Cracked & Rusty frame on 2007 R1200GS

[Nenty]

While washing down my bike aster a recent trip I noticed some rust on a left hand rear frame tube. Closer inspection showed that the frame had cracked and rusted through and there was a hole in the frame. Surely this cant be normal. I have never seen anything like this on any other bike.

 

[patzx12]

We need pictures

 

[Nenty]

We need pictures

I cant upload the pictures as it requests a URL whenever I try to insert them. Any suggestions of how to upload would be welcome

 

[Nenty]

I have uploaded pictures onto Flickr. They should clearly show the rust and the hole

https://www.flickr.com/photos/140236167@N05/shares/qp6AiE

 

[tuftywhite]

I think you need to subscribe to load pictures.

I use a link from Flickr (smugmug etc) to load mine.

 

[Pops]

That looks forkin nasty (and expensive), better look at my 2007 GS frame from the same angle

 

[patzx12]

Looks like it rusted through from the inside.
Maybe water runs into the tubes from somewhere and has no escape.
Anyway the subframe is scrap.

 

[Nenty]

Its very strange. It does look like it has rotted from the inside but it has also cracked so I think there could have been a crack first. I could replace the tubing or replace the whole sub-frame. I know a coded welder so welds would be good but I like the bike and wouldn't want to pass it on to someone unless it is OK so I think a new sub-frame will be the way to go.

 

[patzx12]

I could brace and weld that no problem, but what welder is going to put their neck on the line doing a patch job on a motorcycle frame?

 

[Pukmeister]

Shouldn't cost the earth to repair if a replacement subframe is too costly.

It needs a temporary brace tacked on to keep frame alignment, chop out the rotten section and (preferably TIG) weld a replacement tube section in place.

A decent coded welder will make a lovely job of it.

Maybe get it blasted/stripped first, weld repair, then galvanise/powder coat.

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

Depends how long its been like that, you could patch it. but there could be other areas on internal rust eating through the metal, personally I would look for a good used one, and patch it whilst looking if not any available at moment.

There is one on eBay at moment;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R120...622579?hash=item1c2dfcbd73:g:ho4AAMXQAx9RQSlG

 

[Pauly S]

I think id sooner buy a new one and have done with it.Then take it down the blasters and have it two pack undercoated and powdered after.Then inject the inside after that with waxoyl.

 

[Captain Black]

Have you overloaded the bike at some stage ?

Cracked the subframe and allowed water ingress perhaps.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I bought a used on a few years ago, had it powdercoated and fitted. The price of a new one is eyewatering and there are plenty out there.

 

[Nenty]

Ill buy a used one and get it blasted and painted. Powder coating would be good but the original paint on the frame appears to be satin silver so that could be a problem getting a decent paint match.

 

[Bendy toy]

I bought my 2008 GSA in 2012. After the first winter I was constantly cleaning and touching up rust. High zinc paints are a waste of time by the way. By 2014 when the final drive let go I sent it away for powder coat. Today I would go even further with hot zinc metal spray with etch primer and paint.
The frame has bungs in the back end by the tail light. A source of water ingress maybe.

How bad was my rust? The area under the seat mounts is totally sealed under rubber pads so should have been pristine. Not a chance even that had rust patches under the paint.

I would repair it. Get some same size and gauge of tube. Cut out the bad and weld in the new. Job done.

Also check the other side.

you May need to weld it with engine connected, unplug the ECUs and alternator as well as disconnecting battery.

 

[Bendy toy]

Ill buy a used one and get it blasted and painted. Powder coating would be good but the original paint on the frame appears to be satin silver so that could be a problem getting a decent paint match.

The whole frame is being done so a perfect match is needed only if the OP really needs to keep it looking original.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Ill buy a used one and get it blasted and painted. Powder coating would be good but the original paint on the frame appears to be satin silver so that could be a problem getting a decent paint match.

You could get pretty close match and lets face it, it's not a new bike. You would probably never notice unless it was pointed out.

 

[Andy63]

Here you go a cheap good condition frame doesn't appear to need painting https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R120...718536?hash=item3f9bf8e088:g:JUMAAOSwKvJaxQN9 Boom!

 

[Bendy toy]

Cracked & Rusty frame on 2007 R1200GS

Can’t be any good it fell over so much the seller had to take loads of pictures.

PS good spot.