Topic: Chop frame support?

[Dr. Noisewater]

Heh guys, been awhile since I've been on here. I picked up a bobbed 750k8 a year ago and I've been continuing where the previous owner left off.

I had to source a new gas tank, and considering it's a bobber I went for a non-factory tank. My issue is it doesn't fit over the frame supports coming off the backbone near the coils. Picture is attached.

I know these supports are there for a reason, but would removing them make the bike unstable or squirrely?

Thanks for the input!

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[HondaMan]

Heh guys, been awhile since I've been on here. I picked up a bobbed 750k8 a year ago and I've been continuing where the previous owner left off.

I had to source a new gas tank, and considering it's a bobber I went for a non-factory tank. My issue is it doesn't fit over the frame supports coming off the backbone near the coils. Picture is attached.

I know these supports are there for a reason, but would removing them make the bike unstable or squirrely?

Thanks for the input!

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Yes, most noted when carrying loads or riding corners.
Consider this: when Honda built these bikes they were not a big company like they have become today (and that was BECAUSE OF these bikes...), and they never spent a Yen on anything they didn't absolutely have to to make it to market with a good reputation for safety. Others of the day (most notably Kawasaki) didn' do that, and the market shares that resulted still apply today.

Chopper riders, who rode in long-straight lines for the most part, cornering when forced to, would often cut off the lower 2 tubes altogether. You won't see very many of those bikes today.

[Kevnz]

Might be a better idea to reshape them so the tank will fit. Drop straight down and then kink out. Having a bend in them is not ideal engineering practice, but probably better than dispensing with them altogether. Whether you intend pushing the bike to the limit is irrelevant; you just might inadvertantly find yourself there, and then won't be the time to discover handling irregularities

[754]

I know these supports are there for a reason, but would removing them make the bike unstable or squirrely?

Not really. These frames are pretty flimsy things already and those flat pieces, while adding some rigidity, aren’t truly essential unless you’re pushing your bike to the limits on a track. Cut away…

They are not flat they bave a formed edge, a lot stiffer than a flat strap..

[scottly]

Not really. These frames are pretty flimsy things already and those flat pieces, while adding some rigidity, aren’t truly essential unless you’re pushing your bike to the limits on a track. Cut away…

So you are saying that since the frame is already "pretty flimsy", making it even less rigid is OK?? Didn't you recently say that adding a second front brake rotor to 35mm forks would cause them to fold up under hard braking?  

[samm_j2]

Can you cut them but add something similar elsewhere that will still fit under the tank? Another option would be to modify the tank... 

[754]

Welleed tubing was flat too then, but then they formed it...... just like the brace was formed from flat.
 Yeah you were right..

[Alan F.]

My suggestion is to look at the thread where the weldless frame kits are sold, perhaps cutting your frame for a weldless frame kit will allow you to mount the tank you have. Then if you or someone else ever wants to, the removed section can be added back with a frame kit?

[Kevnz]

In NZ, your suggested mod would require an engineer's report and subsequent official certification. That's probably of no interest to you, and indeed, if done covertly, would not be picked up during a normal 6 monthy roadworthiness inspection.
However, you can bet your left knacker, should you still be in possesion of it,  should the unthinkable happen, an insurance would gleefully use that as the perfect excuse to decline a claim. If that concerns you.