This year is the first year i started riding moto consistantly. Fianally jumping comfortably. noticed a couple of stress cracks near the rear of the frame down by the footpegs ( obvious stress cracks from jumping ). I'm wondering how often cracks occur. should i invest in a aftermarket Chasis or beef up the welds on the factory. Your thoughts, please....
AK

 

I would beef up the welds on the stock. Thats what I always do. And also invest in some aftermarket suspension.

 

After going through three stock frames on my R, I know a thing or two about cracked frames. Usually, once the first cracks develop, no matter how much you weld on that frame, it'll keep cracking over and over. It becomes a real hassle. I'd start saving up for an aftermarket chassis now, and maybe even get one ordered. It can take up to a year of waiting before your aftermarket frame finally arrives (depending on which brand you go with). I was stupid and kept buying used stock frames and beefing them up. Finally, in February at a Western 4-Stroke National, I snapped my third stock frame right in half. That did it for me... no more stock frames. I ordered my Arens chassis April 1st, and still haven't gotten it. Hopefully, it'll arrive anytime, September at the latest. I haven't ridden since I ordered my new chassis. So, be smart, and get an aftermarket chassis ordered.

 

they are alot less ikely to crack if you have good aftermarket suspension! plus i guesseted and banded my frame! that helps alot!

 

I'm not familiar with "guesseted and banding" a frame... can someone expand on this? Sounds like i'm going to Beef the welds on the stocker and start squirrel'n away some dough for a aftermarket frame. No one has one available for the Raptor yet. i appreciate everyones ideas thus far. Please keep them coming...

AK

 

when you guesset a frame you take like 1/4 to 1/2 in plate steel and cut it to fit between different spots in the frame where itere is lots of stree and weld it there its like a reinforcement and banding it talking a big piece of steel and making a band along a high stress area! i could show you better than i can explain it but i havnt dont it this R yet! this winter i am