complete newbie, buying a mig, with motorcycle frame alteration aspirations

[Richard.]

While I dont disagree, many bikes are modded with a lot less, rightly or wrongly so, first one I ever did was done with an old clarke buzz box, it was horrendous, but was still on the road 10 years later. Ive seen a few done with small migs, 130 etc. For steel frames his 160 amp mig will work assuming he can use it. Most new steel frames are mig welded.

Though tig looks better, and is more fashionable, any weld done properly will be fine on a bike frame.

Beginers should be encouraged and assisted. Im looking forward to see his progress pictures.

I didn't say it can't be done with a 160 amp Mig but I'll stand by my post and say a tig is more suitable in every way for that job. Beginners should be encouraged your right. I'm encouraging him to replace his Mig with a dc tig.
The learning curve will be steeper yes but the end results will be nicer, sounder, cleaner welds.
It could be achieved with mma if he so wanted but it doesn't mean it's the best weapon of choice.

 

[Lewiseyers]

Best skip 3 minutes in....

Crf450 I don't mind a thumper,!!

 

[Lewiseyers]

Jetted correctly with valve clearances done every 10 hours riding .. pistons and rings changed regular, ..

Crf450

.always started first kick weather hot or cold, ...

Most thumper owners have trouble kick starting for this sole reason....

Should always start first or second kick, if not your bikes telling you something

That was sound advice from Mark eastwood a world mx team manager and owner of vic Eastwood racing, ( Honda) sidcup, he did my tuning regular and so cheap, bike always started dirt kick

 

[Lewiseyers]

Here is the bike I was given that's kick starting the welding hobby...

It's stripped down a bit now, but here is a start picture

2001 fzs 600 light fork damage, frames stil straight...

Been winter ridden in all weathers..and standing a few years...trailers it back from a friend s place, was running spot on within a hour,
Engine coming out this weekend...

It's Having a 2017 r1 top fairing and tail unit grafted on, and a few subtle mods


Just for fun.!!... nothing structural on my first project... just fairing bracket and rear ubframe for seat unit

 

[addjunkie]

Based on experience if your mods get more serious try to do them with the motor or a jig in, as frames can twist all over the place when you cut them.

 

[Lewiseyers]

 

[Lewiseyers]

It's getting smaller,

I can't make brackets and adjust rear end till fairing arrives... and I'll have no time to practice the new mig Clarke 160 tm for possibly two weeks now....busy busy busy

might go quiet for 2 weeks as family commitments...