how to know if frame is bent

  • c.schembri
    c.schembri
    14 years ago

    as said in the first post i had a cash on my xl1200c just want to know how to see if frame is bent and if any one knows a good repairer in melbourne or if any one has any sportster custom parts for sale the damage on bike looks very minor but frame or somthing might be bent my bike has only 6,000 kms

  • rider
    rider
    14 years ago

     

    Well, the first indication is if the bike "rides" or handles any differently ?

     

    Then you could inspect the frame for any visible bends, crimps or wrinkled paintwork that might indicate damage.

     

    H,mmm, next thing might be to run a spirit level or inclinometer vertically against the disc rotors to see if both wheels are aligned with each other, not running in the same vertical plane might indicate a twisted frame.

     

    From there on in it gets a little more complicated as you enter the relims of chassis alignment fundamentals and projecting frame measurements onto the workshop floor, (or such).

    Basically this involves dropping points from the frame to the flat surface the bike is on, (using a plumb bob) and marking them with chalk or similar.

    (You can also use relatively inexpensive laser beam projectors that are built into levels and such from the hardware store nowadays)

    Then using a chalked string line to "flick" the lines between the points you have dropped. The end result should be a collection of lines marked on the flat surface that indicates the straightness and diagonal similarities of the frame/Chassis that  you have duplicated.

    Hope this helps.