Cracked frame

[Lloydo]

I recently noticed that my frame is cracked in two places. One, directly behind the left side mount for the seat, and on the other side, about 3"- 4" further back, just before the turn signal mount. The cracks are almost completly through, the only thing stopping the fender, etc. from completely breaking off is a bracket the side bags rested on. That runs from before the seat mounts, to the end of the fender. The previous owner had fabricated brackets to mount a set of Venture side bags & trunk, I wonder now if that wasn't too much weight. It's a '79 XS 11.......Is it possible to have the cracked areas welded? If so, should I be concerned about the integrity of that area? Would a good bike shop be able to do it, or should I go straight to a welding shop? The frame looks ok everywhere else, I just think the bags & trunk where too much weight back there. Thanks for any advice.

[Dennyz]

Welding up the cracks should be no big deal. The frame is mild steel and is easy to weld. Of course, everything will need to be removed from around the area to be welded. The weld will be as strong as the rest of the frame.

A welding shop would be your best bet.

[Pat Kelly]

I would think welding that part of the frame would be straightforward as it's not stressed in relation to suspension. Around a shock mount or at/between motor mounts I'd be more concerned as to the quality of the weld.

(not sure why I chimed in, guess I'm bored...beautiful day and I'm stuck home with the kids)

[Lloydo]

Thanks to both of you for the replys, I did speak to a friend of mine who could weld it for cheap, but I'd have to ride it to his job. Problem is, I took the luggage rack off, and the left side piece "fell" off. Seems the framing for the rack was all that was holding that side together, the crack was all the way through. I went all the way & took the fender, wheel "well" , etc. off around the area, and shouldn't ride it now. Unless he can bring equipment from work, I'll have to find someone with portable equip., or trailer it to him. I'll post again to let you all know what happens!

[Geezer]

I'd recomend looking into why it broke in the first place. That is a real unusual place to have problems. Maybe you should either add bracing or a rack sysem tha spreads the load out better.

Just stuff to think about.

Geezer

[fusionking]

ditto!

[Lloydo]

Thanks again to all who responded. I've got it all welded together again, a buddy of mine did it at his shop, I just had to get it out there. As to why it cracked there, I really believe it was a matter of too much weight in side bags, trunk, etc., & the way it was all mounted. Seems like the previous owner had everything kind of "extended" a little further back than normal, & perhaps not braced up enough. Plus, the shocks were bad when I got it, so I could see the bike bottoming out, and all that weight hammering down, stressing those areas. I've been wanting to do something different as far as bags go anyway, I guess this is a good time. All that stuff's not going back on!
One thing I learned....... don"t ride in the rain withought a fender & skirt, water & electrical stuff don't play well. Let's just say it was an adventure getting it to his shop!