That sucks Zorro.
Based on what you say (no frame damage, etc), I wouldn't worry about it being the same afterward, but if it is that close to a total, are you looking to maybe move to a different bike? Maybe now is the time...

What model bike are we talking about?

 

It's Kawasaki Z1000, 2003. I'm sure a dealer would give me 4k for it as it was a week ago (pristine enough that I wondered how to get rid of the microswirls on the windscreen), and insurance would pay out that kind of amount, I think.

I would actually love to step up to something slightly better ... Super Duke, Tuono, etc. Maaaaybe Streetfighter funds permitting.

However totaling the damn thing wouldn't get me anywhere near what I have into it, even if I buy it back, fix it myself and sell it (with a rebuilt title). If I total it, I'll be out 2-3k. This may be Stryke's morning breakfast bill, but not an amount I look forward to burning away.

I haven't even been able to determine if I will have to pay a deductible and if my rates will go up.. I'll call in tomorrow, hopefully I'll get an answer.

I believe my best bet will be to do part of the repairs myself ... after all, the only serious annoying damage is the bent handlebar, the gas tank and the headlight scuff. The rest I can deal with and dress up well enough that they won't be noticeable. I would upset me to know every day I had to repair someone else's stupidity ... but it would beat losing a couple grand for nothing. And changing the tank and 2 little bits is hardly an ordeal.

The "long term" plan was to keep the Z nice and pristine in my parent's basement, get a bike I lke during the dead of winter, and dump the Z in the spring.

We shall see ...

 

I say keep her. They likely won't total it unless the frame/swingarm was scratched or dented.

You can source parts online at highly discounted rates compared to the dealer prices.

Plus, tearing her down and putting her back together will be a great learning experience. It's the only real way to learn about wrenching on our bike.

Have you considered frame sliders for your bike? They would have protected it perfectly in that situation.

 

Just got a call from the dealer ... total costs for parts alone is 4,437$. Plus tax, plus man hours. I guess that's what happens when every single panel is damaged. Of course, those are the usual inflated OEM prices ... but at the same time I don't want to end up with a bike that looks like hell because of that moron. I spent some time looking for a pristine bike ...
If I were to fix it myself, it would cost half that, if not less. Mostly because I would decide I can live with some of the scuffs. But the tank and front fairing/headlight are expensive and just can't be repaired.

I will see what they give me if it's totaled. If it's a ridiculously low amount (which I suspect), there are several expensive parts I can live with (damage is minor). Of course I will only tell my insurer about that as a very last resort.

Unfortunately frame sliders wouldn't have helped in this case because he toppled it over the kickstand. It didn't just fall on its side, the wheels were literally in the air. Hell even the front fender is damaged!!!
The mofo decided that since there was nothing behind his car when he parked, there was nothing after he went in to buy a coffee and breakfast, and backed into it at full speed. Dumbass.

Oh yeah, pics of some of the damage ...

Rad shroud ... could probably be repainted...


Front fairing and headlight ... scratches are wayyyy deep.


Pulverized flasher


Engine case ...


And best of all, the gas tank.

 

Sorry to hear this man.

I vote total it, and if you really like riding it, buy it back for half with the salvage title, put some ebay plastics on it, and keep riding it. It's not uncommon for bikes to get totaled just from messed plastics.

 

Tell me about it! When I was shopping for bikes, I couldn't believe how many bikes were out there with salvage titles "oh, it was just a light fall and tank got damaged" ... I thought they were full of crap, and look where I am now.

If the insurance payout isn't dishonest, I will most likely end up buying it back, fixing it up myself over the winter and get rid of it when spring time comes. It brought a smile to my face to be able to complain about the one scratch here, and the light swirls in the paint ... I liked having a pristine bike. I'm not into the the whole rat bike thing.

I'm just pissed that my beloved Z got destroyed by some moron who had the nerve to get pissy at me.

 

You got every right to be...

Track bike?

 

Those pictures hurt my eyes.

 

that really sucks bro....some people have no respect for other peoples stuff