Is A Seperate Subframe Possible???

[York Racing]

I have been wondering this for awhile and just figured I would post this up. Would it be possible to cut an old Blaster frame and modify it to have a removable seperate subframe? I got thinking about it and I noticed it would have a couple potential benefits. First, you could raise or lower the subframe when you modified it. Second, you could possibly lengthen it to give the Blaster much more room and a more comfortable feel. Third, if the frame were to bend or break in the rear like they have been known to, it could be removed to be repaired easily or just swapped out. Any thoughts?

 

[sporty982000]

I think the main issue would be, how well it wouldhold up. how are you going to keep it stiff and rigid, without welding it.

So, you end up facing the issue, is back to square one ! I wouldnt not feel compfortable myself with sleeves and bolts to hold it together.
But solid sleeves inside the tubing and then a sleeve overtop off all that and some grade 8 bolts and tight torqs should hold up.

But if the bolts bend inside, during hard riding. You not be able to pound them out. And would have to drill them out.

Not saying thing would happen. But theres a chance it could.

Sporty

 

[York Racing]

Take a look at how a LTZ400's subframe mounts. If you were to weld mounting plates similar to that onto a Blaster's main frame, and put Heims in the subframe it would be completely adjustable and look like this:

 

[sporty982000]

Ya that would work. I forgot , just the other day. I seen a sub frame on a kaw atv 400.

But he was taking his off, because right where you pictured, it keeps breaking there. He was taking it off to re weld it.


Sporty

 

[York Racing]

The HEIM subframe in the picture was later used in MX races and it held up just fine. You have to think, it mounts on the top also. So the top and the bottom BOTH take the impact force. Which means that it's spread over 4 contact areas. And if you put HEIM's in the upper mounts it would be slightly adjustable from there also.

 

[sporty982000]

Well, My thoughts are, if kawaski and others are doing it, try it ! infact, it would be a great DIY article for all of us, what you used, how you did it. Measurements. ect.

Sporty

 

[York Racing]

Well the problem is no Blaster Frame to work with. Otherwise I would be willing to try it. I don't feel comfortable with welding chassis myself either. I'll man up and admit it. I'll never weld on anyones suspension other than mine.

 

[sporty982000]

Yikes, ya you need to pick up a blaster frame or a blaster !

 

[York Racing]

I agree. Of the 5 Blaster's I've had and the 10+ frames, I should have kept at least one!

 

[York Racing]

Bump for a new day. What are you guy's thoughts?

 

[245stroker]

it really doesn't have to be all that strong. The only thing the subframe is supporting is the rear fenders, seat and rider. So its not like there would be any serious force or pressure put on it. If you can bend a bolt on a subframe mount then chances are you won't be walking because the same force that bent the bolt will also go through the rider. I was thinking about converting one over to a removeable type, heck they were doing it in the early 90's with aftermarket 250r frames. Just not sure if the work would be worth the effort?

 

[JonS]

this is totally feasible man. a guy on the warrior forum made a removable sub frame for his warrior. i'm sure it can be done for the blaster. as a matter of fact he is a member on here too. duneracerweston

 

[York Racing]

I just think it would be worth the adjustability and the simplicity of being able to remove just the subframe at one time. Then you could do whatever you wanted to modify it.

 

[blasterfreek30]

not a bad idea but my question is what would u really need a removable subframe for?

 

[York Racing]

You could adjust the height and do whatever you wanted such as a different color scheme or whatever else. If you broke the frame, you could simply make another one. Or you could make a custom subframe made for your height or whatever else you wanted. I think it would be a decent way to stretch the Blaster out.

 

[best]

I remove the subframe to get easy access to swap carbs on my KTM.
4 bolts and I OWN that carb, no fighting rubber boots.
Also to do shock preload adjustments, easier to get at the nut.
I can swap out my street tail lighted fender in minutes with a complete subframe.
4 bolts BAM!

While this picture shows the subframe on, it give and idea of how modular these bikes are.
Oh yes, the CDI does not live there any more. Moved.

 

[York Racing]

Ease of maintence is yet another advantage! Didn't even think about that one.

 

[Longview]

My buddies Kx 125 has a sub frame, Makes a couple things a lot easier like best said.