Collision Repair
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Collision Repair
Hoping to get some advice on this one.
Unfortunately for me, my buddy’s wife backed into My 05 Heritage Classic (4850 miles) last Sunday when it was parked at his place. The bike never went down, it looked like she just pushed the bike straight back about 10 inches. The gouges on the right fork look like the trailer hitch on their truck hit the right fork and slid to it’s outside; thus preventing the bike from going up and over. Of course the fender got smashed. At first look, it appeared that the only damage was the gouged right fork and the smashed fender. But, when we looked closer, we found that my passing lamps and windshield were no longer centered on the headlight (both were moved to the left). While I’m no mechanic, it seems to me that since the light bar and windshield mounts are attached to the forks, that seems to indicate that the front end (both forks) were “tweaked”.(?)
I got the repair estimate from my buddy’s insurance company yesterday (not from the dealer, but that’s another post) that indicates they are only replacing the right fork slider (I assume because of the gouges). The dealer was already closed when I read the estimate so I have to wait ‘til Monday to talk to them
I guess my question(s) is this: given the miss-alignment of the windshield and light bar, does it sound right to you folks that they are only replacing the right fork slider? Can a fork be properly straightened if “tweaked”? Am I being paranoid? I apologize for the length of the post, but I wanted to provide as much detail as I could. Thanks in advance for any insight(s).
See you out there.
John
Unfortunately for me, my buddy’s wife backed into My 05 Heritage Classic (4850 miles) last Sunday when it was parked at his place. The bike never went down, it looked like she just pushed the bike straight back about 10 inches. The gouges on the right fork look like the trailer hitch on their truck hit the right fork and slid to it’s outside; thus preventing the bike from going up and over. Of course the fender got smashed. At first look, it appeared that the only damage was the gouged right fork and the smashed fender. But, when we looked closer, we found that my passing lamps and windshield were no longer centered on the headlight (both were moved to the left). While I’m no mechanic, it seems to me that since the light bar and windshield mounts are attached to the forks, that seems to indicate that the front end (both forks) were “tweaked”.(?)
I got the repair estimate from my buddy’s insurance company yesterday (not from the dealer, but that’s another post) that indicates they are only replacing the right fork slider (I assume because of the gouges). The dealer was already closed when I read the estimate so I have to wait ‘til Monday to talk to them
I guess my question(s) is this: given the miss-alignment of the windshield and light bar, does it sound right to you folks that they are only replacing the right fork slider? Can a fork be properly straightened if “tweaked”? Am I being paranoid? I apologize for the length of the post, but I wanted to provide as much detail as I could. Thanks in advance for any insight(s).
See you out there.
John
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: Collision Repair
Get your own estimate from a bike shop of YOUR choice and don't settle for anything less. they may want to check the alignment of the steering head and frame which seem to be a delicate area on Harley's. Not saying that there is anything wrong, but your peace of mind in knowing the frame is okay is well worth it having checked. If there is a problem, the cycle won't track right, nothing will line up and it will be dangerous to ride.
Don't forget to hit them up for a rental or substitute ride while yours is in the shop either, they owe you for that also. The last piece of advice would be if you don't get any satisfaction from your buddy's carrier, submit the claim to your own insurance carrier and get paid, then let them hassle back and forth. Riding season is too short to be dicked around about your bike.
Just a couple of suggestions from someone who does this for a living. Good Luck.
Don't forget to hit them up for a rental or substitute ride while yours is in the shop either, they owe you for that also. The last piece of advice would be if you don't get any satisfaction from your buddy's carrier, submit the claim to your own insurance carrier and get paid, then let them hassle back and forth. Riding season is too short to be dicked around about your bike.
Just a couple of suggestions from someone who does this for a living. Good Luck.
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
Likes: 156
From:
RE: Collision Repair
I agree that you should get an estimate from your choice of shops to be fair to all concerned. If the tables were turned here, I'm sure you would want his bike fixed properly. The upper forks could be twisted in the trees but that would also indicate that theyre was other bent items like light bar and windshield mounts also. Have it assesed by a dealet to get an accurate estimate, then let your buddy decide if he wants to pay the tab or just the deductable if it applies.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Collision Repair
For this one I would use the HD shop...those guys will gouge the insurance company for every penny they can, replace everything remotely damaged, and back the work with the HD name.
Better safe than sorry.
Mac
Better safe than sorry.
Mac
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 3
From: Rural Maryland, U.S.A.
RE: Collision Repair
Back in 1998 a 16 year old tard that had his driver's license for about a week decided to turn left directly in front of me so he could get a soda at Highs. I t-boned him and did a lot of front end damage to my Low Rider. This was 2 weeks before I was leaving for Myrtle Beach Bike Week. [:@] A Harley dealer fixed the bike but it was never the same. Just didn't feel right. I got rid of it the next spring and got an Electra Glide Classic.
Hope yours turns out OK.
Hope yours turns out OK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Collision Repair
First off I wish you good luck in the finish
I would have a HD dealer do the estimate and if you like another repair shop let them do the work
But I believe HD will write it up correctly
I would have a HD dealer do the estimate and if you like another repair shop let them do the work
But I believe HD will write it up correctly
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Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 941
Likes: 0
From: San Leandro,ca
RE: Collision Repair
when my 01 fxdx got run over by a semi I had it towed to my h-d dealer had them do an estimate and when the insurance guy went out there I made sure I was there to point out all the damage plus I took pictures they wanted to straighten the frame and put it back together I told them I would never ride a bike that was run over by a semi so they totalled it payed it off and gave me 3500 bucks for the down payment It was six months old with 12000 miles on it .it was silver instead of the green one I replaced it with .did over 10000 dollars damage
good luck with yours don't accept their offers until you're satisfied with what you'll get
good luck with yours don't accept their offers until you're satisfied with what you'll get
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Collision Repair
Just went thru all this mess myself. Totalled my new 05 ultra in may at myrtle beach. My friends that were following us on a 05 screaming eagle EG hit my bike while it was in the air. My insurance paid for his in full. He took it to the HD shop and they wrote up the estimate. there was about a $2500.00 difference between what the adjuster quoted and the HD quoted. But the insurance paid it in full. So my suggestion is let HD write it up and then submit that to the insurance.
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