As I am sadly now essentially exiled from my garage workshop and, thus, my numerous unfinished projects, all I can do is ruminate about yet more potential projects...
However, one idea I've been thinking about is making a modification to my FP's frame, along the lines of what vfroem has done to his (which was to cut off part of the cast side plates, which made his frame more like that of the FR-FV), but my modification would likely require welding to support the (necessarily) somewhat weakened frame. I'd like to cut away the parts on both sides that block the view of the Ohlins (and, er, the heat from the rear pipes--but I'll wear my Kevlar undies). It would involve welding to the cast part, not the extruded frame spars, but as the cast part was actually welded to the spars at the factory, it must be possible.
Does anyone have any thoughts about welding, say, some bits of 3/8" alloy plate to the back of the cast part of the VFR750FL-P frame? Is it do-able? Are there large pitfalls awaiting? I'd like to know now, cuz once I apply hacksaw to frame, I'll be pretty much committed!
I have welded before, but based on some of the remaining evidence thereof, I can't really claim any degree of competence, so I would be seeking the services of a skilled welder to actually do the deed. I'll cut and shape the new parts to be welded onto the frame, so I'll only be out-sourcing the welding. Maybe I could do the tack-welding, though? I've got some welding kit, which I think includes some alloy rod and appropriate gas for my MIG, but I've never tried welding aluminum, so I'm a bit apprehensive about the whole idea. Anyway, TIA.
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JZH
As I am sadly now essentially exiled from my garage workshop and, thus, my numerous unfinished projects, all I can do is ruminate about yet more potential projects...
However, one idea I've been thinking about is making a modification to my FP's frame, along the lines of what vfroem has done to his (which was to cut off part of the cast side plates, which made his frame more like that of the FR-FV), but my modification would likely require welding to support the (necessarily) somewhat weakened frame. I'd like to cut away the parts on both sides that block the view of the Ohlins (and, er, the heat from the rear pipes--but I'll wear my Kevlar undies). It would involve welding to the cast part, not the extruded frame spars, but as the cast part was actually welded to the spars at the factory, it must be possible.
Does anyone have any thoughts about welding, say, some bits of 3/8" alloy plate to the back of the cast part of the VFR750FL-P frame? Is it do-able? Are there large pitfalls awaiting? I'd like to know now, cuz once I apply hacksaw to frame, I'll be pretty much committed!
I have welded before, but based on some of the remaining evidence thereof, I can't really claim any degree of competence, so I would be seeking the services of a skilled welder to actually do the deed. I'll cut and shape the new parts to be welded onto the frame, so I'll only be out-sourcing the welding. Maybe I could do the tack-welding, though? I've got some welding kit, which I think includes some alloy rod and appropriate gas for my MIG, but I've never tried welding aluminum, so I'm a bit apprehensive about the whole idea. Anyway, TIA.
Cheers,
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