Is there a way to check to see if a frame is good if it's just a bare frame? I know about the rolling test but the frame is stripped right now and I want to be sure it's ok before I invest time and money into it... Thanks in advance!!!!

 

The best way that I know of is to inspect it for flaking paint. If it is bent, you may see where the paint is buckled, chipped or has spider web cracks in it. Rub your hand over it looking for any small bends or dents that you can't see with the eye. Pay attention in the head area.

Other than that, the odd shapes make it hard to get any kind of fix on it.

I worked in a shop where, if a bike came in with bent forks, they told the owner that it needed a new frame. I asked later why the frame needed to be replaced and the head mechanic told me that there is no way to tell if the frame is bent or cracked. They didn't take a chance with a thing like that.

 

The frame still has paint but it's about to be stripped. I think that will help me see cracks better. Right now there is no paint wrinkles or visible cracks. But when you stand back it just doesn't look right... But maybe I'm just too paranoid... Hahahaha

 

The problem is the lack of straight lines. It takes a massive hit to bend the frame. If the bike is not all wadded up it's probably fine. Damage in the head area is most common. Side hits are usually clear to see, obvious bends. Check around the welds. The center of the welds could show a crack with the paint off.

Your eyes are most likely playing tricks on your mind.

Edit: At least it's not a HD. The engines sit off center due to the transmission and final drive so the frames look odd. The wheels don't aline in track due to this also. The wide glide front wheel is offset in the forks due to the front break setup.

 

Thank you for your input! I love this forum because of people like you!

 

Hey:

The frames are jig cut & welded and have less than an 1/64" tolerance/Varianace including welds. With that in mind a rolling tape, lazer tape or even fabic tape measuring device could be used to measure each frame rail and use the headstock and swingarm pivots as starting and ending points. Steel frames used during this time period are easily repaired, as long as you take it to a known frame aligment shop that specializes in motorcycle frames.
If it is bent, these guys are very good and just about every Road Racer and LSR rider that has crashed uses them after a fall: http://www.framestraightsystem.com/M...e%20Repair.htm
These guys have a good rep as well
http://www.gpframeandwheel.com/
http://crashdamagerepair.com/
And for the UK guys: http://www.motoliner.com/
Also many chopper and bobber guys can check and repair them like Dr Johns and Wascos, good luck and don't give up if it is bent they are very fixable
Dub

 

Thanks! There ain't no give up in me! Haha I'm about to get off of work and go put a lil wrench time into it now...