I see. Sounds like it's not totaled and can be easily fixed, particularly if he stopped riding it right after. It could be anything from a faulty starter to low oil.
Edit: If you talk to him as by the sounds of it you know him personally, ask him to describe the issue in detail and take pictures. We can fix his bike pretty easily I reckon
When I hear "totaled" I think of a car being written off - broke beyond repair. I think he and a friend pulled the engine to investigate and probably said, "that's not a cheap fix." He's kind of crazy about maintenance because it's his baby.
Will do. Thanks!