Z1OwnersClub GB

Does it matter much what type of steel tube I use to brace my frame?
The spine has already been done, but not the swingarm area and the cradle front and rear cross pieces.

What should I use?

Assuming it's bike of the 70's to 80's with a tubular frame (not a specialist frame like Rickman or others), then any steel making company will be able to provide the tubular steel you need. You won't need solid unless tube is too big to brace across the frame. The key will be to achieve triangulation in the parts of frame that have the stress, from both braking and acceleration.

I have seen many frames rendered useless by hindering the tank from fitting properly and no room to fit coils. Think ahead where fundametal fitting use the space (eg exhaust pipes, oil coolers). Follow the guide of commercially available strengthening pieces/ kits and do your own thing.
Also, remember you may want to remove it one day so don't over do the original design strength, as this original design has optimum weight.

RegardZ

This is useful.







Here's one that was done earlier

My 900A4 had ALL these brace pieces in.

I took them all back out before I got the frame powder coated!!

Thanks for the info guys, but what I wanted to know was what steel tubing to use?
I know where they should go, but does it matter what grade steel I use?

It does not really matter as long as its something that will weld properly to the existing steel, (i.e not stainless or alloy)

You could do worse than talk to lester Harris give them a bell they are always helpful and they have just done some frame bracing for one of the members projects, and could probably tell you the grade of steel and where to get some from. (or try to pm zed1015 on here as Rob has just done some extensive mods to a frame.)

Mine came in the kit from Kosman so cannot advise on the grade of steel.

Just normal mild steel will do.
Seamed or seamless.
Up to 1mm wall thickness is plenty and you can use a smaller diameter tube also.
Old frames are a good cheap source if you don't mind having to de-bracket.
I used a gpz305 frame as donor material for all the bracing on the Drouin .

love this club

Thanks a lot. Better get on with it now then!