XB Frames are they repairable or only replaceable???

[SonderMann]

Hi everyone,

Saw so many dented Buell XB frames . Seems like it is a weak point of the bike. One unlucky drop to the side and it is doone.

Sure FRAME PUCKS and SLIDERS is a must. But many people already suffered from this problem.

I guess it takes so many troubles replacing one and I do not know how in States but in Ukraine it will cause you TONNS of troubles and paperwork to replace the frame since the bike is registered in corresponding authorities by the VIN marked on the frame.

Has anyone tried to have the XB frame repaired and what are the pros and cons of this idea???
Any experience??? I have an idea to buy a wrecked Buell XB since it is prised cheaper but do not know if it is worth thinking of it.

 

[J_Undisputed]

It would depend on the damage. If its just a rounded dent that came from a tip over and not involving any corners or seams... There have been quite a few people that just sanded, then used a body filler to cover the dent and repainted.

If its been dragged or ground away, it may be hard to tell how thick the aluminum is at that part and how it could affect the structural integrity of the tank. Using dent pullers and slide hammers and the like can create stress on the metal and make things worse than having left the dent and filling it in with bondo. (if you're old school, you could use lead, but I would avoid using the torch on a tank).

You should pressure test the tank either way before deciding to work on it. You don't want to fill over a hairline crack and then find out latter when you see the paint bubbling etc. Something like the dent above may be hard to mask because it affects the profile on that edge. Rather than trying to take hammer too it, your best bet would be to try and use filler to recreate the profile of edge at the point where it (the dent)sticks out the furthest and hope noone notices.

Just my thoughts.

 

[vanson1200r]

So on this subject, what is the best way to protect a frame fron a slow speed get off? Mine has the stock pucks on it but what else can I do to protect it?

 

[SonderMann]

Try RnG Crash protectors

rng-racing

Or LsL Crash protectors

 

[mc4life27]

has anyone ever have one of these set ups on and dropping the bike? how did it hold up?

 

[wolfo68]

the cages hold up really well

 

[squidbuellie]

yes as long as it doesn't have a hole in it.
i wouldn't use the r&l or the lsl if you come down on them hard on the right side you will bust your motor mount or even worse break the head and motor mount(and yes i have seen it happen)

 

[SonderMann]

i wouldn't use the r&l or the lsl if you come down on them hard on the right side you will bust your motor mount or even worse break the head and motor mount(and yes i have seen it happen)

Always suspected about that but now this fact is even proven.
Thanks for that info Squidbuellie.

 

[BRatigan]

It seems to me that you could purge any fuel and vapors from the frame and then cut it and weld it, that it could work. The frame is welded anyway, so welding can be an option. Welding also softens the Aluminum at the weld so that is something to consider. If you pull the dent then the Aluminum would be work hardened and it could break easier at the stress locations. There has to be a happy medium. If in doubt go to a machine shop that has experience with Aluminum fabrication and run it by them for more input. Remember that if you are going to weld the frame the inside must be purged using argon so the interior weld does not crystalize, more weakness.

BR

 

[SonderMann]

t seems to me that you could purge any fuel and vapors from the frame and then cut it and weld it, that it could work. The frame is welded anyway, so welding can be an option. Welding also softens the Aluminum at the weld so that is something to consider. If you pull the dent then the Aluminum would be work hardened and it could break easier at the stress locations. There has to be a happy medium. If in doubt go to a machine shop that has experience with Aluminum fabrication and run it by them for more input. Remember that if you are going to weld the frame the inside must be purged using argon so the interior weld does not crystalize, more weakness.

BR

Billions of thanks for your reply BRatigan [up][up][up]

Rep point for your answer!!!

I also thought about cutting and welding the damaged part of frame by professional welders.
In addition to that I thought about making a solid form repeating the Side Shape (Left and RIGHT) of the unbroken frame. In fact two different XB S and XBSs frame forms. Perhaps it could help to restore broken/dented frames.
However we have too few XB's in Ukraine to start doing at least ZERO profit business on that in order just to save some bikes with broken frames from tearing them apart (parting out) like dead bodies.

Perhaps this idea would be of use here in this forum for those who is good at it.

Take care of your XB's guys 'cause I will purchase one of yours one day

 

[SonderMann]

Oh by the way... Did any one with broken frame asked Verlicchi (Buell XB frame manufacturer Verlicchi - Buell XB frame manufacturer ) about possibility to restore broken frames?

May be it could work (sending broken frame for repair to the manufacturer)

 

[iman501]

I bondoed mine

 

[jeremie91]

Fill it, then put a carbon fiber guard over it. the kind that covers the whole side of the frame. OR...fill it and put a new puck over it. Sometimes you can get away with just putting a rubber puck over it with no fill needed.