I've got a 1987 Sportster I bought to turn into an XR750 replica. After a quick ride to ensure everything worked, I tore it down to engine and frame. I didn't notice any pulling or anything strange when I rode it. Now that I have the bike stripped of wheels and tins, it looks to me like the top frame tube is bent. I don't see any creasing or anything like that. Is there a way to measure a frame for damage without wheels on it? I see info on the web about measuring with wheels on, but not much in the way of a stripped frame. Thanks ahead for help!

 

Post a pic of the frame so other can see ??

 

 

 

So there is no optical effect here, what you see in the photos is what I see when looking at the bike. Unless Sportster's need some curve to the backbone, this thing was whacked hard from the right side. Looking at the motor mounts they look bent too. Think this is fixable? Anyone know of a frame straightening service around Seattle? Thanks.

 

Buy a roller and make it a custom. they have rollers where all your parts will bolt on to it.

That frame is racked and its not sposed to be.

 

Here's a guy near Cleveland who is advertising frame repair.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/2153887214.html

 

Yup, you got took!!!
I agree with the roller, you'll spend more trying to straighten that one and still probably never get it 100% anyway.

 

Yep, Buyer beware! Learned today that this frame is unsalvagable and found a roller. All is well that ends well.