Hello Rich, and welcome.
I can't really comment too much on the California title, as I'm in the UK, but I do know it is possible. I also know it is very difficult! Some have been successful, some have not! I personally know a guy who imported his MC28SP a few years back and simply strolled into his local DMV (he's in the Bay Area) and got a title same day! Luck of the draw I guess!!
I've seen clean untitled MC21's go for $3000 upwards, and MC28's with titles go for $8k before! If you take advantage of your location and build a real clean, nice spec' bike, then you should get good money for it in the US if you decide to sell it upon your return.
For rebuilds I would personally say do the piston rings every 3-5000kms, and a set of pistons every other refresh, i.e. 6000 - 10000kms, depending on the way you ride. A crank really will be on the edge at 20000kms but will go to 30000kms. I pulled mine last week at about 35000kms and it was w@nked! It's been fed on fully synthetic all its life, and rarely revved above 12000rpm, but it wouldn't have done many more miles, that's for sure!!
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM
Please keep all responses to Forum posts on the Forum so that others may benefit.
Please DO NOT PM me for technical advice. My time is precious, and you will probably receive a faster response on the Forum anyway.
Check us out on Facebook! Please "like" our page!