Buying a bike with subframe problems?

Fallout · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Karma :

So I've got my CBT now and looking to buy my first bike. I've found one (Yamaha DT) that is described as being in good condition except for a "ding" which resulted in the subframe being slightly out of line. Apparently this is unnoticable while riding and cosmetically not very obvious.

As someone who doesnt know much about the mechanics of bikes yet, how concerned should I be about a "slightly misaligned" subframe? And what area of the bike is this likely to mean? Engine mountings?

Cheers for your help.
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Fallout

Blau Zedong · Banned Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Karma :

The subframe is the bit the seat and sidepanels mount to. As it's part of the frame on the DT rather than a bolt on item then in theory it being bent is enough to write the bike off. In practice people either straighten them with hammers and levers or occasionally have them jigged properly. I'd be more concerned about the nature of this "ding" to be honest as it must of been notable to bend the subframe and I'd be looking for evidence of other accident repairs.
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Carl Howell · Scooby Slapper Joined: 27 May 2008 Karma :

Ask him about the 'ding' and see how bad it was. Mos pictures I have seen of DT's the subframe looks out of line but I never had all the panels off mine so never checked.

Grav · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Introduce it to Mr Angle Grinder.
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Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

The subframe normally consists of 2 spars running from the frame to the rear of the bike. last time i saw a bent one i used a crow bar over one spar and under the other to straighten it. with the bodywork removd it took all of 5 seconds.

A bad buckle would require and angle grinder and welding, but from the sounds of this it has just been dropped at low speed and landed on the rear. DT's can generally be picked up and kicked straight after even quite heavy drops so it should be piss easy to fix.

Fallout · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Karma :

Cheers all. Good advice. I'm in no rush to get my bike (low finances and already have a car for A->B), so I might pass this one up. Sounds like it could be sorted, but probably not worth the risk. Out of interest, here's the auction. See what you think ...

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130242381270&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003
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Fallout