Frame, Swingarm and Brackets for Motorcycles: How to Buy Safely
The frame: the papers matter most
A motorcycle frame carries a chassis number, and it is listed in the registration papers. That is why buying a frame without papers, and especially one with altered numbers, is dangerous: you can have trouble with registration later. If you are looking for a frame for a restoration, for example for a Triumph Bonneville or another classic bike, say at once whether you need a frame with a clean number and papers. For parts such as a swingarm or brackets, papers are not needed.
How to check a used part
A bent or welded frame is the biggest risk. Cracks near the steering head and the swingarm mounts show on photos if you ask for close-ups. Ask whether the frame is straight, whether there was an accident and whether there are signs of welding. For a swingarm, check the play in the axle and that the tubes are straight. Brackets and crash bars are simpler, but there too look for cracks near the holes.
What to put in your request
- which part — frame, swingarm, subframe, bracket, crash bars;
- bike model — for example Triumph Bonneville;
- year of manufacture or generation;
- papers — whether you need a frame with a clean number or not;
- condition — straight, with no cracks or welding, or for restoration;
- original or aftermarket;
- city — collection or delivery of a large part;
- budget.
Example: “I am looking for a frame for a Triumph Bonneville, 1985, straight, with no cracks or welding, with papers. Collection in Tauranga or delivery by a transport company, budget up to $170.”
Delivery of bulky parts
A frame and a swingarm are big, and they are sent by transport companies, not as an ordinary parcel. Check the dimensions of the shipment, the packaging and who pays for delivery. For nearby cities collection is more convenient: you inspect the part on the spot. If you buy from a distance, ask for a video with the part laid on a level surface, in decent light.
- Whether there is paint damage that hides cracks.
- Whether the mounting bushes, the axle and the swingarm bearings are included.
- Whether you can return the part if it does not match the description.
How BlaBlaPrice helps here
Rare frames and swingarms usually take a long time to find. On BlaBlaPrice you make one request, and sellers and breakers reply in the chat with photos, price and terms. They see where their offer stands and often improve their terms. The site shows the best-value one first, with reviews of the seller beside it, and your phone number stays hidden. More on the “How it works” page.
After frame repair you often need bearings and shock absorbers and suspension.
