K7 (2008) frame replacement

[Dan B]

Hey guys.
So had a rough weekend with the 14. Realised the nob who sold it to me has snapped the top right mount for the rear suspension and done a bodgy weld job to repair it. It's the 'stem' that sticks out from the frame you put the top of the shock over and secure it with a nut and bolt. The stem had snapped and been rewelded and i only noticed it because it's been bending upwards.
Took the bolt off and the stem came with it, it must have snapped again at some point and the only reason it stayed on the bike is he had tapped the bolt thread deeper through the frame and put a longer bolt through.
Anyway i'm going to an engineering mob when i can to see what they can do but in the event the frame needs replacing does any of you know the difference between the k7 (australia-asian) frame and the H2 (european) model frame for 2007-8?
The H2 seems to be a lot cheaper, although i've been finding K7 models from Europe to be $2500 instead of $4500 from Australia?
Also if the engineering mob can fix it will the engine need to be removed for any welding to be done one the frame?

Also also if anyone suggests i take legal action against the guy who sold me the bike: i'm looking into it but I just want options in the worse case scenario.

Cheers guys

[grog]

a total dilemma mate. id be really pissed off. shouldnt have passed roadworthy. dont know answers to your questions, sorry. they weld cars with everything intact, not sure about your bike.

[Dan B]

Thanks mate.
Hopefully they can weld it up without any drama then. Might be back on the road in no time.

[Hooli]

As far as I'm aware the difference is 'not a lot'.

K2s had ball bearing head races so the seats in the frame are a few mm shorter, K3 onwards all got tapered rollers. Plus K2-K4 have different centre stand mounts. So it should fit ok considering you'd be changing the bearings anyway & a centre stand isn't essential.

How does the title & ownership of the bike work out there? in the UK the frame 'is' the bike so fitting an older one would legally make your bike an older model as you'd need to get the registration document to match the frame. Obviously you could change the numbers & swap the plate, but I'd keep a lot of proof if so as over here that would put it at risk of being crushed as a ringer.

Mind you, a decent welding place should be able to fix the frame you've got. It was welded together from the factory so a competent bloke will be able to recreate what should be there.

[RickC]

That's a little bit of bad news Dan but I'm sure a competent welder should be able to fix that.

There are some bad things going on in Australia with cosmetic write offs of bikes stopping frames being used for 10 years or so, there was someone
chasing a frame on the old org but was struggling to find one for a reasonable price.

Cheers,
Rick

[Dan B]

Yeah not sure about the ownership/registration changes: all part of the research phase.
The frame I was looking at was a H2 not a K2. I know the K2's are around the 2002 models and I wasn't looking at those but a european website I stumbled across listed a H2 model frame for all years including 2007. I hadn't heard of it before so i thought i'd check.
But i'm convinced now a welding mob will do the job thanks guys

[Andre]

Also if the engineering mob can fix it will the engine need to be removed for any welding to be done one the frame?

I would not at all be concerned with the engine. The electronics would be a BIG concern to me when doing any welding work using electricity (like MIG). For sure I would take out the ECM and the battery before any welding is done.

[Hooli]

I've never heard of an H2 model, I assumed it was a typo on your part sorry.

I'd ask the welding guys about removing the engine etc. I'd have thought they could work around it, but they'll know what access they need. Totally agree with Andre on the ECU etc

[Del]

Any competent welding mob will be able to do this and I would get them to brace it as there may be fatigue in the metal where the issue - If I was you I would remove the panels - undertray and as move as much wiring as you can - I dont think there will be an issue with the electrics when being welded as you will have removed the battery so no current in wiring but as undertray will be out then the ECU will be out as well

Hope you get it sorted

[Dan B]

Awesome guys i'll give them a buzz or maybe drop in with some pictures. Then i'll strip the panels, computer, battery and anything else in the way and put it on the trailer
It's such a great/easy bike to work on I don't mind having to strip it down a bit to get it welded.
If someone told me I had to strip down my old '05 yamaha r6 it would have been a different story. Sports bikes can be a nightmare to work on! The 14 is bliss.

[Kiwifruit]

I would consider talking to some guys that work on race stuff. Some really clever fabricators and welders in the speedway game for example.

[Dan B]

I'll check it out. Hopefully they have something in Newcastle.

[seth]

I've had gsx1400 since 2002 I've never heard of any H model prefixes.
as whats been said there are only 2 frames with difference's already mentioned.
good luck with your repair.

[Hooli]

I've had gsx1400 since 2002 I've never heard of any H model prefixes.
as whats been said there are only 2 frames with difference's already mentioned.
good luck with your repair.

Three frames isn't it?

As far as I know the K2 has shorter head bearing seats than the K3-K4 & then the centre stand changed at K5.

[seth]

I've had gsx1400 since 2002 I've never heard of any H model prefixes.
as whats been said there are only 2 frames with difference's already mentioned.
good luck with your repair.

Three frames isn't it?

As far as I know the K2 has shorter head bearing seats than the K3-K4 & then the centre stand changed at K5.

i stand corrected thanks
but still never heard of a H model