Argo's Cycle suggestions?

[Kurlon]

A very specific bike has shown up at Argo's that I want. I'm not impressed with their pricing of the bike... 'NADA low retail' for a salvage title machine that needs a few major components is a bit steep.

Anyways, I know some places list high asking prices just to keep the window shoppers away, while others actually expect to get that number. Anyone know how much haggle room Argo's usually has, and any suggestions on who to deal with over there if I decide to pay too much anyways?

[JohnnyV]

I haven't been involved in a purchase from Argo's for some time now, but back when my brother purchased his first bike from them, there was plenty of haggle room. I have heard not so much anymore, but its worth a shot.

I for one would NEVER go through the misery of trying to get a salvage title bike back on the street in MA again, but I assume you're eyeing a race bike.

[Kurlon]

I haven't been involved in a purchase from Argo's for some time now, but back when my brother purchased his first bike from them, there was plenty of haggle room. I have heard not so much anymore, but its worth a shot.

I for one would NEVER go through the misery of trying to get a salvage title bike back on the street in MA again, but I assume you're eyeing a race bike.

This is actually going to be a street mount, in Maine. Only reason I'm contemplating it is I know exactly the state it was in when declared salvage, and the bike has huge sentimental value to someone. I just didn't expect it to pop up at Argos, I figured it was going to be shipped further away and potentially stripped for parts.

[JohnnyV]

This is actually going to be a street mount, in Maine. Only reason I'm contemplating it is I know exactly the state it was in when declared salvage, and the bike has huge sentimental value to someone. I just didn't expect it to pop up at Argos, I figured it was going to be shipped further away and potentially stripped for parts.

Not sure what the process is like in Maine, and I'm sure it's easier than in MA.

Inspectors here wanted to see receipts for all replaced parts. If used parts were put on, VIN numbers from the donor bikes. All damaged parts HAD to be replaced (scratched fairings, mufflers, dented tanks, etc). It sucked.

[stoinkythepig]

If you already know all about the bike, the difficult part is a non-issue. Make them a low-ball offer without letting them know that you already know the bike's history, and see what happens. Worst than can happen is they say no.

Do you know what they paid for it? That helps decide what to offer them.

[SVRACER01]

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This is actually going to be a street mount, in Maine. Only reason I'm contemplating it is I know exactly the state it was in when declared salvage, and the bike has huge sentimental value to someone. I just didn't expect it to pop up at Argos, I figured it was going to be shipped further away and potentially stripped for parts.

Not sure what the process is like in Maine, and I'm sure it's easier than in MA.

Inspectors here wanted to see receipts for all replaced parts. If used parts were put on, VIN numbers from the donor bikes. All damaged parts HAD to be replaced (scratched fairings, mufflers, dented tanks, etc). It sucked.

Ya, I heard that too but its impossible to do. If you bought a bike with a salvage title you have no idea why it was totalled and the insurance company won't tell you. The fact that you can buy parts so easily from salvage yards on e bay and Craigslist, its ridiculous to expect someone to get VINs from donor bikes.
The bike my girl rides trackdays with has a salvage title. I brought it to the dmv for inspection and the cop asked if I made all the repairs and I said no. He just looked at me and I said "does of look like it needs any?" Nope. Here's your sticker.

[Pittenger5]

So anyone purchase from Argo's? Are they pretty up front the shape the bike is in?

[Chippertheripper]

I bought a motor off eBay from them after an employee quoted me a price 23% more than what I paid.

[Uncle Snake]

When I totaled my ZRX the bike ended up at Argo. They told the guy that they sold the motor to that the bike had never been down.

[Jim]

unfortunately, i havent heard anything good about them either. i know their prices are pretty high compared to the market.

[Larry]

I had good luck with Argo. I picked up a Triumph T595 for short money and ran it for 2 years without issue. I traded it back to Argo for the original asking price that I put towards the '09 Monster I currently race (it was on the road for 2 years prior to becoming a track only bike). I was lucky enough to find the Monster with 800 miles on it and it was totaled because of some scratches on the swingarm and front fork from what looked like a garage tip over.
Of course you can title ANYTHING in Maine! You just have to fill out the application for a salvage title and state all damage was cosmetic and you fixed it.
As always though, it is buyer beware as I have seen two identical bikes with drastically different prices.