r/CafeRacers • u/dog_dad_357 • 21d ago
Advice/Help Needed Cross bar delete?
I see a lot of builds remove this crossbar (red). I’m reading that it helps keep the frame from twisting? Since I see so many builds without it, am I safe in removing it? What if I reweld a flat bar towards the end (highlighted in green).
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u/jager_eenzaame 21d ago
Will removing the cross bar make it a death trap? No, will it affect the handling? Yes. Will you notice a difference? Maybe. All of the builds I see have the electronics tray welded to the sides and that probably helps with the twist. I relocated mine closer to what you have drawn.
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u/National_Forever_590 21d ago
I removed mine. Can’t tell a difference. I also welded the electrical tray though. If you’re not putting in a tray then why remove it? If you are then get rid of it. You’ll need the room
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u/highlander_tfb 19d ago
Remove it - Nope. Relocate it - maybe. But not with a flat bar - with e.g. square-section tube to give better rigidity in all directions.
The factory brace is where it is (about halfway between the shock mounts and down tubes) for a reason - probably a compromise between weight and frame flex.
It’s the shape it is for a reason (are the circular depressions for seat mounting bungs to dock into?)
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u/Adventurous_Tear_531 21d ago
If you could possibly leave it there i would.. or build something else to replace it in such a way that it dosnt hinder your build. I cut a battery box out of a frame and noticed it.
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u/SteppinRazor5000 20d ago edited 20d ago
Do not think that just because someone else did it, they knew what they were doing. Anyone can take a cutoff wheel to a piece of metal, it doesn't mean they are even aware of the consequences. Case in point, you are here asking reddit about removing a brace from your frame. If you don't know what it does, then you really shouldn't be touching it. Even if lots of other people who don't know what it does removed it. Props to you for thinking to ask before you just chop away.
It is a stiffening brace. It is in its place it is for a reason, and even moving it changes its ability to do what it does. What if you reweld a flat bar? Why is the brace not flat?
Don't be like others and rely on the grace of the universe to keep you from the consequences of your actions. It has a lot of grace - there should be more Darwin awards going out than there are - but keep rolling the dice and they'll eventually come up snake eyes.
I build custom bikes, so modifying them is obviously not something I think no one should do. But you really shouldn't do any cutting without understanding.
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u/dog_dad_357 20d ago
It’s quite bulky. I’m just looking to open up space to make the electronics more assessable.
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u/SteppinRazor5000 20d ago
I understand your reason for wanting it moved. You were wise enough to ask, lots of those others you mentioned were confident in their ignorance.
If you want that brace gone, you have to redesign a different way to do its job. No offense, but that seems out of your current capability, so either pause and build that capability, or move the electronics, or deal with pain in the ass to reach. I had an F150 from the early 90s that had some really stupid hard to reach stuff. It's part of it.
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u/commissarcainrecaff 18d ago
Convenient access to electrics (that honestly you won't be touching from one year to another) has got to be the worst reason I've heard for removing a clearly designed in strengthening strut that impacts rider safety every time you ride
Leave it be. Resite the electrics.
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u/James_Holden_256 20d ago
i cut that brace and welded a simple bar a little further back closer to the shock mounts purely to make space for a battery box. I'm quite sure it's not as strong as original but I was thinking that I would weld a second bar down lower as compensation. Unfortunately, haven't gotten around to it after all these years though.
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u/Titistarflam 17d ago
This bracket serves a dual purpose: reinforcing the frame to prevent twisting and acting as a seat support. On my KZ650, I removed it to fit a cowl seat, but I welded a new 'T' support slightly further back. I’d advise against welding it too far from the original spot, or you'll end up reinforcing an area that doesn't need it. BTW have fun with your M.Unit 😊
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u/thedopesteez 21d ago
I ‘relocated’ mine to make a new seat bracket. Don’t think it makes a lick of difference if it’s there or elsewhere.
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u/oldfrancis 21d ago
Why do you need to remove it? I'm sure the engineers made it that shape for a reason.