Author Topic: Frame Problem!  (Read 3317 times)

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Offline SteveRogers

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Frame Problem!
« on: March 07, 2011, 07:31:02 AM »
So i just purchased a 1977 CB550 over the weekend and have started the tear down. Everything was looking normal until I found a inconsistency with the frame. I will try and post a picture but I don't know what to do, does this mean I have to get another frame?

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff518/anonymous_figure_x/550frame.jpg

Offline underachiever

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2011, 08:03:12 AM »
At first it looked like the front tank rubber stud was broken off and just replace with a threaded bolt further down.

Then I noticed what looks like a big ol' piece of frame missing between the headstock and the right front down tube. I'm not saying it can't be fixed. But not knowing what caused it to get like that in the first place, or being able to ensure proper alignment and strength through what is arguably a very important part of the frame, makes me think you need to speak to a framebuilder and take their opinion to heart.

It would suck to have to scrap the frame, but worse yet is to ride an unsafe bike.

tony

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2011, 08:05:51 AM »
Yeah, both sides are like this, its very apparent it has been cut.

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2011, 08:12:56 AM »
Holy cow!
Can you get better photos?
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline 754

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2011, 08:14:14 AM »
 If the numbers are good, try to save it.
 I am not clicking on the link, sounds like there is a jole cut into frame in tank area?.. I have a 78 550 neck, may be able to cut out the pieces if you want OEM look.
 Welding the frame? Weld, then check, not all stock ones are dead straight.

 POST YOUR DAMN LOCATION, is that blunt enough?  ;)
« Last Edit: March 07, 2011, 08:17:47 AM by 754 »
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
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My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2011, 08:16:28 AM »
I'll post better ones when I get home, had to leave and blow of some steam.

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2011, 08:20:33 AM »
I'll post better ones when I get home, had to leave and blow of some steam.

Been there man.  
Like when I found the cracked engine case after I bought it...

That cut looks recent, no rust.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2011, 08:24:36 AM by CycleRanger »
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline 754

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #7 on: March 07, 2011, 08:22:11 AM »
 I see the pics now, You need the 2 pcs of the top of downtube, and some thin sleeves to put inside the joint when you weld them on..
 looks to me like they were prepping to rake the frame..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #8 on: March 07, 2011, 08:28:02 AM »
I'm sorry rake?

Offline MCRider

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #9 on: March 07, 2011, 08:35:21 AM »
Rake = the angle of the steering head. Sometimes changed, kicked forward to accomodate an exended front end. Chopper stuff.  A good machinist/welder can fix what you have, it may be better afterwards, stiffer. $100-$200 bucks. (guessing)
« Last Edit: March 07, 2011, 08:38:30 AM by MCRider »
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1988 NT650 HawkGT;  1978 CB400 Hawk;  1975 CB750F -Free Bird; 1968 CB77 Super Hawk -Ticker;  Phaedrus 1972 CB750K2- Build Thread
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Offline Really?

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #10 on: March 07, 2011, 08:36:30 AM »
Looks like a wholse section of the frame is missing.  I wonder if the PO has the missing pieces.
I don't have a motorcycle, sold it ('85 Yamaha Venture Royale).  Haven't had a CB750 for over 40 years.

The Wife's Bike - 750K5
The Kid's Bike - 750K3

Offline 754

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #11 on: March 07, 2011, 08:38:23 AM »
Rake = neck angle..

 On chopper & bobbers , and for certain types of racing, neck angle is increased or decreased..... yours is ready to do if so desired..
 You may actually be able to trade it for an uncut one, to someone wanting to rake theirs.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline 754

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #12 on: March 07, 2011, 08:41:42 AM »
There is other reasons for those to be cut, like forward stretch, or up stretch, but if you did not know rake, not gonna explain those terms..
 Remember I have them bits that are missing..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #13 on: March 07, 2011, 08:46:24 AM »
I will contact the PO but I'm fairly fairly sure it was not his doing, was pretty clueless when we spoke, ill check the second option, I may get lucky and find someone rolling.to trade. Basic, knowledge I have. My previous bikes where ninjas and cbrs. This will be structurely sound of I plugged, those pieces in?

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #14 on: March 07, 2011, 09:10:41 AM »


 POST YOUR DAMN LOCATION, is that blunt enough?  ;)

Lol sorry eastern michigan

bollingball

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #15 on: March 07, 2011, 09:13:51 AM »
Damn I hope you didn't drive that thing home ;D Is the motor hanging down in the front? Better take up 754's offer or get another frame

Offline JLeather

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #16 on: March 07, 2011, 09:22:29 AM »
I assume this came with a title.  That frame is not a difficult repair for someone who can weld, especially if you have access to another frame to cut a replacement piece from (I'm sure someone on here will cut it out and send it to you for practically free from a junk frame).

