Broken frame
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
OP, take some really close up photos of the mounting tab. I still say it isn't cracked. But, without a closer view no one can really say with any certainty.
I say this for your own peace of mind and to cut off the "Softail Frames Are Breaking" thread at the pass
If it was mine and I couldn't see a crack in anything put the powder coat I'd clean it up good and spray some rattle can bed liner on it and down that void at the top of the bracket.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Feb 15, 2016 at 12:15 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,121
From:
The picture lacks sufficient detail and angle makes it rather difficult to determine.
It looks like it was welded on the side tab shown but not on the top of the tab.
Leaves someone to wonder if it was welded on the other two sides.
The photo angle also plays tricks in making the engine seem like it is closer to the frame.
Does not look like a cracked or broken frame per picture provided.
It looks like it was welded on the side tab shown but not on the top of the tab.
Leaves someone to wonder if it was welded on the other two sides.
The photo angle also plays tricks in making the engine seem like it is closer to the frame.
Does not look like a cracked or broken frame per picture provided.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 344
Likes: 6
From: WV
At work we'd either x-ray or UT it as thousands of my welds have been in my 42 years of welding experience. But at home I'd haft to sand it out and look at it if I thought it was a crack. We need a better pic because I don't see a crack in those.
Good luck
Good luck
Last edited by rk1997; Feb 15, 2016 at 01:58 PM.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I also agree with not a cracked weld.. as a retired Millwright/welder for 36 yrs it looks to be either a missing weld or parts that didn't fit correct or line up right before the end weld..
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 578
Likes: 522
From: Durango CO
I think we have a consensus, you and the shop that you took your cycle to must be mistaken. We experts on the internet must know better. Either that or a photograph is not as good as inspecting the frame in person. 
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 316
Likes: 54
From: North Alabama
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
I've just been sitting back watching the comments. Sorry about the pics, there was too much exposure for my cell phone to handle and the reflections look like I was saying that was the crack.
Anyway, I've had a shop inspect the frame and they have confirmed the crack is a separation of the weld to the motor mount. Technically not a cracked weld, but still, cracked frame. I also had an adjuster inspect the bike, and he confirmed that there was no crash damage, which makes sense, considering I haven't crashed the bike.
I'm taking the bike to Harley tomorrow, I guess that's today then, and drop it off for inspection. I've contacted Customer Service at the MoCo and they said to take to the dealer to be inspected.
Worst case is I'm going to be responsible for the repair. I'm hoping it's nothing a tig weld can't fix.
As far as what year the bike is, I see my signature is no longer there. It had everything and I took for granted it was there when I posted. It's a 2011 Cross Bones with 31,000 miles on the ODO.
Anyway, I've had a shop inspect the frame and they have confirmed the crack is a separation of the weld to the motor mount. Technically not a cracked weld, but still, cracked frame. I also had an adjuster inspect the bike, and he confirmed that there was no crash damage, which makes sense, considering I haven't crashed the bike.
I'm taking the bike to Harley tomorrow, I guess that's today then, and drop it off for inspection. I've contacted Customer Service at the MoCo and they said to take to the dealer to be inspected.
Worst case is I'm going to be responsible for the repair. I'm hoping it's nothing a tig weld can't fix.
As far as what year the bike is, I see my signature is no longer there. It had everything and I took for granted it was there when I posted. It's a 2011 Cross Bones with 31,000 miles on the ODO.