Bent frame?

[Jims99]

I’m going to look at a Valk that’s been wrecked, front end only. I know forks are bent, front tire almost touches front of engine. Is there a way to tell if frames bent by looking. I know to look for stress or cracked welds, but anything else? Not sure how bad it is till I go look. Picture he sent aren’t that good. Thanks.

[hubcapsc]

Take off the engine guards and then put them back
on... they always take a little fiddling, but if you have to
resort to a come-along to get stuff to line up there
might be something tweaked...

-Mike

[Attic Rat]

Usually what bends is the lower frame rails. They just bolt on easy fix just replace them

[gregk]

I will tell you do not do it. You can buy a new frame with out #s if you need one.  10 to 1 I bet the frame is bent  on the top rail behind the neck and you cannot bend it to straighten it out. You will not be able to tell unless you take the tank off.

[98valk]

look for cracked and/or wrinkled paint.

[Bagger John - #3785]

look for cracked and/or wrinkled paint.

This right here, especially around the neck and associated weldments.

[sixlow]

Jim, is this the bike in Bunnell ? I went to look at it also, problem is he has 3 or 4 bikes in the way of getting to it. Make him move it out to get a better look. I saw the tank has been hit by the forks at the fold in the tank edge on the right side, that kinda scared me off as I can't see how that happened without some serious impact. Rotors are bent but wheel looks o.k. but without rolling it is hard to say. I offered 1k but he wouldn't go any lower than 1500 at the time, 6 weeks ago. Go take a look and good luck.

[gordonv]

look for cracked and/or wrinkled paint.

This right here, especially around the neck and associated weldments.

I had bent the forks in my front collision, tire touching the engine. Thought the frame was fine, till after sitting outside without the gas tank on it. Then all those non-visible paint cracks started to have rust bleed out of them. Like mentioned, the flat plat at the front and rear of the tank had ripples in it.

I bought mine back from the insurance company for $1K. At that time, you couldn't buy a frame without a title. Now I see them for less than $500 everywhere. But straight forks are very expensive. Price out the parts BEFORE you buy a wrecked bike, unless you are buying it for the parts.

[SPOFF]

One type of damage that can be difficult to spot is when the steering stem is not round but bent into a slightly oval shape. This is very common with wrecked sport bikes.

[Jims99]

Thanks all. Good advice about removing and looking under tank. 

Jim, is this the bike in Bunnell ? I went to look at it also, problem is he has 3 or 4 bikes in the way of getting to it. Make him move it out to get a better look. I saw the tank has been hit by the forks at the fold in the tank edge on the right side, that kinda scared me off as I can't see how that happened without some serious impact. Rotors are bent but wheel looks o.k. but without rolling it is hard to say. I offered 1k but he wouldn't go any lower than 1500 at the time, 6 weeks ago. Go take a look and good luck.

yes, that’s the one. Thanks for heads up, I’ll see what I can do price wise. Definitely get him to move stuff away. Let you know after I see it.

[Flrider]

Thanks all. Good advice about removing and looking under tank. 

Jim, is this the bike in Bunnell ? I went to look at it also, problem is he has 3 or 4 bikes in the way of getting to it. Make him move it out to get a better look. I saw the tank has been hit by the forks at the fold in the tank edge on the right side, that kinda scared me off as I can't see how that happened without some serious impact. Rotors are bent but wheel looks o.k. but without rolling it is hard to say. I offered 1k but he wouldn't go any lower than 1500 at the time, 6 weeks ago. Go take a look and good luck.

yes, that’s the one. Thanks for heads up, I’ll see what I can do price wise. Definitely get him to move stuff away. Let you know after I see it.

Jim

Jack from Kissimmee here

Hope it works out for you and don't forget to check inside the tank for rust.
If you need a frame, I have one with a good Florida title

[Jims99]

Thanks all. Good advice about removing and looking under tank. 

Jim, is this the bike in Bunnell ? I went to look at it also, problem is he has 3 or 4 bikes in the way of getting to it. Make him move it out to get a better look. I saw the tank has been hit by the forks at the fold in the tank edge on the right side, that kinda scared me off as I can't see how that happened without some serious impact. Rotors are bent but wheel looks o.k. but without rolling it is hard to say. I offered 1k but he wouldn't go any lower than 1500 at the time, 6 weeks ago. Go take a look and good luck.

yes, that’s the one. Thanks for heads up, I’ll see what I can do price wise. Definitely get him to move stuff away. Let you know after I see it.

thanks jack. I’m trying to get out this week to look. Let you know Saturday.

Jim

Jack from Kissimmee here

Hope it works out for you and don't forget to check inside the tank for rust.
If you need a frame, I have one with a good Florida title