Hi, I would like to get a few opinions about which way to go with this bike I have.
Bit of background: It is a private import 2010 Fatboy Lo I bought at auction (Vic). It didn't have a key (km unknown at time of purchase) and after stripping it back I discovered it has a bent frame. Anyway, I have moved on a bit: got a new key, removed security system (it had a PIN) and fired it up. It sounds good and has just over 16000 km on the clock. I looked into getting the frame straightened and decided I would not be comfortable with that, so I am now faced with the following options: replace the frame with OEM = 3K, or aftermarket frame (imported, or locally made) = 2-3K. Both options have pros and cons that I have thought of, but I would appreciate some feedback before I go any further.
I am leaning toward the OEM, which will keep it original, although it will never fetch top dollar at resale (regardless of how good a job I do) purely because of the "write off" stigma. Another con re: OEM is dealing with the vehicle inspectors. I repaired a BMW last year, which was relatively straight forward compared to this one and I know that the inspectors are particularly tough with regards to Harleys. I was even told that any second hand part used in the repair must have the VIN number of the bike it was sourced from, which doesn't sound right to me, but if that is the case, it takes used bargains out of the equation.
On the other hand, if I go aftermarket I can customise to my hearts content and only have to deal with an engineer (which is 1-2K for report). But it will no longer be a Harley and apparently there are some badly made, off the shelf frames out there.
Anybody done either, or have thoughts ?
Not sure why you would not get the frame straightened.
+ 1 straighten the frame . Steel frame , no worries .
Has it been thru' the RAWS system already ? Should have an obvious pinky/purple sticker with VIN No on the frame if it has If not , you're in a whole world of different drama mate, never mind a bent frame ! These are sooo cheap ( by our standards !) in the US mate fixing a bent one would have to really be worth it Here in Perth , say 15 years ago every Harley " write-off" got repaired after going to auction. Now , hardly any , as the market is FLOODED with cheap used US imports
Thanks for all the replies. There seems to be a fair bit of support for frame straightening, I'm not sure, but what I may do is take some photos to repairers and get an opinion, or two. I guess one thing that woories me is if they take the job on just for the money and can't repair it properly.
In response to a couple of comments:
"Repair your frame will be the most cost effective option... Its not that hard if they have the correct gear plenty of shops in Melbourne that could do this job..."
Cost effectiveness was my original motivation when I bought the bike, by the time it is finished it will owe me as much, or close to what I could have bought a good one for. Saving a grand or two on the frame would ease the pain a bit. PS: any suggestions "shops in Melbourne that could do this job."?
"I was under the impression that any frame damage Made it a stat' write off ?"
Me too, In fact I reckon this bike should have been a stat. I've seen bikes (particularly NSW bikes) written off for petty things. It would be interesting to read the definitions of stat Vs repairable. This bike is classed as an economic repairable and I guess if you can buy a new OEM frame, it is reparable, but why shouldn't that apply to stats? One big difference is the price a repairable achieves at auction compared to a stat (about 25%), which makes be believe they need to have a good hard look at the insurance assesors.
"you will find lots of stuff bent and twisted that you didn't realize when you start putting it back together"
Steers me towards OEM. Particularly because the guy who quoted me a grand to straighten it said it is all done with engine and wheels in place, because if you take the engine out it probably wont go back in.
"Has it been thru' the RAWS system already ?
Yes, has the sticker.
I did inspect it and maybe if it was the only bike I was interested in I may have looked a lot closer. It was laying on a pallet, with all the forks and front wheel pushed up against the frame, so it wasn't obvious. The fact is I am a dickhead who had a wad of cash burning a hole in my pocket. I was interested in probably six other bikes on the day and had I known what I know now, I would be enjoying some twisty roads on an 1198 Corse, which I could have had for a similar price. The Fatboy seemed like the best buy at the time, I got caught up in the bidding and paid probably 3 grand more than I reckon it's worth.
RE: "I would be fairly certain that the frame would not be allowed to be repaired. Have you had any clarification of what's required ?"
No clarification, but as far as I know, the inspectors rely on the photos from the auction as a reference and they do not show any frame damage. Obviously once I put forks on it (as I have), it stands out like dogs balls. But theoretically I could straighten the frame and not mention it in my repair report.
Anyway, that money is gone now and I am resigned to fixing it properly and riding it for awhile.
Absolutely, that is why I am leaning towards the new frame. I feel that if the original frame is repaired there would always be an elephant in the room. When I sold the BMW I repaired last year, the new owner recieved all of my original repair documentation, which included factory torque values for every nut and bolt that was removed and refitted. Hopefully I can obtain the same workshop data for the Harley.
