So I ran into something interesting today when going to put a rear hoop / loop on one of my 550's. I found the stock frame tubes extend to different lengths when I chopped the rear horns off and exposed them. Havnt seen that before. Have done one hoop job before not on a Honda. I've measured it 10 times they are in fact different lengths. Pics attached
I've got two ways I can think of to go about this but if anyone has suggestions please lmk
1.) cut the hoop un even so that one end extends farther to reach where it needs to butt up. Use a rotary tool to trim back the un even side so I can get a good weld on there.
2.) cut back the tube. Cutting open from the tops evenly. Leaving the hoop the same lengths. And then pushing the hoop slugs into the "slots" I've created so I can get an even weld on both.
I'm leaning towards option 1. Structurally it sounds like it would hold better? But I've haven't done a lot of welding on frames especially where frame integrity is so important. So I'm asking you guys. Help appreciated.
The bikes one of my dailys, for those interested. Have been procrastinating on hooping her and I decided today was the day. She's 605 bored, hot cam, Showa gsxr front end conversion and a blast to ride.