I noticed that my left saddlebag was bouncing and so I gave the MCE saddlebag guard a tug and it really moved up and down alot. I took everything off on that side and I can see that the subframe bracket welds all appear to be cracked. I'm not sure what is really holding it on as the crack seems to go all the way around both ends. It could have happened on one of the tip overs I've had or perhaps it was cumulative damage from the 3 occurrences on that side. Or perhaps it was the inadvertent dual-sport ride I went on last august in New Mexico, but what ever caused it, I need to do something to fix it. Obviously it needs to be re-welded, but I also think it needs to be reinforced somehow.
I have 3 questions:
1) anybody else have this happen?,
and 2) if so how did you fix it?
3) What is the best way to reinforce this so it is stronger, but still remains the weakest link if it again receives too much force applied? That is to say, I'd like to reinforce it, but I would rather have it break again rather than twist the tube of the subframe where it is attached.
Feel free to say don't go dual-sporting on a C14, but I've learned my lesson and I won't ever do that again. (It's a long story, but I sort of got sucked in by a gravel road that I was sure was going to get better..but it didn't.) or feel free to say don't drop it anymore, but that is apparently out of my control since I've been saying that to myself since the first time.
outside of bracket, rust lines show cracks
underside of bracket
I have an extended warranty, but I don't think it should be covered even if they were willing because I'm sure it was caused by a drop (or drops) and is more like collision damage than defective welds IMO. Another question, 4) do dealers do welding or do they simply replace the subframe?