"weak frame" ???
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 241
Likes: 33
From: Syracuse IN
"weak frame" ???
No intent to start a $***storm, just an honest question.
I will unfortunately be inheriting a '75 SuperGlide from my brother in the coming year. I've been reading all that I can about shovelheads to make sure it is well taken care of.
I've seen more than once a reference to the frame being 'weak'... once in an article about the FXR and how much stronger the new frame design was, also saw it briefly referenced in this article:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...xE_1200_75.htm
Anyone know what the supposed issue might be? If it's correctable by Delrin bushings in the swingarm for example or by adding a brace where not visible, that's something I'd like to take care of.
I'll never stress the bike enough to be affected by whatever the claimed issue is, but it's the thought that counts.
I will unfortunately be inheriting a '75 SuperGlide from my brother in the coming year. I've been reading all that I can about shovelheads to make sure it is well taken care of.
I've seen more than once a reference to the frame being 'weak'... once in an article about the FXR and how much stronger the new frame design was, also saw it briefly referenced in this article:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...xE_1200_75.htm
Anyone know what the supposed issue might be? If it's correctable by Delrin bushings in the swingarm for example or by adding a brace where not visible, that's something I'd like to take care of.
I'll never stress the bike enough to be affected by whatever the claimed issue is, but it's the thought that counts.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,318
From: Cental, MI
Someone is Full of it
That same frame has been loaded down to an ungodly Weight, and some have had massive Horsepower applied to them...Very unusual to actually see a broken one that was not in a wreck, or absolute, intentionally Ruined...
Edit; That article was obviously written by a Jap Pilot who just wishes he could Afford the real thing...Check the Price of that FXE today, compared to the Crap he was "Enjoying" at that time...
That same frame has been loaded down to an ungodly Weight, and some have had massive Horsepower applied to them...Very unusual to actually see a broken one that was not in a wreck, or absolute, intentionally Ruined...
Edit; That article was obviously written by a Jap Pilot who just wishes he could Afford the real thing...Check the Price of that FXE today, compared to the Crap he was "Enjoying" at that time...
Last edited by Racepres; Aug 15, 2016 at 01:57 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,774
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
If my FIL had been willing me a Shovel instead of his Twin Cam Softail I would not have told him not to bother like I did.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 241
Likes: 33
From: Syracuse IN
Well, the circumstances are unfortunate. Stage IV cancer.
Racepres, thanks for your response, it makes perfect sense. That frame has been around a long time and used on quite a few models, so being dubbed 'weak' just didn't make sense.
Racepres, thanks for your response, it makes perfect sense. That frame has been around a long time and used on quite a few models, so being dubbed 'weak' just didn't make sense.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,318
From: Cental, MI
If you are gonna end up with one like in the link...It may take some of the "sting" out of the Situation.
I have a '74 FX..but it don't look nothing like it should...I'm fixin to be jealous...
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 241
Likes: 33
From: Syracuse IN
It is not far off from the one in the link. I will be owner #3. Front fender has been bobbed, and bike is a metallic red with black logo on tank. And drag pipes. Otherwise all stock, my brother says he had the engine balanced. It looks good, however I have a fresh factory stock tank and fender set I painted last weekend with two stage epoxy in black with red FXR tank logo, omitting the 'AMF' part of the logo. All clear coated with urethane, wet sanded/buffed and on hand for the day that I start polishing her up. Anything on it that has a pit or scratch will eventually be replaced with show quality finish, rims, cases whatever won't matter. Will replace the drags with a RB Racing LSR pipe to take care of what I understand can be a loss of low/midrange power due to the unbaffled straight pipes. It will still sound good, based on this YouTube video:
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,318
From: Cental, MI
Cool
If ya still have the AMF part of the Decal...LMK what ya want for it...
I'm proud to display the LOGO of the Outfit that saved the MoCo..
Worth more to me than a shiny new Indian logo....
If ya still have the AMF part of the Decal...LMK what ya want for it...
I'm proud to display the LOGO of the Outfit that saved the MoCo..
Worth more to me than a shiny new Indian logo....
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,774
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
Yep, there are so many out there that cuss AMF and fail to realize there would be no Harley left if not for them.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 235
Likes: 98
From: Frederick, MD
I've seen a few swingarm frames where the weld has cracked at the joint where the rear left downtube connects to the cast piece just behind the transmission. Not a tough fix and it'll stay together but you'll notice a little difference in the handling.
Those I've seen (one is from my '59) have all been Duo-Glide frames. It seems to me that this problem may have been solved on later frames with a plate welded to the backside of that leg. Regardless, I've put many thousands of miles on these frames without a second thought.
So sorry for the circumstances under which you're acquiring this bike, but ride and enjoy in his honor.
Those I've seen (one is from my '59) have all been Duo-Glide frames. It seems to me that this problem may have been solved on later frames with a plate welded to the backside of that leg. Regardless, I've put many thousands of miles on these frames without a second thought.
So sorry for the circumstances under which you're acquiring this bike, but ride and enjoy in his honor.