05 XB12R- IS THIS BIKE TOTALED?

[cm0toole]

I bought the bike all of 2 days before my ex-gf (an experienced rider) hit a pothole and lost control (she is ok).
After removing the rear fairing, I discovered this:

Aside from this, the bike is essentially fine. It would need a new shifter, grips, and a lever. The fairings aren't even scratched. My question is: Is this crack a deal-breaker? The part that broke is on the main frame, which is my concern. Further, if it is fixable-is it feasible? I'm not willing to pour a bunch of cash into a broken bike, but if it can be fixed for a few hundred bucks (aside from the parts I mentioned) I would seriously consider keeping it. Any advice is appreciated- thanks guys.

Conor

 

[PaulPud]

I've seen people just make I mount out if weld then drill and tap it. It will work but I wouldn't ride two up on a repaired frame.

 

[d_adams]

Yes, it can be repaired by a competent tig welder. It's not in a section that contains fuel, so it's just the sub-frame structure that needs repaired. If I were to do it, the frame would come off, get stripped completely, grind out the broken section, build it back up with a tig welder, grind it smooth, drill and tap the place it needs to be mounted, then repaint the frame again. The cheap way would be skip the paint removal except for where you have to weld it and then rattle can it to the original color.

It would be a fair bit of work and I'd only do it if it were MY personal bike where the liability would remain with myself if it broke again for whatever reason.

 

[08herobolt]

Conor, my bigger question is why did you let your ex-girlfriend ride your bike?

 

[cm0toole]

@08herobolt valid.

 

[Notorious]

I smell sabotage.

Jk jk I'm glad she is ok and hopefully you can get it fixed with spending a ton.

 

[go cytocis]

Insurance will likely write it off because of the frame damage. As adams mentioned above, it's repairable but it's a liability issue for whoever repairs it, so you'll be challenged to find anyone willing to take on that risk.

I've seen aluminum-frame bikes written-off with less damage than you've got.

 

[cm0toole]

@go_cytosis the bike was not insured. I'd had it not even 2 days and purchased it to sell at a profit- it wasn't a bike I was planning to keep. The only reason we were even riding it is because I'd just changed the oil and needed to warm it up to check oil levels. So that's where the question comes from- I either have a $4000 pile of junk or something I can spend a little more on to keep for myself.

 

[Shawns]

You might be better just parting it out. Unless you know a competent welder.

 

[Shawns]

It's not killing.... Maybe organ donating. Some things just can't be repaired economically. If he has the means then do it, if not.... Hate to hear of another rider going down.

 

[Internet Annoyance]

TIG welding would be an excellent method of repair, a competent welder could do that in their sleep,, im thinking $20 if you cleaned it up and stripped off the parts around it, but $40 to $60 to be generous. Biggest issue is fuel in the frame,, even though the repair isnt in a fuel containment area, some welders might be hesitant to do so unless the system drained and flushed,, so a bit of labor, so what? shouldnt be a big deal. Might want to brace both those mount areas while you are at it..

So lets say, you are in a isolated area without welding equipment, or transportation, and your only resources are a set of craftsman hand tools, a debit/credit card and a internet connection, so what to do? Order another frame, people part these things out all the time, swap over your parts to another frame, and you could be back on the road in a weekend of wrench time. But the weld repair would be far simpler,,,

I just do not understand why anyone would part out a bike over such an issue but perhaps thats just me and my outdated mindset.

 

[cm0toole]

Thanks for your help guys. I have decided to repair it! I was either out $4000 or a $500 investment away from having a running bike. No brainer when I thought of it that way. I appreciate your opinions, started looking for TIG welders yesterday.

 

[snrusnak]

Definitely have that welded then drill and tap. A good welder can do that easily. My buddy has a TIG and we are far from professionals but I'd even attempt that myself.

 

[Cosworth]

Thats not a difficult weld to make, have someone fill it in the re-drill and tap it. Just make sure its someone that feels confident, if the metals not prepared correctly it'll crack again.

 

[Internet Annoyance]

+1 for stepping up and deciding to fix it. thats what i like to see.[up]

Yes, a improper weld will be dangerous and screw it up so find a experienced and knowledgeable welder. while you are at it you might ask about bracing the area with perhaps some T6 alloy angle bracket material,, it would strengthen the bracket/tab, spread out the load/stresses and give you peace of mind, and if done right would look factory. Well done fabrication is a beautiful thing

 

[WIGGLE2]

I Agree with Dean on this for sure. Everyone knows someone......meaning, talk with the guys you ride with, work with, whatever....ask around. You WILL find someone who can can fix it. But also beware, (as somone else also mentioned)....just because he SAYS he can fix it, doesn't always mean much. Do your research, get a good welder and FIX IT! :

 

[Draxsonimy]

I'll take the front faring stay, headlights, and clip ons, and fairing

 

[cm0toole]

@Internet_Annoyance you are awesome my man. Have a couple welders on deck, just need transportation for the bike. It is stripped and ready; another subframe is on its way (original was bent). NOW I just want to upgrade everything while the bike is out of action. "Budget" is a four-letter word sometimes. hehe

 

[Internet Annoyance]

great to hear, keep in mind to manage the project so its achievable, many people get in deep into a project and give up because it seems insurmountable,

Im really upset right now as i sold a guy a 1957 Triumph project, its a long story but the short version is he cant figure out how to work on it so now he is parting it out, I had another guy lined up who DID know how to work on it and would have been on the road by now, but Noooooo!... so i am glad yours isnt being parted out. post a pix or 2 when you can [up]