That's not a recent job, because they painted over the part of the neck where that tube went before.  My guess is it was actually ridden like this.  The tank mount was relocated lower; perhaps they had a tank that didn't fit so they removed those pieces of tubing so the tank sat level?  The neck is still attached to the downtubes fairly securely, what you're now lacking is any torsional stiffness in the neck.

Personally I'd fix it if it had a title.  If it's un-titled, it's scrap.

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #17 on: March 07, 2011, 09:30:11 AM »
Clean title and it was a tank that was from a different bike, the fit was embarrassing. So it looks as if I need some frame pieces and a decent pair of hands.

Offline 754

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #18 on: March 07, 2011, 09:37:24 AM »
Steve, got your location now. Let me look at neck today, see of I can trim it smaller. Can probably ship by mail.
 I would post a thread here or in Projects, seeing if someone planning to rake theirs can maybe trade..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline crazypj

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #19 on: March 07, 2011, 09:41:16 AM »
It looks to me like some know nothing dimwit wanted to fit a longer tank so just chopped section of frame out.
 The fact it's painted doesn't look like it was done for a neck angle alteration
 Did you buy it as a 'unfinished project'?
I fake being smart pretty good
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nomad

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #20 on: March 07, 2011, 09:44:47 AM »
If it's what you're needing and you're willing to drive a few hours...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/2246481657.html


Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #21 on: March 07, 2011, 09:45:18 AM »
The PO said he bought it like it was said he drove it around 2 years prior and than put it away. I knew there where issues, but now with this who knows what else there is.

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #22 on: March 07, 2011, 09:46:23 AM »
Oh good eye I wonder if he will part with just the frame.

Offline apex_seeking

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #23 on: March 07, 2011, 09:47:33 AM »
Ahhhh....the infamous PO strikes again!

nomad

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #24 on: March 07, 2011, 09:56:24 AM »
Oh good eye I wonder if he will part with just the frame.

You might be able to buy it all, keep the frame, sell off the other parts you didn't need and come close to getting the frame for free.  Or you'd have a parts bike to steal from.

nomad

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #25 on: March 07, 2011, 11:07:30 AM »
More:

I also have a spare frame (no title on spare frame)...
http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mcy/2252064525.html

-------------------------------------

http://tippecanoe.craigslist.org/mcy/2205911937.html

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #26 on: March 07, 2011, 11:13:37 AM »
I will be calling tonight thanks a ton.

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #27 on: March 09, 2011, 09:41:22 AM »



nomad

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #28 on: March 09, 2011, 10:07:27 AM »
I saw that you're looking for a welder in another thread... could you not find another frame?  Btw, in the bottom picture, why does the right tank rubber appear to be hanging lower than the left one?

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #29 on: March 09, 2011, 10:33:57 AM »
I couldn't find one that would constitute the drive, my only vehicle happens to be a hummer, and gas prices and me aren't on talking terms. I'm not sure those are supposed to be there to begin with, that looks as if they where PO made. The tank it came with was not stock so my theory is they POtified in order to make it work.

Offline Roach

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #30 on: March 09, 2011, 11:05:11 AM »
i thought all hummer drivers liked spending there money on gas... all jokes aside

i think you need to think about spending some money on the drive to get a good frame
if there are a couple around jump on it they wont be there for long and it could take along time to get another one

1978 CB550K Cafe Racer

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #31 on: March 09, 2011, 11:13:59 AM »
Nomad, I saw your ad. I grew up in Mokena so it caught my eye.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

nomad

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #32 on: March 09, 2011, 11:16:11 AM »
Nomad, I saw your ad. I grew up in Mokena so it caught my eye.

Those weren't my ads.  I just found them on CL and posted them here for Steve to check in to.  I'm actually in North Carolina.

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #33 on: March 09, 2011, 11:19:21 AM »
Ah, I wondered about the mismatch.

The one in Illinois is the town next to where I grew up. It's funny though, my family also had a cottage not far from the location in the Indiana ad.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline SteveRogers

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #34 on: March 09, 2011, 11:31:30 AM »
Well 754 said he could mail me the peices that I need, thats the cheapest route at the moment. I just need a some welding expertise.


Offline Roach

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #35 on: March 09, 2011, 01:51:18 PM »
i just find it so strange to why the PO would do that....the things PO's do i guess : :(
1978 CB550K Cafe Racer

Offline apex_seeking

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #36 on: March 09, 2011, 03:02:58 PM »
I think it's crazy that the PO rode it like that!

Offline 754

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Re: Frame Problem!
« Reply #37 on: March 09, 2011, 08:17:52 PM »
Steve, I can cut them off around the tach cable area, if that is what you want, then you shorten to fit. Then I can cut around the weld at the upper end of the flattened tube (part you are missing).  I can maybe cut out the tank mount pin or just whip up a new one, then you drill yours out, slip the new one in and weld in place..
 I saw your note we can figure that out next couple days..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way