Topic: Welding new crosspiece into frame CB550, opinions please

[-CB-Jamie-]

So I'm working on a cafe racer and I've cut my rear section of the frame off, I also cut out the cross piece that's about halfway back the frame so I can run a tray the full length of the frame and have lots of room for my battery and electrics. I got some mild steel pipe to weld in across the back of the frame to make up for the pieces I've cut out. So I'm just wondering do people think it will be strong enough where I'm planning to weld it, it fits in extremely well going straight across the inside where the shock mounts are. Would it be ok here or should I move it up so it goes across where the tubular steel parts of the frame come back?? If you understand what I'm saying 

Thanks, Jamie

Here's how my frame is at the moment all butchered.


And here's where I plan to weld in the pipe going across.

[Bankerdanny]

Probably more than you need.

You need to factor in tire clearance too. There is a reason that the part you cut off went up and not just straight across.

[Bankerdanny]

The fender mount he cut off was 2-3 inches higher than the way he has that replacement brace positioned. I can almost guaranty that at full suspension compression the tire will hit it.

[Djfob]

I used two flat bars just below the seat for extra clearance. I'd agree where you plan to brace the wheel may hit it especially if you plan on lowering your suspension.

[seanbarney41]

I really don't understand why people keep whacking off the stock crossbrace here.  Seems like it is a lot harder to fix the problems caused by the whacking than to design your seat so that the crossbrace is retained...










....huh huh, he said whacking

[cb650PK]

I really don't understand why people keep whacking off the stock crossbrace here.  Seems like it is a lot harder to fix the problems caused by the whacking than to design your seat so that the crossbrace is retained...

What he said.

[db22]

I was thinking of cutting my project bike's frame even closer to the shock mounts than Jamie has, and welding in Harisuluv's flipped-up rear hoop. My electrics will go in a plastic project box fixed to the seat mount that has already been welded just aft of the tank. I assume since Harisuluv is an experienced customizer, and several forum members have reported good results with his tubing, that he uses Cromoly or some other appropriate tube stock for his cafe hoops. Jamie, look him up on the forum and check out his pre-formed frame parts. Should be no tire clearance issue. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[lucky]

Before any welding can take place it needs to be sanded down to clean shiney metal.