How to Make Motorcycle Frames

Establishing the motorcycle frame is the first step toward building your own machine. There are a number of customized choices you can make in your design, but universally, there are several steps that must be taken to complete your task, including a good deal of welding.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape Gas arc welder Steel cutter Drawn-over mandrel steel Yoke and steering tube braces

Instructions

1. Map out a general design for your motorcycle. You'll need to know the general look and type of motorcycle you want to determine the length and width measurements, and overall dimensions, of your frame.

2. Measure the engine area and make adjustments in advance for any additional attachments your engine may need that will necessitate changes to the frame design.

3. Cut your drawn-over mandrel steel tubes using a steel cutter. Cut these to the length designated by your design. Cut the steel tubing to account for the steering yoke, center brace and bottom rails, as well as the two rear axle frames. Leave 4 inches of extra length on each piece to account for possible welding errors later on.

4. Take the cut lower rails of steel and use your gas arc welder to make a weld that attaches the engine plates to the lower rails.

5. Use a brace plate to weld the two yoke sections to the lower rail, making sure the yoke arrives at the steering tube and can accommodate the tube between the two pipes. The steering tube will be about a quarter-inch thick. Once the steering tube is secure to the yoke, weld the yoke to the frame in a similar fashion.

6. Use the gas arc welder to weld the cross brace to the side tubes. To do this, make the weld at the back of the engine and below the frame's center bar.

7. Depending on your steering yoke size, cut a suitably sized center bar and then fit it to the yoke. Weld the center bar to the rear bars, which will come from the center bar in a diagonal line. Use a center support brace to make this weld. The wheel you use must fit between the two bars.

8. Use the gas arc welder to weld the main support to the frame. Weld the support to the center rail and the lower rails, right in back of the engine plate.

9. Fit the rear axle pieces to the frame. Make sure the rear wheel will fit first, and then proceed to weld the rear axle assemblies to the main frame. Then slide the steering pipe into the tube, without the use of grease or any lubricant. It should rest snugly in place.

10. Apply a high-temperature primer, followed by a coat of paint to the frame. Your frame is complete.