Weather was crap here today... I just wanted to ride!
You said you had a high estimate? Vehicles are considered a total loss when the repairs reach 70-80% of the ACV(actual cash value)depending on your state. There are companies used for determining the ACV but from my experience NADA value is usually pretty close. This will give you an idea.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/2010/Buell/Motorcycles
Vehicles will also total for less than the ACV if they have been structurally compromised or have the possibility of being structurally compromised. If there is the slightest chance a bike can not be repaired safely I will kiss it good bye rather than be liable for allowing it back on the road. If the owner chooses to retain the salvage on an potentially unsafe bike it is on them.
Oh... I had a point when I started writing this!!!
50dro mentioned finding out how much they would pay before deeming it a total loss. That is a great idea if you don't want it to total, but most insurance adjusters won't disclose that info and its generally frowned upon to "save" a total loss. I would recommend expressing to the adjuster that you would prefer it did not total. Then ask him.. "If my bike gets close to the total loss threshold could I accept an appearance allowance on some of the cosmetic repairs to keep it repairable?"
An appearance allowance is basically you accepting less for certain things you could live with. Say a wheel had a scratch but was fine otherwise and cost $300 to replace. The adjuster could offer you $150 to live with the scratch. I personally offer 50% for appearance allowances but other companies may differ.
This is a way the adjuster could keep a vehicle below the total loss threshold with out writing a bogus sheet just so you don't get a salvage title. (His supervisor would frown upon that).
Another thing to mention to the adjuster is that you plan on "Cashing out" and doing the repairs yourself. When you "cash out" or "take the money and run" you are releasing the insurance company of paying any additional funds (additional parts or labor if it was in a shop being repaired). Adjusters like files closed and off their desks. A good claim is one the adjuster does not have to ever see again.
I know... long winded but useful info. Keywords "Appearance allowance" "Cashing out"
Hope this helps.