I have a 2005 RC51 with only 7500 miles on it. It is in close to PRISTINE condition..well, until an unlicensed Livery driver here in Brooklyn backed into it.

Dealership is saying that there's $4500 in damage. Which as we all know, could be greatly reduced by looking for parts and doing the work yourself....which I have no problem doing.

However, the insurance company (his) wants to put a TOTAL LOSS on my VIN record guaranteeing that 1 - I cannot ever get comprehensive or collision on the bike again, and 2 - that the value will plummet.

Any suggestions/advice on where to get cheaper parts, or how to negotiate these waters will be appreciated. I have put a claim in with MY insurance company, but the problem with each is that they use the NADA value, which we all know is not applicable to RC51s in a real world scenario. I could get more than 5500 for my bike in it's pre-accident condition!

For chrissakes, he just pushed it off the stand!

help.
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Take the cash, buy the bike back, fix it and keep rolling. There is no way around this due to its age, mileage does not matter. However, I would get a better estimate of the value of the bike as I believe they are offering you Blackbook value. (wholesale)

Good luck to you!

Take the cash, buy it back cheap and grab another one...then you has a parts bike

No advice from me, but the sub-forum you posted this under made me chuckle.

LOL

Find comps for value. They cannot reasonably offer you 5k if every comp you can find is asking $6500.

As to the salvage bike, tell them you would accept a lesser value than full loss but the bike stays with the current title. I have no problem understanding the amount of damage. Between the couple plastic side panels and a tank you are looking at over $2k. Add in the exhaust and minor stuff and you are easily at your number. Scratches on the swingarm? $$$

While you may be OK with riding it, the insurance company does not know if the tank will start leaking, and if any part of the frame is scratched, they do not know if it compromised the structure.

I got progressive to pay out 5k for my 04 with 17k miles without them totaling it just gotta hagel with them

Just remember that they cannot force you to accept the offer. Simply say no, you'll be surprised how quickly they increase their offer.

like said above just get the cash buy it back cheap and fix.

Moved thread to General Bike Talk.

You have rights with your insurance company. Push back on them. If there is no frame damage, argue with them to not ding the title. Most states, if you buy it back the title remains clear.