Hey guys I've been searching for awhile now and I apologize immensely if I missed a thread that already covered this but I need to ask if anyone knows what it would cost to replace the frame on my 06 883r. I just picked her up this past February financed and "thought" i purchased full coverage insurance ( I apparently did not) and I ended up low siding coming around a curve when I hit a patch of gravel and the rear end came out on me, I low sided and she ended up sliding into a stopped car and the rear ended up under the bumper of a jeep. I was fine and the jeep was fine other than a few scratches on the bumper however my sporty took a beating to her rear fender we got her up and running and even rode her home just fine. Well i ended up replacing the rear fender, however it sits crooked. I took a closer look at the rear where the fender mounts and see that the two arms that she attaches too are misaligned. I understand that this means the frame is bent, although she still rode and tract true up to 70 mph. I want to get this repaired and I can't seem to find a shop in my area ( San Antonio, TX) that does any frame straightening. I would like to keep the bike a true Harley and understand the only way to do so is to replace the frame through a dealer. My question is has anyone had to replace the frame and what cost am I looking at to do so? Again I apologize if this has already been covered by someone else in the forum and my "google-fu" has failed me. I now have full coverage insurance and the frame damage has not been reported to the insurance company. I really just want to get her back in "safe" riding shape. I know i'm going to get flamed but I don't know where else to turn. Thanks in advance guys.

 

Without some pictures and more detail I cannot be sure of course but I would not be so quick to believe the frame is bent. Check if the rear tire is in line with the front (I can explain how if you are interested). If it is tracking, it's probably the arms you mention are bent. I have had some experience and can make suggestions on straightening bikes and light aircraft. E mail me, jimmollie@hotmail.com

 

There's frame shops that can repair your frame for much less than trying to find a new one and you won't have to dick around re-registering, new new numbers not to mention all the headaches of trying to insurance on a salvage title bike.

Don't let the idiots in here scare you off it most making noises about it have never had a frame done. I've had a few seriously bent ones repaired and you couldn't find the new welds much see where it was done.

 

A Certified Harley Mechanic can get you a new frame with your VIN on it. They will have to cut the backbone 16" from the neck and cut the down tubes 12" from the neck. (hence destroying the frame). Then they send it to Harley and Harley will sell you a new frame with your VIN. I only know this because that's what was done with my bike. You'll still end up with a salvaged title though. I think insurance varies by state and rider, my bike is $120 a year with collision on it.

And with all that said a damaged frame is a lot cheaper to fix going the route that your suggesting. I'm just mentioning what was done with my bike when I bought it.

 

I've been looking for a shop that does frame straightening in my area and have been unsuccessful in finding one. xFreebirdX, how much did you end up paying to have them replace the frame if you don't mind my asking?

 

Yeah if you wanna drop $2500 on a new frame and wait months for it and this is IF they still make that frame for a bike that's worth maybe twice that. Also there's a couple threads running around in here where the owners did exactly what you say under the direction of their dealer and cut up the frame only to have the factory say sorry we don't make those anymore. They went through nightmares locating used frames and lost a lot of value on the bikes because of having to retitle.

This " Authorized " bullshit is not always the best path particularly on a smaller bike.

OP do your home work and thoroughly check ALL avenues for this issue even if it means having to ship the frame somewhere. You will be shocked at the money differences between options and the time frames involved.

 

Use your preferred search engine to look for 'frame straightening service'. Plenty of options in line with suggestions above. If I can see US specialist companies from the UK.......

 

time for a hard tail.

 

Hang on here just a minute .. You stated that it ran true at 70 mph are you sure that the frame is bent ? I would look at the struts for the fender and check Everything very carefully.. Been there back in the 70s had to replace a frame but things were much cheaper back then .. Good luck .

 

Am I to assume this means it is just your fender struts that are bent?

I had one fender strut bent out when I was in my accident. Braced up and measured I easily bent it back. You should be able to do the same if it isn't completely bent to hell.

Salvage title insurance is generally not a problem. My daily Evo is salvaged and I didn't even have to change policies.