Bent Frame... Do I get a new one?

https://i.gyazo.com/8a6d49d4b87dce3f04223415260206ee.png

 

The part of the frame circled in the picture above on my bike has been bent inwards quite a bit. Nothing is broken, it isn't touching the engine case, just that portion of the frame is definitely very very bent. 

My question is, will this affect the bike enough to where buying an entirely new frame is worth it? Will it even affect the bike at all? Thanks.

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40acres
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12/18/2022 12:17am

Yes...

 

...!!!

Bearuno
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12/18/2022 7:14am Edited Date/Time 12/18/2022 7:16am

A Real picture of the actual damage is needed.

There's a few people here that deal with frame making and repair (I do, over near on 5 decades), that , with full, detailed picture provision, could advise you.

Is the frame indeed that late model Honda, with, the rectangular (well, not fully, to my recollection) cradle oriented with the longer side horizontal? Or, something completely different?

Cradles cop a pounding from impacts. Bash / skid plates are great things tor those of us that don't get free frames.

By your highlighted circle, I assume the cradle is hammered between the top cradle mount on the downtube casting, and the mid mount on the cradle. Is the cradle pushed back right into the case? Are the engine mounts 'saddles' punched into the cradle? Has the cradle cracked / split?

I've had cradles where I've cut out the damaged section and replaced it, but, with proprietary tube sections being so prevalent nowadays, it has made that difficult to do, but, not impossible. I've had times where, with very careful protection of the engine case, I've been able to push back out the cradle, and, plate / fill dings, and with time spent on  filing / linishing the repair back, to have the repair site unnoticeable. I've also had repairs being impossible to hide. 

Undoing the engine mount bolts either side of the damage - if it is in the area indicated, will tell you a lot. If you can't get the bolts out easily, And, back in, you've really done a number on the frame.  That's where 'pushing' the damaged section back out can help get the mount holes back to where they should be.

 Heck, cradles are so weak (often times being quite low grade alloys) , especially the rectangular type with the long sides on the horizontal plane,  that a pushed up forward section can also have a bowed Down section from the mid motor mount, back to the swingarm pivot casting, with the mount having rotated.  Or, vice versa.

Pictures of the Actual damage is what's needed. 

1
12/18/2022 1:27pm

https://i.gyazo.com/17f11be26fcb69582882c61890239fee.jpg

https://i.gyazo.com/ed2485d9fd977f07ae297ea200ce47a8.jpg

2021 KX250. It isn't split, but it is very very slightly cracked. I have a hard time actually locating the crack because it's so tiny. The bolts still come out, the mount isn't damaged and the case isn't damaged or getting touched by the cradle. 

sandman768
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12/18/2022 2:29pm

That’s hammered… If it were steel, I would have it cut out & new section replaced… which I have done… not sure about aluminum… price out a new/ used frame vs repair options… being aluminum that damage likely transferred to other area’s, meaning cracks could appear down the road…

The Shop

AztecLoc
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Fantasy
12/18/2022 3:11pm

Woah that’s rough. I would not feel comfortable riding it like that. Curious, how did you bend it? 

12/18/2022 3:20pm
AztecLoc wrote:

Woah that’s rough. I would not feel comfortable riding it like that. Curious, how did you bend it? 

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part of the track I was on and flew off course, colliding with another guy. Luckily he was fine, I had some broken bones though lmao

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AztecLoc
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12/18/2022 3:59pm
AztecLoc wrote:

Woah that’s rough. I would not feel comfortable riding it like that. Curious, how did you bend it? 

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part...

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part of the track I was on and flew off course, colliding with another guy. Luckily he was fine, I had some broken bones though lmao

Ouch! Heal up man. I would be on the hunt for a new frame. Good luck in fixing up your bike! Happy holidays.

1
12/18/2022 4:21pm
AztecLoc wrote:

Woah that’s rough. I would not feel comfortable riding it like that. Curious, how did you bend it? 

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part...

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part of the track I was on and flew off course, colliding with another guy. Luckily he was fine, I had some broken bones though lmao

AztecLoc wrote:

Ouch! Heal up man. I would be on the hunt for a new frame. Good luck in fixing up your bike! Happy holidays.

Thanks man you too

12/18/2022 4:25pm
sandman768 wrote:
That’s hammered… If it were steel, I would have it cut out & new section replaced… which I have done… not sure about aluminum… price out...

That’s hammered… If it were steel, I would have it cut out & new section replaced… which I have done… not sure about aluminum… price out a new/ used frame vs repair options… being aluminum that damage likely transferred to other area’s, meaning cracks could appear down the road…

Thanks for the insight. I'll be on the search for a new frame then I guess

Bruce372
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12/18/2022 8:49pm
AztecLoc wrote:

Woah that’s rough. I would not feel comfortable riding it like that. Curious, how did you bend it? 

