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MIG welding on bike

GetOuttaMyWay

GetOuttaMyWay

Member
Joined
Jun 26, 2009
Location
Oakland
Moto(s)
2009 FZ1
Has anyone ever mig welded something om their bike? I'm building a rack for the back of my KTM. I've made the mounting brackets that bolt to the frame, from there it would be way easy to tack weld the tubing with the thing on the bike to fixture it. Just want to make sure the arc won't mess up the bikes electronics or anything.
 
Well, regarding my first post, I lied, I have had A LOT of problems welding on vehicles, but not from current damaging the electrical system :laughing
Oh the stories I can tell.

1984, Using an oxy acet torch to cut the rusted tar coated floorboards out of an old Volvo P1800 for replacement.....Did you know they ran the metal fuel line under the driver's side floorboard? Neither did I.
 
Tar was ok, i just used a blow gun to blow out the flames temporarily when I couldn't see or breathe anymore.

When I blew it and the flames got bigger and wouldn't extinguish, I figured out I had a small problem on my hands.
 
I'd put the ground clamp as close as possible, ideally on something being welded.

I'd also disconnect any brain boxes that control the buke. Ecu, cdi etc.
 
auntiebling said:
I'd put the ground clamp as close as possible, ideally on something being welded.

I'd also disconnect any brain boxes that control the buke. Ecu, cdi etc.
Click to expand...

+1. I would disconnect both positive and negative sides of the battery too.

I remember watching Long Way Down or Around and one of the guys needed something welded on his bike in the middle of nowhere. He got it done, but said the welding process blew the ABS. I've mig welded bumpers etc. on late model fuel injected vehicles and didn't have a problem by disconnecting the negative side of the battery and grounding to the piece being welded. I'd just be a little more careful on a bike.
 
I did a lot of TIG welding on my first Dirtbag Challenge bike while working outside in the rain:wow I only got shocked once, but bike electrics were not affected.:party

6223965808_1fcd6674e3_z.jpg
[/url]DSCN7736 by andbike, on Flickr[/IMG]
 
anytwowilldo said:
+1. I would disconnect both positive and negative sides of the battery too.

I remember watching Long Way Down or Around and one of the guys needed something welded on his bike in the middle of nowhere. He got it done, but said the welding process blew the ABS. I've mig welded bumpers etc. on late model fuel injected vehicles and didn't have a problem by disconnecting the negative side of the battery and grounding to the piece being welded. I'd just be a little more careful on a bike.
Click to expand...

I saw that and all the while I was yelling at the TV "Disconnect the battery !!"
They didn't and it actually fried the ecm and had to have a new one flown in.
That was around when they bought the Hero motorcycle until the part arrived I think.
 
I've heard the ECMs on EFI'd KTMs are delicate.

:2cents
 
I always disconnect the battery. Disconnecting ECU is not a bad idea.
 
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