Frame modification

So today I purchased some parts from Chacal, its time to get the 82 750 max back out on the road. I pulled it out of storage and then had my heart broken. My frame is cracked. Just underneath the lower engine mount on riders left there is a crack. Its new to this season, I speculate that there was some water inside the frame and while the bike was on its kickstand the water pooled at the lowest spot. When freezing temps hit the ice expanded and busted through the weak point. please see the photo and tell me what you think. I can pull the mill and fix the frame, or I can listen to my gut and buy a new frame. Moneys tight but is a fixed frame strong enough? What am I to do?

 

I would just get a sectrion of frame from one of the guys here and section that part in. Worst case you will need to pull the engine and weld all the way around to get your frame back in shape. I would be looking above there to see where the water is getting in and causing that problem. Must be a bad weld or crack in the frame above that point.
Just put a ad in the wanted forum and I'm sure someones parts bike would be a good donor. Good Luck

 

I have a 750 Maxim frame sitting here (still has the old engine in it yet) that I have no use for. The only problem is... I'm in central Minnesota and your in Utah!!! Your welcome to it if you want to come and get it. >PD<

 

Just get it welded - that part of the cradle is between 2 engine mounts so it will not split in half or anything like that.

But yes - find out how the water is getting in and sort that out as well.

 

Or atleast drill a hole or two in the bottom of the frame rails so the water runs out before it gets a chance to freeze in there.
It could be welded with another piece cut and bent to the correct angle. I'd be tempted to do both sides if that's your stategy. If your going thru all the trouble of removing the engine, you may as well give the frame a little more backbone. Just a thought.

 

I would be very wary of that frame, if there is that amount of corrosion inside the frame, who knows the extent, you will have a job to find a welder willing to guarantee the repair, for safety sake find a new frame.

 

Makes sense Beef it up

 

I'd like to pull the motor and get a better look at everything. I figure I can remove a fair size portion around the hole to get a good look inside. Its in an awkward position, but I was hoping to put some solid roundstock inside the frame, a cover on that, and them maybe a gusset on the inside of the curve. I definitley need to find out how this happened.

I'll also be poking around the InnerMountainWest for a spare frame. I hate the idea of a weak frame. I may just pull the bike apart and make it into a 6 month rebuild project. This has blown my budget and pushed my suzuki bar bike build to the back of the list. Maybe its time to sell my buddy bike. (2001 KE-100)

Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

 

I know this doesn't help after the fact, but I've always garaged my bikes to keep them out of the weather.

 

Too bad your not closer, I'd get PainterD to get his sawsall out and cut that hunk of frame out and come down to my place. We could just cut out your frame and graft in a section. A litttle tig welder action and some black shaker can paint and you would be on your way

 

Now your thinkin'!! Too bad he's so far away.
Another idea, I could cut out the portion he needs and ship it to him I guess.

 

Yea then all he needs is someone who can weld and a can of paint

 

PD, I'll take you up on the offer. I can weld and in my younger years I may have spray painted a few things. PM me if your serious. I have to get the engine out first and the get the frame to the shop.

Hillsy If I had a garage I'd just have more toys that need more work. Oh well.....

 

Desertrat,
PM sent...

 

What are the possibilities of a 650 frame with the 750 motor. Or better yet could I chop the 650 frame to get the piece I need. Basically does anyone know if the engine mounts are the same between the 2 and does it change from year to year?

 

There's at least one guy on here that put a 750 motor in a 650 frame...so you should be able to put a 650 frame around a 750 motor.. :lol:

I think there is some minor part swapping needed on the engine...

 

I think the issue with the 750 in the 650 frame was placement of the shifter in relation to the foot peg.

 

I'm with Wiz. For it to pop through the metal like that it had to have been pretty corroded to begin with; otherwise the ice would have just expanded up the tube (the whole frame wasn't FULL of water, was it?)
If it's that thin there, who knows where else it might be rusted to paper-thinness. Fix that spot and it may fail somewhere else. I think you were just given a providential omen: You need a new frame. (Ok, not NEW new but not all rusted out either.) Not all that hard to find; somebody just had one up on eBay.

Maybe you can get PainterD to strip the frame and ship it to you. NOTE: You do not need to crate it. You can clean it, "mummify" it in brown wrapping paper and ship it. I've seen it done.

 

As far as I can see, they should be the same. I believe the difference in the engines are inside the block anyways, so the mounting demensions should be identical. Go for it!

 

I found a guy on Ebay with a 750 frame. It wasn't listed, but he was selling enough parts so I asked anyway. I think the only think to do is get a new frame. I wear a helmet and other protective gear, why risk a dodgy frame. It sounds like a 650 frame (although cheaper and easier to get) won't really workout. There are enough components I would have to hunt down to make an actual 750 frame more attractive. Hopefully the price is reasonable and the shipping isn't outrageouse.
I'll let you know what happens.

 

New frame = peace of mind. Can't argue with that :wink:

Maybe get a bike cover :lol:

 

No luck so far on finding a frame on the forum or ebay, but there are a few salvage yards with frames. The shipping is a bit spendy but I want to get it back on the road. So far the cheapest with title is about $250 to my door. Or waiting a few weeks to possibly have a friend pick one up and then swing through the middle of nowhere utah. If anyone has a better idea or suggestion, I'm all ears.

 

keep your headstock and fab up a hardtail.................... got to be the most fun solution

 

I have a 750 MAxim frame in good condition with an engine block still in it if you want to come and get it (Minnesota)

 

PD, I'd love the frame, but minnesota is just a bit to far.
project update:
I have a frame sitting in Il near my folks house. I'm also planning on visiting them in a few months with my commercial truck, load the frame and various other parts he has for me and don't mention it to my boss. All good other than having to wait until Sept to finish the rebuild. So far I've pulled it all apart, cleaned and painted a few things, ordered lots of parts for Chacal, rebuilt a few things, and started pretty complete check list of needed repairs. I have to go back to work on May 20th, I'll be on the road until Sept 20th, so no riding for me even if the bike was safe. I'll finish the bike in sept, ride oct and nov and then start the next project.
cheers

 

So you are going to make us wait till then?!