Subject: Crashing m/cs and insurance
Author: Kevin Graf
Date: Jul 30, 2003, 6:55 AM
Post ID: 1713969525
Hey all,
Sad, Sad day in Detroit. I went to do the insurance estimate on the bike
last night. Yup, a whole bunch of parts. Some liberties were taken and
the list might have to be revised depending on how the insurance company
reacts. But the engine was strong and after everything was listed it was
time to pull the tank so I could get a better look at the frame. I did
not want to find what I did. Up around the neck there is newly flaked
paint. This screams problem to me. This frame is most likely
cracked/bent. I cannot see any obvious cracks so I am left with the
question of how bad? Mr. Dave Richardson he says that this is not
uncommon on the Ambos/Eldos when in a frt. end collision since the frame
is not reinforced very well at the neck. If the insurance co. is let in
on this secret they will most likely scrap the bike. This opinion is
from folks who mainly deal with newer motorcycles. We're not quite sure
how they will react in my case.
I cannot have them scrap this bike. I have too much into it. I not
talking about money but time, pride and joy. I have touched everything
on this bike and know it's right, everything from the engine to the
metric acorn nuts I found for 1/2 off. This is my bike and to see it get
scrapped is not and option. There are far too many good parts on the
thing.
It looks like I have a couple options depending on what the ins. co
says.
I could not tell them about the frame, give them the list and put the
thing back together. If the frame seems to be a problem later, (it might
not be cracked, granted it ain't perfect but it is a loop) worry about
it then.
OR I could let them scrap it, take the payoff (which is a good chunk o'
change) and try to buy it back. I guess it will be considered scrap. So
I would guess I will need to swap the innards to a new frame and engine
case with a clean title. I'm not sure though, I know nothing about how
this works.
Any opinions? Questions I should be asking? Anyone deal with this
before?
Thanks,
Kev