Welding on the bike
- Thread starter bigdog04
- Start date
welding
I also did the same thing here. Disconnecting the battery is no big deal but suddenly, I found out that my electrical system is faulty. I have to get a new motorcycle electrical systems.
I also did the same thing here. Disconnecting the battery is no big deal but suddenly, I found out that my electrical system is faulty. I have to get a new motorcycle electrical systems.
Tom Chop
Active Member
Welding On A Big Dog?
bigdog04, Those people that we see on TV welding on motorcycles are not welding on completed motorcycles. I`m sure that you understand this. I am a welder by trade and being an Ironworker IMHO it isn`t worth the risk at all. On my bike there will not be any arc`s struck under any circumstances! Disconnecting the battery and grounding close to the work is NO insurance against damaging the electrical systems on your Big Dog! There are circuit boards in the handlebars, turn signals, and other systems on your motorcycle. It`s like Clint Eastwood says in "Dirty Harry"; "Do you feel lucky"? I wouldn`t risk it myself. If you must fabricate a custom exhaust system - do it off of the bike and fit it to the engine after the tacks are made. IMHO. Electricity can and will travel in strange ways some of which are not predictable but cause considerable damage. As for my part it just isn`t worth the risk; It`s your call bigdog04.
Tom Chop :choppersmiley:
bigdog04, Those people that we see on TV welding on motorcycles are not welding on completed motorcycles. I`m sure that you understand this. I am a welder by trade and being an Ironworker IMHO it isn`t worth the risk at all. On my bike there will not be any arc`s struck under any circumstances! Disconnecting the battery and grounding close to the work is NO insurance against damaging the electrical systems on your Big Dog! There are circuit boards in the handlebars, turn signals, and other systems on your motorcycle. It`s like Clint Eastwood says in "Dirty Harry"; "Do you feel lucky"? I wouldn`t risk it myself. If you must fabricate a custom exhaust system - do it off of the bike and fit it to the engine after the tacks are made. IMHO. Electricity can and will travel in strange ways some of which are not predictable but cause considerable damage. As for my part it just isn`t worth the risk; It`s your call bigdog04.
Tom Chop :choppersmiley:
nine lives
Active Member
I agree with Tom Chop, I also welded for years. The electronics on these bikes are just too sensitive. Don't think I would risk it. Remove the part if possible before welding. If you using a Tig to tack, that high frequency start interferes with a lot of electronic shit.
bigdogtech01
Well-Known Member
:iagree::iagree: These guys are right. Not worth it. I TIG welded one while I was at the dealership. I told them I should not , but they insisted so I did. I had the battery disconnected and the ground close and it still ended up burning up the speedo/tach and wire going to it. If you must weld on it I would remove your fuel tank and unplug all wiring. I have even talked with a guy that welded on his drag bike frame and come to find out, when he tore his motor down, he found that there had been an arch from one of the rocker arms to the top of the valve. Does not happen all the time, but can.
2004BC
FREEDOM!!!
How to check if your EHC is good: Attach ground from welder on one side of the EHC and start welding!:lol: J/K.
Seriously though, if you want to mock up on the bike with just tacks use an Oxy-Acytelene torch for spot welds. Small orifice on the torch thin carbon steel rods. Welds fast. I would insert a plate of aluminum behind the exhaust pipe sheilding the engine from any stray flames. Water soaked rags around the area for extra heat dissipation help as well. No electricity. Old school welding.
Seriously though, if you want to mock up on the bike with just tacks use an Oxy-Acytelene torch for spot welds. Small orifice on the torch thin carbon steel rods. Welds fast. I would insert a plate of aluminum behind the exhaust pipe sheilding the engine from any stray flames. Water soaked rags around the area for extra heat dissipation help as well. No electricity. Old school welding.
8ball
Active Member
gentlemen i also was a welder for years, more than i care to remember, and we would fashion clamps in many different ways so we could fit things in place , clamp and remove then weld up . for roundbwork we would use very light sheet metal , around 30 guage tack a hose clamp on each end, tighten clamps and remove. important part of this method is centered between clamps a series of holes to tack material on bench before removing clamp, also after tacking replace on bike for confirmation of fit up, while all you have to do is break tacks if not just right. good luck my man