I gots a cracked frame, guys

[Kristofferzero]

I noticed a crack on my frame, right under the gas tank next to a factory weld. I took it to a dealer to get it inspected and they've basically told me my bike is unsafe and the frame needs to be replaced. I contacted Kawasaki out of desperation and they won't touch it because of the fact it's been welded(?). Only problem with replacing the frame is it'll cost me roughly $2300, pretty much the cost of my entire bike, and this bike is my only form of transportation. I've ridden it year-round since I got it (going on 2 years now), I have no idea how long this crack has been there but the dealer also kindly told me the frame is bent (in the same area, under the tank) on top of it all and that it's been welded before.. I have nobody to thank but myself for getting into this mess, this is my first bike and I went into the deal a little uneducated about the precautions. I basically took every precaution.. except getting the frame inspected! Oh the irony of buying a damaged bike thinking I'd save money...

I don't know a damn thing about frames or cracking and I can't find much on the topic other than from forums that basically only swing two ways: they all freak out and tell the OP the bike is totalled or they all just advise the OP to find a cheap local welder and that'll fix it; "Just weld it up and keep riding" basically. While I have taken in what the dealer said, I can't help but think they also simply want me buying up anything possible like usual. I haven't really been able to find anything on Ninja 250 frame cracks at all, so might as well try asking around here.

As far as I can tell I can just be a d*ck and sell this bike to some unknowing dumb*** like myself, I can (maybe) replace the frame, sell it to a salvage yard/as a whole parts bike on craigslist. I don't have time to spend months parting the bike out, if I could I would probably go this route but, like I said, this is my only transportation and I'd need to replace it with something else ASAP. My biggest issue right now is that I won't get any sort of money for another 2 weeks, and I now feel uneasy riding the bike I've had for 2 years with a cracked frame (is ignorance bliss or what?).

Also, I'm attending college with no job. Hooray for first world problems!

What should I do? What would you do? Any, ANY, sort of help is helpful to this... guy

[lgk]

do you have pics of the crack?

depending on the location you might be able to get it fixed easy.

[cuong-nutz]

Pics of the crack, please. Honestly, take the bike to a reputable welder and have them fix it properly. Any professional welder and repair a crack or perhaps make it stronger than stock. You're looking at possibly 100 dollars at most or maybe a 6 pack of beer at the least.

[Kristofferzero]

I don't have a picture of it, sorry. But here's where it is, the yellow area:

[lgk]

is that cross tube detached all the way around the weld, or just one side?

eta: how long is the crack?

[cuong-nutz]

Like I said, take it to a reputable welder. I would say now at most 50 dollars to repair. Welder's going to have to clean area up with grinder and lay a good bead down. Is it cracked all the way around?

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Pics of the crack, please. Honestly, take the bike to a reputable welder and have them fix it properly. Any professional welder and repair a crack or perhaps make it stronger than stock. You're looking at possibly 100 dollars at most or maybe a 6 pack of beer at the least.

I really wish I had pics of it but I don't.

That's good to hear though. I actually contacted a welding company who are interested in seeing it. After the dealer I was kinda hesitant on this idea though, they gave the impression I had no alternatives.

I don't know anything about welding but it doesn't make much sense to me that getting a frame welded is bad since, you know, that's how the frame is held together in the first place. Then again I'm tarded on the subject.

[lgk]

its definitely worth a try, compared to spending $2300 on a new frame...

i'm hoping its not cracked all the way around...

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by lgk

is that cross tube detached all the way around the weld, or just one side?

eta: how long is the crack?

It's a hairline crack on the inner side of the right hand tube cracking down where the weld ends, it pretty much is going down the entire side but not, so far as I know, around the entire tube.

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by lgk

its definitely worth a try, compared to spending $2300 on a new frame...

i'm hoping its not cracked all the way around...

Me too.

So I suppose welding company it is then. Thanks!

[lgk]

yeah as long as its not on the bottom of the tube it should be a quick job.

it will probably be stronger than the factory welds

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by lgk

yeah as long as its not on the bottom of the tube it should be a quick job.

it will probably be stronger than the factory welds

What if it's on the top of the tube?

[lgk]

Originally Posted by Kristofferzero

What if it's on the top of the tube?

the top is preferable imo.
after dismantling everything needed to get to it
the dude will cover up everything, clean up the weld area, and mig weld it.

if its on the bottom you will need to remove more stuff to clean and weld to the crack.

[cuong-nutz]

No matter where the crack is or if it's cracked all the way through. The welder can brace it or sleeve it. Trust me, a real welder isn't going to half ass his welds knowing that it's something structural and life dependent.

[Kristofferzero]

Ah man this is a massive relief. I've been spending the past week trying to figure out what I could do. If anything.

Thanks, guys!

[Jiggles]

Lol you idiots telling him to go to a welder, there's no need for that

Just duct tape it.

[Alex]

It cracked for a reason. Part of the fix is welding it. The rest of the fix is figuring out what else is bent due to the impact that cracked the weld.

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Lol you idiots telling him to go to a welder, there's no need for that

Just duct tape it.

I tried a glue stick and sprinkled some glitter on it for show.

*fingers crossed*

[Jiggles]

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by Alex

It cracked for a reason. Part of the fix is welding it. The rest of the fix is figuring out what else is bent due to the impact that cracked the weld.

Good point. I will definitely bring that up tomorrow when I visit the welders.

[cuong-nutz]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

OMG haha

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Ha! And to think of all those fools going to "college" and getting their "diplomas" in engineering! Who needs math when you have good 'ol common sense, right?

[Jiggles]

Damn straight

[choneofakind]

If all else fails:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-12-Kawasa...34e12b&vxp=mtr

[Kristofferzero]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

If all else fails:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-12-Kawasa...34e12b&vxp=mtr

Damn, that's not bad. Definitely better than the $900 for new. I'll remember this alternative, thanks.

[flynjay]

Originally Posted by Kristofferzero

I don't have a picture of it, sorry. But here's where it is, the yellow area:

Judging from the picture, the crack is at a previous horrible weld fix. A good welding shop should be able to fix it with no problems. You may have to remove the motor in order to get good access, but the shop will let you know.

Also, is that the ignition switch?

[CZroe]

Add some gusseting for peace-of-mind.

[siebadn]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

If all else fails:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-12-Kawasa...34e12b&vxp=mtr

NOTE -- For race or off road use only. Will come with a bill of sale and copy of the non-rebuildable cert only. Email us for more details.

Wouldn't this make it an issue to get titled? Plus, 370 miles and the bike is parted? Sounds sketchy to me. Then again, I like caution.

[choneofakind]

There's other frames on ebay as well. That one's just an example.

But yes, there might be some title issues with it. I'm not really sure how that process goes tbh

[siebadn]

Me either. Not that I ever hope to replace a frame, but I was hoping for a little insight.