Hit by red light runner -part 2

jamesp · Jul 21, 2019

I've started repairing my 74 850 Commando that was damaged from collision with red light runner last April. I am on the fence about a lot of things going forward such as to use new Andover front end or go with CNW parts to build a custom front end. Pretty sure I will get the Brembo front brake. I will also need new tires and front rim, unless my Dunlop WM2 can be straightened.

I know these topics have been discussed before, but the threads I looked at were older. I was wondering what the current thinking is on front end repair, best tires to use, and what rims are available. I'm looking forward to any suggestions you may have. Thanks.

swooshdave · Jul 22, 2019

Is insurance covering this? In which case new everything. Is the frame straight? The AN full front end is surprisingly priced. When I got rear ended I got new everything and because I was doing the labor I got extras.

Fast Eddie · Jul 22, 2019

Yup, I’m with swoosh, I’d take the bike to Colorado Norton Works.

If they say it needs a new front end, then it needs a new front end.

Simple as that.

The fact that their front end is very nice is besides the point

Before you’ve done you’ll be halfway to a full cNw build, all paid for by Mr redlightjumper’s insurance company !

oldmikew · Jul 22, 2019

Would definitely get frame alignment checked ..The danger is the insurance will simply want to write it off rather than pay for repairs. Glad you are ok.

JimC · Jul 22, 2019

The insurance company can write it off as a total loss, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your bike. Any insurance settlement is negotiable. You can get money and keep your bike.

Bob Z. · Jul 22, 2019

JimC said:
The insurance company can write it off as a total loss, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your bike. Any insurance settlement is negotiable. You can get money and keep your bike.

Correct, an insurance settlement is not a blank check, but based on appraised (or agreed on) value.
Has anyone had a similar incident? I'm curious what a current insurance payoff for a 'total' wreck is.

worntorn · Jul 22, 2019

I see motorcycles and cars for sale in the US with " Salvage Title only" My assumption is that once a vehicle has been written off due to accident damage, it gets this new title. With the salvage title it cannot be repaired and returned to the road, it's a parts source only. Because the Salvage Title is based on the frame#, the frame is now junk or for offroad use only.

This is It's very much the same here in BC.
So, in BC at least, you really don't want a write off if you want to repair the vehicle.

Glen

JimC · Jul 22, 2019

worntorn said:
I see motorcycles and cars for sale in the US with " Salvage Title only" My assumption is that once a vehicle has been written off due to accident damage, it gets this new title. With the salvage title it cannot be repaired and returned to the road, it's a parts source only. Because the Salvage Title is based on the frame#, the frame is now junk or for offroad use only.

This is It's very much the same here in BC.
So, in BC at least, you really don't want a write off if you want to repair the vehicle.

Glen

Lot of Commando rust buckets out there. Blown engines in complete bikes. These have perfectly good frames with good title.

Jerry Doe · Jul 22, 2019

I am very happy with the cNw brembo setup that I have on both my bikes. They stop very well. Here it is on my 750 (I have since changed front mudguard/ fender to a fiberglass Norvil type).

grandpaul · Jul 22, 2019

Looks like Buchanan's Excel shouldered alloy wheels, VERY nice option, and affordable. I would have NO ONE ELSE lace them but Buchanan's.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

swooshdave said:
Is insurance covering this? In which case new everything. Is the frame straight? The AN full front end is surprisingly priced. When I got rear ended I got new everything and because I was doing the labor I got extras.

I settled with insurance company for parts and labor, but doing the work myself. I understand the difference between restoration and restomod, but unsure which way to go. It had been a 'survivor". Thanks for responding.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

Fast Eddie said:
Yup, I’m with swoosh, I’d take the bike to Colorado Norton Works.

If they say it needs a new front end, then it needs a new front end.

Simple as that.

The fact that their front end is very nice is besides the point

Before you’ve done you’ll be halfway to a full cNw build, all paid for by Mr redlightjumper’s insurance company !

Thing is insurance companies don't pay to improve things, only take it back where it was or total it. I got the most I could without salvage title plus labor, so doing it myself.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

oldmikew said:
Would definitely get frame alignment checked ..The danger is the insurance will simply want to write it off rather than pay for repairs. Glad you are ok.

They gave me money for frame check, can also request more if necessary.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

JimC said:
The insurance company can write it off as a total loss, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your bike. Any insurance settlement is negotiable. You can get money and keep your bike.

I did, no salvage title. I proved the original value was higher than salvage.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

worntorn said:
I see motorcycles and cars for sale in the US with " Salvage Title only" My assumption is that once a vehicle has been written off due to accident damage, it gets this new title. With the salvage title it cannot be repaired and returned to the road, it's a parts source only. Because the Salvage Title is based on the frame#, the frame is now junk or for offroad use only.

This is It's very much the same here in BC.
So, in BC at least, you really don't want a write off if you want to repair the vehicle.

Glen

Salvage title means the repair exceeded the value, but you can "buy it back" and repair it. Salvage title hurts value, but often the damage may have not been too serious.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

Jerry Doe said:
I am very happy with the cNw brembo setup that I have on both my bikes. They stop very well. Here it is on my 750 (I have since changed front mudguard/ fender to a fiberglass Norvil type).

Looks nice. I'm going to get the Brembo, but not sure about whether to go with steel or alloy rim. Steel would match my stock rear Dunlop better.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

grandpaul said:
Looks like Buchanan's Excel shouldered alloy wheels, VERY nice option, and affordable. I would have NO ONE ELSE lace them but Buchanan's.

Kelly Moss in San Jose is very popular wheel expert for NorCal folks. Excel rims are nice, but I was told some people don't like Japanese rims on their English bikes. Kelly Moss says they are the best.

JimC · Jul 22, 2019

jamesp said:
Kelly Moss in San Jose is very popular wheel expert for NorCal folks. Excel rims are nice, but I was told some people don't like Japanese rims on their English bikes. Kelly Moss says they are the best.

Kelly is probably the most knowledgeable lacer on the west coast. Also, he’s a really friendly guy. And he’ll let you watch him work.

jamesp · Jul 22, 2019

JimC said:
Kelly is probably the most knowledgeable lacer on the west coast. Also, he’s a really friendly guy. And he’ll let you watch him work.

I talked to him for first time today, he was very friendly and knowledgeable. Gave me some good advice.

swooshdave · Jul 22, 2019

worntorn said:
I see motorcycles and cars for sale in the US with " Salvage Title only" My assumption is that once a vehicle has been written off due to accident damage, it gets this new title. With the salvage title it cannot be repaired and returned to the road, it's a parts source only. Because the Salvage Title is based on the frame#, the frame is now junk or for offroad use only.

This is It's very much the same here in BC.
So, in BC at least, you really don't want a write off if you want to repair the vehicle.

Glen

Not true. You can return a salvaged vehicle to the road here but it will retain a “branded” title.