small rust holes in frame - what to do?

got the frame stripped down to get it shined up and repainted, and I notice a couple small holes in the bottom of the left hand side of the frame, from where it looks like there's been water in the frame.

Based on where they are, I don't think they're weakening it too much, as most of the strength comes from the sides of the tubes, not the bottom, but I also really hate to just leave it like it is.

Thinking about welding some reinforcement in there or something. Or do you think it would be fine to just clean it up real good, protect it with something, and leave it be?

For reference, it's a 1982 XJ650RJ SECA. I did some looking around and didn't find any new frames for sale (they seem rather uncommon compared to the Maxims).





What would you guys do, in this situation?

 

That pipe rusts from the inside out so its much worse than it looks some folks have had there bikes fall over when on the side stand because the pipe gave way right in that area

 

The only problem with holes anywhere in the frame is that's where the worst rust is, not usually where it all is. The whole bottom on that side may be rusted almost all the way through. Do a search on Craigslist and make a wanted to buy post for a frame. Maybe someone on here has one? You could also weld a larger diameter "half" tube to the bottom of yours or just cut the bad part out and replace it. Maybe use a small mirror to look up the rest of the tube for more rust? Frame rust-through always make me nervous...

 

here's a question: do the XJ650J SECA turbo and XJ650RJ SECA use the same frame?

 

Attack that rust spot with a hammer & chisel, knock out all the weak stuff then weld in a 'gussett'. Drill a few small hole along from that spot to act as weep hole for any future ingress & it will also give you an indication of the wall thickness.

 

I owuldn't worry about just a few spots like that. As long as you re-enforce it with some welding, it should be alright. I would drill a few holes in the bottom lowest spots on the frame for water to drain out as long as it can get in there.