Hi there chaps, my name is VJ. My first post, been reading on and off the site for a little while now. Its come the time to ask a question or two… probably more so advice
To start I have no experience welding, I know of welding but never done any myself. The reason for this post is my motorcycle handlebar stop (the tab \ lug that stops the handlebar from going too far round and hitting the tank snapped off when transporting my bike in a van. Basically I did not properly strap down the bike down and when we finally got to the location, the whole bike was literally hanging from a single stap. This in turn, probably when going around bends\corners, caused the bike to swing and eventually snapped one of the handlebar stops clean off ☹
So, the guy I was transporting my bike too had access to a welder (great) and welded the handlebar stop back on. Unfortunately he welded the stop slightly too far back meaning when I do a full turn\lock on the ‘broken stop’ side the handlebar touches my tank. I hinted only ‘tack’ it on so I can get it done properly once I got the bike back but I am not sure if he did more than a tack weld, will find out once I got the bike back.
The above guy is not willing to correct this now as he was only really meant to work on my tank, so it is left to me to resolve. I am collecting my bike this evening with the help of a friend with a luton. The plan is, was, to find a decent local guy with a welder to assist me fixing this? Perhaps grind off the stop or the welds holding it on, or snap the stop back off somehow and reweld it in the correct position? I may even have to get a new tab\stop made and welded if I cannot correct the existing one? Let me add quickly this is a custom built bike which just adds to my headache as I am no bike builder, welder, fabricator. My level of the last three bits is pretty low but I am willing to learn a little
Here is where I contradict myself, please do not hate me (the wife hates this part), I have always tried to give something a go if I can and within reason. I am toying with the idea of trying to do this myself? I have been reading up a little on welders. I am leaning towards an r-tech 180 MIG (?) or a GYS Smart Mig 140? The r-tech brand came from watching a few Doubleboost videos however I am open to suggestions and advise by the powers that beI know TIG welding is probably neater and better but this is way out of my budget and more so learning ability to properly perform it.
What do you experts think, invest in a welding machine and give it a go myself or try even harder to find someone local to me to have a look (which I am not having much luck). I can take a few photos once I pick the bike up this evening if that helps in determining an outcome. I have the winter months to sort this out hopefully.
Ta in advanced,
Cheers,
VJ
To start I have no experience welding, I know of welding but never done any myself. The reason for this post is my motorcycle handlebar stop (the tab \ lug that stops the handlebar from going too far round and hitting the tank snapped off when transporting my bike in a van. Basically I did not properly strap down the bike down and when we finally got to the location, the whole bike was literally hanging from a single stap. This in turn, probably when going around bends\corners, caused the bike to swing and eventually snapped one of the handlebar stops clean off ☹
So, the guy I was transporting my bike too had access to a welder (great) and welded the handlebar stop back on. Unfortunately he welded the stop slightly too far back meaning when I do a full turn\lock on the ‘broken stop’ side the handlebar touches my tank. I hinted only ‘tack’ it on so I can get it done properly once I got the bike back but I am not sure if he did more than a tack weld, will find out once I got the bike back.
The above guy is not willing to correct this now as he was only really meant to work on my tank, so it is left to me to resolve. I am collecting my bike this evening with the help of a friend with a luton. The plan is, was, to find a decent local guy with a welder to assist me fixing this? Perhaps grind off the stop or the welds holding it on, or snap the stop back off somehow and reweld it in the correct position? I may even have to get a new tab\stop made and welded if I cannot correct the existing one? Let me add quickly this is a custom built bike which just adds to my headache as I am no bike builder, welder, fabricator. My level of the last three bits is pretty low but I am willing to learn a little
Here is where I contradict myself, please do not hate me (the wife hates this part), I have always tried to give something a go if I can and within reason. I am toying with the idea of trying to do this myself? I have been reading up a little on welders. I am leaning towards an r-tech 180 MIG (?) or a GYS Smart Mig 140? The r-tech brand came from watching a few Doubleboost videos however I am open to suggestions and advise by the powers that beI know TIG welding is probably neater and better but this is way out of my budget and more so learning ability to properly perform it.
What do you experts think, invest in a welding machine and give it a go myself or try even harder to find someone local to me to have a look (which I am not having much luck). I can take a few photos once I pick the bike up this evening if that helps in determining an outcome. I have the winter months to sort this out hopefully.
Ta in advanced,
Cheers,
VJ