Cracked frame - KLR650

[Hybridchemistry]

Welp, I finally got the parts for my 685 kit, and figured I should be fixing up all the other small things that are going wrong the KLR before it all gets back together. Concern number 1 is the crack that I'm pretty sure has grown over the last two years or so that I've been riding the bike.

(shinning a flashlight from the end to emphasize the width of the crack)

I'd like the fix done right, but I also know this is an ugly bike and will not be a show winner any time soon. It does seem to run about halfway around the tube/main neck of the frame, and looks like it might be a bit of a pain to get to parts of it.

The question: Who and or where can do frame fixes like this? I've heard a couple of names in the past, but would like to hear what the current consensus is.

 

[chrisweir.com]

Dennis Echeverri
Norman Racing Group
1221 4th St
Berkeley, CA 94710
b/t Harrison St & Park Way
West Berkeley
Phone number (510) 525-1164

https://www.yelp.com/biz/norman-rac...popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

 

[augustiron]

There is a guy, Shervin something or other, is a master at frame modifications.






















^^^
This is a BARF joke in case you didn't know.
Any legit welding shop should be able to handle that. Remove everything you can to give them the best access to it.

 

[Hybridchemistry]

Any legit welding shop should be able to handle that. Remove everything you can to give them the best access to it.

That's what I'm thinking, and I'd rather not haul it outside of SF. I feel like I'm going to end up at Morgen Machine- I've never heard anything bad about JP, other than he's constantly busy with work - which to me is a testament to his skill/product.

Jeeze, now I'm wondering if I should look into swapping the DRZ-S front end again --__--

 

[Frame Maker]

+1 Dennis Etcheverry

 

[RightCoastBias]

Norman Racing will be the place you take it to and never have to worry about if they did it right.

 

[GPzPop]

Dennis Echeverri
Norman Racing Group
1221 4th St
Berkeley, CA 94710
b/t Harrison St & Park Way
West Berkeley
Phone number (510) 525-1164

https://www.yelp.com/biz/norman-rac...popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

this guy ^^^ is THE welding master craftsman of the bay area, and a pretty chill guy, too.

 

[Lex Talionis]

KLR frames crack? I put 30k on a '92 (42k when I sold it), that frame was so flexible there's no way it would crack. Called that bike my Flexi-Flyer. :laughing

Heard of subframes cracking off, though. :rolleyes

Lex

 

[SFMCjohn]

KLR frames crack?

:laughing

... great Baja KLR cracked-frame self-rescue thread (not mine):

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/im-back-again-and-in-even-more-of-a-jam-this-time.756609/


arty

 

[Maddevill]

:laughing

... great Baja KLR cracked-frame self-rescue thread (not mine):

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/im-back-again-and-in-even-more-of-a-jam-this-time.756609/


arty

Aww heck, that's why you carry duct tape...:teeth

 

[SFMCjohn]

Aww heck, that's why you carry duct tape...:teeth

... tire-irons for splints ... :laughing

... I've been known to weld a KLR frame
to make one-more-trip, but my
(admittedly uninformed/superstitious)
view is that once the KLR pot-metal frames
start cracking finding and welding them is a
loosing
battle ... :dunno

... we all ride differently ... the way
I tip-toe around I couldn't break
a KLR in half unless I threw it off a cliff ... :toothless

 

[Hybridchemistry]

KLR frames crack? I put 30k on a '92 (42k when I sold it), that frame was so flexible there's no way it would crack. Called that bike my Flexi-Flyer. :laughing

Heard of subframes cracking off, though. :rolleyes

Lex

Subframe is only messed up from the few drops I've had with mine - mostly the passenger peg tabs. This bike is a '96/7 and had ~47k when I saved it from a guys backyard. I'm sure the frame has 50k+ on it now.

As far as a losing battle with the frame, SFMCjohn, you're probably right, but rather than going through the reg process of another frame, I'm trying to save this one.

I think I've settled on Dennis at Norman Racing Group, going to have him check the rest of the frame while he has it and clean up anything else that looks like it needs it.

 

[SFMCjohn]

The important thing is to keep pre-gen KLRs
on the road ... love that you
rescued yours from a backyard ... :thumbup

... and anything to stay out of DMV ...
like I say, it's just my superstition ...
probably could have ridden my welded
frame around the world ... :laughing

... have fun with your 685 kit and refurbished frame ... :ride
I'm getting ready to (try to) do the top end
on my stock '02, reusing a 685 piston from an old engine/bike
that Mike at EdCo says is still serviceable ... arty

 

[Frame Maker]

Just thought I'd mention about Dennis / Norman Racing that they are a VERY informal group...

Do not expect someone to greet you at the door or any rehearsed messages if you call. It can seam a bit odd the first time visiting as you will wander into the shop and likely be ignored. Once you get someone's attention and they see that you have moto parts in hand all will be good. Dennis' work space is close to the shop door so he is usually the first person you see, but there could be others walking around seemingly oblivious to you.

Its also best to call ahead and let Dennis know to expect you the following day, or whenever he can fit you in to his schedule.

I've been going to Dennis for welding projects for the past 25 years and I still remember the odd feeling walking in for the first time and being completely ignored until I said I was there for welding on a motorcycle project.

Once you get past that first awkward introduction, its like a little spot of heaven where you'll be surrounded by all types of cool motorcycle and race car projects. Dennis is the best at what he does and I'm sure you be very happy with the results.