Recently, a few buddies were talkin about whether or not you could weld on your frame without any damage to electrical components. So what's the facts on this? Do you have to remove electrical harness and components before you can safely weld on the frame?

 

i havent welded on the bike but i have done work on both my truck and my buddys without issue.

i think you should be fine as long as you remove the battery and gas tank (BOOM!!!). make sure the welding lead has a good connection to the bike. also couldnt hurt to check conditions of the fuses before striking an arc. maybe even unplug some of the electrical components if deemed necessary. headlight, signals etc. but as long as your leads are hooked up well it shouldnt be a problem.

i recommend TIG welding as it wont throw any sparks or slag into sensitive areas. stick welding and wirefed can throw molten metal into wiring and cause a short.

that being said our frames would be extreamly easy to weld/ fabricate on. all steel and no major aluminum parts. i hate welding aluminum.

good luck hope it helps

 

^not to sure bout the F3s, but the F4i frame IS aluminum, and like fearless said, remove the battery and gas, and TIG weld it, its stronger and prettier than mig welding, and cleaner too.

 

i know the f2s are all steel, fairly sure the f3s are as well but i dont have one so cant say for sure.

 

I believe the f3's are the last of the steel frame bikes?

 

F3 is the last of the steel frames.

 

Yes F3s were the last steel frame cbr, I wish a had access to a tig welder, but I own a lincoln mig. I'm not worried about slag, that's what leather bonnets are for. Electronics is my only concern
So disconnect battery leads, and I should be good?

 

yep, as long as you don't have any power to the electronics, the welder shouldn't hurt anything.

 

remove battery all together. it can produce an explosive gas in certain situations.


just make sure the electrical components are covered well if you using a mig setup.

 

Yep, pretty much everything he said.

Cover anything that will burn/melt and remove your battery and fuel sources. Get a good connection with your lead close to your work and you'll be fine.
I've welded on several vehicles.
Remember too, that after removing your tank you may have some spilled fuel somewhere from hoses, etc. You don't wanna strike till it's gone....