Crank adjustment after assembly?
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
If Frames weren't repairable (not all mind you), what the hell have those frame guys been doing for the last X decades. (automotive frames included) 
I drive by "The Frame Man" every day...he claimed in 2015 of being in business "almost 40 years" (he straightens other stuff too)
.
I drive by "The Frame Man" every day...he claimed in 2015 of being in business "almost 40 years" (he straightens other stuff too)
.
Last edited by multihdrdr; Jan 25, 2017 at 10:03 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
If Frames weren't repairable (not all mind you), what the hell have those frame guys been doing for the last X decades. (automotive frames included)
I drive by "The Frame Man" everyday...he claimed in 2015 of being in business "almost 40 years" (he straightens other stuff too)
I drive by "The Frame Man" everyday...he claimed in 2015 of being in business "almost 40 years" (he straightens other stuff too)
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
if its a mild frame bend and at an insignificant place then yes can be done, BUT....if its the front down tube, engine mount rail or rear swingarm / shock area..........then HELL no!
I know several guys who have tried frame straightening, even chopping their bikes & they always & I mean always had issues going down the road straight, yep to the naked eye it looks good.....then tire wear that's one side or the other, belt squeal & never take your hands off the handle bars.
if its a fender/ strut rail tube that's easy stuff there, a mangled swingarm can be replaced..........ive been there - so poor I couldn't pay attention & ive tried things that later I knew why people said your never gonna want to ride that. most bike frames that have been bent will cost you more money to constantly fix what you think you straightened out that is wearing the hell out of other parts........a 1/4 inch out is a lot! JMHO but unless its a cosmetic bend in the frame then I'm calling it junk & funny enough - those I know who found out the hard way ended up masking the problem then sold the bike to some poor Noob.
the crank, Id rather see the OP try to replace it than repair it.....that can be done, done many. However, much like another poster on here I say go for it so we can all sit in front of our screens spraying a beer out our nose when he posts his humorous failed attempt - but please, please film the process then the test ride, the test ride I gots to see!!!!!!! a repaired crank & straightened frame from a new wrench & his kobalt tool kit = priceless!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
If Frames weren't repairable (not all mind you), what the hell have those frame guys been doing for the last X decades. (automotive frames included)
I drive by "The Frame Man" every day...he claimed in 2015 of being in business "almost 40 years" (he straightens other stuff too)
.
I drive by "The Frame Man" every day...he claimed in 2015 of being in business "almost 40 years" (he straightens other stuff too)
.
hell......if bent frames were an easy fix then why total a bike - just take it to the frame man, lol........ the road barely traveled might be traveled in a crooked manner? now a Pan frame to try & fix I understand....but I still wouldn't want it - even if given to me...but ill take the motor
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
IDK twisted,
if its a mild frame bend and at an insignificant place then yes can be done, BUT....if its the front down tube, engine mount rail or rear swingarm / shock area..........then HELL no!
I know several guys who have tried frame straightening, even chopping their bikes & they always & I mean always had issues going down the road straight, yep to the naked eye it looks good.....then tire wear that's one side or the other, belt squeal & never take your hands off the handle bars.
if its a fender/ strut rail tube that's easy stuff there, a mangled swingarm can be replaced..........ive been there - so poor I couldn't pay attention & ive tried things that later I knew why people said your never gonna want to ride that. most bike frames that have been bent will cost you more money to constantly fix what you think you straightened out that is wearing the hell out of other parts........a 1/4 inch out is a lot! JMHO but unless its a cosmetic bend in the frame then I'm calling it junk & funny enough - those I know who found out the hard way ended up masking the problem then sold the bike to some poor Noob.
the crank, Id rather see the OP try to replace it than repair it.....that can be done, done many. However, much like another poster on here I say go for it so we can all sit in front of our screens spraying a beer out our nose when he posts his humorous failed attempt - but please, please film the process then the test ride, the test ride I gots to see!!!!!!! a repaired crank & straightened frame from a new wrench & his kobalt tool kit = priceless!
if its a mild frame bend and at an insignificant place then yes can be done, BUT....if its the front down tube, engine mount rail or rear swingarm / shock area..........then HELL no!
I know several guys who have tried frame straightening, even chopping their bikes & they always & I mean always had issues going down the road straight, yep to the naked eye it looks good.....then tire wear that's one side or the other, belt squeal & never take your hands off the handle bars.
if its a fender/ strut rail tube that's easy stuff there, a mangled swingarm can be replaced..........ive been there - so poor I couldn't pay attention & ive tried things that later I knew why people said your never gonna want to ride that. most bike frames that have been bent will cost you more money to constantly fix what you think you straightened out that is wearing the hell out of other parts........a 1/4 inch out is a lot! JMHO but unless its a cosmetic bend in the frame then I'm calling it junk & funny enough - those I know who found out the hard way ended up masking the problem then sold the bike to some poor Noob.
the crank, Id rather see the OP try to replace it than repair it.....that can be done, done many. However, much like another poster on here I say go for it so we can all sit in front of our screens spraying a beer out our nose when he posts his humorous failed attempt - but please, please film the process then the test ride, the test ride I gots to see!!!!!!! a repaired crank & straightened frame from a new wrench & his kobalt tool kit = priceless!
A professional shop that's tooled up with the correct jigs and some talent on hand can repair pretty much anything to a better spec than factory, don't kid yourself. That pan frame I had was wahooed bad enough I had to pull the heads to get the motor out of the frame, the rear trans plate popped up almost 1/2" when I got the bolts out and the rear wheel had a 3/4" tilt to one side the swing arm mount area out so bad and the neck had a twist in it. Frame had taken a hard hit on right side just under the front mount and another just under the trans.
