Frames are the basic skeleton to which other components are attached. They hold the motorcycle tanks and engine and provide support to the whole bike. Most frames are made of steel or aluminum but there are also other choices such as carbon-fibre.
Motorcycle frames generally fall into one of several categories.
Single Cradle: This is the simplest of the motorcycle frames, a design that harks back to some of the earliest motorcycles ever made. It has a single large tube for a spine and smaller tubes that cradle the engine. This is commonly used on off-road bikes. A variation is the split single cradle which is a single cradle that splits into two cradles at the back for the exhaust.
Double Cradle: An evolution of the single cradle, it uses two cradles on either side to hold the engine. These were commonly used on simple road bikes and some custom bikes, but have mostly been supplanted by perimeter frames.
Backbone: These are specialty frames that are used rarely. It has a solid metal backbone and the engine hangs suspended from this. It's a simple and inexpensive frame with a distinctive look, but other designs are better in terms of strength and rigidity.
Perimeter: These frames originated on racing motorcycles. The steering head and swingarm are joined at a very short distance, reducing flexure and torsion substantially. They were originally made from steel but most are made from aluminum nowadays to save weight. Once the advantages of this frame were seen, they were adopted by most motorcycle manufacturers.
Monocoque: Another specialty frame that is even rarer than the backbone. They are very heavy and rigid, combining seat mounting, tank, and tail into a single sturdy piece of metal. They are used almost exclusively on specialized competition bikes and are not a good choice for street bikes.
Trellis: European manufacturers came up with this design although it is catching on in the US as well. It uses many of the same construction principles as the perimeter frame and matches it in rigidity and weight. Its distinctive look is formed by a "trellis" of short tubes that make up the body of the frame. It requires more effort to manufacture than the perimeter but the result is extremely strong.
One of the earliest decisions to make is which of these motorcycle frames is right for your bike. Many of your other decisions will depend on the type of frame you choose so consider the options and choose wisely.
Motorcycle Frames For Sale
Anyone who owns a bike always has the little extras and add-ons that they would love to add onto their ride. Adding accessories and custom parts to a motorcycle is done simply for fun by some. Others customize and add new things to their motorcycles for function and purpose. Others have to find things to add to their bike because they are replacing something that has been broken or needs replacing. Some people seem to be on a constant search for the motorcycle frames that they need and are looking for. Whether they are putting it together themselves, or are hiring someone to do it for them, trying to find motorcycle frames can be difficult and confusing. Trying to find the best motorcycle frames for your motorcycle does not have to be a daunting and stressful task, however. There are four steps that you can take that can help you to find the motorcycle frames that you are looking for.
1. Know what you Want
This step may be obvious, but it is incredibly important. When looking for motorcycle parts and motorcycle frames in general, it is incredibly important to know exactly what you want. While you are searching at stores for motorcycle frames, it helps to be able to call it by different names, rather than simply saying that you are looking for motorcycle frames. It also is incredibly helpful to understand what brands carry the motorcycle frames that you are looking for. Knowing the different brands helps you to be more knowledgeable, which will help you in the long run when you are searching stores for the motorcycle frames that you want.
2. Know what Works on your Bike
Every motorcycle is different than the next. Just like cars, just about every bike is unique. While this is normal, it can make your search for motorcycle frames harder than you might realize. While some companies make motorcycle frames for your bike, others may not. Knowing the brands that work on your motorcycle and what types of motorcycle frames work on your bike can make your search for motorcycle frames that much easier and less stressful.
3. Know what you are Willing to Pay
Just like most products that find themselves on the market today, different kinds and types of motorcycle frames will have different costs. There are higher end motorcycle frames that cost more and lower end, budget motorcycle frames that cost less. Knowing what you are willing to pay, or what you want to pay, can help you narrow down your search for motorcycle frames.
4. Look for Stores and Compare Prices
The next and final step is to find stores, both in person and online, that carry the motorcycle frames that you are after. After you have found the stores that carry the motorcycle frames, it is important to do a price comparison. Comparing the prices of the same product at different stores can help to make sure that you are not overpaying for the motorcycle frames that you are looking at.
Both Christine Harrell & Justin Stewart are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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