Buying write-offs - how do I cut out the middle man?

[byke95]

Hi,

Quite a specific question this, and given people's usual fear of buying a write off I'll be keeping my fingers crossed a BCFer will be able to help...

Having owned my Fireblade streetfighter for a couple of years now I'm starting to wonder what to get next - my plan is to buy a Cat C/D K4/5 GSXR 750 insurance write-off and do the build myself.

So, in short - how can I get hold of said bike without having to buy off someone who's bought it off the insurance company? Is there some kind of insurance company auction that is open to the public as well as the trade?

Thanks!

[mad4it028]

there used to be an auction in corby and i beleave theres an auction in doncaster but im in the trade not sure there open to public
____________________
always looking to buy bikes crashed ,unfinished projects,none runners pm me
currently riding kawasaki z1000 only bike ive ever loved

[byke95]

[wristjob]

i think i have posted this before but here is how i got a write off.

i made friends with a local breaker,i sort of knew him in a friend of a friend way.
i asked if i could go allog to the auctions with him to see what was about and how much stuff usually went for.(he was happy to do this because he had a free helper instead of having to pay someone to come with him.
now comes the hard bit.
decide exactly what you want!
study up on what things cost,availability,popularity etc.
then decide what you want to pay(dont go mad here)
be aware that breakers might not bid on a bike because there is no money to be made but as you are looking for a bike to fix and ride,the same bike might be perfect for you.
lastly crashed sport bikes are too common to command massive money,but to get one back to original condition will cost loads.
so you also have to decide what you want from the bike.
if you want to make a living then you need to buy loads and sell like a bastard.
if you are making a rat bike you can get a lot of bike for hardly any money.
i was somewhere in between i got a low miles 2000 r1 with a dent in the tank and needing a new clutch leaver ,an electrical problem and a small repair to the top fairing.
it took me 2 hours of easy work to get the bike back up and running.
its not mint and its recorded so even if i spend to get it mint it will allways be worth less than a non recorded bike.
i ride my bike.
it can be worth £10 or £10000 and while i ride it makes no difference.
dont expect to get a 1098 for a few £100 though.

[byke95]