Found a crack in the frame...recommendations

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Army86VFR750, Sep 3, 2010.

  1. Army86VFR750

    Army86VFR750 New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2008
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MD
    After a great day of riding to the HD plant in York PA, I was doing a post ride check and found this..
     

    Attached Files:

  2. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2008
    Messages:
    6,731
    Likes Received:
    85
    Trophy Points:
    78
    Location:
    Sacramento
    Map
    I think you need inspect the mounting points of the frame to the engine, my guess is the frame mounts are loose. I can't see any reason it can't be repaired but would suggest taking it to a frame shop and have it done and have it checked for further damage and that it is straight.
     
  3. vfr2k2

    vfr2k2 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2006
    Messages:
    181
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Ontario, Canada
    Great advice from Toe.
    This is not really a suggestion on a repair or solution but may factor into your decision. Partly because of the age of the bike (I'm assuming 1986) you need to look at at the eggs in the basket. You may wish to look up information relating to the effects of metal fatigue. Metal fatigue cracks usually begin and spread in areas where strain is most severe and are a result of fluctuating stresses and strains on the material. Some bikes have just been used over time harder than others and if this is the case in your situation this problem may affect your decisions. Metal doesn't "fatique" just from age but is influenced by use or abuse. Good luck on a resolution.
     
  4. jahlov420

    jahlov420 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2009
    Messages:
    182
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Richmond, VA
    Map
    ouchy dude....that is a bummer...i would take it to a frame shop b4 i ride it again. that could end up being deadly. anyone know the cost to fix something like that.......i would hate to see it be pricey as the blue book on these old gems isn't good.
     
  5. drewl

    drewl Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2007
    Messages:
    5,760
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Virginia Beach, Va
    Map
    Yeah, do not ride it to the shop!
     
  6. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Messages:
    13,741
    Likes Received:
    1,557
    Trophy Points:
    158
    Location:
    Chilliwack, BC Canada
    Map
    In my humble uneducated and non professional opinion, I agree with "DO NOT RIDE ANYMORE" That crack is damned near right through and the frame is being held together basicall by a thread. Trailer it to the sho and good luck. I believe it can be repaired without too much outlay of cash. Hopefully that is the only crack you have...I mean on the bike.
     
  7. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2009
    Messages:
    979
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Kansas City, USA
    Map
    Yep, do not ride that, it looks like the weld failed, you should be able to get them to grind it down and reweld it though.

    Make sure you check your engines mounts to the proper torque when you get it back together
     
  8. Jakobi

    Jakobi New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2009
    Messages:
    231
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Klamath Falls, OR
    The weld is fine. The surrounding material failed. This is exactly what you want to have happen with something that is welded. Regardless, don't ride the bike until you get it taken care of.

    -Jake
     
  9. Army86VFR750

    Army86VFR750 New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2008
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MD
    Thanks guys, I can always count on the forum. I had the local race bike builder look at it, and he said, believe it or not, that it's ok to ride, but not to abuse it. He said the way VFR's are assembled, the engine, frame, and subframe will support itself. That being said, don't think he's nuts. He did recommend not taking it on rough roads or long trips, racing, torqueing it up ect... and to keep an eye on it. He sent me to a shop I didn't even know existed in the area that builds hydra race boats and also does fab and repairs on aluminum, stainless, and moly tube. They said to take it apart, they will cut, weld, and put a plate on the back side, for about 50-75 bucks. They also said they'll check all the other welds and surrounding areas for stress.

    He did say the mounts were prob worn too. When I get back, that'll be a good winter project. Maybe I can find a frame in the next year.

    I know the PO said he laid it down in a slow low end bike vs car. Maybe that did it, or it could just be because its 25 years old, has track time, and has provide a great life for all...
     
  10. Army86VFR750

    Army86VFR750 New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2008
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MD
    All said, I think i'll just store it and look forward to deploying. 56 more days....
     
  11. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2009
    Messages:
    979
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Kansas City, USA
    Map
    You are correct, looking at it closer the weld didn't fail.
     
  12. Army86VFR750

    Army86VFR750 New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2008
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MD
    it must be fate, I was able to get a 86 VFR750 frame from BillPhil for 99.00 plus 42.00 shipping. Looks like a nice long relaxing winter of restoration when I get back. With 63k, i'm sure some parts could use some TLC and a fresh coat of epoxy paint or powdercoat. Bearings, rubber, ...
     
  13. The_Hamster

    The_Hamster New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2010
    Messages:
    82
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Can't get that ground away and then welded back up nicely?
     
  14. McViffer

    McViffer New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2008
    Messages:
    173
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    I have an extra 86 RC24 frame with clean title in the rafters. I cant really afford to give away my spares right now, but $100 + shipping from California and its yours.
     
  15. Army86VFR750

    Army86VFR750 New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2008
    Messages:
    137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    MD
    I'm sure I could have gotten it repaired, but with a fresh frame, it'll be a better look. Plus, there is some areas such as where the PO didn't have a vent tube on the battery and acid corroded the frame, some scaring from the before mentioned accident. I might just have it welded anyway and hang on to it until someone else needs one.
    @ McV- thanks for the offer, but like I said, ones on the way. Thanks again!
     
Related Topics

Share This Page