GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => General Technical discussion => Topic started by: Benno on Monday, 04 May 2026, 05:27 PM

Title: Frame Crack
Post by: Benno on Monday, 04 May 2026, 05:27 PM
Hi,

I had the unpleasant discovery washing the bike today. I've been passively chasing an unusual vibration. I've checked wheel bearings, looked for dry link, tight spot in my chain, even cleaned the rivets in my floating discs for free movement. I was not expecting this.

Anyone had a frame crack here? I've owned the bike from new, it hasn't had a hit.

Ben.
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 04 May 2026, 05:31 PM
Wow, no, first ive seen that happen there.  Sorry for your troubles.  At least these frames can be welded relatively easily as they're carbon steel   issue is probably most bits have to come off so that you don't pass stray welding current through them (will fry electrical parts and damage bearings)
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 04 May 2026, 05:53 PM
Wow is right!!    Never seen that.  My mind just keeps asking how?   :whatever:

Are you allowed to weld structural bits?  Think any frame welds need to be certified.
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 04 May 2026, 06:02 PM
That's an "oh bugger" moment!

I've never heard of the frame cracking on these bikes before.
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: grog on Monday, 04 May 2026, 06:08 PM
Benno, that is a rarity.Doesnt help you but,not sure how to fix.Obviously welded but is that legal? Hiding the weld also a concern.Im sure can be worked out🤞
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Benno on Monday, 04 May 2026, 06:20 PM
I've put the bike in the naughty corner. Tomorrow I'll check the removable section opposite. I'm wondering if it was loose for example if that placed a lot of stress on the down tube that failed 🤷�♂️.
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Mick_J on Monday, 04 May 2026, 06:22 PM
Wow, never seen anything like that before, it looks like it just cracked suddenly rather than a slow working progression.  I think that once the engine is out you will be able to get a good strong weld done.
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: grog on Monday, 04 May 2026, 06:28 PM
Benno, I'm actually thinking it's an insurance claim. No new frames available, the cost to swap if there was. Maybe a query to your states road authority to check if can be welded etc. I'd be devastated if was me. At least no failure which caused you to crash👏
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 04 May 2026, 07:44 PM
Yeah good point, may need an engineers certificate for any structural welding done on the frame
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Barbastro K6 on Monday, 04 May 2026, 10:25 PM
I assume that whoever does the welding will be able to certify it in writing
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, 12:36 AM
Quote from: Benno on Monday, 04 May  2026, 06:20 PMI've put the bike in the naughty corner. Tomorrow I'll check the removable section opposite. I'm wondering if it was loose for example if that placed a lot of stress on the down tube that failed 🤷�♂️.

That was my thoughts about the removable section too.
Title: Re: Frame Crack
Post by: Barbastro K6 on Tuesday, 05 May 2026, 02:36 AM
nowadays they do wonders by welding.
Before starting to disassemble, there is nothing better to listen to who is going to do the work.