Motorcycle Repair: How to check Harley for front end or frame damage, rims tires, cracked paint

Question
QUESTION: I found an 04 deuce for sale by the insurance company. Bike starts and runs fine and would make an affordable project bike. Damage to the tins, clutch / brake handles and road rash here and there. Any suggestion on how to do a visual check on the front end and the frame for more serious damage? Rims / tires appear to be ok.

ANSWER: Look over the frame, checking for cracked paint or compressed metal. Check at the weld joints for cracks. Put a straight edge on the upper forks to check for straightness. Lastly, if you can, take the bike for a ride. If it pulls one way or the other or shimmys, then you might have some frame or fork damage
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the comments. I looked at the bike and the frame seems fine. The left fork however appears slightly pulled back from true. Bike laid down on left side and dragged the axlebolt nut, primary cover and left pegs a good bit. The trees and neck appeared OK. The guy said the upper tube was probably slightly bent and would be an easy fix. Sound right to you or is it likely the wheel, axle, trees or neck have been damaged too?

Answer
It takes a pretty good hit to damage the triple trees as well as the wheel and axle. Just laying the bike down would probably not damage them. If the upper fork is bent you can rebuild them and install a new upper fork tube.
Good luck and happ riding
Mike