6 weeks later I got it back and it checked better than 2 later year factory stock frames I had available at the time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
A guy with some skills and decent shop & equipment available can do some pretty good work but it takes a good working understanding of a specialized skill set that few have as your buddies have shown you.
A professional shop that's tooled up with the correct jigs and some talent on hand can repair pretty much anything to a better spec than factory, don't kid yourself. That pan frame I had was wahooed bad enough I had to pull the heads to get the motor out of the frame, the rear trans plate popped up almost 1/2" when I got the bolts out and the rear wheel had a 3/4" tilt to one side the swing arm mount area out so bad and the neck had a twist in it. Frame had taken a hard hit on right side just under the front mount and another just under the trans.
6 weeks later I got it back and it checked better than 2 later year factory stock frames I had available at the time.
A professional shop that's tooled up with the correct jigs and some talent on hand can repair pretty much anything to a better spec than factory, don't kid yourself. That pan frame I had was wahooed bad enough I had to pull the heads to get the motor out of the frame, the rear trans plate popped up almost 1/2" when I got the bolts out and the rear wheel had a 3/4" tilt to one side the swing arm mount area out so bad and the neck had a twist in it. Frame had taken a hard hit on right side just under the front mount and another just under the trans.
6 weeks later I got it back and it checked better than 2 later year factory stock frames I had available at the time.
well this is a agree to disagree situation Twizted, the newer models & the metallurgy aren't going to allow what you are suggesting, Now those guys I mentioned - they aren't your back yard shade tree mechanic types. The one owns a well known Rod shop & has built / raced top fuel for many years so when he tells me: " the flexibility in a motorcycle frame is the Achilles heel to the straightening process" I will take his word FOR IT!!!!!!!
If you had a good experience God bless ya, but I would like to know who spec`d your work, do you have the frame spec from Milwaukee or York on what you are saying? Cause My Uncle retired from the York plant & guess what dept he worked in?
For any one to state they straightened out a frame better than original is BOLD (being nice here) & clearly if you are that good you should be consulting / working for the MOCO. Can you get a frame to within "tolerance" YES! depending on the severity of the damage & if that's acceptable for you or someone else then have at it. all I'm saying is I would not buy a bike after what you told me YOU did to yours.
I am willing to bet the tire wear was uneven at the least & the issues I heard that go along with what you`re suggesting are many - tempering - metal fatigue which add to the elongation of metals are just some issues unless you cut & joint fused at weld points? this goes above & beyond me & I'm repeating (hopefully correctly) from what PRO`s have told me followed up by the fact if these steps weren't done = no way that bike is better than original? so IDK.....just saying
hell people don't want a bike with a dented fender let alone some one performing "rail" work on their scoot. I know guys who have done frame work & accept the issues following & because of that its why I wouldn't want it. different strokes for different folks. but a good conversation at least...!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
well this is a agree to disagree situation Twizted, the newer models & the metallurgy aren't going to allow what you are suggesting, Now those guys I mentioned - they aren't your back yard shade tree mechanic types. The one owns a well known Rod shop & has built / raced top fuel for many years so when he tells me: " the flexibility in a motorcycle frame is the Achilles heel to the straightening process" I will take his word FOR IT!!!!!!!
If you had a good experience God bless ya, but I would like to know who spec`d your work, do you have the frame spec from Milwaukee or York on what you are saying? Cause My Uncle retired from the York plant & guess what dept he worked in?
For any one to state they straightened out a frame better than original is BOLD (being nice here) & clearly if you are that good you should be consulting / working for the MOCO. Can you get a frame to within "tolerance" YES! depending on the severity of the damage & if that's acceptable for you or someone else then have at it. all I'm saying is I would not buy a bike after what you told me YOU did to yours.
I am willing to bet the tire wear was uneven at the least & the issues I heard that go along with what you`re suggesting are many - tempering - metal fatigue which add to the elongation of metals are just some issues unless you cut & joint fused at weld points? this goes above & beyond me & I'm repeating (hopefully correctly) from what PRO`s have told me followed up by the fact if these steps weren't done = no way that bike is better than original? so IDK.....just saying
hell people don't want a bike with a dented fender let alone some one performing "rail" work on their scoot. I know guys who have done frame work & accept the issues following & because of that its why I wouldn't want it. different strokes for different folks. but a good conversation at least...!
If you had a good experience God bless ya, but I would like to know who spec`d your work, do you have the frame spec from Milwaukee or York on what you are saying? Cause My Uncle retired from the York plant & guess what dept he worked in?
For any one to state they straightened out a frame better than original is BOLD (being nice here) & clearly if you are that good you should be consulting / working for the MOCO. Can you get a frame to within "tolerance" YES! depending on the severity of the damage & if that's acceptable for you or someone else then have at it. all I'm saying is I would not buy a bike after what you told me YOU did to yours.
I am willing to bet the tire wear was uneven at the least & the issues I heard that go along with what you`re suggesting are many - tempering - metal fatigue which add to the elongation of metals are just some issues unless you cut & joint fused at weld points? this goes above & beyond me & I'm repeating (hopefully correctly) from what PRO`s have told me followed up by the fact if these steps weren't done = no way that bike is better than original? so IDK.....just saying
hell people don't want a bike with a dented fender let alone some one performing "rail" work on their scoot. I know guys who have done frame work & accept the issues following & because of that its why I wouldn't want it. different strokes for different folks. but a good conversation at least...!
Far as the rest of all that well lets just say I've learned over a long career riding, repairing and building these things sometimes professionally it isn't worth the effort to go any deeper into it.
Like you say we agree to disagree but you are right about one thing these newer ones are junk compared, I can see trying to rework one these stamped out boxer frame would be like working banana peels and springs.
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