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part...

I tried riding with covid, and the only thing covid did to me was give me ridiculous brain fog. Long story short I forgot what part of the track I was on and flew off course, colliding with another guy. Luckily he was fine, I had some broken bones though lmao

Bearuno
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12/18/2022 9:18pm Edited Date/Time 12/18/2022 11:12pm

 Yikes!

 

I don't 'know' the 21 250KXF frame intimately.

But cripes, it looks like it took a hell of a hit. And, quite high up - in terms of a 'usual' cradle impact.

With the hit it took, I'd say you were lucky the engine case wasn't hammered. I've seen entire case / crank ends ripped off bikes - one such case (sic) having taken the riders legs off. I had such an impact back in the early 80s that took my Kneecap, and  split my Tib and broke my Fib. 

It's got me interested enough to try to get to the local Kawi dealer, to see a 'good' frame, to compare with your pictures (it would be better with 'clean' shots - but you are laid up?). Heck, I don't know if the engine mount plate is shaped / offset as yours appears to be, or, flat, as standard.

It looks as if, perhaps,  that the lower casting on the downtube  could be now bent back/twisted?

But, getting to the Kawi dealer may not happen - Christmas shopping traffic has me reluctant to try either bridge over our river here. This time of year, I'll normally ride my Bicycle in and out of town, because of the traffic, but my knees are not really up to even such a short trip. 

I have to say, it looks like You are a lucky man, in you misfortune with the crash. As in, still ( I hope) being relatively healthy, considering. 

Undo the motor mounts, and see how much everything might have sprung / been distorted. I'd like to be there for that reveal. 

Moto520
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12/19/2022 9:03am

I would personally replace it because that's how i roll.  With that being said.....it would probably be fine for the life of the bike.  I would ride it and keep an eye on it for a bit......

1
12/19/2022 5:24pm

Alright y'all,

 

I'm getting the new frame, but my 0 knowledge of complex bike maintenance is showing. The main frame part has 2 part numbers.. 32160-1922 and 32160-1933. I can't figure out what the difference is. Is there anybody here who might know what the difference is??? Thanks.

12/19/2022 9:49pm
Alright y'all,   I'm getting the new frame, but my 0 knowledge of complex bike maintenance is showing. The main frame part has 2 part numbers.. 32160-1922...

Alright y'all,

 

I'm getting the new frame, but my 0 knowledge of complex bike maintenance is showing. The main frame part has 2 part numbers.. 32160-1922 and 32160-1933. I can't figure out what the difference is. Is there anybody here who might know what the difference is??? Thanks.

The difference is 11.

 

Tongue  couldn't resist.  In all likelihood, the 1933 model is a later version, with some irrelevant change in sticker location, or production run variant.  Won't make any difference, but can't hurt to ask your local dealer the same question.

40acres
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12/20/2022 10:29am Edited Date/Time 12/20/2022 10:34am

The 2021 KX250 shows 2 different part numbers for the frame 32160-0976 (rear subframe) and 32160- 1886 (main frame). The part numbers that you provided reference a frame for a 2022 KX250. You would need the main frame. 

12/20/2022 12:00pm
40acres wrote:
The 2021 KX250 shows 2 different part numbers for the frame 32160-0976 (rear subframe) and 32160- 1886 (main frame). The part numbers that you provided reference...

The 2021 KX250 shows 2 different part numbers for the frame 32160-0976 (rear subframe) and 32160- 1886 (main frame). The part numbers that you provided reference a frame for a 2022 KX250. You would need the main frame. 

I looked up that part number and it's for the kx250x, not the regular kx250, which idek if there's a difference but when I go to Partzilla or Rocky Mountain, it has the 2021 kx250 main frame listed as two sepsrate parts, being 32160-1922 and 32160-1933

40acres
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12/20/2022 7:21pm
I looked up that part number and it's for the kx250x, not the regular kx250, which idek if there's a difference but when I go to...

I looked up that part number and it's for the kx250x, not the regular kx250, which idek if there's a difference but when I go to Partzilla or Rocky Mountain, it has the 2021 kx250 main frame listed as two sepsrate parts, being 32160-1922 and 32160-1933

The part numbers I listed were pulled from Partzilla, which appear to be different than the part numbers listed on RMATV. I would probably contact your dealer if I were you for the correct part numbers. At least if it's the wrong part number it will be easier to return to your dealer. But the two different numbers are for the main frame and the rear subframe. 

1
MxAddic
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12/23/2022 7:44am

$2300 smackers, ouch. A and B frame. I would call Kawasaki and ask. 866-802-9381

ericgst
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1/1/2023 7:53pm

For that much I’d do some math and consider parting the bike out and buying another.

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