I bent my frame in the crash

[Barry]

(The ideal is for both gaps from the front tire to be equal.)
 

That's what I have always thought and used for aligning wheels on chain driven bikes.

Do BMW though build in some small offset ? and there is also the swinging arm adjustment and the possibility of a different spacer for wider tires. OK maybe not 1" but how are these to be accounted for in a string test.  The wheels have to be parallel with each other but not necessarily in a dead straight line. Is it possible your frame is not as bad as you think ?

[montmil]

Before YOU get too bent, contact Tom Cutter, Bob Snowbum and/or a few other BMW gurus and get their take on stringing the chassis. Are you an ABC list member? Post the question and see what develops.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Before YOU get too bent, contact Tom Cutter, Bob Snowbum and/or a few other BMW gurus and get their take on stringing the chassis. Are you an ABC list member? Post the question and see what develops.

Monte

They don't want to hear from another idiot that failed to keep his eyes on the road.

I wonder what I will do to fill the void not riding will create?

[montmil]

Before YOU get too bent, contact Tom Cutter, Bob Snowbum and/or a few other BMW gurus and get their take on stringing the chassis. Are you an ABC list member? Post the question and see what develops.

Monte

They don't want to hear from another idiot that failed to keep his eyes on the road.

Yes, they can occasionally get into the talking down mode.

Might you contact your insurance rep and ask about hidden damage discoveries? This sort of issue happens all to often with autos. Just a thought...

BTW, you mentioned you'd been for a ride on the bike. Did it act strangely in any way? Track OK?

Monte

[NC Steve]

Rob, check your PMs.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Silly Monte, I don't carry comprehensive insurance on my bike!  lol!  I have paid for all of this crap myself.

No, the bike didn't act strange, but I haven't had it more than a few miles from home, and not over 45mph.
Since I tightened the steering head bearings, I went back out yesterday, but I couldn't keep the engine running after my "tuning" earlier....

I had planned to use today to work that out, until I measured the frame.

I'm not sure it is worth all this grief.

[nhmaf]

Gee Rob, that is awful news about the frame.

IF you wanna come up here to visit we could check out this little '79 R65 that is running near Portland, Maine for $1900?
http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/1643115357.html

[msbuck]

Well Rob, what is this string test all about?  Graham thinks the wheels are not supposed to line up the way you're describing.  Because of the drive shaft, the wheels are offset, so you couldn't get an equal alignment.  He was always told the rear tire is offset from the front tire by ~1/2 inch.  

  Do you have a link to this string test you're using?  (Maybe you've already posted it and I missed it.)  :-/

Don't start parting this out yet, Rob!!!

[caci]

Well Rob, what is this string test all about?  Graham thinks the wheels are not supposed to line up the way you're describing.  Because of the drive shaft, the wheels are offset, so you couldn't get an equal alignment.  He was always told the rear tire is offset from the front tire by ~1/2 inch.  
Don't start parting this out yet, Rob!!!

Offset questionable.....

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Here you go, Aïda:  http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/frame/index.htm

This test was performed on my bike at the Boxerworks rally a few years ago.  Duane was there and was suitably impressed with the alignment on my bike.

I will try the test again, this week, but Thursday I am going to see a LS that was in a fire (someone showed it to me, here, I think.).
He wants $1200, but I would love to get it for only $800.  I am afraid if I start there, we will end up at $1000.
So do I start at $600???  (I am NO GOOD at negotiations.)
I just hope the paint on the frame wasn't damaged in the fire.  I suppose I would need to go through the bearings as they may have gotten hot enough to melt the grease.
It would be kind of cool to have LS wheels, though, and run tubeless!

I think I will build a work stand out of wood.

[chewy4x4]

Rob you are not allowed to leave this party......ever

[NC Steve]

Did you get my PM about the used '79 frame on Ebay?
The price is right... :-/

[Justin B.]

Well, I have seen frames really cheap on flea-bay and you already have everything else!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

re: the LS that was in a fire - I have my nephew going with me (he rides a GSXR750) as he has not only a PU truck, but vicious negotiation skills!  In fact, we agreed he will just pretend he is the one buying the bike.
I am going to put 4 $100 bills in one of his pockets, and two more in his other.  I will happily pay $500 for it, unless it is REALLY bad (I can't see Craigs List here at work), like the handgrips are melted off.

Looking at the picture, I can see the seat is now toast, but the scorching on the tank and front fender really doesn't look that bad.  Up close & personal will reveal much more, though.


I think I would sooner tear my bike down to the frame, and have it sent out to be straightened, before I would buy an unknown off eBay, put it all together, and perhaps end up with the same as I have now.

[Ed Miller]

It would be fun to find an early 80s R80GS frame, wouldn't it?....

Now that I've thought of it, I want one.