A salvage title motorcycle means that the bike is declared a total loss after an accident. Insurance companies declare motorcycles a total loss when repairs cost a high percentage of the bike’s value. A salvaged, reconstructed or otherwise “clouded” title has a permanent negative effect on the value of a vehicle. The industry rule of thumb is to deduct 20% to 40% of the Blue Book® Value. For the mechanically-gifted person, who is willing to invest a bit of sweat, and is unconcerned with resale value, a salvaged motorcycle can be a great bargain.