Welding

[sheiserman]

Don't want to hijack the center stand post, so I'll ask here.

Anybody have trouble welding with the piece/s still on the motorcycle? I've done a pile of dumptrucks, tractors, etc., by just unhooking the ground cable at the battery and keeping the welder ground on the piece to be welded. There is also a disclaimer that it will not be my problem if welding causes a separate electrical issue. I'll weld on anybody else's vehicle anytime, but I don't on my own stuff. I've never had a problem after unhooking batteries and getting a solid ground close to the weld.

I don't know of a reason why a motorcycle would be any different than a dumptruck where welding is concerned, but if there is I would like to know. Just curious is all.

My centerstand lever is also gone, but I won't weld a new piece on without removing the stand. I've just been putting my right foot up under there and flipping it down.

[trikebldr]

No matter what you disconnect, unless you remove ALL electronics, or isolate them from ground, there is always the slight possibility of blowing out smaller capacitors or IC's due to the surge of electrons into the frame of the bike during the arc strike, or, in the case of Mig, each arc strike. If you don't believe this, just try hooking up an o'scope to the frame as far away from the weld as possible and watch the wave form on the scope as you strike the arc. Even with a good ground near the part to be welded, there will be a bit of buildup of EMF (charge) that can blow out a tiny capacitor in some of the IC's or smaller circuits. It's impossible to tell what may or my not happen in each case.
As you said, removing the stand would be the safest bet. Probably easier to remove it, too, than welding in such out of position.

[ekap1200]

I would have to agree also, best to remove it and it will be easier to prep and weld. Some high spikes may not make the circuits fail right off the bat, but later on down the road they may. You will be able to grease all the pivot points while apart. And you will be able to re-paint it easier also.
Consider the cost of the electronics, verses time to remove and install. Larger vehicles have allot more iron and capacity to absorb the spike, than a small bike frame.

[trikebldr]

Larger vehicles have allot more iron and capacity to absorb the spike, than a small bike frame.

EXACTLY! You have such a way with words, Gene!

[Gator Mike]

Or you can do what I've done for the last 10 years and continue reaching under the bike to put down the first stage.

[trikebldr]

Or you can do what I've done for the last 10 years and continue reaching under the bike to put down the first stage.

Ever get scorched on the hot muffler after a long ride?

[sheiserman]

Larger vehicles have allot more iron and capacity to absorb the spike, than a small bike frame.

EXACTLY! You have such a way with words, Gene!

Makes sense to me. Thanks for the responses. I just think it's a bad idea but can't take it much further than that for an explanation.

[Gator Mike]

Or you can do what I've done for the last 10 years and continue reaching under the bike to put down the first stage.

Ever get scorched on the hot muffler after a long ride?

Not after the first time.