Is my frame ruined?
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Is my frame ruined?
Hello, John from Colorado here. First I'd like to say thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences on this forum. I've ridden a Sporty for years and I've found many answers on this site. I hope I can contribute in the future. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer.
I just picked up a 2002 FLHRCI that I plan on making my own. While sitting in the garage, a friend mentioned that it looked like it leaned a little more than most Road Kings. After digging around a little and upon closer inspection, I found two cracks on the mount where the jiffy stand and engine guards mount up to. It appears the welds on the top and bottom of the mount are cracked. I'm not sure I'm using the correct nomenclature so I attached two pictures with arrows pointing to the top cracked weld. So my questions are: Is this a common occurrence? Should I have it welded or do I need a new frame? If I have someone weld it, how much do I need to strip off the bike in order to avoid damaging any electrical components?
Again thanks for time.
I just picked up a 2002 FLHRCI that I plan on making my own. While sitting in the garage, a friend mentioned that it looked like it leaned a little more than most Road Kings. After digging around a little and upon closer inspection, I found two cracks on the mount where the jiffy stand and engine guards mount up to. It appears the welds on the top and bottom of the mount are cracked. I'm not sure I'm using the correct nomenclature so I attached two pictures with arrows pointing to the top cracked weld. So my questions are: Is this a common occurrence? Should I have it welded or do I need a new frame? If I have someone weld it, how much do I need to strip off the bike in order to avoid damaging any electrical components?
Again thanks for time.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
You do not need a new frame,welding depends on far the crack goes as to how much to come off bike.It would be for tig torch clearance only.As far as I know it is very uncommon for the frame to crack any place.Disconnect the battery and maybe unplug the ECU just to be sure.Your welder should know.Welcome aboard and good luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 2
From: USA
Mostly, I'll stick w/ Dog155 but since yer up there in Colorado & ya have a couple of mos bad weather yet, & because ya wanna make it yers, now, is as good a time as any to do so. Those cracks don't look serious, serious & probably came from a couple hard bumps in the road, hard ta tell they're even there, its not like yer junk is flappin in the wind--under preferable conditions I would rather pull the motor lose enough so I'm not welding a swayed frame back together, its up to you. If everything on the cycle is runnin straight & w/out unnecessary tension (drive line, etc) just glue it together. However, I like trouble so, I'd probably go ahead & pull the motor, knock out the old welds & tension my frame up w/ some clamps or in a jig (jig preferably).
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Thanks Dog155/Chunk. I feel much better now. I was expecting worse. I worked as an aircraft mechanic and I have plenty of hours underneath my old Ford so I feel comfortable with a wrench but I think I'm going to go the easier route on this one if I can. I'm scared of taking the bike apart because one thing I've learned is it always takes longer than expected and costs more than you planned. But then again, with all the snow this is the best time and I love to tinker with stuff.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
You do not need a new frame,welding depends on far the crack goes as to how much to come off bike.It would be for tig torch clearance only.As far as I know it is very uncommon for the frame to crack any place.Disconnect the battery and maybe unplug the ECU just to be sure.Your welder should know.Welcome aboard and good luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
One more time do not weld it take it to the dealer there is a procedure for repair that type of damage and it is damage. The welds did not crack.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: El Cajon Ca.
Ok I'll bite. What the hell are you talking about man? From the picture posted I can't see a damn thing besides the weld has a bump where it was terminated. Which is common on these bikes. What is it you are seeing?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: navarre ohio
i have never seen a dealer that will weld a frame. they just replace it.. you have to take it to a weld shop or do it your self..i cant see a crack ether, but it can easily be fixed.. i had the entire bottom of my frame cradle replaced on the bike i ride.. the frame was welded in the first place, it can be welded again..
Welcome to the forum from Land Between the Lakes Tennessee, just West of Music City USA! Good luck with that frame, surely needs to be repaired.
Last edited by djbiker; Feb 18, 2012 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Doh!