Frame bracing / bash plate

[Paul552]

While reading this article I noticed the welded bash plate.
I thought this is a good idea for a frame with worn rails?

http://transmoto.com.au/bike-dissected-1984-honda-cr500re/


Is it a good idea in practice??? Has anyone done it???

[Glen08]

Good idea , although id purchase a few more hole`s or even use a mesh set up..
..

[micks]

the bloke who brought it in nsw sometimes takes it out to Nepean. luv the period correct wave disc

[Ted]

It's not a bash plate, per se. It is done to stiffen the chassis and take some flex out of it. Have a close look at my 465. Same plate as this and gusseted everywhere.

[FourstrokeForever]

Seems like a good idea for enduro....not so sure about it being necessary for MX. I can't recall the factory bikes ever having it done to them.

[GMC]

Please don't be welding stuff like that onto your frame.
Someone will end up bringing it to me in a few years time to cut all the shit back off.
I've had a couple like that come in already, it's never a pretty site.

[pokey]

It took awhile to register in my head but I was sure that mod had been on one of my bikes and then it hit me. It was a stock bike.

The mighty Voskhod 175 russian tank had an armour plated belly pan. Quarter inch thick protection on a road bike. It did make it easy to slide over logs and boulders with no fear. I can also remember it being a mod on some of the enduro bikes in the mid 70s. Lucky for us now buying them that after market plastic and alu skid plates hit the scene.

[Nathan S]

Was semi-common on the American team bikes in the late 80s and early 90s. Was supposed to be about stiffening/strengthening, and stopping the frame rails digging in if you cased out.

I've got an 88 KX125 frame that's had the treatment - it was definitely not done by a works team...

[Paul552]

So I take it that this would not detract from the price of a bike if you were to sell it??

[Ted]

Not at all. It amazes me how some go on about huge billet triples, upside down forks, huge box section swingarms all designed to reduce flex and do nothing to a thirty year old frame that bends like a banana.

[Paul552]

Not at all. It amazes me how some go on about huge billet triples, upside down forks, huge box section swingarms all designed to reduce flex and do nothing to a thirty year old frame that bends like a banana.

That's what I thought!! I think it looks the goods too. 

[Ted]

Are you buying it?

[Paul552]

Are you buying it?

Not that one but I would like one like it

[Ted]

Build it yourself.....it ain't even that trick.

[FourstrokeForever]

i can't see how it would reduce much, if any flex on the lower rails considering that the engine mount bolts tie both sides of the rails together anyway. If the motor is a snug fit, as it should be, between the mounting lugs, that in itself reduces any flex down the bottom of the frame. Re welding the old welds is the best way to reduce flex in my opinion, and also reduce the risk of frame failures at fractured weld seams.