Finally after a lot of other work it's time to get my frame straightened. 20mm offset on the front doesn't help her go around corners or stop in a straight line. Over here it's illegal to replace the frame so straightening is the way to go. It's also cheaper than replacement & usually better than new. The bloke that's doing mine can straighten new frames better than factory new ones.

 

G'day Blue. That's great mate, you won't know yourself when you go out for a ride. Probably a few of us getting around with a slight bend in our frames, caused by previous owners, without even knowing about it.

Stay out of those f'n trees mate .

 

Dayum - de old girl am NEKKID ! :EEK:
And I think you stole my bike trailer, Blue
(I recognise the rust)

 

Well the trailer is older than the bike & been across Australia numerous times. Also many regular trips along the beach. Still on original bearings though.

Yep. not many bikes this age that are straight. Slight bends go unnoticed but bent like mine..........wooooh & hang on. Lots of fun in the wet though. You never knew which way she'd go on the white lines.

 

She'll be great once you get her back together Blue

 

I'm sure this is a way more technical question than what can be explained here, but how the heck do you straighten one?!?!? Gotta be a touchy job. Do you have to remove the engine? Figured it may strain the engine mount points.

Another, why would they make it illeagal to just replace the frame (mabye due VIN numbers not matching)? Eventhough much more expensive wouldn't it be safer?
Believe me I'm all for saving some mula and I'm sure your guy is spot on, but if its done wrong than what?

Its so funny they look so bare without the fairings

 

The frames are straightened simply by placing them in a jig. Essentially a steel box with jacking bolts. The frame is mounted at strategic points & accurately measured according to specs. The jacking bolts are then used to twist & move the frame back to it's original position. The motor is left in as it's an integral part of the frame. I also get the impression that it would be difficult to get the mounts to line up after if the frame is not straightened with the motor in situ.There is also a dent in one of my down tubes. That will be pulled out by welding on a slide hammer & then heating up the tube & hammering out the dent. Apparently that way it keeps the natural strength of the frame where as replacing the tube would cause a weak point.
Here the identification of a vehicle is based on the frame or chassis. Engines can be replaced but to replace a frame is the same as a new bike. Also when you replace the frame you may end up with another bent one. The only sign mine was bad was the dent where it hit the tree. It's quite reasonable to expect a frame to bend with no visible signs. I did price a replacement frame & was surprised that it could cost double the cost of straightening.

Hopefully I don't get impatient & just throw together a dirty bike. It would be great to start with a clean one again. I wonder how much all that dirt & grease weighs???

 

I know I'm slack. I must admit that under all that dirt she's not too bad. Still a steam clean & a bit of paint won't take too long. Then I need to try & remember how to put the wiring back & then graft a new exhaust on. I picked up a can from a 2000 R1 off the side of the road. It's in bits at the moment so I can modify everything again. This will make the 4th in three months. I'm learning a lot as I go but!!