Frame swap CRF450 03

[zman]

While doing some service on my buddies bike we noticed a crack by one of the welds
Hes gonna get a frame but he was asking if he could use a newer frame to get a more modern plastics or should he just stick to a 02-04 frame

[flipside]

While doing some service on my buddies bike we noticed a crack by one of the welds
Hes gonna get a frame but he was asking if he could use a newer frame to get a more modern plastics or should he just stick to a 02-04 frame

You could have it welded?

[Shamus]

You could do a frame upgrade, but you'd basically be buying a roller because they changed a shit load of stuff from 04 to the new gen 05. And in 06 they rolled the engine forward in the mounts, so You'd want to go at least that new. But the swing arm is different the shock is a different length.

Dont get an 02 frame. The sub frame is not the same although it'd be green sticker at that point, which seems to carry more in pricing.

Flipside has the best idea I think. Get it welded.

[zman]

Hummm didnt know the Alum frames could get welded ...

[Zeke27G]

My boy can weld anything...

[zman]

My boy can weld anything...

I did that once and it was the worst sunburn i ever had

[Poolio]

My boy can weld anything...

Wow he's growin fast holy shit

[thariddla]

Hummm didnt know the Alum frames could get welded ...

"Blasphemy" - Slayer66

[nickvalve]

Yes frames can be welded . It is a very temporary fix and depending on the location of the crack , the handling and or feel will suffer. Aluminum frames ' wear ' out . These frames are put together , then heat treated to take out the stresses. Aluminum 'work hardens' from flexing , hence you see so many subframes and brackets cracking. Early [ 02--4 honda frames develop cracks up near the spar where the upright spars are attached ] quite common . When you weld on them , you upset the heat treatment in the immediate area and the cracks will continue. I would only fix one if it was intended to be replaced very soon. p.s. there is a different filler rod recommended for heli-arcing those frames.

[socal18]

Yes frames can be welded . It is a very temporary fix and depending on the location of the crack , the handling and or feel will suffer. Aluminum frames ' wear ' out . These frames are put together , then heat treated to take out the stresses. Aluminum 'work hardens' from flexing , hence you see so many subframes and brackets cracking. Early [ 02--4 honda frames develop cracks up near the spar where the upright spars are attached ] quite common . When you weld on them , you upset the heat treatment in the immediate area and the cracks will continue. I would only fix one if it was intended to be replaced very soon. p.s. there is a different filler rod recommended for heli-arcing those frames.

My '00 CR250 cracked near the headset/downtube area. We welded it, but you have to cut out the old weld first. That was about 5 years ago and my son still rides the bike. Never cracked again. If it's done right, it should be good for a long time.

Just in case though, I picked up a frame on fleabay last month.

[fishing fool]

While doing some service on my buddies bike we noticed a crack by one of the welds
Hes gonna get a frame but he was asking if he could use a newer frame to get a more modern plastics or should he just stick to a 02-04 frame

I have a 04 roller I'll sell you.

[Kelli]

I have an 02 450R frame for sale.

[DeSto]

Hummm didnt know the Alum frames could get welded ...

I've had my frame welded a few times