How many of u guys has built a one off subframe? Im in the process of choppin my subframe off and building a new one for a one off tail, but the problem now is the person doing the welding whos supposed to be a very good aluminum welder said that its gonna be a liability issue for him cuz welding is going to weaken the frame and hes worried it might break or somthin..........

I know people have done this all over the world, i see them all over the streetfighter websites in europe...

So what do u guys say ? has anyone welded a subframe and had no problems?? let me know.
Your input and help is greatly appreciated

Thanx fellaz...

If your welder is worried about liability go to one that is confident in his work. I use a guy that builds boats. He is a certified welder and his work looks great. Where you are welding there is not a big problem with the frame breaking anyway.

Bones is spot on ,
the rest of your ally frame is welded together as standard - does this mean it's weak too ?
i dont think so..........

sounds to me like they're making a big deal out of it - if they're not confident about their own work , then i'd take it someplace else.

in the past , i've made my own subframes from both alloy and steel - then bolted them to the frame , via 'tabs' that i've welded onto the frame.

i've never had a problem with strength - and i'm not exactly a 'featherweight' kinda guy ! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

Lee

He may think it will need heat treating after welding, point out it doesn't and he might change his tune.

ummm.....errrrr...... HUH??

i`m a ali welder by trade and have done mine no probs all i did was wedge a block of wood between the uprights to stop any heat pull but it never shifted i took measurments b4 & after

Some Aluminium alloys need heat treating to restore there strength after welding some don't.

Well, i took the plunge today and hacked the subframe off, i left 10 " of the top tube and chopped the bottom tube completley. im just gonna weld two tubes, one going to each of the top ones and kida box it....its a tiny tail that im putting on (solo) so the subframe im building is onnly gonna be about 10" long, or more like short, so it should be sturdy....... hopefully it'll hold up.

Sikpup.... how do i know if the aluminum used on my subframe needs to be heat treated or not??

Anyways, later on or whenever im done and have the tail on, i'll post some pics...........if anyone is interested..

Thanx for the replies fellaz http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Later..........

whereabouts are you in UK Gusset2? (just asking you undestand, no particular reason http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bounce.gif)

Kurt

The Alloy used on the old oil cooled frames work hardens by itself and if I remember rightly takes less that a week to do so. I think its 6000 alloys that need to be heated after welding (T6?). It is hard to tell what the alloy used is when you can only look at something and maybe the welder was just being cautious than again maybe he is crap but at least he was honest.

If your only looking at 10 inch extensions your not gonna put much leverage type force on the subframe so I really doubt you will have a problem.

does that mean i should not ride my bike for a week after im done welding the subframe ??

As I understand it though I could well be wrong yes leave it a week or so to work harden. The best person to ask on this would be a welder.