MIG on motorcycles

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Ok, after a lot of reading and searching it appears that everyone seems to be against using mig when building a motorcycle frame. Well, here's the thing... Thats all that I've got. And I dont really have the $ to tack it and take it to someone to tig it.Here's another point. I probably will not be building a bike completely from scratch with this welder. My intentions are to modify the existing suzuki 550 that I have.I was wanting to convert the shocks from vertical mounting to horizontal. I can explain my design more if anyone is curious (i would kinda like to anyways, for feedback). Also planned on extending the swingarm by about 6 inches, create the framing and bracing on the swingarm for the shock mounting, and create a lowered seat frame.My mig is a simple lincoln 3200hd. Say it puts out 130 amps, so hopefully that will be enough. Let me know if anyone has any adviceThanks in advance!
Reply:I'm not against it. You should be fine with the 3200. Your GS550 has a mild stel frame, made of .083 wall tube on the small stuff, and .090 for the main frame spar. The main reason for using a tig is the bling factor. But your frame had no bling factor to begin with, and coincidentally, was mig welded in the first place. As for advice, clean off the paint well where you will be welding,and practice until you are very comfortable with your welding before you attack the frame. You don't want to make your first project your last......And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:^^^^^^^^^What he said...Look around...Most production steel framed bikes are migged from the factory...But if ZTFab did it then...... ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Your right, there's no bling factor at all anyways!! lolBesides, I'm trying to build a rat/bobber. So beauty is not a big issue.. Of course I dont want it too look like crap, but you know what I mean...I planned on strpping the paint where i would weld, also contemplated pre heating with a torch to prevent cold welds. You guys think that sounds ok?
Reply:Originally Posted by zapster^^^^^^^^^But if ZTFab did it then...... ...zap!
Reply:My Suzuki Volusia had a single horizontal (mostly horizontal anyway) shock that worked great (that was the stock setup).  Unfortunately, I had to sell her last year. When you get things mocked up, start posting pics!Favorite right now is a Miller Syncro 200.Tons of tools and I blame at least one of them when things don't go right.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZTFab Thanks zap!- Paul
Reply:For that thickness of material, no preheat should be necessary.Prep and clean the material before welding and get the settings right and you'll be OK.Also, make sure you don't run .035" wire on that type of welder....it will look like a bird flew over your bike...several times. - Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:No .035? Then what is recommended?
Reply:Stay away from the tree and you should be alright.Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:cool... What if I raked it down the back bone?
Reply:Originally Posted by ca180No .035? Then what is recommended?
Reply:Thanks, i'll check that out.Oh, and thanks for the comment.. LOL
Reply:Here is a link to millers website.  They have an article on building a bike frame using a mig.http://www.millerwelds.com/education...rticles70.html
Reply:nice link! great info
Reply:Your machine should be fine for that.  Practice on some scrap before you do the real thing.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.