Hi all,
Just bought a GEN3 and was doing some trail riding and got caught in a rut and clipped a tree going about 10mph. Got thrown off but the Gen3 bared the brunt. Looks like the right front tire is pushed back about 4-6 inches and the lower A-arm bent the frame. Nothing else is broken. It's still works but steering is wonky. Took it to the dealer and they said they have to replace the whole frame. Does that sound right. Seems to me they could straighten the frame and weld on a support piece. Any help would be great. Should I take it to a body shop or just file a claim with insurance?

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

We don't live in a "Fix-It" world any more. Everything is just replaced. That much movement will have bent the frame after it was done bending the a-arms so yeah..If you have insurance I would file a claim or just pop for a new frame, parts and labor. It won't be cheap.

Not sure how you've managed bro (let us know), but TBH, i would just venture to learn how to weld at this point. I have a friend who rides very hard and the amount of frame fixing he's done is insane. A arm brackets broke off literally, that is how hard he rides. He works on a bike for 2 days and the frame and everything is like new. That is my goal one day, consider it too if you ride a lot. Invest once and forever fix stuff like that on your own.

Not sure how you've managed bro (let us know), but TBH, i would just venture to learn how to weld at this point. I have a friend who rides very hard and the amount of frame fixing he's done is insane. A arm brackets broke off literally, that is how hard he rides. He works on a bike for 2 days and the frame and everything is like new. That is my goal one day, consider it too if you ride a lot. Invest once and forever fix stuff like that on your own.

I have a buddy who cut out the bad part of the frame and welded in a stronger piece of box tubing. The Gen3 frame is literally 16g tubing. its so weak. He got the steering back to about 95% it runs fine now. No issues yet so we will see.

Hi SalemGen3,

If you or a mate have the skill, knowledge, the correct equipment I say give it a whirl and repair the frame, nothing ventured nothing gained hey!

However, if the frame is not square after the repair it will soon become evident, tyres scrubbing down quickly on one side, potential crabbing down the track or pulling to one side. All dependant on the severity of frame misalignment.

On a positive note if your mate manages to repair the frame and align it perfectly then Hey Ho and away we go on the trail again. 

Good luck.

GMSAHFR


 

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

On a side note, I know of several people that have stripped theirs down to the frame and just taken it to a frame shop and had it repaired. In fact they also found other weak areas and beefed them up as well while there. Made them better then new.