How durable is the frame?

[masonjarz]

Hi,

New to the site with (probably) a dumb question.

I am looking at FZ6s. I really like an "05 (blacked out) but it has been in a minor accident.

All the damaged parts (foot pegs and mounting brackets both sides, both front signals, brake side engine cover) have been replaced (except the handle bars which have a noticeable bend on the clutch side).

My concern is the frame. I have not owned a bike with a frame such as the FZ6 has and wonder what I can do (or have done) to satisfy myself that the frame has not been affected by the accident.

Thanks!

 

[RJ2112]

We have a member in South Africa that owns a bike that had been crashed, and 'repaired'.... Abraxas is his moniker.

The frame cracked on the curve near the rear motor mount; Yamaha would not repair or replace, claiming that improper torque had allowed the frame movement it was not designed to take.

The frame members are aluminum castings, designed with Finite Element Analysis to take the loads expected in the directions the design allows....... If any of the bolts are loose mounting the motor, swingarm, or rear subframe there is a possibility of flexing that would cause cracking of the somewhat brittle casting.

I would be concerned if the frame has obvious scratches or any denting.... things I would not be worried about, with a steel tubular frame. Steel is more forgiving, and is able to bend more without failure.

If there is not obvious damage to the frame, and the mounting points haven't been messed with.... it's likely all right. Don't take my word for it, though. Proper torque is important. If you are uncomfortable with what you see, ask to have the seller get it checked out at a shop you both agree on. Offer to pay for the inspection, if necessary.... if the seller balks, walk away.

 

[abraxas]

I wish i could say anthing more than .... be careful.

Whether it was the law speed fall from before i got the bike or something else (loose neck bearings) my frame HAS cracked where it should not have.

Yamaha's rather curt response was you drop it, it's your problem.

The biggest problem is, you can't test it, until my frame started tearing, there wasn't any clue it would. Unless you could have a metallurgical expert x-ray the frame, etc.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I'd pay for my own mechanic(someone you trust ) to look it over if your not VERY mechanincally inclined. It wouldn't hurt to gie it a ride and make sure it seems to drive ok, not pulling, etc. If you could find out what parts were damaged and or what type of crash (head on is not good).

My 07 I bought used, with two crashes where the previous owner slid on both sides (2 different occassions about 35 MPH, the 2nd about 30MPH). (My friends son was the rider). A slide is usually less damaging than a head on...

The private shop I/we frequent fixed the first (left side) wreck under insurance). I bought the bike cheap and fixed the right side damage myself.

There were no frame sliders at the time and the frame did have some very minor scratches which were sanded out and look good(no cracks).

NOTE: One to defintily look for is that the center front fairing support is straight. Sit on the both on the center stand and off with the bars facing straight. Eyeball the fairing/gaps and make sure the support isn't bent/crooked. It doesn't take much to bend it. Mine was replaced twice and my bars are straight and original.

From what you describe, I would think it would be fine...

Scott

 

[Kilbane83]

I've stress tested the frame more than most and can say barring some sort of cosmically bad luck the frame will take a hell of a beating. Abraxis's frame is the only FZ6 I've heard of cracking like that. They can't all be winners :don'tknow:

How much are they asking?