Gusseting

[Mika]

I am looking for information on gusseting frames.

I remember an article in ON in the last couple of years but have not found it in my stack, I mean ON archive. I have checked the article index and did not find it. Anyone remember it?

Any other resouce ideas would be appreciated.

[sgborgstrom]

A bit more information about your project might help, are you working on an oilhead, air head or brick?

What is your intention? Additional stiffness or strengthening a weak point?

Steve

[Hodag]

jeepers the guy gets a bypass and now is looking to gusset his frame?

[Mika]

I am thinking in terms of the rear sub frame of my Roadster. I am a big man and when I carry camping/trip gear push the gvwr of the bike. Just looking to strengthen the sub frame a bit.

Mark I have time to think about all the things I would like to do to the bike. I can only read until April but then I can get the bike in the garage and spend the next couple of months in rehab working on the bike before I get my riding ticket in May/June.

There was an article in ON that talked about gusseting an airhead GS frame. I would like to track that down. I also have been re-reading my copy of the 1st edition of Motorcycle Handling and Chasis Design by Tony Foale.

Mark - think swag capacity

Thanks for you help with this day dream / project planning

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

M1Ka...take a look at this article that you may find worthwhile reading...hope you continue to get better:

http://www.tonyfoale.com/Articles/Frame.mod/KawaMods.htm

http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/tech%20section%20and%20issues/frame%20strengthening/frame%20strengthening.htm

[sgborgstrom]

You mean this bad boy?
http://www.ascycles.com/Illustrated_catalog/r1150r(00-up)/images/r1150r(00-up)108.gif

That could be interesting.

So, it's 0300 and I'm sitting at work so I can't actually see the whole bike but I'd be thinking about creating a nice little truss out of that back section. Tie it into the loop and tie that back into the lower mounting point. A few feet of 3/16" pencil rod and your Roadster starts looking Italian.

Steve

[Mika]

Yes that is the object of my conjector.

In my readings of other peoples travels and tails of misadventures it is the rear sub frame that lets them down structurally. As stated before I am a big guy and with camping gear I stay within the gvwr but would like to add a margin of safety. I figure there are two ways to increase the margin 1) lighten the load and 2) strengthen the rig. I am working on #1 and am at the pruposeful wondering stage about #2.

[CustomSarge]

If you Really want to gusset the frame junctions, be prepared to strip the frame & (re)powdercoat it. IMHO, there won't be a good substitute.

I made (obviously) major restructurings to the K75KS, a full strip & powdercoat was part of that tour. It's not difficult, just a PITA to sandblast & prep.

There may be ways to structurally enhance a frame without welding, but it'd be a challenge. Bulk & possibilites of slippage being two easy downsides.

For simple angular reinforcements, I could see local strip/weld/paint; but it won't have the surface integrity of powdercoat (but a LOT easier).

Note from a Martian... How about Really changing the frame for better bags, trunk, floorboards, forward controls......
Oh, sorry, the thorazine is taking hold...forget what that other guy said...

It's Your Bike... Season to Taste... G.H. <<<)))

P.S. Kick up a PM/Email if I can help.

[sgborgstrom]

I saw this picture and it reminded of your gusset project
http://kidd.smugmug.com/photos/55286483-M.jpg

Looks like BMW decided to do something about the weak-link rear subframe. Somehow I don't think the parts will retrofit though.

Steve