04’ R11s cracked subframe mount, common? Fixable?

[ValpoFZ]

I pulled the plastic to hook up the battery charger and noticed the upper left hand subframes mounting tab was cracked. Is this common? Is it fixable? I know a great welder that’s going to take a look at it.

How difficult is replacing the frame? Can you drop the motor and from rear subframes?

[N41EF]

There is a thread here about someone making brackets to install after you grind it off completely. Being a heavier guy I check mine pretty often. That frame meter can be removed, as in when replacing the clutch, so If you pull it to repair it, I'd do the clutch and check the splines.

[ValpoFZ]

Thanks. I’ll see if I can find the bracket thread.

[wswartzwel]

I had mine welded back on while traveling through new mexico... they have held fine

[signit98]

If you weld and then gusset them, you'll never have a problem again.
Same applies to selling the bike.

[ValpoFZ]

Originally Posted by signit98

If you weld and then gusset them, you'll never have a problem again.
Same applies to selling the bike.

It’s making me think that might be an option .... haha now it’s like playing the lottery with what’s next.

[signit98]

Originally Posted by ValpoFZ

It’s making me think that might be an option .... haha now it’s like playing the lottery with what’s next.

There really isn't much that goes wrong with these bikes...

[Alfa145V6]

Does anyone have an idea why they break? I’m wondering if it’s worth beefing them up before they crack. Or would that just transfer any force elsewhere?

[N41EF]

A Guess here, The riders weight and the weight of the tail all press down on the bottom tabs and pull back on the top tabs. I'm a heavier rider, I check mine pretty often

Another thought, if the width of the black steel frame and the width of the tabs isn't the same, when you tighten the bolts, it can put side strain on the tabs, and with he stress of the frame pulling, could cause them to crack. The K bike guys had something similar and figured out that some bike required washers to line everything up so you weren't trying to bend the tabs side to side.

[wswartzwel]

Mine was blown over by a windstorm while parked on the side of the road... fully loaded with camping gear

[flatbutt]

They can be a weak point and if they get wacked just right....

[Chris Canning]

Break one of those over here and if the insurance get anywhere near it they will class the bike as ‘Right Off’ because they would want to re-frame it and would cost a fortune.

Best solution i’ve Seen is the bracket option purchased a bike with a friend some years ago that had them done it was a fantastic job,the frame is somewhere in Ireland.....

[ValpoFZ]

I think I am goin to go with the bracket solution of some type.

[BadToTheBown]

If you want a candy apple red one to swap it with, I have one...

[MrFeldman]

Originally Posted by ValpoFZ

Thanks. I’ll see if I can find the bracket thread.

Just curious, how many miles are on that machine? I’m still under 24,000 on my ‘03
R1100s. I’m 5’10” 195lbs , I ride pretty aggressively in the twisted. This is the first time I’ve heard of subframe failure.

["A"]

It's the aluminum main frame that failed.. steel sub frame still intact.. really there should be more re-enforcement (from factory) on the aluminum frame when bolted to a steel sub frame that is carrying rider/passenger & luggage... but hey, it's a sport oriented BMW, right?

[Chris Canning]

Originally Posted by MrFeldman

This is the first time I’ve heard of subframe failure.

Really... I know of at least 4 one was a reframe and the others repaired ranging from alloy weld to brackets,but maybe the guys that have had the problem don’t shout as much as the clutch spline guys

[Jay K.]

Originally Posted by N41EF

There is a thread here about someone making brackets to install after you grind it off completely.

Did anyone find the thread for the brackets?
Structurally speaking I think the the tabs are strong enough in the vertical dimension.
They are weak in the lateral direction...they weren't designed to be impacted from the sides. So in my case, when I dropped the bike and it landed on some soft cases I had mounted for a trip, they snapped. Unfortunately I was in Newfoundland at the time; returned to the states with the bike being held together by hose-clamps.
Thanks - Jay