If you’re trying to sell a salvage title motorcycle or you’re wondering whether you can you sell a rebuilt title motorcycle or ATV, you’re not alone. A lot of owners find themselves in this position after an accident, theft recovery, flood damage, or even buying a project bike they no longer want. The process is a little different from selling a clean-title vehicle, but it’s definitely possible—as long as you understand the rules, stay honest, and know what buyers expect.

What Salvage and Rebuilt Titles Really Mean

Before you sell, it’s important to understand what you’re actually working with.

• A salvage title means the motorcycle or ATV was declared a total loss by an insurance company. It could have been from a crash, flood, or theft. In most states, vehicles with a salvage title can’t legally be ridden on public roads.
  
• A rebuilt title (also called “reconstructed” or “restored”) means the salvage vehicle has been repaired and passed a state inspection. These can legally be ridden and sold, but buyers will still see the vehicle history.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Title Type	What It Means	Can You Sell It?
Salvage Title	Total loss, not road legal	Yes, but usually only for parts or repair projects
Rebuilt Title	Salvage vehicle repaired and inspected	Yes, can be legally sold and ridden

That’s the one and only chart—everything else is simplified for readability.

Is It Legal to Sell a Salvage or Rebuilt Title Motorcycle or ATV?

Yes. You can legally sell both. The only thing that will get you into trouble is failing to tell the buyer the truth about the title. Most states require you to disclose it in writing during the sale. So if you plan on selling a salvage or rebuilt ATV or motorcycle, make sure the title is in your name and the buyer signs paperwork acknowledging its status.

Where some sellers go wrong is trying to list it like a normal motorcycle and “forgetting” to mention the title. That’s how deals fall through—or worse, lead to legal problems.

Will Anyone Actually Buy It?

Yes, but the type of buyer will depend on the title.

• People who flip and repair bikes are often interested in salvage title motorcycles.
• Budget-focused buyers may be open to rebuilt vehicles if the price is right.
• Shops and parts buyers love salvage title bikes and ATVs because they’re great for dismantling.
• Companies like Powersport Buyers will still make offers on both salvage and rebuilt units.

It’s a smaller pool of buyers, but they exist. You just have to set expectations and price it correctly.

How Much Is It Worth Compared to a Clean Title Vehicle?

A salvage title motorcycle usually sells for around 40–60% of clean retail value depending on condition. A rebuilt title bike or ATV may bring in 60–80% of its clean title value, especially if you can show maintenance records and receipts for repairs.

Several things can affect value:

• Whether the frame was damaged or replaced
• If photos or receipts exist from the repair
• Who did the work (professional shop vs. garage fix)
• Mileage, wear, and overall appearance
• State title branding laws (some mark salvage permanently)
  

How to Sell a Salvage Title Motorcycle or ATV

If you want to sell a salvage title motorcycle or ATV, here’s the simplest way to do it:

1. Disclose the title clearly—write “salvage title” in the listing title or when messaging buyers.
2. Gather your documents—title in your name, bill of sale, and any insurance paperwork if available.
3. Be realistic about value—buyers will not pay clean-title pricing.
4. Decide how to sell—private listing, parts sale, auction, or direct buyer.

Some sellers choose to “rebuild” the motorcycle first and get it inspected, but that’s only worth it if the repair costs don’t exceed the increase in value. If it needs frame work or you’re doing it just to make it legal, you might not profit from the effort.

How to Sell a Rebuilt Title Motorcycle or ATV

If the bike has already passed inspection and has a rebuilt title, the process becomes much smoother. Buyers will still ask questions, so be prepared to answer:

• What caused the original damage?
• Who repaired it?
• Do you have receipts, photos, or inspection documents?

You’ll get a better offer if you have proof of proper repairs. Clean photos and a list of new parts can make a huge difference when selling a rebuilt title motorcycle or ATV.

Selling a Salvage or Rebuilt ATV vs. Motorcycle — Any Difference?

Not really, but ATV buyers are often more practical and care less about cosmetic perfection. They want to know:

• Does it run reliably?
• Was the frame bent?
• Is the drivetrain solid?
• Are electronics, 4WD, and suspension working?

Since a lot of ATVs are used for work, hunting, or property use, some buyers don’t care about past damage as long as it’s functional and priced fairly.

Conclusion

You can absolutely sell a salvage title motorcycle or a rebuilt title ATV as long as you’re honest, have the right documents, and understand how pricing works. These vehicles may not sell for clean-title value, but there are still buyers out there—and in many cases, selling to a specialized powersport buyer makes the process faster and a lot less stressful. If you’re ready to move forward, you can always send your details to Powersport Buyers to get a fair offer without any pressure.

Visit Powersport Buyers today to receive a competitive offer and experience a professional, efficient selling process.