Topica Loopframe_Guzzi Archive


Subject: Re: Crashing m/cs and insurance

Author: Darrell J Dick

Date: Jul 30, 2003, 7:29 AM

Post ID: 1713970004



Well that sucks. I know how much that old bike means to you.

If I were you, I think I would report all the damage and see what the
insurance company wants to do. If they total it, go ahead and buy the
bike back. I would be willing to bet that the frame could be repaired
(pretty much anything can be repaired with enough Franklins). If it's
bent it could be straightened. If its cracked, I don't see why that
couldn't be welded or spliced either (It's just good ole' Italian water
pipe right?). Whatever you do, don't just take a chance on it. You might
end up face first in a cornfield again.

I think you already know what the right answer is. It sounds like the
motor and trans (and maybe the Russian tractor seat) are about the only
really good parts left. Take the cash and start over. There are a lot of
good Loopframes out there that could be built up for considerably less
than what it will probably cost put "your" Ambo back together. Want to
buy my share of the project Eldo?

Darrell Dick
Imlay City, MI

On Wed, 30 Jul 2003 13:55:29 +0000 Kevin Graf <kgr-@midwestpension.com>
writes:
 Hey all,

Sad, Sad day in Detroit. I went to do the insurance estimate on the
bike
last night. Yup, a whole bunch of parts. Some liberties were taken
and
the list might have to be revised depending on how the insurance
company
reacts. But the engine was strong and after everything was listed it
was
time to pull the tank so I could get a better look at the frame. I
did
not want to find what I did. Up around the neck there is newly
flaked
paint. This screams problem to me. This frame is most likely
cracked/bent. I cannot see any obvious cracks so I am left with the

question of how bad? Mr. Dave Richardson he says that this is not
uncommon on the Ambos/Eldos when in a frt. end collision since the
frame
is not reinforced very well at the neck. If the insurance co. is let
in
on this secret they will most likely scrap the bike. This opinion is

from folks who mainly deal with newer motorcycles. We're not quite
sure
how they will react in my case.
I cannot have them scrap this bike. I have too much into it. I not
talking about money but time, pride and joy. I have touched
everything
on this bike and know it's right, everything from the engine to the

metric acorn nuts I found for 1/2 off. This is my bike and to see it
get
scrapped is not and option. There are far too many good parts on the

thing.
It looks like I have a couple options depending on what the ins. co

says.
I could not tell them about the frame, give them the list and put
the
thing back together. If the frame seems to be a problem later, (it
might
not be cracked, granted it ain't perfect but it is a loop) worry
about
it then.
OR I could let them scrap it, take the payoff (which is a good chunk
o'
change) and try to buy it back. I guess it will be considered scrap.
So
I would guess I will need to swap the innards to a new frame and
engine
case with a clean title. I'm not sure though, I know nothing about
how
this works.
Any opinions? Questions I should be asking? Anyone deal with this
before?

Thanks,
Kev

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