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I'd weld a patch over it, not just weld the cut. I would not leave it as is.
I think this is probably what I'll do. What could happen if I left it as is? Potential cracking later especially if I ride hard for a long long time/add more power?
You wouldn't want to just weld it. Adding heat to the frame will change the structure of the metal and create a weak point that may not already be there. The area of the frame where that is, is not under a huge load, even under hard riding.
If you're going to repair it, a patch after welding it in would be the best option. I replace the entire frame on my Springer when the motor mount cracked. I have thread about it here somewhere. I don't mess around with two wheeled machines, I do it right.
That said, it looks like it's been that way for a long time. How long have you have and been riding the bike? That would be a deciding factor for me. If you were in the middle of a build, I'd deal with it. If you've been riding it for years, I wouldn't bother it at all.
You wouldn't want to just weld it. Adding heat to the frame will change the structure of the metal and create a weak point that may not already be there. The area of the frame where that is, is not under a huge load, even under hard riding.
If you're going to repair it, a patch after welding it in would be the best option. I replace the entire frame on my Springer when the motor mount cracked. I have thread about it here somewhere. I don't mess around with two wheeled machines, I do it right.
That said, it looks like it's been that way for a long time. How long have you have and been riding the bike? That would be a deciding factor for me. If you were in the middle of a build, I'd deal with it. If you've been riding it for years, I wouldn't bother it at all.
Got the bike around the beginning of this year, rode it pretty hard for a couple months before some things started breaking and I stopped riding as frequently. Never noticed an issue with handling or anything related to the frame. I will be taking it apart within the next year to put in a new motor + baker 6 speed.
I found your post after searching if someone else had the same issue.
I'm tearing down an FXR I recently bought and noticed that the support bracket for the rear Vance and Hines exhaust had rubbed on the frame causing the exact pattern: the v-shaped gash, and two round gashes that correspond to 2 bolts on the bracket.
Not sure if you're still on this forum, but did you get it fixed? Where did you take your frame and was it expensive? How did it come out?
FWIW, I had the same damage on my 82 FXR, the muffler support was rubbing, and had matching damaged. I welded them up and filed it smooth so you couldn't even tell. Any welding shop can handle that, it doesn't have to be a frame specialist. I also fixed the loose kickstand the same way.
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