Subframe Hack -- any trick replacement out there?
 

Hi guys,

My subframe is hacked to sh*t. I thought I could live with it -- everything stayed in place -- but I recently got a new seat and the locking mechanism (which had worked by pulling a zip tie) came off, then broke apart in my hand like a tiny hand grenade.

I finally had to actually look at the subframe and it is ugly. The cross bar where I assume the mechanism used to bolt to is cut so it sits in a groove, the rear bar is gone and has been replaced by some AL stock zip tied on, the bracket that held the flasher in place has been removed, it doesn't have the inner fender panel at all... Ug.

I know the bike has done track time, but this is just EVIL.

So as part of the spring work, I'm going to price out a new subframe. Does anyone made a direct bolt-on replacement in AL? Has anyone weighed the difference? Or would I do better just replacing this with a OEM subframe off Ebay? Money will be an issue.

Thanks,

R.

I haven't seen any Alu subframes for the VTR in any kind of serial construction... There have certainly been a few one-off's floating around... But then you get the added pleasure of paying for a one-of...;)

I'd say just get a replacement...;) Or... And I'm playing devils advocate here... Just get one from another bike, and have some fun...

I bought one for .99 on ebay ;) Guy had 4 consecutive negative feedbacks, but I figured what the hell...it showed up a few days later and was straight! $24.99 shipped...

I suppose if you're good with a tig an aluminum replacement could be made easy enough.

If you have a local bike salvage yard it might be worth a look. I remember an R1 transplant that was done. It was posted here with pictures and was well done. I think it was one of the builds on FirestormUK.com I would think others could be made to work if you are a talented welder.

im using an aluminum gixxer subframe on mine, had to be cut and shortened to fit the gixxer tail but weighs a significant amount less than the stocker

Ah, like the PO, I'm more of a hacker than a builder. Care to take on a paid gig this spring fabricating something, uchi? Any other pictures of the job?

when i get around to it, ill post some


as for the subframe..... hey buddy i got a perfect one of a 01, its MINT

Crashrat. Gixxerjohn did the swap and has the bike still. If he doesn't put up pics when u get the bike back ill put some up

Thanks guys. We're in the middle of a move so I don't have much cash right now. This will likely be a spring mod. I'd love to see pictures, though... and maybe begin dialog about getting something done as we turn the corner on the year.

R.