MTD Head Tube

massacre

massacre

#1
#1
So my MTD Trail-Flite has had a problem with the head tube since i got it. I suspect that the bike was previously crashed and repaired.
The headlight brackets were bent flat. The footpegs were collapsed, and there is some extra welding done on the head tube.
I noticed the forks were not very tight. I tightened the fork bolt, and the next day it was loose again. So i left it alone but over time it was obvious that the head tube is now banana-shaped.
They did a decent job on the repair, but i suspect that they used thinner than stock tubing. There is a visible wrinkle in the head tube and a straightedge shows that it is severely bent.

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/AWzLoZ.jpg

Gonna get a short piece of DOM tubing of a thicker wall but same OD so that the bearings will fit. Cut out the old piece and TIG in the new piece.

I was wondering if anyone could take a measurement of the head tube in degrees? In relation to the top frame tubes being level?
If not i will just figure it out, thanks!

Also planning on beefing up the frame a little bit and the forks and swingarm so the shocks have 2 mounts instead of 1.
 
mustangfrank

mustangfrank

Well-Known Member
#2
#2
massacre said:
So my MTD Trail-Flite has had a problem with the head tube since i got it. I suspect that the bike was previously crashed and repaired.
The headlight brackets were bent flat. The footpegs were collapsed, and there is some extra welding done on the head tube.
I noticed the forks were not very tight. I tightened the fork bolt, and the next day it was loose again. So i left it alone but over time it was obvious that the head tube is now banana-shaped.
They did a decent job on the repair, but i suspect that they used thinner than stock tubing. There is a visible wrinkle in the head tube and a straightedge shows that it is severely bent.

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/AWzLoZ.jpg

Gonna get a short piece of DOM tubing of a thicker wall but same OD so that the bearings will fit. Cut out the old piece and TIG in the new piece.

I was wondering if anyone could take a measurement of the head tube in degrees? In relation to the top frame tubes being level?
If not i will just figure it out, thanks!

Also planning on beefing up the frame a little bit and the forks and swingarm so the shocks have 2 mounts instead of 1.
Click to expand...
I can get to mine tomorrow if nobody else chimes in before then. We're talking about the 10" or 12" wheel, wonky fork MTD, correct?
 
mustangfrank

mustangfrank

Well-Known Member
#4
#4
massacre said:
Yes, mine has both 10" wheels
Thank you!
Click to expand...
28.5 degrees of rake, assuming top tube LEVEL.

Disclaimers: Mine is a roller on knobby tires. Was completely repeatable with the frame at true 90 degrees vertical. Top tube was at 3 degrees so I did manual measurement and ALT ZERO, both readings same.

Gave me a chance to drag out my digital protractor and verify the calibration!

IMG_20211229_115059.jpg IMG_20211229_113846.jpg
 
massacre

massacre

#8
#8
cfh said:
I think i have an old MTD frame i could cut the neck tube off and send it to you.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer, but that is totally unnecessary. Very generous of you though! I appreciate it!
I'll just stick to the plan, i only need a short piece so it shouldn't be too bad.
 
kayde

kayde

Well-Known Member
#9
#9
Had too fix a Crack in the head tube on my mtd, luckily it wasn't that bad.
It did seem like thinner wall tubing than the rest of the bike.
I remembered this ad on the mtd thread figured might help you.
 

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