what's it worth? salvage title

I was actually looking for a 5th gen when I ran across a guy selling a 2003 vfr (14k mi) with a salvage title. Supposedly it was in a rear end accident (don't know any details) resulting in a bent swingarm and some broken plastics. When I talked to the guy, he at least seemed honest (for what that's worth). Offered to show me all of the before restoration pics and receipts for all new parts. (seems like he buys/fixes/sells bikes for a living). He claims that everything is back to perfect working order. The bike has not been inspected since the work was done, and I won't even consider buying it if the seller refuses to have the inspection done (i would offer to pay for the inspection but I'm not going to get stuck with a salvage bike that can't be registered). He's asking $4,500 and seems pretty firm on the price. I personally feel the price is a little high and I'm extremely weary of salvage titles even though I perform all maint. on my own vehicles (timing belts, full overhauls, etc.)
Just wondering what your views were on the matter. What kind of hidden problems could there be with a rear end accident. How's the price?

 

pictures...

 

All I know is...It was salvaged for a reason...by some professional insurance guy who does that for a living...my experience goes along with that assumpstion after riding my friends ebay (salavage titile) bike and having it pull so hard to the right that I wanted to get off it...frames and large engine components have balanced stress points, angles for balance, and are designed for a purpose, anything not within specification can wear prematurely or fail...You got a good 2 months before riding season...save your money and buy something from a dealer...trust me, I verify most crankcases, and small components for these things...OH and for the record...my rule of thumb is: when testriding a bike, I take both hands of the bars and see if it pulls..sure sign of frame damage (with reguard to tires and such)...Good luck

 

that seems a little high to me for a salvaged bike thats more than 8-9 yrs old. I totally agree with killerkingdon post. how can he even consider selling with out a gov authorized inspection. id say keep looking

 

Pass. There's always a couple 6th gen bikes on Craigslist around my area for around that price w/ no salvage title problem. Even if he did fix all the problems, bottom line is if you sell it someday it'll be tough to get rid of. I'd stick to your original plan, find a clean 5th gen bike.

 

Even if the bike is in perfect condition and you could register it, the salvage title would KILL the resale of it. Any buyer down the road would be asking the same questions you are. Insurance companys salvage titles for even the slightest damage on bikes. They don't want to have the liability of putting a wrecked bike back on the road. I've seen bikes' titles salvaged out for only tank and plastic damage, but in the event of another wreck (not due to previous damage) the lawyers could argue that the bike was not properly repaired after the first accident causing the second accident. If you do buy it, be prepared to keep it forever. I think I'd pass unless it was about 1/2 price and it checked out OK by a Honda Dealer and the state would for sure register it, and I knew I'd never be able to sell it.