Well, you're always going to have a salvage title, regardless of what it looks like pre- and post-repair. I don't know anything about CA regulations re: re-titled a salvage unit, but that is the first place I would check. Don't take the seller's word for it - check with the DMV. You might spend $3600 on the bike, and another considerable amount getting into compliance enough to pass muster and be deemed roadworthy. At which point, you may wind up spending just as much as a new one ... only to have a salvage title. It's a 4yo bike, and not top of the line - so the damage to it must be enough to warrant salvaging it ... that doesn't go away. i.e. - I can't believe they'd salvage a bike with some rash, a bent grip and busted headlight. And if you're ever going to sell, that title will haunt you, regardless of the condition of the bike. My advice is do your homework first; you may be better off taking a pass and buying something a little more turnkey ...