Topic: Chopped Frames - risk and insurance cvg

[gregory1975]

So...... I add a response to a thread in the for sale section in which someone else links to a custom mod'ed cb750 frame on craigslist and then tintin adds a response that intrigues me!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=48984.new;topicseen#new

I have been considering the idea of grabbing an ebay weld-on hardtail and doing what was meant to be done with it....but after reading tintin's response I want to hear from those with real welding/modifying/customizing experience....

I balance alot of the risk of riding a suicycle/donorcycle and the fact that something horrible ( but statistically unlikely ) could happen to me with the the fact that at least I pay for several times my annual salary in insurance which would leave my wife and child ( soon to be born) well better off than just even in the world of finances....

Tintin suggests two things... one is that a 'home welded' frame is that much ( how much? ) more likely to take a shizit while I am riding and then that my life insurance wouldn't cover it ...which I was using to make me feel better about riding around without a cage....

So, my obvious questions...
     - Are these weld ons really that poorly thought out?  Should I feel like I am taking that big a risk?
     - Would my insurance really deny my accidental death from an accident which was caused by mechanical failure with one of these frame mods?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/honda-cb750-sohc-hardtail-kit-NEW-IMPROVED_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem180342342278QQitemZ180342342278QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories


My favorite:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB750-Weld-on-Hardtail-Chopper-Bobber-Frame-750_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQhashZitem350135343182QQitemZ350135343182QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Inigo Montoya]

Well I say yes and no. If the frame is kept straight with suitable mount points for wheels and such and sufficient strength, then it should be fine.

If the kit is poorly executed, then it will be a danger to you and maybe others.

One thing to remember is that your riding style will have to change to suit the changes you make.

[fuzzybutt]

those weld on hardtails from tcbros choppers are a nice piece you have got to make VERY sure it's straight. double triple check then check again after tack welding before doing the final weld, then weld a little on one side then go to the other side to keep from warping anything with too much heat

[HavocTurbo]

I actually started out building bikes from junkyard heaps. Different engines in different frames and so on.

We built a square steel frame around the wheelbase of the bike. and then made jig attachments for placing axles.

It allowed us to solidly mount a frame (soon to be cut up) and then modify it to our heats content all the while keeping it straight.

Lots of people do home built weld on hard tails. Some do it right, some get in a hurry. Just take your time like Fuzzy says and keep track of all your measurements and it should turn out fine.

[fuzzybutt]

the guy  that is coming up from charleston to buy my 75 750f frame is putting a 450cc dirt bike motor into it and doing a bobber with the whole mess

[tramp]

i would wonder if the insurance co would even check for a modified frame
fuzzy
why would you put a 450 in a 750 frame?

[gregory1975]

I was going to get my brother who has been welding for at least 30 years to do the welding for me.  Now he has been welding plate and large pipe at ship yards and powerplants and such.. but I still think his ability will translate well enough... My OCD will guarantee that we get it straight - thanks for making sure I know how important that is 

Just how much strength/integrity does a weld made right in the middle of a frame tube have?  This one looks like I would be making the welds dead in the middle of the tubes.   It also looks to me like the picture is of the pieces just pushed up to each other and not even welded yet.  But from the advertisement; "guaranteed to be the strongest and best looking hardtail for the SOHC CB750 on the market".  Will this be true even though I would have chopped the two other supports on the left and right of the backbone away.  Was the frame on these things that over-engineered?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/honda-cb750-sohc-hardtail-kit-NEW-IMPROVED_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem180342342278QQitemZ180342342278QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

This one looks to me like it would be stronger since it joins on at points where there are so much larger surface areas in contact with one another.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB750-Weld-on-Hardtail-Chopper-Bobber-Frame-750_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQhashZitem350135343182QQitemZ350135343182QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories


My life insurance is not through my automotive policy and since there aren't Darwin clauses in it I shouldn't think twice about them not paying right?

   

[HavocTurbo]

Was the frame on these things that over-engineered?
My life insurance is not through my automotive policy and since there aren't Darwin clauses in it I shouldn't think twice about them not paying right?

The frame was seriously over engineered. They spared no expense making sure that the frame would hold up in all kinds of conditions.
A prime example of that mentality can be found in almost any Yamaha XS650 frame. TRIPLE SLEEVING!!!!

Heh Darwin clauses.... that's funny.

I do insurance estimates and repairs for bikers locally. It's been 8 years now.
In that time I have never been asked if the frame was modified and could that be the cause of breakage.

Now there are exceptions to that rule. If you made a trike out of it, or did something drastic, that would probably attract attention.

Around here, all they check for: Do the numbers on the title match the neck? And/Or engine if applicable?
Did the owner have insurance? It's a law around here.
And last but not least, is the bike salvageable, and if so does it exceed the current value of said bike.

That's it.

So feel free to die at your leisure. At least in Illinois anyway.  I'll make sure the insurance company pays out. 

[fuzzybutt]

i would wonder if the insurance co would even check for a modified frame
fuzzy
why would you put a 450 in a 750 frame?

i'm not doing it lol, this guy driving up from charleston is. i gather it's a 2 smoker too thats going in. as far as the insurance company i dont think theyre going to check it BUT if something happens and youre in a wreck i have to wonder how willing they'd be to pay off on a modified frame?

[HavocTurbo]

That's where Agreed Amount insurance policies come in.