Exactly.

And what we don't know is if the person who bought the bike actually took it to a shop that measured it out and did a thorough inspection on it and determined that the frame wasn't actually damaged.

Insurance adjusters aren't frame specialists, they are paper pushers. And the OP even states:

"So I'm no frame expert but i do rub my finger on the area then on the other side to feel the difference between each side. I can feel the little ripple,."

So we have a non frame expert telling another non frame expert that the frame is damaged. And so all the OP knows is what the adjuster is telling him. But he doesn't know, for sure, if the frame is really damaged.

As far as why an adjuster would claim frame damage when there isn't any? More than one person has said why. It simply makes processing the claim quicker and easier.

If you aren't a frame expert, don't take the word of an adjuster because neither are most of them. If you want to know if the frame is toast, have it checked by an expert, who can do measurements. You can even request that when you talk to the adjuster. But just because an adjuster says its damaged, don't take that as gospel. If they say it isn't damaged, don't take that as gospel either. And the same goes for the person buying it. If it is a salvage, have the frame checked. If your bike has been wrecked, it's just safer to have a frame expert look it over.

 

8k seems high for a 7 y/o SB with a salvage title regardless if the guy is pulling shenanigans or not.

 

Very true. But in the world of used vehicles, it is worth as much as someone is willing to pay.

 

Again so far from the truth. Some adjusters are paper pushers some aren't. OI love how all of you guys are experts and the adjusters are fools. Its just like all you guys saying dealerships dont know **** and you are the all knowing. I am ashamed I own Harley's most of the time. There is a reason I never wave to you guys

 

Run from a salvage title anyway

 

Right there you agreed that adjusters aren't always experts. Plus, I never said I was an expert. My point was that many adjusters aren't frame experts and can't tell just by looking. Most insurance adjusters I've dealt with couldn't tell a Street Bob from a Fat Boy without looking at the registration. These guys look at all types of vehicles, not just motorcycles, and an in depth knowledge of cars and bikes is not a major requirement for the job. Are there some out there that know what they are looking at, sure, but not all. So it's best to not just take their word for it. Have an actual expert look it over.

Let's go with personal experience, not just with my daughter's car that the adjuster just glanced over without any measuring, or even looking under the hood or under the car at all, before claiming "frame damage." I have purchased two Harleys with Salvage Titles due to "Frame Damage". Both from the bike shop next door. The first was a '07 Sportster 1200C that belonged to a customer of the shop. It went nose first into a Dodge pickup with 1200 miles on the clock. I actually helped unload the bike from the guy's truck at the shop, and was there when the adjuster looked at it. He took one look at the forks being bent, headlight smashed and bars bent and said "frame's damaged, it's a total." He didn't even look at the frame closely (other than to check the VIN), let alone take any kind of measurement to check. The bike's owner didn't want to mess with the bike so he took the check and the shop owner bought it for next to nothing. That's when I decided I wanted it. So we measured it out and the frame and neck were straight. We put a set of Nightster forks on it that he had laying around from another project, a new front wheel, and stuck some shorter rear shocks on to match. A new headlight and drag bars and it was good to go. Once we had the forks and wheels back on we checked alignment, and it was right on. Rode the bike for 3 years with no tracking issues or any problems. Actually sold it back to the shop to help pay for the next one.

And that's my current ride. Again, adjuster claimed "Frame Damage" and totaled it. Guy laid the bike down on the highway. Only damage is what I listed above in an earlier post. Frame is straight and true, no issues at all. This one the shop owner picked up at auction, and after he checked the frame I bought it from him. Replaced all the cosmetic damage and have been riding it for 2 years now. Runs straight.

The point, again, is that just because an adjuster says the frame is damaged doesn't mean it is. And just because they say it isn't, doesn't me it's not. It's always best to have an actual motorcycle frame person check it over if you really want to know.

 

As someone who has tossed a bike or two down on the road and track, a scratch or paint flake will trigger "damage" for frame/swingarm and get that part listed for replacement. Unless it went to a frame jig for measurement, it's solely a judgement call, especially in the manner the OP stated happened ("here, feel this spot"). Next time you get a chance to look really closely at factory frames that are stripped, notice all the factory ripples and tags and welds. These are not things of metalworking beauty straight from the factory.

I'd ride it, and if it tracks true, not care any more about it...

 

And let me clarify something, I spent two years working for a car dealership's body shop writing estimates, so I spent a lot of time working with insurance adjusters. I know a thing or two about how it works. I have had many adjusters tell me that it is often easier to just "total" a vehicle and cut the owner a check, than to go through the paperwork of a repair job. Claiming "frame damage" is a quick and easy way to total it.

And the bike shop/body shop has been next door for almost 30 years. I have worked with the owner many times on cars and bikes (he makes a lot from buying and flipping salvaged cars and bikes). It's a plus because I can often trade time for work on my vehicles, or get killer deals on stuff that comes in.

 

Let me clarify something. I am an insurance adjuster and spent 15 years in Ducati dealerships as Service Manager before doing this. So yeah I know how it all "works" too. BTW it's actually easier for an adjuster to repair then it is to chase all the paperwork around for a TL FYI.

 

Cheap salvaged H-D bikes motors that are incorporated to out of box thoughts implemented to recreational land, water or air transportation looks good for side cash.