How do I tell a real rigid frame from a good fake?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,524
Likes: 7,861
From: Long Island, New York
Everything Panz has said is the answer. Palmer's book will explain the casting marks/numbers. That is the best you can do to prove to yourself it is real. Lots of weird sh*t happened over the years to those frames. A good one is going to cost well over $5k and might be closer to $8k, a real good one. I would also suggest getting involved with AMCA and maybe go to a local show. The prices there will be better then the Bay, but you still need to be educated. Unfortunately there our bad people everywhere. Good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 858
Likes: 286
From: nw Ark
Example: Building a chopper. Extended front end. Probably springer.
Does not matter, the frame needs to be modified. At the neck. Heat it.
Cut it. Put in a wedge. Now the bike will be level, Of course it may not
go straight. Ever again.
Later maybe someone wants to restore the dresser. Need to re-modify
the frame. It gets ugly.
I shudder to think about all the dastardly deeds done to frames.
Makes me wonder what we were smoking.
Does not matter, the frame needs to be modified. At the neck. Heat it.
Cut it. Put in a wedge. Now the bike will be level, Of course it may not
go straight. Ever again.
Later maybe someone wants to restore the dresser. Need to re-modify
the frame. It gets ugly.
I shudder to think about all the dastardly deeds done to frames.
Makes me wonder what we were smoking.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,054
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
You are overthinking this. Your opinion is the only one that should matter.
Back in the day, dressers were routinely chopped. All tabs were removed
from the frame, then some were put back on. Turns out they had a use
after all.
Again, ask yourself why it matters. If you are happy stop there.
I like your idea of finding a complete original bike. Bring money.
Back in the day, dressers were routinely chopped. All tabs were removed
from the frame, then some were put back on. Turns out they had a use
after all.
Again, ask yourself why it matters. If you are happy stop there.
I like your idea of finding a complete original bike. Bring money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,524
Likes: 7,861
From: Long Island, New York
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,054
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
No because my kids will get whatever cars and bikes I have when I croak. No plans to sell.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,166
Likes: 1,801
From: Puget Sound, WA.
Early rigids have no frame number, so the only way to tell is obvious signs like sidecar mounts, welds in the frame down tubes from cracks or breaks, horn mounts.
A good book to find is "How to restore your Harley-Davidson" was out of print for a while- goes into great detail on identifying genuine components from the frame up.
https://www.ebay.com/i/182697391936?chn=ps
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,166
Likes: 1,801
From: Puget Sound, WA.
It was a great resource on my 53 Pan- and also for restoration of my '42 WLA earlier.