Welding Motorcycle Frames

[Patrick_76]

Sometime ago I read a post that said the only safe way to weld a motorcycle frame was to use TIG. Not too long ago, I saw another post that said most of the big frame shops are now using MIG because of the demand for frames. I know TIG is better for appearance and all that, but will MIG work good enough for welding up a cycle frame?

Patrick

[76GMC1500]

Any process is capable of making an acceptable joint for a motorcycle frame. Stick is not used because of the thin metals involved. MIG has been used since its conception to join motorcycle frames on production motorcycles. TIG has been reserved for the custom motorcycle where the appearance of the weld is important. The use of TIG has nothing to do with safety. Of course, commercial frames are more heavily gussited than custom frames so maybe they can't get the strength they need with MIG? Oxy Acetylene used to be the most used process by the hobbiest for welding up motorcycle frames and roll cages. It is still prefered for chrome moly by the aircraft welder. Torch brazing also used to be used for chrome moly motorycle and bicycle frames. There are lots of acceptable practices for joining motorcycle frames. My rule of thumb is, if you don't have the experience or knowledge to know which process to youse, you shouldn't be welding up frames.

[pulser]

Absolutely, if the process is set up correctly.
Just to give you an idea of the quality acheivable with GMAW, your vehicle very likely contains hybrid driver and passenger airbag inflators welded with automated GMAW. These inflators are made of steel, contain 4000 psig of gas, and are designed to function for a minimum of 15 years.

Depending on how you set up the process, you can produce any thing from cold lapped bird droppings to an airbag inflator.

[MAC702]

Originally Posted by Patrick_76

Sometime ago I read a post that said the only safe way to weld a motorcycle frame was to use TIG.

This would only apply to an experienced TIG welder who'd never done any other kind of welding. He should most definitely TIG weld his frame!

[Patrick_76]

Thanks for the replies. I figured MIG would produce a strong enough weld for a cycle frame. I guess the bottom line is the custom frame shops might be using TIG to keep the welds as pretty as possible, although some of the MIG welds you guys are posting up in another thread look top notch to me.

Patrick

[prop-doctor]

mig works is good weld. but tig will be more hands on an custom in custom you can charge more. its not mass production.. i would think if i was going to build bikes (meaning more than one) i would do a jig and mig

[gnm109]

I believe it may have been me that mentioned it. I've noticed that MIG has become more prevalent in custom motorcycle frames. I thnk it's perfectly good. Properly done, it even has a pretty good appearance.

Certainly robotic MIG is widely used in the automobile industry with great results.

Like anything else, it all depends on who is doing the welding.

[Rojodiablo]

Ducati mig welds thier chromoly frames on their bikes.I just got to ride a 999 yesterday, and I looked at the frame and it was the first thing I noticed.

[MotoFab]

Originally Posted by Patrick_76

Sometime ago I read a post that said the only safe way to weld a motorcycle frame was to use TIG.

That's some funny stuff right there MAC

- Jim