dyna frame swap

[g_amey]

Hi, I'm fairly new to the Harley scene - although I've been riding rice burners for years. 9 months ago bought a 96 HD Dyna with an S&S engine already in. Some works been done including a triple tree rake, lowered, etc. Currently I have some tank damage (run off the road by a pickup) and am looking at whether I should do a frame replacement. My reasons for doing this would be to fit a wider rear tire (up to a 200) and to do a backbone stretch (I'm thinking 3 inches.) I definetly want to keep the bike ridable (I do some touring on it) but want a long low look. Figured that with the gas tank dinged up this might be the time to do the swap if I'm going to. . . . So, I'm wondering what hidden gotchya's or advice anyone has? The frame I'm currently looking at is from Atlas. http://www.atlasprecision.com/item.a...&Placeholder=0 It's the only Dyna replacement frame that I've been able to find. (Does anyone know of any others? They move the engine off center by 1/2 inch so you can run up to a 200 rear end. Also they can do the rake/stretch for me on the front. So far their customer service has been excellent. (Called them multiple times with questions, etc.) Here's a picture of the bike. I'm on a budget so want to re-use as much as I can. I know I'll need the following that's not included in their kit: - new cables - new tank - new seat - new fender - new tire - do I need a new rear rim? What's the largest width tire I can fit on my stock rim? Anway, I'm probably into pointless rambling. If you have any advice, problems, suggestions - or if you've done this yourself, please share it. Thanks! [IMG]local://upfiles/2834/9EB4D845407640B7A6E2F3D540F776DF.jpg[/IMG]

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on HD Forums!

[RonnieJ]

Rubber mount swing arm frames here.
http://www.paughco.com/2003_catalog/page49.htm

You probably already know this but your bike is titled by the frame and to swap frames makes it a special construction in most states and no longer a Harley Davidson. If cost is a consideration I would just chop what you got, or sell it and start fresh.

[pococj]

RonnieJ pretty well covered it on the special construction thing. If you don't want the hassle of titling, etc., get your stock frame modified. One other thing; if you go the wide tire route and have to offset the engine, it will mess up the balance of the bike. You'll hear plenty of people who'll tell you it won't matter, 'cause you'll get used to it. You will, but that doesn't mean it's a good thing. Since you say you want to do some touring, stick with a balanced bike.

[g_amey]

thanks guys, I think you're right.

I've been looking more and more at doing a wide tire kit (keeping the engine to the center of the bike) and a 3 inch backbone stretch. seems like for the titling hassle may be the way to go. I've got to do some reading on the various wide tire kits out there.

Just curious though, with doing a backbone stretch, any idea whats involved? Can "anyone" do it - or do I need a guy with special jigs, etc. . . . also, any idea what that's going to set me back in $$$?

[JamieWG]

I would be concerned about title problems with a frame swap. Might want to check into that first. Just in case you ever decide to sell the bike.

[wlbowers]

I would modify the existing frame. I have the ability to do that my self. Lots of years as a mechanic.

Don't let anybody try to fool you. You can't just go after it with a hack saw and an arc welder.

The semetry and alignment along with the strength of the welds are the major factor.

Any shop worth its salt will modify your frame for you.

Try to find a motorcycle friendly machine or welding shop in your area.

When I was learning I got lucky and found one that the owner was a long time Harley Rider.

The time it takes them to modify the frame will give you time to clean and get everything else in line.

Most tire shops will tell you what will fit on the rim.

As for the offset kit do a google search on harley offset kit. Lots of them out there.

Example http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/fat_t...rley_DYNAl.htm

Good Luck in your project. We want pictures of the whole project.

Lee

[g_amey]

Thanks for the advice Lee.

So, here's what I've found so far. A couple of shops that have Harley jigs. This appears to be important for getting correct alignment after doing a frame stretch. I'm still looking at doing a 3 inch backbone stretch. It looks like just the frame work is going to run me around $1500. I'm choking on that a little. . . . not sure if its worth the bang for the buck.

Update on the rear tire. I'm told by a shop that aparently did one for his dad that he can get a 200 rear tire on my 96 dyna if I go to a chain rear drive. While I'd prefer to keep a belt drive - the newer o-ring chains aren't too much of a maintenance nightmare. Apparently you convert over to a current (o6 or there about) rear fender, and an 18 (or 16) x 5.5 rear wheel with a 200 tire. You've got to heat and widen the rear fender rails - but apparently can get buy without cutting them off and rewelding them. Haven't seen the bike - but told it came out very nice. Curious about whether anyone has done anything with that? Was quoted about $1000 in labor to do. (Estimate of two days of work.) Thinking/wondering if I can handle it. Anyone had any experience with this???

Anyway, both these projects look like they're on hold unitl I deal with leaking gaskets that will require a top end rebuild. (I'll cover that in a seperate post.)

[JamieWG]

Not saying you should do this, but if I were you, I'd consider just selling the bike and buying a Wide Glide. Sort of sounds like you're trying to turn your bike into another bike... I've been there and done that, and it's usually better to just buy the bike you like.