Author Topic: How strong is a gussetted factory frame? (Read 2394 times)

96bansheepilot · « **on:** January 15, 2015, 10:30:48 PM »

I just trail ride and hammer whoops. Is a factory Honda trx250r frame plenty strong for this?
I hear many stories of frames cracking. Would a gusset kit eliminate this entirely? I don't hit big jumps at all.
Are the 88-89 frames stronger than the 86-87 or vise versa?

mandom250r · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2015, 10:43:10 PM »

Im planning on building a stock framed desert R in the future. I will gusset the frame for added security of cracking (not from riding hard but possible crashes). It should last me forever since i cant ride hard anyway. Suspension will also help it last longer if you ride hard.

Burns363R · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2015, 09:03:39 AM »

Yes they hold up fine to XC racing. They will not hold up to MX if you are a hard rider. If you just go to the track and play around they will be fine. But taking big doubles and woops sections at high speed. They crack pretty quickly around the foot pegs and hips.

Pumashine · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2015, 10:50:44 AM »

It would have been great to have round tube frames. But the purpose of this ATV was for grandma to take a casual stroll around the farm without getting stuck. Since they have been in commission for the last 28 years you should look for cracks before you intend to do some serious riding. The swing-arm area likes to crack first followed by the lower sub-frame. Honda did a good job putting the rest of gussets in the corners but the 2 mentioned areas could have an extra gusset put in to ensure a few more years of riding. These are now standard on all after market 250r frames.

96bansheepilot · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2015, 11:21:04 AM »

Thanks for all the info. I've had banshees and a couple 450rs but I'm looking to get a nice 250r this year and I'd like to do as much reading as possible before I make my selection. Thanks.

pinned250r · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2015, 01:05:21 PM »

Depends on how hard you want to ride, I go very hard, crash pretty hard too. But I only dune. I have a full gusseted 89 that now has a bend subframe, all motor mounts have cracked, and some cracks in the crossmembers under the engine. I beefed up my motor mounts to 1/4" steel and added support anywhere I could.

I stock frame can last a very long time. Just take care of it. 4th wide open crashes don't help them stay nice