Tips for repairing a motorcycle after a fall ›Street Moto Piece

Your motorcycle has fallen. Now you need to fix this. Learn about all the steps to repair your car and tips to save repair costs.

Determine the damage

You should be aware that the slightest fall should prompt you to do a serious health check on your bike. Indeed, even a slight shock can result in unexpected damage. 

From the trim pieces to the design of the motorcycle, not to mention the vital parts to keep the machine running smoothly, nothing should be left to chance. Track the smallest bumps to complete repairs.

Start by checking the condition of the fairing, brake and clutch levers, selector, lights and direction indicators, handlebars, luggage and any other aesthetic elements and accessories of the motorcycle.

Then inspect its vital elements. Look for any signs of cracks or bumps in the engine block and crankcases, as well as any leaks in the brakes and cooling systems. Also check that the electrical harness is working properly.

Be sure to check the condition of the structural elements. Forks, frame, wheels, rims… these are the parts that give the bike good handling. Make sure they are intact for your safety. If in doubt, seek professional advice.

DIY check

A few simple tests can, in particular, detect the impact of an impact on the structure of a motorcycle.

For example, to detect a fork parallelism error, place the motorcycle on the center stand and observe the reflection of light on the dip tubes. If they are parallel, the fork is intact. The opposite indicates that the pipe or tee has been damaged.

To check the condition of the frame, inspect the welds connecting the steering column to the frame tubes. Impact marks in this area may indicate distortion of the motorcycle's geometry. In this case, it is recommended to check with a professional equipped with marble.

Another way to check the frame for damage is to check the wheel alignment. You can do this test yourself using a cord, or simply with the naked eye by placing the motorcycle on the center stand.

When it comes to wheels and rims, all you have to do is turn the wheel towards you and carefully examine the surfaces for any cracks, deformations, broken spokes, and tire hernias and cuts.

After these initial checks, a complete disassembly of the bike will allow you to sort out the parts that need to be repaired, those that need to be replaced, and those that require professional supervision. This operation will also identify the last damage that may have gone unnoticed.

Motorcycle repair     

At this stage, the issue of the cost of repairs is relevant. People who are versed in mechanics will be able to carry out their repair work on their own.

Used spare parts or repair

For example, when repairing a motorcycle fairing, you can follow the guidelines provided in the various video tutorials available on the Internet regarding the handling of putty, fiber and resin.

When it comes to accessories and other motorcycle parts, these parts are generally very affordable to buy. For more savings, you can buy them pre-owned. Moreover, these elements are easy to change. When in doubt, allow yourself to be guided by the disassembly and assembly tutorials available online.

To avoid scams and unpleasant surprises with used motorcycle parts, be sure to purchase from a professional dealer or an approved and authorized motorcycle dump. This way you get quality-controlled, reliable parts.

 Repair parts

To keep costs down, you can also try to repair very expensive parts. This usually happens with some key parts like rims, suspensions, radiator, exhaust system, etc.

Specialized craftsmen can now repair these items and restore them to their original condition. You can also entrust the adjustment of the geometry of the motorcycle frame to a professional equipped with marble.

Cracks in the cylinder block, heavily gritted crankcases, a crack in the cylinder head ... can also be repaired with special welds.

Only new

Attention, for some parts, including those that provide vital functions to the motorcycle, repair attempts and case are not recommended.

It is better, for example, to replace faulty parts of the brake system with new ones (hoses, brake discs, etc.). It is safer for your safety.

Other tips for repairing your motorcycle after a fall

Finally, if a large number of parts are required to repair a motorcycle, you can buy a wrecked motorcycle from an approved motorcycle junkyard. Collecting coins from it can be cheaper than buying several separately.              

In any case, regardless of the degree of damage, do not forget to first repair the parts necessary for the proper functioning of the motorcycle, as well as those that guarantee your safety and good handling of the machine.

Some items can wait if your budget is tight. This is especially true for purely aesthetic details. For example, if you are only traveling alone, you may want to postpone purchasing passenger grabs. It's the same with luggage if you don't need it immediately.

If your tires are not badly damaged, if the impact only resulted in punctures, you can always try to repair them with a wick kit. This temporary solution will allow you to drive safely while waiting to buy new tires.

For more tips visit our Motorcycle Blog!