

I’d like to just get paid for it and go buy another one and “start over” so to speak. I’ve never been in an accident before so I don’t know how this is going to go. I meet with the dealer and the adjuster next week. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on this matter?

Would you guys rather have your old bike repaired, or just have it totaled out so you could get a new one? And does anyone know if I have any say in the matter? For instance, can I refuse to take my old bike back and demand a new one since my old one can never truly be repaired to its original, pre-crash condition?

Hopefully if they do decide to total it I’ll be able to find another 03 model. I really like the silver and black anniversary edition color/design. I guess we’ll see what happens. It’s all up in the air at this point.

Is there any chance they'll let you buy the bike back as a salvaged vehicle for a lot less money, so you can use your old parts that are good, and Big-Bore your old motor. I have a lot of insurance company experience escpecially buying cars back from them.

 

[VrodRick74]

The insurance company is probably going to repair the bike. they usually will not replace the bike unless it is completely destroyed. you wont be able to refuse to take the bike back.the insurance company is going to screw you. they dont care about hidden damage or anything like that. you are stuck with it.it is not going to be good news but you are pretty much stuck with the bike. it will be repaired and all the parts replaced and you wont even be able to tell it was ever in an accident. I would get it repaired and ride on. i have dealt with this before. call me at 336-407-6278. I have first hand knowledge of this and what you should do.

How about fix it and throw it in a ditch somewhere. They have to pay for it then.