I have a sportster frame where the left side bottom of the frame is squished down; it's flattened instead of round. See pic.


left bottom frame



I was going to fix it and get it back into its original round shape. I was going to try and use a jack stand to brace against the flatted part of the frame and pound with a hammer until I get it round again.

However, I also recognize I am also not particularly smart or skilled, and people on this forum may have a better idea than me on how to fix it so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks for the advice.

 

Looks like the frame was made that way. What year is it?

 

1987; it's an XL1100 frame. 2nd year of the evo

 

I'd be looking for other pictures of that year frame on ebay or some aftermarket place to see if that's by design. What I would not do is go all caveman on it with a hammer. That introduces all kinda stresses you don't want.

Right way would be a frame shop and have that section replaced and the frame in general looked for squareness if that is crushed down. it's bound to be tweaked if it is.

 

Kind of looks like it was manufactured that way to me. Do some research before you try to fix something that may not be broken.

 

I agree. Make sure it isn't supposed to be like that. The flat spot is on top of the lower frame rail. That's a very strange place to have damage. I'd be more inclined to bet it was made like that. Even if it isn't, pounding on a frame with a big hammer is NOT a good idea!

 

 

 

Early 41 knuckle had a bent frame from the factory to correct the neck angle, kinked the legs in the process. It might not be normal but I wouldn't be shocked if it was.

 

AFAIK that's not factory. I would do it similar to how they do a hardtail conversion. Use a smaller tube or shaft that fits inside the connection/splice and weld with it in some sort of fixture to keep it from warping, etc. Something like this.