Repairing/replacing a cracked '98 VFR800 subframe

 Hi all,

Is there a better than original subframe (seat rail) for a
1998 vfr800 regarding luggage mounts? My bike has broken off
both of the upper forward mount points used by Givi's PL161
tubular side case racks. This follows discovery of cracks in
Givi's top case mount, which provides the rear securement.

Service Honda offers "50240-MBG-D00  (replaces 50240-MBG-000)"
but it's not apparent how that differs from the part replaced.

Thanks for reading, any insights are appreciated.

bob prohaska

 

If you're sure you can fix the old one, fix it. New will be
frighteningly expensive, won't it?



--
BMW K1100LT  Honda CB400 Four  Triumph Street Triple
Suzuki GN250, TS250ERx2
So many bikes, so little garage space....
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com

 The Older Gentleman wrote:

The fact that there is a superseding part suggests there was a
reason to change it, although the change could be unrelated to
your cracking problem.  I would ask this question at the VFR
World forum[1], if the VFR has a history of trouble with
subframe breakage, someone there will know about it.

But I agree with TOG, your best bet is probably to weld up the
existing subframe and make it stronger than the original.

[1] http://vfrworld.com/forums/content.php

 Mark Olson wrote:

  Sometimes strengthening one area will chase the stresses to another area .
Not saying this is the case here , but you might want to check that out .
--
Snag
Learning keeps
you young !

 
That's a good point. The subframe cracked exactly where the forces
applied by the sidecase brackets reach the main top longitudinals. A
repair that broke the longitudinal would be a mixed bag.

However, the old setup lasted over 50k miles. A patch job that lasted
somewhat less would more than satisfy my likely future use of the bike.

Givi USA informs me that the preferred solution is upgrade to a newer
model rack set but does not address the frame cracking issue. Not sure
I want to make that adventure.

Somewhat contrary to expectation the cost of the revised subframe is
less than $200, which does not seem outrageous. However, it's a fair
amount of work to swap subframes. On a bike thirteen years old I'm
not sure it makes sense. Any first-hand experience would be helpful.

For the moment it seems wisest to patch and stall, looking for new
ideas.

Thanks for reading,

bob prohaska