After Lowside - What/how to check
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Stage II
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
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From: Cloverdale, CA
After Lowside - What/how to check
Laid down the RK on 101 in Norcal recently. No BS on I had to lay 'er down. I screwed up and locked the rear wheel in an emergency stop, then down she and I went on the right side.
Damage minor, scraped windscreen, bent and ground engine guard, ground saddle bag guard, scratched muffler. I am amazed and dumbfounded on the small scope of the damage after a 50' slide. Windscreen damage from coming to rest on a K-Rail.
My question, what and how do I check for bends that might not be obvous to forks, steering head, frame etc.,etc.
I maintain and repair her but frame and such components are outside my wheelhouse.
Thanks
Bob
Damage minor, scraped windscreen, bent and ground engine guard, ground saddle bag guard, scratched muffler. I am amazed and dumbfounded on the small scope of the damage after a 50' slide. Windscreen damage from coming to rest on a K-Rail.
My question, what and how do I check for bends that might not be obvous to forks, steering head, frame etc.,etc.
I maintain and repair her but frame and such components are outside my wheelhouse.
Thanks
Bob
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
If something is bent you should be able to feel it in the handling of the bike. If it still feels the same you're probably ok and I'd just give the bike a good visual in that case. Since you simply slid and didn't hit anything, it's most likely that the extent of your damage will be cosmetic stuff.
I disagree with the "should be able to feel it". Major bends, yes.
Check the mount where your engine guard bolts to the frame below the trees, if this is bent AT ALL, and I mean the slightest tweak, this is considered a bent frame, HD won't be able to finance it at that point, and therefore will not take it in trade.
Since you stated that the engine guard is bent, I would look very closely at this, and get your insurance company involved.
It is about a 5-6 thousand dollar repair. The good news is when its fixed it is as good as it was prior to the incident.
Touring bikes are not nearly as bad for this as Softails, but any dealer worth his salt knows to check it.
Check the mount where your engine guard bolts to the frame below the trees, if this is bent AT ALL, and I mean the slightest tweak, this is considered a bent frame, HD won't be able to finance it at that point, and therefore will not take it in trade.
Since you stated that the engine guard is bent, I would look very closely at this, and get your insurance company involved.
It is about a 5-6 thousand dollar repair. The good news is when its fixed it is as good as it was prior to the incident.
Touring bikes are not nearly as bad for this as Softails, but any dealer worth his salt knows to check it.
Last edited by SafetyMan; Nov 12, 2013 at 01:35 PM.
If you bent the engine guard, there is a very good possibility your frame is also bent - right at the tab where the guard attaches to the frame. There only sure way of knowing is to take it in to a mechanic and have it checked. I rode my bike for hours with a bent frame and couldn't tell.
If you bent the engine guard, there is a very good possibility your frame is also bent - right at the tab where the guard attaches to the frame. There only sure way of knowing is to take it in to a mechanic and have it checked. I rode my bike for hours with a bent frame and couldn't tell.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I would take it to a dealer you can trust and have them look it over.
Glad you are OK, ride safe!
Glad you are OK, ride safe!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
quick alignment check is 2 x 8' flourescent tube lights
these are accepted as a good "straight edge"
lay on each side of rear tire, extending forward, the tubes should be exact same distance each side of front tire.
mike
these are accepted as a good "straight edge"
lay on each side of rear tire, extending forward, the tubes should be exact same distance each side of front tire.
mike
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