Over-gusseted EX frame?

[WKY400EX]

I finished gusseting my frame a couple of weeks ago, but I'm worried that I maybe I "over-gusseted" the frame. I'll get pics if someone would be nice and post them for me.:D I just don't want my frame getting destroyed in other spots, just because I got welder happy.

[MOFO]

This ought to be good. :D

E-mail them to EAnglum@comcast.net

I should be able to post 'em later tonight for ya...

[416exmx]

he forgot to say he is putting a YZF426 motor in this frame... i dont know.. i ran a YZF426 motor on a 400ex frame that was not gusseted (just shock mounts rewelded) and didnt have any problems.. yeah the frame needs to flex.. you might have been better off just welding cracks as they appear...

[WKY400EX]

I'll get some pics and send them to you MOFO. Thanks.

I didn't weld gussets at every joint in the frame, but I am still a little worried. Like 416exmx said, I'm installing a YZF426 motor, so I want my frame to be strong, but flex at the same time.

[WKY400EX]

I just ended up uploading my pictures to Imagestation.

Shock mount http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287574997&p=4185780292&idx=1

Frame side http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287574997&p=4185780287&idx=2

Upper gussets http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287574997&p=4185780281&idx=3

[SnellCRP]

It all looks good to me. I only would have a couple of concerns. Where the gussets are in front of where the stem mounts at the front most part of the gusset I might watch that area. I have never done a frame with a gusset like that, but since you beefed the shock mounts up and the stem area it may cause a weak point above the shock gussets and in front of the stem gussets. The only other thing is I have only seen Z400 chassis gusseted below the motor mounts (in the side frame pic). From what I have seen the most common stress point in the front of the quad other than the shock mounts is the joint of the top arm mount frame rail and the upright tube that continues to the shock mounts. Its right behind the top mounting bolts of the front bumper. It is also very common for Z400 chassis to break there. I would definately go over the top engine mount with a weld bead. I don't mean over the existing welds I mean on top where you can see that it is 2 seperate pieces that are just "sandwiched" together. I have had several ex's crack that mount from the hole in the mount at about a 45 degree angle towards the back of the quad. I usually do some gusseting under the peg mounts and the subframe if its stock. I have 5 years on my ex chassis without a single problem (I ride A with TCS and weigh about 190lb.) I have also have done 3 other ex's and 2 R's with good luck so far. The best way is to just pay attention to where most chassis break and start small gusseting the stress areas little by little until they break no more. Hope I have helped. I can send pics of my chassis's if you would like.:)

[WKY400EX]

Yes. Please send me pictures of your frame at: bcstine@peoplepc.com . Thanks for your help on this subject. Also, from what you saw on my frame, would you cut out any of my gussets? If so, where?

[exatak199]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid105/p948afb194437f1e7aafdb3c677352c6d/f97df044.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid105/p0b3543e122ef1e56821718c657a2dc9f/f97df03f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid105/p284c4461436c15f693abba5bf3694ca6/f97df039.jpg

;) looks good to mee:confused:

[WKY400EX]

Thanks exatak199. I probably could have done it, but I settled for uploading them to Imagestation.:)

Anyway, what does everyone think? Once I put one or two gussets on the subframe, and then gusset the footpeg area, will my frame be too stiff?

[Martin Blair]

i would trim the gusste arroudn the shocks down, and wht about the sub frame, rer shock linkage?

[WKY400EX]

Originally posted by HN400exracer
i would trim the gusste arroudn the shocks down, and wht about the sub frame, rer shock linkage? Trim the shock mount gussets on the inside or outside? Also, what about the rear shock linkage and subframe? I haven't gusseted those areas yet, but I'll do the top motor mount, footpeg area, and subframe. Will there be too many gussets on the front of the chassis?:confused:

[WKY400EX]

Anyone got any ideas? With the YZF motor, do I need to cut out some of the gussets?:confused:

[INFANTRY RACING]

i went over my frame this weekend. i have numerous cracks that tube the lower linkage attaches to. . where the the foot pegs attach to. i suspect these are due to casin big jump or bottomin the rear.

just a tip to keep an eye on

[WKY400EX]

I think that I'll cut off the outside shock mount gussets. Possibly the steering stem gussets too?:confused: Will the gusset below where the motor mounts up be okay? Also, what about the 4 total gussets in the little "triangle" up front?

[WKY400EX]

What does everyone think? I'm open to any thoughts. The plan is to weld some gussets in the footpeg area, and some at the back of the subframe. With all these gussets (16 total gussets), will my frame be too stiff? Should I eliminate some of them? If so, which ones? I want your opinions, because I'm confused right now! Thanks.

[SnellCRP]

I probably wouldn't try and cut them out you may get into the framerails a little with the grinder when you are trying to clean it up and it will be hard to make the tube look good where you took the gusset out unless the powdercoat is heavy in those areas. The best advice I could give would be just try it the way you have it. It could break or you could go a long time with no problems. I sent you a pm.