Motorcycles can be damaged in a variety of ways due to an accident or collision. Although bikes are sturdy vehicles, they are often on the wrong end of a heavy impact. The motorcycle's interior and exterior may need repair. While some of the damage will be obvious, interior parts will need inspection and probably attention. If the engine does not turn over and start or if the motorcycle has leaks or structural or cosmetic damage, the owner will need to take it to a repair shop. Upon receiving an estimate for repairs, the bike owner will then have to decide whether it is worth having it fixed or not.
Mechanics
While the motorcycle may run mechanically, it will probably need to be fixed before it can be safely driven on the road. Taking it to a professional auto mechanic or motorcycle repair shop will ensure that the repairs are made properly and safely so that the bike can be ridden again.
Wheels
One of the firs things that the mechanic will do is take a look at the damage. He may wheel it across the ground to determine whether the wheels are functional or not. If the tires are flat, they will need to replaced. The structural integrity of the wheels is another issue. If the frame of either wheel is bent, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Depending on the weight of the bike, it may be easier to re-inflate, repair or replace the tires and wheels so that the vehicle can be moved on a motorcycle lift and elevated. Motorcycle lifts make it easier to see the lower parts of the bike and make repairs.
Professional Work
Accessories and small parts such as mirrors, turn signals, radios and saddlebags may be fairly inexpensive to fix or replace, depending on the bike model and amount of damage. This can be done at home by the handy mechanic or at the shop by the professional. For more involved projects, the bike should be fixed at a true pro shop with motorcycle lifts and genuine certified mechanics. Depending on the severity of the accident, repairs may involve the engine, shifting pedals, clutch pads and exhaust system. The gauges, brakes and throttle may also need adjustments.
Paint and Fairings
Upon impact, the fairings, paint and outer frame can be scratched, bent and damaged. Replacing certain panels on a bike is often less expensive than repainting the whole bike, but it may be difficult to find parts that match the rest exactly. Motorcycle fairings affect the visual appearance, fuel mileage, aerodynamics and speed. Full fairing kits or single pieces can be purchased as replacement parts. These are available in custom and stock parts, as well as painted and unpainted.
Once the bike has been repaired and returned as closely as possible to its previous condition, the owner should take it for a test run before accepting delivery and paying the bill. A reliable auto shop will make sure it is properly repaired before calling the customer for pick-up.
